SASBE (seeds for postage)

Lavender2's picture
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Author ~ DizzyDaffodil 

SASBE is a Self Addressed Stamped BUBBLE Envelope -which may be a bit confusing for some as it is really just a shorter way of saying "postage, address label, inside a bubble mailer".

The easiest way to send a SASBE is to send your postage, clearly written address label and a note
 introducing yourself with user id & real name to remind the recipient who you are & what you wanted - all inside the actual
 bubble mailer you want them to send back to you.
All they have to do is slap on the label & postage & fill with goodies. 
  Most traders reuse bubble mailers to death so this will not be a surprise for them at all. 
You do not have to send the bubble mailer inside another envelope.
If a bubble is requested, you should send a bubble mailer, not a regular envelope as many seeds can be damaged in the mail if not treated well. Keep in mind, postage is higher for anything thicker than 1/4 inch and with more weight. You can calculate postage costs at the USPS web site for free. Hand canceling is 17 cents extra. 
As a person who has received numerous goodies from generous souls: 
If I am not sure how much postage will be required, I always include extra - I figure this person is being generous enough to take their time and items/seeds to share with me, the least I can do is be thoughtful enough to ensure it does not cost them anything else. I've found most traders will return any unused postage with the seeds, if they don't it still cost me less than the seeds would commercially. 
When you get your package, if you see it cost more than you sent, it would be nice of you to return it or at least offer. 

How many seeds should I expect? If you are concerned with this, you need to ask up front before you ever send postage. Usually, I would not expect any more than I would receive in a commercial package (small amount) and am pleased to get that, as this is free to me. Some things have been shared with me in incredibly generous amounts, and some things that are harder to get, only a few seeds. 
 

Trader: How many seeds should I send? Send as much as you like - If this is something common that you have a great deal of, send more. If it is something rare or harder to find, send less or a few - Just make sure you are clear in your communications that you only have a small amount to share. 

What is it? Some traders don't take time to put in a note reminding ME what they are sending, so I try to make sure I put something in an inconspicious spot on the envelope to remind me what I am getting. As an example: put MG in the bottom corner if I am looking to receive morning glory seeds back in that envelope. 

Got it - now what?
It is always appropriate to publicly post your receipt of the items and to thank the donor. 

As a trader: I have spent a bit of extra
postage myself at times, ensuring that my seeds get to someone safely as they weren't sure how much to send and didn't know to ask about getting seeds for postage. I don't mind if I think it is an honest mistake or a newbie, but many folks can not afford to be out extra postage.  
I see that some of this becomes a confusing issue at times, so thought a "Best Practices" might be helpful for both sides. 
Whatever your issues or problems, remember to be courteous to others. No one wants to trade with a grinch or a grouch.

DizzyDaffodil 

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DizzyDaffodil's picture

To the top

Bringing this back up for all our new traders.
MEGMEG's picture

dizzy

can u see on your end what i have to trade cause when i edit i can't see what i have but when i don't edit i can why.

meg peavy

Thank you for the info

hi all!  I am one of the newbies she is talking about and I have had a few successful trades so far.  But I too was not sure what to send or how to send my stuff. But after many helpful comments.  I think I can...I think I can... 

If anyone that I am trading with has suggestions for me... Please let me know I just wanna do it right.  Thanks to all that have traded with me thus far.  I have lots of seedlings coming up right now.  Sooo Excited...  Spring has finally sprung here in Indiana.  yea!!!  Take Care  Becki

snapdragon's picture

Thank you!

This really helps a newbie like me - now I know what everyone is talking about when they say SASBE...  I knew what a SASE was, but the "B" threw me off...  lol! 

- Snapdragon -

 

There is beauty all around when there's love at home.

- Snapdragon -

 

There is beauty all around when there's love at home.

disgett's picture

Connie we have so many new

Connie we have so many new memebers, that was a much needed and informative post.  Thanks

Dale, Photo Manager & Good Will Ambassador

Dale, Photo Team Leader & Good Will Ambassador

PENNY2638's picture

Information

This is great information for everyone to learn. Thanks for sharing and reminding us.

http://www.gardenhere.com/content/Penny2638s-Trade-List

skbeal's picture

Just a reminder!

I just wanted to remind people that effective May 12, postage rates for a regular first class stamp will go up to $.42 . A reminder has been placed on the GH calendar. You can check it out here: New Postal Rates

Susan, the Texas Yankee, the Texas Rangerette and the Assistant Administrator

SKBeal's Snazzy Tra