PSA: our next freebiemeet will be in early June, if we hold it at all (see below). And a "regular" lazy weekend poll will be along shortly.
Our semi-regular follow up poll — if you participated in any of our recent swapmeets (episode 9 or episode 10) or splitmeets (episode 6 or episode 7), how did it go?
And a special call for comments on the freebiemeet (the most recent was episode 7), please! There has been a suggestion that perhaps the rules ought to be changed to favor regular commenters — in other words, that people would rather give away their items to people they know from Now Smell This instead of "strangers" who only appear during freebiemeets?* Please do comment and tell us how you feel about that, and if you agree with the proposition, how you would suggest we implement any changes.
My own worry is that rules restricting participants will be hard to implement or "police" on my end, and if "policed" by the giver, we could end up with hurt feelings (someone who thought they were a "regular" could be turned down for a freebie).
I am open to suggestions; here are two ideas of mine:
We could do away with the freebiemeet altogether, and people who have items they'd like to discard could start giving them away whenever they felt like it in the regular scent of the day polls?
Or, we could hold freebiemeets more often (quarterly, perhaps?), so they're a bit less of an "event", and make it a rule that in order to call dibs, someone must have commented on any post (scent of the day or otherwise) at least X number of times in the past X number of months, and if asked, provide the links to prove it?
Note: top image is where once we loved flickr, now we don't : san francisco (2012) [cropped] by torbakhopper at flickr; some rights reserved.
*If anyone wants to follow the original discussion about this issue, search for the word "freebiemeet" on the Scent of Day for January 24.
Well, I’ve only ever participated in the last freebiemeet. That ended up happening about a month or so after I decided to go down the perfume hobby rabbit hole, and I’ve stuck around since then although I only comment occasionally and wouldn’t necessarily consider myself a “regular” on NST just yet. That said I don’t have any opinions on how freebie meets should go in the future, but I am grateful for the last one and also very grateful for the community in general.
So glad you chimed in Stephanie, thanks!
I missed the discussion earlier on the Freebie meet, but tend to agree with Hajusuuri. I’ve sent freebies and it was very satisfying, but I once posted a couple of bottles that were inexpensive for various reasons, and I still had the boxes…and I thought that it would be annoying if some random person took them to resell on eBay. Sure enough, some guy whose handle was something like “money guy” swooped in to claim them. I really was ready to give them away, but it has always stuck in my craw…. I did not get an email when he received the package… It had crossed my mind to simply “forget” to send them, but I am constitutionally incapable of not following through. I once claimed a Freebie that was never sent to me (Absolutely NO hurt feelings!) so I could have done that, but I didn’t.
So here is my suggestion for a bar, but a low bar for requesting freebies. In the instructions (and I am guilty of not reading them at times, mea culpa!) Robin state that the giveaway is for regulars…. Just say it– folks who visit the site four or five times or more a month. Ask that those who call dibs also 1. Share what fragrance they are wearing at the moment, 2. Cite a recent NST fragrance review or scent of the day NST discussion they enjoyed, 3. Cite a recent NST posting on which they commented or wanted to comment.
For regulars, this won’t be onerous. And if a total stranger can fake all that, he deserves the freebie ???? The person is getting bottles or samples sent to them gratis because the sender loves perfume and wants to share….doesn’t seem too much to get a little info in exchange.
My two cents.
I totally get that one might not want to give something away to someone who just wants to sell it. I’ve had things, though, where I’d have been happy to have that happen just to avoid throwing something away. Maybe just be clear – this is a giveaway for people who want it for themselves, versus this is recycling, take it and use it however you see fit?
Oakland Fresca, I’m afraid I may be one of the jerks who never acknowledged a (non-Freebiemeet) package a couple of years ago. I will send you an email to explain the (I hope forgivable) circumstances.
Oh gosh, no worries at all!!!!!! I have zero recollection of it!!
Also, I think your criteria for the Freebiemeet sound very reasonable.
IMHO, it would be very sad not to do the freebiemeet anymore. I particularly, don’t mind giving perfumes that I don’t need or want anymore to a person who does not comment frequently or at all, but are NST readers. (I was a reader for 8 years, before being active on this blog). Sometimes, we offer things that don’t appeal anymore to experienced perfumistas, but that are of interest to newbies. As long as what I offer makes someone happy is more than enough for me. If I want a specific item to go to regular commenters, I just clarify that on my freebie post.
I participated in the past freebiemeet, splitmeet and 2 swapmeets. My experience could not been better. I received all my packages in good shape and the ones that I sent were also received. For the swapmeet episode 9, one of the packages I sent was lost by USPS. I was able to partially replace it, so at least my recipient was not empty handed at the end. I have swapped with commenters that are not regular and so far everthing has gone fine for me. I love these activities and hope you can keep them going, Robin. Thanks for making them possible.
