~Pet Talk Gift Swap 2007 - Sign Up/Rules/Concerns~

Rules/Concerns

1. You must be an active member for atleast 6 months & over the age of 18. If you are under the age of 18, you may be able to participate as long as Karen receives telephone call from your parents/guardian - for more information on that, please PM me (Kfamr.)
   
2. If you have been late or irresponsible with previous swaps, you may not participate. If you think this may include you, please PM either myself or wolf_Q. If you fail to send a package then you will not be allowed to participate in any further swaps held by Amy & I.
   
3. Do NOT sign up unless you FULLY plan to send the items, no matter what person you receive.
   Also, please be aware of the costs included in buying the gifts and also mailing them, possibly to another country.
   
4. The minimum cost for gifts is $20. There is no maximum amount.
   The swap is intended for the pets and small gifts for the humans are well-appreciated. You do not have to buy an idividual gift for each pet. Certain pets can share gifts (Dogs with dogs, cats with cats...etc..) but please try and get atleast 1 gift for each type of pet listed in their questionnaire.
   
5. We also ask that you agree to insure or atleast send your gift by something other than regular mail service. Something with the option to track the package is desired. This way nothing gets lost while being sent to your reciever. If you choose not to do so, you must take full responsibility to send your receiver another package if in the case it gets lost.
   
6. PLEASE DO NOT SIGN UP if you plan to move/change addresses within the timeframe of the swap. If you are unsure of your current residence do not sign up. There will be future swaps.
   
7. DEADLINES:
   The deadline to sign up is Friday, February 9th, 2007.
   The deadline to send your package is Saturday, June 9th, 2007
   You MUST send your package in time of the deadline.
   Please do not sign up if you cannot afford, want take the time, have no motivation to send, or do not agree with our rules and requirements.
   

***PLEASE be understanding when it comes to these concerns. We have had circumstances where people have been irresponsible and others ended up not receiving gifts. We try our hardest to prevent that but we can't physically make someone send gifts. If you believe someone may be unreliable, please state that you do no want to swap with them in the questionnaire.***


Email your fully answered questionnaire to : [email protected]
The DEADLINE to fill out the questionnaire is : Friday, February 9th, 2007

PLEASE make your e-mail's subject your PT Member name.

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1. Your full mailing Address (Include First & Last name):

2. Email address and Pet Talk ID:

3. Number of pets:

4. Pets names, ages, breeds:

5. What are your pets favorite types of toys, treats, etc. ?

6. Does your pet ever wear clothing (sweaters, bandanas, etc.)? If so, please list what sizes.

7. Is there anything you have really been meaning to get your pet(s)?

8. Is there any type of toy/treat your pet really does not like or you prefer not to give to them?

9. What are your hobbies, collections, favorite colors, etc?

10. If you were to receive a shirt, what size would you need?

11. Is there anything else about yourself or pets you'd like to add?

Questions to help Amy & I swap names...


1. Do you mind sending your gift to another country?

2. Please let us know, if at all, who you've previously swapped with if you'd rather not send to them again.

3. Do you have any preferences as to what kind of pets you send to? Please specify here. We will try our best to fit what is desired, but no guarantees.

4. If you have any specific requests or questions please address them here.

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I will post who we have received so far here: (35)
Catmandu
Karen
Kfamr
Cathy Bogart
K9Karen
Blue_Frog
petslover
luvofallhorses
shylanhal
binka_nugget
manda_moo87
Husky_mom
Wenisrubber
Lvpets2002
kt_luvs_kitties
Critter Crazy
pitc9
Kater
Dr Goodnow
ramanth
Pembroke_Corgi
dukedogsmom
wolf_Q
Fur&Feathers
Kimboe
lv4dogs
Maya & Inka's Mommy
Catty1
Jods
beeniesmom
king2005
.sarah
captain
gemini9961
Doolittleky

I sent mine!

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The minimum cost for gifts is $20. There is no maximum amount.

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I have a real concern with this one. Both myself and Max would love to participate and we would be happy to receive $5 trinket so why does cost have to come into play? :confused:

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Originally Posted by slick

I have a real concern with this one. Both myself and Max would love to participate and we would be happy to receive $5 trinket so why does cost have to come into play? :confused:

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Just so someone doesn't end up feeling "cheated." It's not usually an issue, but people have requested a guideline in the past, so $20 it is - no one checks for receipts to make sure you didn't "only spend" $17 or anything ...

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The minimum cost for gifts is $20. There is no maximum amount.

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Originally Posted by slick

I have a real concern with this one. Both myself and Max would love to participate and we would be happy to receive $5 trinket so why does cost have to come into play? :confused:

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I agree. (and I apologize for starting this thread off in this manner) but I think a $5 minimum and a $25 MAXIMUM would make more sense. During the one swap I participated in (where there was a $20 maximum) some people went WAY overboard on spending and made those of us who honored the maximum feel embarrassed.

