I Heart Valentine's Day Trade and Replace!

and the tribe has spoken AGAIN! we're up for another trade and replace for our Valentine's Day event! (the scavenger hunt came in a close second, so for spring we'll plan one of those!)

anyways, there have been some suggestions to make this TnR a little different - which i am TOTALLY psyched about! the details are as follows:

- the event will start Valentine's Day and run for a week
- instead of bumping people off the list, shops will be able to trade onto the list and STAY! by the end of the week, the list will be HUGE! but this also will bring more traffic to everyone's shops, and increase the choices for everyone!
- there will be a focus on destashing as well - as they say, one trader's junk is another trader's treasure! so go through your stuff and take photos! we just might end up having an ongoing destash trading thread after this is over!
- we can use the shops that were on the list when we ended the last Trade and Replace. i will convo those shops and make sure that they are okay with that.

how does that sound? any ideas can be discussed on the chat thread here: http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6024071 or shoot me a convo!!!!! and don't forget to reread the trading rules!

oh, i LOVE valentine's day!!!!!!!!

p.s. with help from pennyspug, the list of active shops has been purged again. and our new members have been added to all the lists (i hope!) the list on etsy will be updated within a few days once the team gals have gotten around to my email, so don't worry. if i missed you, please convo me and let me know!

p.p.s. fyi - membership will NOT open during this event. it took me this long to get caught up! :)

Post Holiday Trade and Replace Thread Link

it's what we've all been waiting for!

http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6013217

xoxoox muffin

p.s. watch this space for details about our Valentine's Day Design Challenge! if you have ideas, or want to donate a prize, convo me via etsy and let me know!

And The Start List Is...

Okay, i really couldn't find an appropriate picture to go with this blog post, but i am sure that it doesn't really matter! here is the OFFICIAL start list for the Trade and Replace this Sunday!!!!

** NOTE: you cannot set up a trade ahead of time! LOL! you're going to have to waiiittttttt...

http://NativeBeads.etsy.com
http://MakingsByMary.etsy.com
http://AlternativeOrchids.etsy.com
http://SparkleGarden.etsy.com
http://SalsaGal.etsy.com
http://maplestreetcreations.etsy.com
http://PhotographyByNicole.etsy.com
http://recupefashion.etsy.com
http://themuddymoose.etsy.com
http://geckojewelry.etsy.com

scroll down for the post on Trade and Replace/Trading rules... and get ready for some FUN!

xoxoxo muffin

Membership Opening Soon!!!!!

Okay - so we all know that the TRADE and REPLACE is coming up really really soon! and i know that we're all so psyched!!!!

just wanted to write a quick note for people that want to become new members of the team, since i've gotten quite a few convos in the past few days about this!

this is what we need from you:

- your shop address/URL (i.e. http://youretsyshop.etsy.com )

- your current email address - we have a mailing list that we use to communicate about events and team stuff.

- you must also have no less than 99% positive feedback for your shop

- your shop has to have items in it!

this is what you get for being a member:

- listing on the super long, super awesome trade list - find it here: http://etsytraders.blogspot.com

- listing of your shop and your blog (if you have one) on the blog here

- inclusion in all of our team events

- being part of one of the most awesome teams on ETSY!

all we ask is that you participate in most of our events. the reason why membership is not open all the time is that we get convos from tons of stores and we update everything... and then never hear from those shops again. it's a lot of work and not fair to the rest of the team. we're also happy to hear ideas about events and challenges and other things we can do as a team - especially around trading!

so i hope this helps explain the membership "process" a little! and don't forget the trade and replace event coming up on the 25th!

xoxox muffin

Itty Bitty Trading Cheat Sheet!

Just because we've had so many people inquire about trading, i'm posting this for quick reference - and everyone could use a refresher, right? :)

For our wonderful newbies, these are the rules for a "TnR" - and usually trading in general:
1. Make sure that items that you are willing to trade (and you don't have to trade your whole shop) are tagged with "TEAM TRADE ON". That way, people can search your shop for your tradeable items. If you are looking to trade for specific items, please put it in your shop announcement so that everyone can see. For people on the list, I will also put it next to your shop name so that people know what you're looking for, so please let me know. (i.e. I don't necessarily need jewelry or artwork, but I'd love to trade for baby stuff, bath and body, and clothing. So i'll put that in my announcement.)

2. The Trade and Replace thread will be posted in "PROMOTIONS" - to help promote the event and our team! Even if you're not trading, feel free to keep the thread bumped. you can also use it to showcase new items in your shop!

3. If there is someone on the list that you'd like to trade with, please convo them and approach them for the trade. Please negotiate fairly, and that includes making sure no one gets stiffed on shipping! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do not be offended if the person you approach to trade says no. (I know that there are some things that I just can't use right now - it doesn't mean that your stuff isn't amazing!)

4. Once the trade is a done deal, then the both of you post what you got on the thread. If i'm not around, the person who gets bumped OFF the list can update the list on the thread.

5. If there is something you cannot live without, you CAN purchase from someone on the list - and you will bump them off. Trading for money is okay too, LOL!

6. If the both the trader and the tradee are on the current list, then you both stay on the list.

7. You don't have to be on the list to trade - but you won't be put on the list unless you trade with someone on the list. (does that even make sense? LOL)

8. It is expected that you check your convos and the thread at least once a day during the event. With a Trade and Replace, the pace is a little slower because of the negotiation process, but it's not fair if you are on the list and you go away for a few days. People will most likely be sending you trade requests that you will not be answering, which will hold up the whole process. If you can't check in once a day while you're on the list, then please let me know and I'll replace you with someone.