I always participate in the swap and splitmeets but rarely in the freebiemeet, just because I’ve gotten almost no acknowledgement when I have participated and sending five or six packages at my own expense without a thank you made me a little angry. Like Oakland Fresca, I never got a note when the packages were received. However, just like I state right off that I only ship to the US for swaps and splits, I think stating your freebie policy up front could work. Say what you want the criteria to be, and if someone replies whom you don’t recognize, your return email would state you’re sorry but you prefer to give to regular contributors.
That said, I had no problems at all with the splits and swaps.
I think the freebie meet guidelines in place are great because it is simple to participate. But I do see that there can be more than one way to feel good about giving things away. Posting freebies under the SotD
is a lovely (and serendipitous) alternative though it may take more than one day of posting to get a response.
Generous givers who would like a chance to decide who will receive a freebie could state in their freebie post that they will accept email requests instead of “dibs.” After the freebie’s fate has been decided via email, the giver could update their post with a comment that the freebie has found a new home.
Also it might raise the bar on participation a bit if the giver has the option to request reimbursement for postage from the recipient.
In any case, freebies are wonderful! I’m grateful for the early-days freebies I received years ago, as well as those lovely scents I received recently. And it’s just as much fun to give! All perfume needs a happy home where it will be loved and used.
I agree with this one…putting freebies under SOTD, assures both a kind of randomness AND that regular readers are more likely to reap the rewards.
I agree with a lot of this here. If the givers are granted some discernment as they field emails, it might result in fewer disappointments.
I also like the idea of posting in SoTD. That way, people who participate in daily discussion are more likely to be recipients rather than those who swoop in for freebie meets (though I don’t want to see the freebie meets go).
I don’t care for the idea that freebies be tucked in the SOTD, as then newbies may end up scouring the SOTD for freebies and that would subvert the purpose of a nice relaxed discussion.
I do agree with everything else tiffanie proposed – email requests instead of dibs, with a warning that the sender can decide on recipients according to any criteria he or she chooses, so no hard feelings going into it please!
I think it’s also important to state outright that sending a note when you receive the package is de rigeur, and that freebie recipients may wish to offer to reimburse for postage, or that freebie givers may ask for postage, as postage is a different level of burden for everyone. It’s impossible to just guess what the rules of politeness are for the community unless they’re spelled out. I remember when I was a n00b wondering what I should do when I received a package! (And while a thank you is always a good idea, telling people they really ought to send one sets a norm and removes all doubt.)
I agree with this. I’m a recent perfume obsessive, and haven’t posted anything yet, so I wouldn’t be considered a regular user. But I *do* read nst at least once per day, and would love to participate in freebies (I have some to give too!) when they next occur. I think giving the sender of freebie a little discretion seems like a reasonable way to discourage those out to resell on eBay.
Also want to mention how much I enjoyed participating in a recent swapmeet and the past two splitmeets. Everything worked out well, and I have some new favorite fragrances – Guerlain Jardins de Bagatelle from a (blind) swap and Prada Infusions d’Amande from a split.
Plus a big “thank you!” goes out to one of my swap partners who waited an entire month for her package. USPS said it would take a week to be delivered by ground***, but the box must have gone astray. I followed up with USPS customer service and had a positive experience. Their responses were timely, and the package was eventually delivered undamaged, though there was no explanation for the delay.
***That particular post office is extra vigilant in requiring perfume to ship via ground service. Maybe they can smell me coming? I would never try to slip something past them. 🙂
I haven’t participated in a freebie meet yet but did in my first splitmeet and swapmeet and was VERY pleased with both. I got to experience my first decanting to send to others and also was thrilled with the juice I received. Very happy to be part of such an awesome community.
I was the very grateful recipient of an item in the freebiemeet a few years back. But since then I made a decision not to call dibs on anything as I can’t really offer anything in return. Not because I don’t want to, as I would be only too happy to share something, but because of our strict postage policy here in Ireland. We cannot post any liquids, pastes, powders or medicines to addresses outside the country, which is ridiculous imo as other countries in Europe don’t have the same stringent rules as us. I do most of my perfume shopping online and there is no problem with goods inwards, so go figure. I suppose I could just lie at the PO but my face would glow bright red and give the game away ☺️. Or parcel could be confiscated which would be a real bummer. I think the freebiemeet is an incredibly generous thing. For someone to just give away something they spent money on, as well as the cost of mailing, is a really big-hearted gesture. I don’t have strong feelings about the qualifying rules, but I know that if I had sent an item to someone who then eBayed it, I would be very pi$$ed-off indeed. I get it that it would be quite difficult for Robin to police but perhaps the person who is giving something could have their own rules and post them here. I don’t consider myself to be a ‘regular’ but an occasional poster. But I read every single day, and enjoy the comments and banter and it is interesting to see how friendships spring up from this. It is a lovely and supportive community on here. My one grouch is that my bank balance hasn’t been great since I discovered this site maybe ten or so years ago???? My daughter regularly says to me that she thinks I’ve got a problem. Perhaps she’s right, haha.
