House Party Swap n Shop

Guidelines / Protocol / Procedures ....for swaps are listed below.

There is a MEMBERS WIKI PAGE with the same swap rules - which can be edited, changed, added to or cut down. Members are encouraged to alter and add to the WIKI PAGES and the SWAP RULES WIKI PAGE.

This Locked Rules Set may be changed to reflect evolution in the Wiki Swap Rules pages once members review and contribute to the rules and editing of them.

CLICK HERE to go to the Members Wiki Swap Rules Page, and Help Form the Group Rules.

oSwap Rules

1)      All items taken to a swap must be in clean and good condition. If an item is in need of minor repair it should be indicated with a note attached to the item and identified to the people collecting swap items as you enter the area.  Bring hangers or whatever is needed to properly display the items you bring.

2)      Bring your items in a way that makes it easy to for others to identify and use – small items or jewelry should be in small baggies, anything in a pair (including shoes) should be attached together or put into a clear plastic bag to be kept together if you can not tie them together by other means. If the size is not easily seen – attach a note with the size and fit of the item.

3)      In some cases there may be a call for items which are damaged but can be pulled apart for re-use of the fabric or components – or in some cases accepted damaged with the receiver responsible for repairs. All such items must be clearly identified and separate from swap items which are in good condition.

4)      Bring more than you plan to take back at a swap – this will ensure that there is a good selection and left over items to be donated to charity. Also – bring the quality of item you would like to receive and be fair – do not come to the swap with a few t-shirts and walk away with multiple high-end or designer items… bring your good stuff if you want to get good stuff from others. Don’t be greedy.

5)      Follow the rules of the swap. Some swaps may have set trade rules so that people can walk away with a fair exchange based on the items they bring in. (For example there may be classes of items and you may receive swap tickets for the type of item you bring in based on condition and value / or you might receive 1 swap ticket for every 2 items you bring in ….) Other swap parties may be more open and free form relying on the attendees to be courteous and fair.

6)      There are no guarantees, stated or implied, that anyone will receive anything at a swap in exchange for the items they bring. There is no guarantee that you will find something you like and want to take in exchange for what you brought.

7)      Come to the swap prepared and properly dressed – wear something you can easily keep on to try items on top of. There will most likely be no dressing room’s or private areas at a swap to try-on the items.  If you wear something to adequately cover you – and you are not shy – you may try on items in front of the other swappers.

8)      There may not be any mirrors available at a swap event either – so ask others how the fit looks / how the item looks on you – maybe bring a friend you trust to help you with this. Have them snap a quick photo with a cellphone so you can look at the item on you right away.

9)      Bathrooms at a swap are not dressing rooms. They are to be kept free for regular bathroom use. No one should take up a bathroom for too long. Be contentious of others.

10)  There is no guarantee that you will receive any item at a swap. If you see an item you like but someone else picks it up first – you have no claim to it.  If two or more people see and go for an item at the same time – they should be courteous and work it out between each-other in a fair and polite manner. If there is a dispute over any item – that item may be taken by swap organizers or helpers, confiscated and set aside to be donated to charity instead. No one has claim to or can expect to receive any item at a swap.

11)  No one should be grabbing or hoarding items, be rude or cut off people and rush to collect as many items as possible before others have a chance to go through them. The object of a swap is not to get as much as you can of the best that is available. Instead people should be courteous and conscientious of others, fair and just have fun.  If you don’t get something you want – let it go. The end result should be to clean out your closets and let go --- not to pack them with even more than you had to begin with.  Bring what you don’t use or wear, and bring back a nice piece or two that you will enjoy and use.

12)   Expect that there may be a fee to participate in a swap.  Swap organizers or hosts do need to cover any costs associated with having the swap. In some cases facilities may be rented and have to be paid for as well. In other cases there may be other offerings at the swap which are included in the price – such as spa services, food or refreshments – it can be any number of things.

13)  Respect your host and the property – whether someone holds the event in their own house or place of business, at a store or other retail location, or if they rent out a facility for the swap. Be careful and courteous. Keep the area clean. Do not take or move personal belongings or décor.

14)  If there are vendors – please take the time to look over their offerings. While you do not have to buy anything – give them an audience. They have most likely helped the host in some way with preparations for the event or costs – so they have helped make the event possible for everyone.  If the event is hosted by a business take the time to see what the business has to offer. If you like what you see – give them your business and recommend them to others.

15)  If asked for – please RSVP with the host so that they know how many people to expect and can be prepared. If you say you will go – make sure that you do, it would be unfair to take a spot if the event is limited to a certain number of people and they have made room for you.  If it becomes necessary to back out of the event – let the host know as soon as you can so that they can open up your spot to anyone who wanted to come but did not make the list.  If an event requires an RSVP do not bring anyone un-announced and unexpected.  If you really want to bring an extra person – you must ask the host. They will most likely accommodate you if they are able to.

16)  Unless stated otherwise, assume that a swap is an adult event. Swaps are most likely not good events for infants or young children (unless it is a family swap or an event for children).  It might be ok for kids who are well mannered and around 11 years or older. If you are not sure – always ask the host or swap organizer.  Either way – make sure any children you do bring stay by you or another adult at all times and that they respect the environment and event and act accordingly.

17)  HAVE FUN. Tell your friends about the swap and spread the word – the more people who know about the events and can participate, the better it is for everyone.

18)  If you are able to – ask the host or organizer how you can contribute to the event or help in some way. If a charity is attached – contribute to that charity if you can.

19)  If you have any ideas that might make the swap better, bigger, or more fun – share them. If you can host a swap yourself – do it! Get involved.