Just something to consider. :o

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Originally Posted by Karen

Just so someone doesn't end up feeling "cheated." It's not usually an issue, but people have requested a guideline in the past, so $20 it is - no one checks for receipts to make sure you didn't "only spend" $17 or anything ...

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Exactly what Karen said. Seems like when we do these swap sometimes it's a damned if you do, damned if you don't sort of situation. People always end up finding things that don't agree with.

The limit has been in swap for years past, I don't see a reason to change it. I think a $20 minimum on gifts is just fine.

Maybe you two feel that way, but most people would be a little upset if they spent $20 on somebody and received a $5 gift in return. If a person has several pets I don't even see how it is possible to buy gifts that all of the pets can share with $5. This has never been a problem before, and we've done many swaps.

If you feel like a $5 gift is enough for you then you can state that in your questionnaire.

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Originally Posted by jenluckenbach

During the one swap I participated in (where there was a $20 maximum) some people went WAY overboard on spending and made those of us who honored the maximum feel embarrassed.

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No need to feel embarrassed - I may be one of those people someone thinks "went overboard," but honestly, I have gotten in the habit of picking things up when stores are going out of business, or having "closeout" sales, and then using them for gift swaps as appropriate. I have several items currently stashed away that I couldn't even tell you how much I paid for them, but it's assuredly not nearly what anyone would think they'd have cost me ...

And if you ever feel 'over-blessed" by what you receive in a Gift Swap, you can always share with other needy critters, right?

See, that's my problem with all of this. Too many people put too much emphasis on $$$$$ on the gift rather than the thought behind the gift. "Well I spent $50 worth and only got $20 worth of gifts back."

disclaimer: I'm not quoting anyone above. This is just my opinion so I will now opt out, shut up and sign off. :mad:

For the record, no person that I can remember has ever complained that they did not receive gifts that cost a certain amount of money. Nobody checks receipts or keeps track of what is spent.

We've decided that $20 is a good amount because some people have many pets, etc., and until now, no one has had a problem with that. We're just trying to make things equal for everyone....but no matter what we do somebody is upset.

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Originally Posted by wolf_Q

We've decided that $20 is a good amount because some people have many pets, etc., and until now, no one has had a problem with that. We're just trying to make things equal for everyone....but no matter what we do somebody is upset.

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No! Not upset. I just think saying $20 MINIMUM seems, pushy or greedy, especially when you state NO maximum.

I know you can't please everyone. And I will gladly delete all my posts to prevent fights.

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Originally Posted by jenluckenbach

No! Not upset. I just think saying $20 MINIMUM seems, pushy or greedy, especially when you state NO maximum.

I know you can't please everyone. And I will gladly delete all my posts to prevent fights.

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No need to delete posts, we're not fighting. Yes it does say no maximum but everyone has always spent pretty close to $20, not some huge amount. We give people until June to send it, so its not like the gifts have to be all bought at once.

Either way, the rules have been set. You either sign up or you don't. :)

I don't think that's an unreasonable amount at all. And besides, look how long we've got to get the gifts. You could wait until June 1st to send them and that would have given plenty of time to save a few bucks a month.

It is very kind that Kay and Amy set up a gift swap they are taking there own time to do this.Thanks for setting the swap up. :) Let's all be thankful we have 2 people who are willing to set up one.

:) Thank you Zippy..

;) For Sure Count Me In.. Let me go over all of the Q/A & I will be sending in my info.. Thanks Kay & Amy

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Originally Posted by Zippy

It is very kind that Kay and Amy set up a gift swap they are taking there own time to do this.Thanks for setting the swap up. :) Let's all be thankful we have 2 people who are willing to set up one.

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I'll sign up...I just have to get around to e-mailing amy...

I sent an email.

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Originally Posted by BC_MoM

I sent an email.

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You must be 18 years old to participate, or otherwise have your parents call Karen and okay it, please. :)

I did this last year and it was a lot of fun picking things out and receiving gifts. My pups are still playing with their toys from last year (even though we've had a few stitches installed here & there). I'm going to opt out this year because lord only knows where we'll be later this spring :rolleyes: . Just wanted to mention that it was fun, and a big round of applause for Kay & Amy coordinating it.