I agree that everyone should state in their freebie post his/her own rules to give out what they offer.
Gosh, that was a bit of a rambling-on post. Sorry!
Rambling on is always allowed 🙂
I participated in the most recent swapmeet and had a great experience – good communication all around and every package made it safely to its new home. Looking forward to the next one!
Re: the freebiemeet question – not sure if this will appeal at all, but I think it would be reasonable for the people giving items away to ask for a contribution towards shipping (maybe via PayPal?). A First Class Packaged generally runs $3-5; maybe having to pay a few dollars will weed out some of the problems?
I appreciate the sentiment, but honestly, I love sending something that is a gift all around… it makes me feel good… but to send it someone who is, or wants to be, part of this quirky community…
I don’t really have ideas to add but wanted to say I’ve had great experiences with all of the various meets. I have never had anything go wrong, and the only complaint is that sometimes the recipients of free items do not reply letting me know the package arrived (and of course, a final thank you is always nice). I also struggle with enforcing strict rules on freebiemeets, but I like Oakland Fresca’s idea about answering some questions when claiming dibs. It took me many years of reading the blog daily to start posting more than rarely to occasionally. I’ve always tended towards more of an observer than participater online. But I’m glad to have become more of a ‘regular’ lately. 🙂
Oh, I forgot to say that I like having an easy outlet to post freebies to perfume people. If the formal freebiemeet goes away, I will start posting occasional freebies on SOTD posts.
I participated in recent freebie and swapmeets. I was really happy to find a home for some freebie bottles, where I bought things I realized I rarely wore or had an unnecessary back up. Did a swap that allowed me to try something I’d been curious about for a while. I admit I need to be better in thanking or emailing…I had a couple of times where I thought I did but didn’t.
I’ve definitely decided to be better prepared with what I want to offer by thinking ahead and making samples or decants that I think might be interesting for someone.
I haven’t experienced non-regulars in these things, so I can’t really offer up much of an idea.
Having been a recipient and a giver on a few of those, I do find it incredibly annoying when people don’t even offer something in return. Not that I expect something from a person claiming my freebies, but I think it would be courteous to ask the other person if you can return a favor (I guess I always ask, so I might be expecting others to do the same). I also find it annoying when my freebies end up on eBay or other places – which a couple did).
I do like the suggestion of allowing the person to decide who can call dibs via email. I also like the suggestion of having a recipient to pay for the postage.
Just my $0.02
I usually offer to give something in return when someone offers me something from a SOTD post or something, but for the Freebiemeet, I just try to post my own Freebies when I can.
I’m probably the odd man out but I don’t think you can legislate morality. You can make rules, and then make more rules so the folks that broke the first set of rules will now find a way to break the newest set of rules. I have participated in some freebies, splits, etc., and have enjoyed them. Most people dropped me a thank you and some didn’t. I guess I have low expectations, but the world is a big place and not everyone subscribes to my version of right and wrong.
That’s a long winded way of saying that I think the more rules and restrictions being instituted, the less enjoyment for all. Some people will abuse the generosity of most NSTers, but that’s on them, not the kind and generous folks who do the giving. If you don’t want your juice going to a “stranger” then make private offers via email. ????
Agree, perhaps because I do not have any expectations. I just enjoy these meets! 🙂
Well said!
The last split/swapmeets (2017) for me were great. In the past I’ve had some funny business happen. I may have just ended up with better splitters & swappers the last couple of times around, or I’ve been smarter in my approach.
As to the freebiemeets, I see them as my opportunity to do some housecleaning and don’t really care who ends up with it. That said, I’ve refrained from participating at times because it’s not free for the sender. USPS ground shipping starts at $7 and goes upward from there. Mailing multiple packages adds up really quickly.
If I were to adjust the ground rules, I’d ask those posting freebies to state the cost of shipping per package and their preferred form of payment. If it’s optional to ask receivers to pay postage, it might be awkward when some of us will ask and some won’t. If it were the standard, it might also help to alleviate issues some people are having with non-regulars who swoop in only for the ‘meets.
Dibsing freebies by email rather than via the thread would also give senders more leeway in turning down people they don’t want to deal with.
But all in all, I LOVE the ‘meets. They’re the highlights of the season for me! It’s also a great way to cultivate new relationships with regulars here :).
While I absolutely get why people would prefer to restrict freebies to regular commenters, I started regularly commenting on NST AFTER participating in my first freebiemeet–the things I got in the meet were the first things I got to talk about in the SOTD posts!
It sounds like some people care whom their packages end up with and others don’t, so I’ll throw my vote behind the e-mail camp. I think it would be fairly simple to implement an e-mail dibs system that works just as it does for the swapmeet. We can use our discretion as to whether or not we want to give something away to someone while minimizing hurt feelings.
I’d also be happy to spend my money to post something to someone I “like” (e.g., someone I’ve corresponded with before), but would be reluctant to pay to send to a stranger. That’s also the sense I’ve gotten from some people who have sent me packages. Because of this, while I think it would be a good idea to make asking for postage optional, I hope it doesn’t become the standard.
