Tea Cup Swap 5

Back by popular demand, Tea Cup Swap #5...send a teacup and saucer and a container of tea to your partner by August 14th.

FAQ's: Q: Is the person that I am sending a package to, the same person I woll receive a package from? A: Probably not. Swap Bot assigns partners randomly; Its not a "reciprocal" swap

Q: How do I know who my partner is? A. Once you have signed up, Swap Bot will e-mail you on the Sweap Date (in this case July 30) and you can log into Swap Bot to find your partner's name and address

Q: What if I can't send my package on time? A. Please do not sign up for the swap if you are unable to send by August 14th. However, I understand that sometimes things (i.e., life) prevents us from being able to meet a deadline occasionally. If this is the case, you MUST e-mail your partner and me to let us know the package will be late.

Q: How should I send my package? A. Please see the guidelines below, but in general: 1. wrapped very carefully (bubble wrap and tissue paper or newspaper is HIGHLY recommended 2. marked FRAGILE 3. insured 4. via a trackable method 5. with love

Q. Can I chose not to have an international partner? A. No, b/c Swap Bot assigns partners randomly, I cannot guarantee that you will receive a partner in your own country. If you care unable to send internationally, I kindly ask that you not sign up for this swap.

Q. What if I don't get my package? A. Please let me know and I will contact your partner for you. However, please wait AT LEAST three weeks after the Swap Start Date to let me know as your package may be coming from an international sender and the timing of various delivery methods can differ.

Q: How much should I spend? A: This question comes up frequently -- it is really up to you. This is a hard swap to set a minimum and maximum spending amount on, b/c you may be able to find something incredible at a flea market for $3; whereas someone else may find something cool for $20 and be willing to spend that. Here are my guidelines: use your good judgment, don't send anything you would not be excited to receive, absolutely no broken or stained cups or cups in poor condition. Don't sign up unless you are willing to put a little love and effort into it.

Q: when is the next swap? A. stay tuned to Just My Cup of Tea (www.justmycupoftea.typepad.com)

Q: Its past the deadline, can I still sign up? A. unfortunately, I have no way of adding people after the deadline, however stay tuned and you are more than welcome to participate in the next round!

Q: If I didn't participate in past rounds of swapping, can I join this one? A. Yes.

Sorry to be a total hard ass but...I am 100% comitted to making sure that EVERY person who signs up for the swap sends AND receives a tea cup. SO.... 1. If you don't get your package, let me know and I will work smething out. 2. By signing up, you are committing to participate - no delinquent swappers, please! It's bad karma! Slacker swappers will be banned from future swaps, reported to the Swap-bot authorities and publicly shunned!!!!! (just kidding, sort of!) 3. Due to the fact that we have had a few slacker swappers in the past few swaps, I MUST enforce the following guideline: FIRST, It is highly recommended that you send your package via a trackable method (i.e., delivery confirmation, DHL, FedEx, etc.) If your partner does not receive a package, and you are unable to "prove" that you sent one, you will be excluded from future swaps. SECOND, people who signed up for the tea cup swap in the past, but did not send a package will not be able to participate in this swap (I have a list, I've checked it twice!)

It is extremely important that if you commit to participate in this swap, that you actually do. I can't stress this enough.

Have fun!! And if you have questions, just drop me an e-mail. (after the swap, would love to see pictures of what everyone receives, so please send 'em my way if you don't mind: stellagal78@yahoo.com I will post them in the photo album at Just My Cup of Tea)