Monday, February 28, 2011

The Joys of Swapping!

Such a simple concept, such fabulous results! Chances are you understand the idea of swapping without really needing an explanation, but were you aware of the fact that there are dozens of online sites for trading clothing, books, dvds, jewelry, and soooo much more? If you are intriqued, allow me to enlighten you further!

There are so many awesome reasons to use swapping websites! One of my favorites: they are environmentally friendly! Gently used goods are essentially recycled by passing them along from one owner to another, thus saving the energy and the environmental impact of creating new goods, as well as less perfectly lovely items ending up in landfils.

But by far the best reason, the point of this blog is that swapping helps you save a HUGE amount of money while getting loads of things that you love! Most swapping websites are free to join (some require a fee for upgraded services) and you pay only the postage required to mail your package. Many sites allow you to not only trade items with other members but also put items up for sale to earn some extra cash!
Tips For Getting Started
When you join any swapping website, you'll be known as a newbie until you have completed several trades and built up a good reputation. Most websites work by having you upload pictures and descriptions of the items you'd like to trade. Then you can send messages and make offers to people you would like to trade with, and also recieve messages and offers from them. Once you have agreed upon an offer, you then exchange addresses and and agree upon a date to mail the items. As a newbie you will most likely be asked to post first for saftey purposes. As with anything in life, you must use your best discression on whom to swap with because sadly the possibility of swaplifting does exist. Because some sad, dishonest soul could steal your goods, even if you are asked to post first, you can still help protect yourself by only trading with people who have done many trades with high levels of good feedback and no negative feedback. Most all websites have some form of rating or feedback system for members and you can view their profiles before swapping with them. Also be aware that the postal system is not 100% perfect and  a package could become lost in the mail. To protect yourself, always save copies of your postal reciepts incase a dispute should arrise. If it is not too much of an extra expense, you can also send your package recorded delivery and receive a tracking number to insure your package makes it to its destination. Other than that, there really are no drawbacks to swapping, and there are limitless possibilites, so have fun with it!
My personal favorite clothing swapping website: bigwardrobe.com! This wesite was originally UK based, but is now open to worldwide members. You can get a wide variety of fashions from all over the word, how cool is that? The only downside to swapping overseas is that the postage rates are a little more expensive, but you when you consider the original cost of the item, it still usually works out to be a great deal. It may also take longer to recieve packages from other countries. But BW is one of the most reputable and long established swapping websites out there. If you decide to get more information or join the site, please use my referal link: http://www.bigwardrobe.com/friend/morningviewangel99 . If you join using my link, I will receive points towards receiving gift cards to major clothing stores. If you refer friends you can earn gift cards too! Look me up, I'd love to swap with ya!

Other Great Websites:

http://bookmooch.com/

The Fun Part!
The following are pics of some of my wonderful items I've recieved through swapping! I hope they inspire you to do some trades of your own!

My first swap! A gorgeous bag by designer Melie Bianco, came all the way from Singapore! Original retail: $90, I paid about $8 to post my part of the trade. That's over 90% savings! :)
I love this fab turquoise bag!


Teriffic vintage umbrella and scarf set from the '70's!
These may be faux Chanel earrings, but they look as fab as the real thing!
A gorgeous silk top, one of my favorite swaps!

A great pearl cocktail ring!

Vintage cameo earrings from England. I get compliments every time I wear them!
BW has a large selection of books from well know authors!
A fabulous book about ecofriendly style! Talk about full circle!
Lovely bow pendant. This swapper included extra neclaces as a free gift! Some swappers are really nice like that.
Unique bird print dress from an English brand. Looks wonderful on!
Really cool photo print top!

Brand new copper colored Avon Eyeliner. It retailed for $4.99 and I paid about $2.50, so over 50% savings!
BN with tags H&M top, over $20 retail and I paid less than $10 in postage!
These bangles have become staples of my wardrobe!
A beautiful hairclip!
Super flattering floral tank top!

Gorgeous hand beaded earrings, new in box!

Warm fluffy slipper boots. Just got them today, wearing them as I type this! :)

If you have enjoyed this blog and found it helpful, please let me know! If you have any swapping websites to add to the list, I would love to check them out!

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