In all, I hope we don’t get rid of the freebiemeet! I really enjoy it and all the other meets. And while I’m pretty sure that I’ve consistently sent thank-you notes and (except for the first round) offered to send a thank-you package in return, if I’ve ever forgotten to do so, please accept my apology!
Oh! Another thing: A couple of times, things I’ve swapped for have ended up not agreeing with me, so I’ve swapped them again. The first couple times this happened, I asked for permission from the people I got them from. They all responded, “It’s yours now to do with as you wish,” so I’ve since stopped asking. Those of you who are upset at seeing freebies on eBay: Do you think I should continue asking when reswapping previous swaps or freebies?
This is a good point to that I hadn’t considered: it’doesn’t be a good rule to say that freebies have to stay freebies. If you don’t like it, pass the favor along.
I’ve been wonderfully pleased with all of the swap-meets I’ve participated in even when I’ve swapped with folks I’ve not seen on here!
Haven’t participated in a split meet, but only because I’m not looking to increase my perfume holdings right now. Nor have I participated in a freebie meet, but that’s only because I keep thinking I’m going to organize samples, decants, etc. to offer and then haven’t gotten around to it! 😛
Of all of the freebie meet suggestions so far, I think a combination of Robin’s suggestion of holding it more frequently to make it less of an event, and of replacing the “dibs” with an email to the giver would be the easiest solution. Robin wouldn’t have to police and an email would allow the giver to decide to whom to send their freebies.
Rappleyea, you just summed up my experience exactly – have had great luck and fun with swaps, haven’t done a split (yet!) or participated in a freebie meet – and I agree with you and several other posters that an email instead of the “dibs” approach for freebies could help eliminate some feelings of frustration or resentment.
I’ve participated in past split and swap meets but sat out this season– not because of bad experiences, but life has been a bit busy. I have had nothing but positive, fun experiences here. I’ve sent and received great perfumes and more over, I have “met” some great ladies, some of which because great longterm pen pals. So I have nothing but love for all the meets and hope they don’t go away.
In terms of the freebiemeet, I don’t have any comments as a user (I have given my freebies via emails to members in sotd etc). But I would vote positively for both allowing for postage payment and emails replacing dibs. There might be times where I would want to give something to a new user, or another time where I’d get more satisfaction giving it to a regular member that I chat with who has a lemming that I didn’t know about. Then each member could decide based on their intentions and relationships.
NST meets areally great!! Much love for this blog and the community. I love it here.
I participated in my first split during the splitmeet. I am not on Facebook ( I know!!! amazing, right?? ), so I do not belong to any fragrance groups there. The split went wonderfully. I hope that I thanked ‘eswift83’ properly, but I’m not sure. Unfortunately, I did not care for the EB Florals Apollo Hyacinth as much as I had hoped, but that was my problem, not anything to do with the split.
And, I do not comment every morning like some people do, although I do read most every day.
I do think that the ‘meets’, of all kinds, bring the community that has been created closer together.
Thanks for everything.
Hello from another non-Facebooker????
Joining the non-Facebooker club ????
Another non-FBer!
And….another non facebooker
Not on FB either.
Also not on FB, also grateful for the various Meets here!
Count me in the club, too 😉
I’m a longtime reader and a very rare commenter. I read NST regularly, although with considerable lag time.
I participated in the last swapmeet (no 10 I think): I’ve received all the swaps and all my packages have been delivered. I’m very thankful to NST for this generous and welcoming community. I was mainly interested in sharing and finding good homes for fragrances I don’t use. I truly didn’t expect to receive as many interesting goodies as I did.
Thank you!
Even though you are not a regular commenter, swapping with you was really nice. Thank you!
Thank you! It was a pleasure.
I participated in all the Splitmeets, Freebiemeets and Swapmeets and enjoyed them all.
Splitmeet – While it was a lot of work, it was immensely satisfying to host them. I end up with the perfume I want without committing to a whole bottle! I wish all bottles came with a screw top atomizer to make splitting easier. I will be experimenting with a new decanting method to minimize product loss. I may also end up marking up some decants by 2% (with full disclosure) based on experience with some brands with bottles that tend to leak a lot more than others (e.g. Jo Malone 100 mL).
Freebiemeet – I would like for this to continue with modified rules. It is important to keep the basic rules of number to list, number of dibs and no discussions. I like the flexibility of adding other requirements. As for me, since I strongly prefer to give my freebies to regular commenters or newbies, I will say only call dibs if you have commented 4 times or more in the most recent 4 weeks or they “qualify” as a newbie (have not called dibs to any of my freebies previously, fell into the rabbit hole within the past year and own fewer than 5 FBs). The regulars know who they are and those who are not sure probably aren’t regulars. As for the newbies, I will make a judgment call as I can’t know for sure how many bottles they own but I know to whom I’ve sent freebies for the past 2.5 years.