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Originally Posted by Kfamr

You must be 18 years old to participate, or otherwise have your parents call Karen and okay it, please. :)

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I will be 18 before the sign-up deadline. (:

How about just say that each pet should have at least $5-$10 for each? Like if they have two cats and a dog or two dogs and five cats, you spend maybe $7 or so for a toy or two the dogs can share and then another $7-10 for the kitties?
Like as a more general ratio rather than "Oh, twenty dollars min. If they have one cat, that cat gets a CRAP LOAD OF STUFF to get that tweny dollars"

And if someone feels like spending more, good for them, if others cannot or will not, it's not a crime, it's just spending less money. There are GREAT things that cost less than other items.

BTW: I'm sending an email now with my info on it. This is my first time doing this, so if I make a mistake please tell me ^^'

Like I said, the rules are set. Maybe we'll change them around next time, but not this time. And, as Amy said, it's not like we're checking receipts, so it shouldn't be a big deal anyways.

I think it's fine the way it is. I don't understand why some are having problems with the dollar amount. I plan to spend more than that but that's me. I've never been disappointed in a swap before. I think those signing up should just enjoy it and not try to change the way it's been done successfully for years now.

I think the gift swap is fine just the way it is with no need to change it in any way. If someone doesn't like it just don't do it, it's really easy. You can also buy something nice for the person, doesn't only have to be for their pet. It's fine the way it is Kay and Amy, don't worry about it.

Sent mine in! :)

I'm filling mine out now! I see no reason to change the rules. Thanks you two for organizing this!

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Originally Posted by BC_MoM

I will be 18 before the sign-up deadline. (:

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Lucky you. :(

As said, there will be other swaps and PLEASE be understanding when we express our concerns in the rules. Thank you to those who have been. I'll update the list shortly. :)

You will have your chance in the next swap. We have had new members sign up in the past and then never send a package. We are looking out for everyone involved.

It really makes me feel horrible with all the sad faces, too. The last thing we need is grief when it comes to doing these swaps. We get enough of that later on when/if someone never sends a package.

when I first oined there was a swap which I couldn´t join because of the member time issue, and I completely understand it, it gives plenty of time to get to know if a person is going to stay or it´s just one of those that leves after a while.........

and the minimum........I find it Ok......as being said just because it says min 20 you don´t have to get the full 20........I see it as a just around that amount.......maybe you can get a 50 dlls thing for 10 dlls adn who knows....... also if you feel like sending a 5dlls.......3dlls......or even a no cost thing.....maybe you alredy had it or you made it.......that´s fine.....I find it as a GUIDELINE to get an idea on what amount to send but not exactly that.......

in my case I bought way more that the 20 (last swap) and my shipping went to the roof, but only because size and weight were considered.......now i know best......pack it in the smallest box where they fit.......so only weight comes up.........haha.........

I think 20 is a considerate amount, considering many have multiple pets so you can get each species a 10 or 5 thing.......but in case in only one pet.....they sure get spoiled by many things or just one around the 20.......

I´ll get my info and send it as soon as I can........can´t wait to go shopping

Q: when do we get who we are sending to?

Would it be alright if I signed up and used my husbands workplace (business address) as the receiving address? His parents own the company, we're friends with the other guy he works with, etc. :)

The reason I am asking is because this area of town is not really *fantastic*. There have been instances when my husband tried to receive a package, the person just leaves it on the doorstep, and it gets stolen. So, I just want to prevent that from being a possibility! :)

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Originally Posted by Kfamr

You will have your chance in the next swap. We have had new members sign up in the past and then never send a package. We are looking out for everyone involved.

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Yea, that rule I definetly understand. That rule is definetly nessecairy :) . Still sucks that I have to wait 5 more years... (you've got it easy, Borzoimom :p )

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Originally Posted by Husky_mom

Q: when do we get who we are sending to?

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Either the day of the deadline or within a few days of it.

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Originally Posted by Wenisrubber

Would it be alright if I signed up and used my husbands workplace (business address) as the receiving address?

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That's fine, as long as you know you'll be able to receive it.

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Originally Posted by GreyhoundGirl

Still sucks that I have to wait 5 more years... (you've got it easy, Borzoimom :p )

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Why would you have to wait 5 more years? You are allowed to participate with your parent/guardian's permission.

Awesome! Good deal! Sending out info now. :D

I sent in an e-mail. :) this is going to be fun! :D

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Originally Posted by GreyhoundGirl

Lucky you. :(

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Not really. I was rejected anyway. :confused: :(

btw I think you and Amy are great for doing this! :)

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Originally Posted by BC_MoM

Not really. I was rejected anyway. :confused: :(

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You were not "rejected." Please do not make assumptions. I never received your questionnaire.

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Originally Posted by Kfamr

You were not "rejected." Please do not make assumptions. I never received your questionnaire.

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It sounded like you did.

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You must be 18 years old to participate, or otherwise have your parents call Karen and okay it, please. :)

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to one of my posts.

I will resend.