How come we don’t do that Christmas thing anymore?

JimTyler

Been quite a few years now unless I’ve been missing them. I barely remember the rules. We sign up then we send a surprise coin/ paper money to the name we get. Certain value range so it stays fair. Someone better than me remembers how it works but I remember it was fun.

LukeMarshall

I found this from 2009 but it has a central giveaway arbiter (who hasn't logged in in 10+ years )

@Boom said

For those wanting to know how swaps work, here is my standard answer - posted so all may see that this is how it is, for everyone!

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Hi,
The swaps are actually very simple. A swap is all about communication, agreement and fairness.

Once swap partners are paired they should communicate. Whether the pair agrees to a $50-$100 "surprise swap" or a definite monetary and a mutually agreed upon pricing basis (sheet or Trends or PCGS Price Guide - whatever is agreeable -) packages are then put together and shipped using a minimum of Delivery Confirmation. Those numbers (DC#) need to be posted to the thread so that there can be no doubt about actual shipping status.

Once coins are received both parties need to communicate again to check that both are really happy/ satisfied with what was sent/ received. If "off" by any substantial amount the party shorted (if applicable) needs to be made whole. As such what I am saying IS, No one is free to "do" anything with what is received till BOTH parties agree and publicly declare that their swap has been agreeable and consumated.

The last thing anyone wants is another person's rejects. Also, no one wants to be shorted. I have this personal thing about "if or when in doubt - add a piece or 2". Contrary to fears - it won't kill anyone to GIVE a little - ya know!?

That's about it but for the record - all entrants are accountable to me as coordinator. By this I mean that as such it falls on my shoulders to screen and protect swappers from "hit & run" nobodies that show up out of Nowhere, take part, get coins and then disappear - making off with coins and NOT sending out.

I take this EXTREMELY SERIOUSLY. Everyone therefore must send me their verifiable contact info:
Name (and ebay ID if applicable)
Home address & phone # (cell # too if they have one)
email address.
Numismatic likes & dislikes (helps w pairings)
This is to be PM'd to me AND, if I ask, also sent to me via the email address provided. (Rather obvious reason, eh?)
I also need phone numbers because there is a real good chance that I will call personally to get to know all swappers on a first Name, personal level.

That's really about all there is other than providing references freely (fellow board members that you've dealt with, if asked)! See, as stated - it's MY responsibility to ensure all goes well for everyone. I print out the info on everyone and keep all in my swap file. This remains in my posession and is NOT made public unless the "un-thinkable" happens.

The last extreme stipulation, if I have just reason for concern, IS that I have a virtual "unknown" that wants to take part, to send me a coin or # of coins to be held as Escrow (Insurance that there IS no Hit &Run) .... returnable once said swapper proves him or her self. Such coins are kept labeled in my personal lock box and I am responsible for them. THIS HAPPENS VERY RARELY but I need to point it out because this is a tightly-knit group ... and IF someone approaches me with verifiable concern of someone's Integrity and I have justifiable concern I WILL ask for "Escrow coins" as collateral.

Rest assured, I am easy going and extremely fair BUT I take my responsibilty for the group's safety very seriously. I give everyone every benefit of the doubt. If a person proves to be an undesirable or unethical person, I then do (as a last resort) whatever it is I MUST DO! To date, this has only happened Once.

That's about all there is to it. Just provide me with the requested yet Mandatory contact & Numismatic info & we go from there. Any questions, just ask as I treat everyone the same.

It's all about fun, fair-play & communication - all based on a person's Word/ Integrity.

Glad to have you aboard. Please take your time but send me a concise but thorough personal profile.

It's really not difficult at all. Rather - it's basically about common sense, fair play & communication!

LukeMarshall

I would participate in a simplified version something like

Say
12 people sign up,
Jim puts all 12 peoples names in a hat and picks pairs.
pairs are posted and members exchange contact info
(if you are soothy and savvy, you can research the members posts to get a feel of what they like)
participants send one another numismatic related items
Merry Christmas

In the even the postal service looses mail, be prepared to send a consolation gift

Whos in?

JimTyler

I’m in but you run it. $50 /$100 too big a spread. Should be $25 spread and no junk this is not the opportunity to dump crap you can’t get rid of, no piles of stuff. Something you should be proud to give or get.