Swapmeet – I introduced my Pay It Forward Swap this past March (Episode 10). I have to say I think it was a great success as it allowed those who don’t have anything on my want list to still swap with me AND benefit a not for profit organization. While I did not ask for proof, some did anyway and those who didn’t acknowledged that they did. I got swaplifted from the person who said she was going to send me chocolate but haven’t done so (and I know she received her package a month ago). I also have not seen her posting in the past month or so and have not contacted her because she may be going through something difficult and, truth be told, she could just as easily have opted to donate to a Not for Profit so I’m really not out anything that I couldn’t otherwise procure for myself at a reasonable cost.
As someone who has benefited from your splits, THANK YOU!
Yes, me too!
So thankful to you, H.!
Anytime’
You’re welcome!
Hajusuuri, your idea of donating to a non-profit organization was really wonderful and touching. I participated in your swap that way and I appreciate your generosity greatly. I am sure the organizations that benefited from your idea were even more thankful!
Thanks for swapping. This was a win-win at many levels!
Your comments and recs are always spot on.
Oh wow. Although I am not a regular commentator on here (I’m shy & I always think why does anyone want to hear what I think) I have been a regular reader for the past 3 years. It boggles the mind that anyone could take freebies without so much as the basic courtesy of a thank you email. I myself have never had the nerve to call dibs on a freebie without giving something back in return. I just can’t bring myself to do it. I don’t feel qualified to suggest a way to rectify the problem except to say that it cannot be right for someone to take other people’s generosity and turn around & profit from it without so much as an acknowledgement of receipt much less a thank you. Shame shame!
I’m shy too, this place really helps with that.
I haven’t participated in any of the splitmeets, swapmeets, or freebiemeets, so I’m not sure that I could contribute anything that would be all that useful. I do understand why some people would like reimbursement for postage, since it seems that each time I go to the Post Office to mail something, it is more than I remember the previous trip being.
While I like the idea of using email to place dibs, how do we control for the 2 freebie maximum?
Also, regarding reimbursing for postage, I think that should be left to the discretion of the giver.
I would think the original poster could comment o their own post with “item went to XXXX”
Yeah, but I can tell you right now that if the freebiemeets stay as crowded as they are now, there’s no way that will prevent anyone from taking more than 2. And not saying it’s because people are greedy — it’s because people don’t read the rules 🙂
I’ve really enjoyed the split & swapmeets and have participated in many. The freebiemeet I’ve done less of but I also tend to give stuff away when I see there’s a want that I can fulfill or other opportunities that come up in the daily posts.
I think since we are all unique in how we approach this – some have vast collections & others do not; some are shy & others not; some are sensitive to common curtesy & others less so, etc. – being able to add a couple of personal parameters makes sense and is a simple fix.
I have found some really fantastic new scents that have become favorites of my collection through swap and splitmeets, and I’m very appreciate of all those that have made this community possible.
I participate in the Swapmeet at least once a year. I’ve had nothing but excellent experiences! I’m grateful you host these, Robin. This year was the first time I participated in the Splitmeet and it was also a good experience. I haven’t done the freebie thing, so can’t comment.
I’ve gotten freebies from the last two freebiemeets and from the last swapmeet. I admit to not being courteous enough to acknowledge and thank the donors. That being said, I would like to continue to have the opportunity to continue with the various meets. I would certainly be more than happy to reimburse for postage.
May I respectfully ask why you don’t acknowledge or thank the donors?
I am a long time reader but a first time commenter, NST is one of the first things I read each day and I enjoy it immensely. I have learned so much but often feel I have little insight to offer, I am a happy bystander I suppose.
I have been able to take part twice in past freebie meets, the first one was after an extremely difficult relocation for my family. The kindness and generosity of my gifter has left such an impression on me. To receive the gift of fragrance from a stranger when I was going through such a difficult transition was amazing. I still think of her kindness every time I reach for the bottles that she gave me.
The fragrance community is a wonderful and generous collection of people. I thank you all for sharing your thoughts and kindness here.
The generosity of these members has left a big impression on me as well.
I work for a greedy comany with a lot of greedy people. Kindness isn’t something that is valued at my company, and the discussions at work are always about the bottom line. There are many times when the company’s choices don’t reflect my personal values. But I’m there 50 hours per week, and I’m surrounded by these moments that don’t value generosity, and it starts to seem like the whole world is that way.
It will sound cheesy, but it’s absolutely true: the generosity of these members reminds me that there are really good people in this world, and the bottom line isn’t the only metric of goodness in life. And that I’m not alone (or wrong) in thinking the way that I do.
By modeling generous behavior, many members have encouraged me to be more generous here and elsewhere. Hajusuuri talks about paying it forward in terms of donations to not for profit, but she also encourages us all to pay it forward in terms of generosity with other members (even if she doesn’t do so explicitly).
