LABELING, PACKAGING, AND MAILING

1...Labeling:  Most hostesses prefer that you use sticky labels on each block.  Some however prefer that you baste a paper label onto your block.  The label should always go directly on your block and not on a baggie unless your hostess has specifically stated otherwise.  Each block should have its own label.

NEVER use pins...either straight or safety....to secure a label.  Your hostess or the postal workers could get injured by one of these.  

OOPS!!!!   This swapper pinned her label onto the block.  I've turned it over so the name isn't readable.  Consider this....what if your hostess has a small child who could swallow this pin?  Please don't use pins either straight or safety to secure your labels.  Even the safety pins can open accidentally.

NEVER use staples....they can damage your blocks.

2...Packaging:  Every hostess has her own favorite way to receive blocks.  Check your guidelines to see what she has stated for this and follow her instructions.  Some hostesses like for each block to be placed in a separate Ziploc bag and some hostesses don't like this.  I used to ask my swappers to use the individual bags, but I found myself working harder because I had to take each block out of the bag to check it.  Now, I just ask my swappers to put "all" of their blocks into "one" large Ziploc bag.  It makes the swap process go faster.  It also keeps the blocks from getting mixed up due to sliding bags.  If I receive blocks in individual bags, the bags are discarded.  

3...Mailing:  The majority of swappers use the priority mailers from the post office.  The cost of these is included in the postage fee so it's no extra expense to use them.  They are strong and durable and pretty much water proof.  Please check with the post office for the current fee.  

When you address both mailers, make a note of the number of blocks and name of block on the outside...such as...."20 Butterfly".

NEVER put the word "quilt" on the outside of a mailer.  It's my understanding that most swap packages that never arrive at their destination have been labeled as containing "quilt blocks".

A new service of the post office is priority tracking.  For an extra 35 cents a special bar-coded label is affixed to the package and you are given a receipt.  You can track the package from your home computer with the number on your receipt.  It may be worth the extra to give you piece of mind about your package.  It's certainly not a 100% guarantee of safety but it may help deter someone from picking up your package.

4...Your Return Mailer:  Always, always make sure that your return mailer is clearly addressed to yourself.  Make sure that you put at least the same amount of return postage on the return mailer as you did the one you mailed your blocks to the hostess in.    If you have used the priority mailer, there shouldn't be a problem.  The only time I have had problems is when someone used a regular return mailer and put less postage on it.  It is NOT your hostesses responsibility to pay return postage in any amount unless you have a predetermined agreement.  If the swap is a sampler style swap in which you may get larger blocks than you sent, it is a good idea to either put extra postage on the return mailer or put an extra stamp inside for the hostess to use if needed.  Again, if you have used a priority mailer, everything should be fine in this department.  NEVER use a dated metered strip on your return mailer.  The post office will NOT accept it and your hostess will have to wait for you to send the additional postage before she mails your package.  I understand that the exception to dated strips is if you set the date in advance...in other words you and the hostess determine a date for her to mail your squishie back and that is the date you use on the strip.  The strip is good ONLY on the date printed!