Gauging interest ~ Mug Swap 2014

[Mirnyj]

I'm guessing she's meaning a lovingly hand made piece of art by you, not something you bought - that would count as a bought mug! 

[Mkia]

Hand painted/crafted by whom? I have ready access to two weekly markets and a number of stores where I have come to know the crafters of pottery items. If by anyone, that means it's truly a 2-3 mug limit rather than the 1-2 you're going for.

I should clarify. I meant 1-2 purchased mugs with an option for a third if the sender would like to hand paint/craft one. For example, last year I painted a mug for Marigold's box. So if I found 1-2 mugs to purchase for her and then sent the one I painted, that would be the option for the third.

Does that make more sense? I don't want anyone to feel like they're obligated to buy more than one mug if they've found one that meets the spending and their partners interest. But say I found a $15 for my partner and still wanted to paint one as well, that's fine.

I'm mainly trying to reduce the chances of someone receiving 8 mugs and someone else receiving two. If we focus on shopping for and finding 1-2 perfect mugs for our partners, then we'd keep shipping down and I think everyone would be happy.

Post Merge: August 16, 2014, 12:11:47 PM

I'm guessing she's meaning a lovingly hand made piece of art by you, not something you bought - that would count as a bought mug! 

Yes, this

[Mirnyj]

Yeah, with those conditions I'd definitely be in! 

[True]

ok being a notorious "over shopper" when it comes to swaps xD, a limit requirement would actually probably reign me in. If this is the case, I'm a little more eager to join, but there is no way I could afford international shipping, so I'm still not sure I should join. >.<

[Mkia]

ok being a notorious "over shopper" when it comes to swaps xD, a limit requirement would actually probably reign me in. If this is the case, I'm a little more eager to join, but there is no way I could afford international shipping, so I'm still not sure I should join. >.<

Heh yes I'm a notorious over-spender as well. So the limit will help reign me in as well lol. Can't say I won't go crazy on extras, but those are much cheaper lol.

Like last year, I will ask for a preference for shipping. While I can never promise that everyone will get a domestic partner, I will take those requests into account.

[archidraca]

I'm guessing she's meaning a lovingly hand made piece of art by you, not something you bought - that would count as a bought mug! 

I had figured as much but clarification is better in the planning stages!    And... I overspend, soooo.... 

[Mkia]

Lol it sounds like the 1-2 mug plan is a good idea for all of us over spenders

Anyone have input on when we should start/ be shipped by? Ideally, I'd like to have people cleared in time for them to get in on holiday swaps, if they'd like.

[Mirnyj]

It would be good to have this one at least shipped before the holiday swaps start popping up.

[xeevee]

I don't know if I could afford it at this point, mugs are mighty heavy. But I could consider if I got a partner who didn't mind getting just one quality mug. That's just about what $15 would buy here anyway...

I think a lot of people (me included) went a bit overboard last year lol. I would love to just receive one good quality mug . I considered limiting it to 1-2 mugs so that no one receives a ton of mugs this year...but wasn't sure what others would prefer?

If there was a mug limit I might be in.  I'd be happy to get one super awesome mug.  And then a bunch of stuff that goes with a mug that would be used up (coffee, tea, cookies that kind of thing).  I am just a bit worried about getting lots and lots of mugs at this point. 

[Mkia]

If there was a mug limit I might be in.  I'd be happy to get one super awesome mug.  And then a bunch of stuff that goes with a mug that would be used up (coffee, tea, cookies that kind of thing).  I am just a bit worried about getting lots and lots of mugs at this point.

^^^ my sentiments exactly.

Sounds like everyone is game for the mug limit.

So what if I said this:
The budget for this swap is $20. You are expected to spend at least half ($10) on 1-2 mugs for your partner. The rest should be spent on extras (coffee, tea, cookies, stirrers, etc).

That way if you find the perfect mug for less than $15, say $10, you can allocate the rest to extras. But you may also spend $15 on the mug and the rest on extras.

[archidraca]

Sounds like a plan to me.

[Mkia]

Okay what does everyone think of this:

Sign ups: August 25th to September 2nd
Partners by: September 4th
Shopping: September 4th- October 1st
Shipping: October 1st-7th

[tikibirds]

I don't know if I could afford it at this point, mugs are mighty heavy. But I could consider if I got a partner who didn't mind getting just one quality mug. That's just about what $15 would buy here anyway...

I only sent my partner one mug last year because it was a tad over the budget. They wanted gothic/skulls. I think it was this one:
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[M!ndy]

I'm in for sure if there's a mug limit! Personally, I'd only want to receive one amazing mug as well.

[Mkia]

I don't know if I could afford it at this point, mugs are mighty heavy. But I could consider if I got a partner who didn't mind getting just one quality mug. That's just about what $15 would buy here anyway...

I only sent my partner one mug last year because it was a tad over the budget. They wanted gothic/skulls. I think it was this one:
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Your partner was super happy with that mug too! And you included tons of extras . I definitely think one mug and a ton of extras would make everyone happy.