The freebiemeet makes me happy, even when I don’t give away anything or receive anything. I enjoy seeing the generosity.
I couldn’t agree more about the generosity of this community and the value of seeing it to those of us who don’t see it in our everyday, working lives. I spent my entire career (thankfully I retired from that and am now self-employed) in an industry that is a hobby for extremely wealthy people. They don’t even acknowledge or understand their own greed; they see themselves as being entitled to as much as they can get their greedy hands on.
Hear, hear! I love your philosophy.
I’ve had great experiences in splitmeets and truly appreciated being able to have a low-cost way of trying things out.
I had put a few things out on a previous freebie-meet and personally wasn’t worried about what the receivers did with them. I just wanted to pass along some things that weren’t getting any use by me. However, postage in Canada is quite expensive (sending the 2 packages ended up costing $50) and that part just didn’t work for me. I would be more inclined to do it again if I were to be reimbursed for that, and having ‘skin in the game’ might discourage people from taking advantage.
I also stopped participating due to high postage costs.
I’m a regular reader and have been for nine years or so. But I comment very rarely. I greatly appreciate the generosity of those who give away items in the freebiemeets and I’d love to see them continue. But I also understand the frustrations expressed in the thread. I would never dream of selling anything I got in a freebiemeet…but I suspect those who would aren’t going to be participating in this discussion.
I just wanted to post a follow-up on postage since it’s being discussed here. A lot of you may already know this, but since I continue to receive packages from fellow NSTers with metered postage from the post office, I wanted to share with those folks that there is a much easier way!
Log into your Paypal account. Once you’re on the page that looks like a checkbook register (Account Overview), look at the columns on the left. Under Selling Tools is Multi-order Shipping. Click that. Next click “create” (other choice is “import” which means importing name and address from ebay). Simply fill in the postage type (first class, Priority, parcel, media, etc.), weight and address.
You can then either create another label or leave that screen and pay for and print the label you just created.
With the official bar-coded labels, the mail carrier will pick the package up; it doesn’t have to be taken to the P. O. Also, the postage is slightly cheaper than at the P. O. A win/win! 🙂
Hope this helps.
The direct link is http://www.paypal.com/ShipNow
You can ship first class in the US for packages up to a pound. PayPal gives a slight discount over the post office rates, and a free tracking number. And you can then just drop the package in a parcel bin at your PO… no standing in line, no snoopy PO employees.
Love it 🙂
… and yes, I know you’re not supposed to ship perfume first class. pfffffffft
…or Priority. 😉
pffffft on priority mail, too 😉
Thanks for your description though. The direct link I gave doesn’t allow you to choose parcel post or media mail. It’s good to know there’s a way to get those options.
Thanks, you two! I’m so glad I went back to read this thread and saw your posts here. I’ve looked into using paypal to ship but couldn’t figure out how it worked. This sounds so much easier (and cheaper) than dealing directly with usps.
Thanks for the great info!
I read NST every day (and have for many years) and almost never post. I’ve swapped in the past and been the recipient of freebies, and I am grateful. I would be happy to pay shipping costs back to the generous freebie provider. I have been swaplifted in the past on MUA, so I sympathize with people’s frustrations. It’s always fun to see what people like and have, even if I’m not participating in a trade or gift.
Interesting thread. I have participated in quite a few split/swap/freebiemeets, and clearly I enjoy it or I wouldn’t keep doing so 🙂 Hope they continue!
My general viewpoint on items I’ve sent on to someone else, be it for split, swap, or freebie is: it’s yours now, do with it what you will. Wear it, swap it, sell it, wash your dog with it, whatever floats your boat 🙂 Acquisitions don’t always work out, and situations or tastes change… I hope someone will like their item! But I don’t expect them to keep it for eternity if they don’t.
Splitmeets: Often I host, and I enjoy doing so, since I like having the bottles but sure don’t need 100ml of pretty much anything. I would like to give a big wet kiss to manufacturers whose bottles have screw tops, and a big raspberry to those who have cheesy sprayers. Been stiffed once, but in the case of a splitmeet, I keep the unpaid-for split, so… not a tragedy.
Swapmeets: It’s a fun way to get rid of the unloved, and acquire new things, without the hassle of listing on Ebay or whatever. Sure, sometimes I don’t love what I got, but that’s on me for deciding to do that swap. Same principle as blind buying 🙂
Freebiemeet: When I post something for a freebiemeet, I just want it to GO AWAY. It doesn’t matter to me who takes it, or why. Having said that, I don’t offer expensive things so if someone can Ebay those, more power to ya. I do especially like giving sample bombs to newbies or broke students, so I wouldn’t necessarily want to limit freebiemeets to ‘active’ NST-ers. I like the idea of arranging them via email — less work for Robin, and an opportunity for the giver to apply whatever filters work for them. I like getting something in return (who doesn’t like getting presents?!!) but it’s certainly not required. A ‘thank you’ is really appreciated.
