I am starting this thread so that all the tips from the hostesses can go here in one place.  Maybe the past hostesses could copy and paste their tips from their experience.

I think that Lisa had said that she had set up folders for each swapper.  I am thinking maybe hanging folders.  She did 50 though, so maybe not.  That information is on here somewhere.

Someone asked for this, so here it is.  Not that I have been a hostess, just helping with the process.  

Since we are starting a new thread, I'll remention this tip here.  The hostesses can order the FRB or envelopes and have them delivered to their homes ahead of time.

Our swappers are becoming much more creative and thoughtful.

1) Unfortunaltey that means that cards are getting thicker and the envelopes are bigger.  Sadly, the cards will not fit in a flat rate envelope or box.

I will need to mail back the cards in priorty boxes so please be prepared for the extra expense it will cost you as hostess.

(I know one other hostess also talked about this)

When you make the guidelines-be VERY exact about size.

2) Give yourself alot of extra time around the deadline. It doesn't take long to distribute the cards but it takes time (several days) after the deadline to get all the cards to your address.

 These are just some fresh thoughts for future hostesses.

diggerdeb:

Our swappers are becoming much more creative and thoughtful.

I will need to mail back the cards in priorty boxes so please be prepared for the extra expense it will cost you as hostess.

(I know one other hostess also talked about this)

When you make the guidelines-be VERY exact about size.

Deb.......and future card hostesses........

You SHOULD NOT have to incur the extra expenses as a hostess.    My box to you cost me more to send........and I enclosed the extra to you.   You should ask everyone to send you the extra $$.....it'll only cost them the price of a stamp to send you the difference.   You will be out alot of money if you multiply the cost times 25 swappers.  

I agree that we should keep it basic too........otherwise swappers will think twice about enclosing $10 or more for the envelopes to be returned to them.......$5 to me is reasonable.......

I hope the other swapper who participated will want to help you with the extra fee in mailing back the packages.....the hostess is doing enough coordinating this.......and doesn't need to have to put out extra money to get the packages back.

Hope I didn't step on any toes......just think it is the right thing to do

Love peace and blessings...........Anne Marie

Deb,

  Anne Marie is absolutely right. You shouldn't have to pay the extra amount to get our cards back to us.  I think we all like to enclose extra little things in our cards, and while we may be able to fit all of our own in an FRE, the cumulative effect of the swapped cards takes a lot more space. I think you should let us know what the difference is between the FRE that we provided postage for and the FRB cost you are paying so we can each mail you the difference--especially when you were so nice to include early bird specials and extra cards. E-mail me if you have any hesitation about this--ok?? Thanks!!

OH! I am so embarrassed

Another lesson learned: NEVER email when things are "fresh".

Forgive me- I am willing to send back all the cards just the way they are. Please DO NOT send me any extra money. Some cards were able to go back Flat Rate. (But not most)

I made it part of my monthly soldier budget. Don't worry it will be OK. I really want to say thank you for your thoughtfulness.

BUT... let's be careful for future hostesses