I enjoy this community and hope we’ll keep up the trading. My husband has been amazed at how much perfume we all trade with each other on faith. It’s a good group 🙂
My husband too.
He’s actually my packer and enjoys doing it.
Agree with all you’ve said!
Totally agree!
“My husband has been amazed at how much perfume we all trade with each other on faith.” I’d forgotten that I felt exactly the same way prior to participating in the ‘meets, and thought, “These people must be crazy!” The only explanation I could come up with was that everyone must have personally known one another for years, hence the sense of trust.
After being active in many ‘meets, I will add my voice to others that it has restored my faith in humanity. I am blown-away on a regular basis by how deeply thoughtful, generous, and kind so many in this community are. It inspires me to respond in-kind.
I also feel like I’ve developed a bond to at least some extent with each person I’ve swapped, split and freebie-d with and am grateful for the friendships.
But we’re bonded by a deep love and appreciation of beauty, so perhaps it stands to reason that there are so many beautiful people here 🙂
For anyone still reading, I wanted to chime in on the postage issue. I know it can be expensive to mail out packages, but I think asking for postage in the freebiemeets is problematic — it introduces cash into an already unsecure system, that is, eventually, someone (or several someones) is / are going to paypal over some money and not get their item(s).
I will read over all the suggestions again tonight, but I am pretty sure I do not want cash introduced into any of our “meets”. If anyone wants to give away an item but wants the recipient to pay postage, I think the best and safest place to make the offer is in a SOTD post, where it’s more likely that everyone knows each other.
I recently received wonderful freebies offered via a SOTD post, and I was happy to pay postage. Everything was handled perfectly (via email), and I am very grateful.
Last night I thought about how I would feel sending postage payment to someone unfamiliar. I decided I probably would not engage in a freebie (or swap/split) with someone I don’t already “know” via NST.
NST is a wonderful community. That good neighbor feeling is important. Keeping things safe and friendly for as many participants as possible is a tough nut to crack. You’re our perfumed super-hero, Robin. 🙂
Although I’m one who’s argued for bringing paid/reimbursed postage into freebiemeets, I acknowledge that it is dicey.
On the flip side of sending cash to a stranger, I’m also not sure how comfortable I’d be giving my paypal address to “unknowns,” as it were.
As I fully support both perfume and NST newbies participating in freebiemeets, my feeling is that, in the end, it’s probably best to make them as “free” (of rules et al) as possible.
I am another long time faithful reader and one who rarely comments. I have participated in several Swapmeets and Splitmeets, including the ones this year. With one tiny exception years ago, I have had nothing but good, rewarding experiences. I am beyond grateful to be part of this knowledgeable and generous community. I enjoy these meets tremendously and hope they continue. I do not have anything meaningful to add to the policies regarding freebies; if I have anything to offer I usually post it on the SOTD forum.
Many thanks to you, Robin, and to all of you who post here, who split and swap and send gifts and generally make my days more enjoyable!
Swapping with you was a pleasure. And you know how helpful you were… I will always be very grateful for that!
You are very welcome. It was a pleasure for me as well.
Many hugs to you!
I’m a relative newbie, and I have enjoyed the odd swap meet.
All the people I have dealt with have been very generous and honest and have been an dream to swap with.
I for one, would never have been able to sample the fragrances that I have. Some of them, may have not been to my taste, but we all have to start somewhere! May the swapping continue!????
I’ve enjoyed every kind of “meet” here, and want take the opportunity to thank Robin and this community for providing me with some daily gratitude for life. And I’m not exaggerating. Being a pessimist by nature, sometimes I need an outside stimulus to remind me that there is a lot of good in the world, and I don’t need to look far to find it.
As for the Freebiemeet, I think using emails instead of dibs is a good suggestion. As for any other rules, nah. A “free gift” should be just that. If you don’t want to spend money on postage, or if you would be resentful if the outcome of your gift-giving wasn’t what you wanted, well, don’t give. Just my two cents.
As a relative newcomer, I’ve truly enjoyed the swapmeets I’ve participated in, both the giving and receiving. There have been a few mishaps on the way to my door (a leaked-empty bottle, another parcel which never arrived) but that’s life, and the friendly connections with fellow enthusiasts is a special pleasure. It’s wonderful to “re-home” a formerly adored scent to another scent-lover so eager for it.
My impulse is to keep the rules simple, so that sense of welcome and generosity is preserved for newbies and old-hands alike.
I thought about this further. If I could make up my own rules, in order to place dibs on my freebies:
– you must be a regular (if your are struggling to determine if you are a regular, you’re not a regular)
OR
– you must have replied to / commented on one of MY Lazy Weekend Polls comments in the previous 4 weeks
OR
– you posted in two SOTD threads in the past 4 weeks
OR
– you have previously participated in one of my splits or have swapped with me
The Freebiemeet is for members of the community as defined by the very low bar I set. I probably could have easily made my freebie packs swap items instead (so there IS skin in the game if you participate) but I chose to give them away because there is a forum for it to benefit members of the NST community.
NB to newbies – don’t be shy about posting! This community is so generous that you may end up with more samples just for making an off-hand remark in one of the SOTD / discussion threads.
Hi,
I have been a member for at least 7 years but rarely ever comment. I *still* feel like a noob and am very self-conscious about making any comments.
With that in mind, I have participated in the last few Freebiemeets and I thought they were lovely 🙂 I only called “dibs” on things I really wanted, and I am fairly certain I always offered to reimburse for postage.
Honestly I hate to see a few bad apples spoil everything – the idea of “one must have commented x times in the last x” seems very prohibitive.
My only wish is that there were more masculine stuffs to be had, but that’s my personal taste. I really love the quarterly (?) event and I always look forward to maybe getting my grubby paws on something I may otherwise never ever come close to – especially when I am in financial or emotional hard times…which is sadly very often.
I have sent you a couple of Freebie packages, and you did offer to pay for postage, and did send send me very nice email acknowledgements when you received the packages. I am always happy to see your rare comments, and wish you did not feel so self-conscious.
Thanks very much for your kind words & encouragement <3
I would hate to see the Freebiemeets go away. I love getting free stuff, and I love being able to offer free stuff as well. My budget is more limited than many of the posters here, but I’m grateful to have been able to offer some things that other people have wanted to try.
I have had very positive experiences with all the various Meets. My only peeve is when I don’t get any acknowledgment that a package was received, although I always send an email asking about it, and sometimes the recipient was out of town.
Long time reader, started when I had my daughter and not much sleep(almost 10 years ago ) but rarely comment.
I have participated only in the swapmeet not the freebiemeet because I live in UK and they have this amazingly strict PO rules so while I can get any package without problems I can’t send perfumes abroad so I feel it ‘d be unfair IMO to the givers not to be able to send them some things in return as a way of saying thanks.
My experience with the swapmeet has been really positive, got to know great people and have found new loves and people are very kind and generous here, sending out extras just because.
I can’t think of anything new to say about the rules of these events, as other readers said earlier a gift is a gift but having said that manners and a simple thank you goes a long way.
Thanks for this lovely and safe place to enjoy our passion/obsession Robin!
I think that in addition to rules (which everyone who wishes to participate are obligated to read) there ought to be a standard basic etiquette as well.
Everything worked out for me.
The only upset I had was swapping for a chanel exclusif, and I wish the person who was sending would of let me know the box opened from the bottom because the whole thing ended up breaking. I was very disappointed because I swapped 2 bottles for that one, but what can you do! I know better for next time!
When I was new on here I got a great FB at a Freebiemeet from someone who has never, to my knowledge, posted in all that time.
I think it’s best to have a minimum of rules for freebiemeet, and especially none that create extra work for Robin. Perhaps moving to emails rather than dibs, and allowing that the giver can stipulate whether ‘free to regulars’ or ‘free to all’ (and will settle any questions and controversies themselves via email). Otherwise the generic rules about numbering items and stating where you are and where you’ll ship to.
I have some stuff I just want rid of, and often a particular ‘meet’ falls at a time when I am busy or away from home or distracted, so the idea of allowing freebies under SOTD appeals to me (as a potential sender).
Overall though, I am intensely relaxed about how this pans out. :^)
Chiming in late because of your reminder about the next freebiemeet, Robin. I had a couple of lovely swaps at the last swapmeet.
I have never had a swap, split, or freebie go wrong (neither here, nor at the Swapmania or Perfume Fairy Godmother meets over on the Posse which, sadly, seem to be fading away). I read NST daily, post occasionally, and participate in meets regularly (but at a small, manageable level – nothing like hajusuuri, who deserves the Nobel Prize for Perfume Generosity, IMHO).
I completely understand the impulse to impose rules on the freebie process – I am a “I can fix you!” person by nature, and find myself genuinely puzzled and frustrated when people don’t do things the way I think they should. That said, I agree with those here who have recommended a minimum of rules, and a general “let’s keep this as simple as possible” attitude.
There will likely always be people who do not meet a standard of courtesy, as well as those who engage in the meets with an acquisitive, rather than gracious, nature. I hope these are few and far between, but I don’t really know for sure, given my experience. Being “burned” in some way by these people must leave one feeling hurt, disappointed, and angry. But I think that, overwhelmingly, the people here are stupendously generous and kind, to the point that my faith in humanity gets a boost by participating in the various meets.
Okay, enough rambling – I’m on the verge of declaring my love for all of you. My vote – post the regular rules and a paragraph on etiquette, let people state their expectations up front in their freebie offers, dib requests by email.
Another late arrival (been on vacation, now gorging on 2 weeks of NST in one chunk!). I don’t really have any useful suggestions, just wanted to say that I’ve enjoyed the freebiemeets in the past, even though I don’t comment all that much (usually just when I’m provoked by an ugly bottle or absurd ad copy).