9. It is suggested that if you are convoed by two or more people for a trade, the first person who convoed you (and is successful trading with you) will be the one to bump you off the list. Feel free to trade with the other people who convoed you, but it's only fair that the first one bumps you off the list.

10. I hope that there aren't any trade disputes during our event! However, if any one has any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me to help you work it out. We haven't had any huge brawls here yet, because we all are trading in good faith.

11. Trades are EQUAL. That means that you are trading for an equal value from each other's shops, INCLUDING shipping. So, say I have a $20 necklace that you'd like, with $3 shipping - then I have $23 to spend in your store, including the shipping. If you're out $1 or so, you can agree to let it go - but usually if the difference is $5 or more, I'd send it via paypal.

12. This part is going to suck but I'll have to say it. If it comes to light that you haven't traded in good faith, then your participation in other events, and your membership, will be in jeopardy. Trading is a way to benefit us ALL, and one person can ruin it for everyone. SO PLEASE TRADE FAIR! Also, we do not condone fee avoidance - it is definitely up to you to decide whether or not to change your prices for this event, but we would encourage everyone to play by the etsy rules as well. Changing your prices to 20 cents IS fee avoidance. It is NOT fair if someone is paying more etsy fees - plus karma will get you in the end.

Does that all make sense? if not, let me know and i'll try to clarify... or post on the chat thread and we'll help you out!

i can't wait till the trade and replace!!!! YAY!!!!

xoxo muffin

POST HOLIDAY HANGOVER TRADE & REPLACE! are you game?

the holidays are finally over... but 2009's trading is just beginning! and to kick it off, we're having the post holiday hangover Trade and Replace event the last week of January! if you want to be on the start list, convo me via etsy and i'll set you up!

that means that we'll begin early on the morning of Sunday, January 25th, 2009, and end at midnight, Saturday, January 31st, 2009. it would break up the long winter, wouldn't it? hopefully everyone will pop in! membership also will open up again for the duration of the TnR... so if any lurkers want in, now is the time! we actually have a couple of newbies who will be making their debut on this TnR, so let's make them feel welcome!

so, don't forget to review the rules of the Trade and Replace here on the blog, and tag your tradeable items with the tag "Team Trade On".

by the way, if you also want off the trading list(s) or want to retire your membership - let me know and i can fix that up too. :)

i will post the location of the thread here on the blog and on the tradeaholics' chat thread so that everyone can find us easily!

READY, SET, TRADE ON!!!!!!!

xoxox muffin

Post Holiday Hangover Trade and Replace!

hey peeps!!!!!

anticipating the inevitable post-holiday hangover/letdown/blues/what have you, i thought we could be preventative by having another Trade and Replace to help counteract the symptoms!

i've posted a poll on the sidebar as to dates in January that we could have the next TnR... please vote!!!

i also hope that most of you who participated in our lovely Secret Santa/Hannukah Harry event have received your presents... if not, please let me know via convo and i'll try to help!

happy holidays to you guys - LOVE YA!

xoxoxoox

Itsy Bitsy Fast and Furious Trade and Replace!

Anyone interested in an itsy bitsy fast and furious trade and replace this weekend? i'm taking the first seven shops that convo me and we'll go from Friday night to Sunday night!!!!!!!

Whaddya think???? (i already have one taker!)

xoxo muffin

p.s. (don't post your intentions here because i won't be checking them as much as my convos!)

FALL'S TRADE AND REPLACE STARTS THIS SATURDAY!!!!!!

Hi all!!! We've been working on updating all the lists and all the blogs and I can finally see the light! Thanks to everyone for being so patient with me and Ak while we do this! In celebration, we're kicking off our Fall TRADE AND REPLACE event this Saturday, October 4th, 2008! This one is going to go for TWO whole weeks, so be READY!!!!!

For our wonderful newbies, these are the rules for a "TnR":

1. Make sure that items that you are willing to trade (and you don't have to trade your whole shop) are tagged with "TEAM TRADE ON". That way, people can search your shop for your tradeable items. If you are looking to trade for specific items, please put it in your shop announcement so that everyone can see. For people on the list, I will also put it next to your shop name so that people know what you're looking for, so please let me know. (i.e. I don't necessarily need jewelry or artwork, but I'd love to trade for baby stuff, bath and body, and clothing. So i'll put that in my announcement.)

2. The Trade and Replace thread will be posted in "PROMOTIONS" - to help promote the event and our team! The first list this time will be made up of 15 of our newbies! (thank you to the volunteers!)

3. If there is someone on the list that you'd like to trade with, please convo them and approach them for the trade. Please negotiate fairly, and that includes making sure no one gets stiffed on shipping! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do not be offended if the person you approach to trade says no. (I know that there are some things that I just can't use right now - it doesn't mean that your stuff isn't amazing!)

4. Once the trade is a done deal, then the both of you post what you got on the thread. If I, AkHotDoggies, IndulgentCreations or CreationsbyChristina are not around, the person who gets bumped OFF the list can update the list on the thread.

5. If there is something you cannot live without, you CAN purchase from someone on the list - and you will bump them off. Trading for money is okay too, LOL!

6. If the both the trader and the tradee are on the current list, then you both stay on the list.

7. You don't have to be on the list to trade - but you won't be put on the list unless you trade with someone on the list. (does that even make sense? LOL)

8. It is expected that you check your convos and the thread at least once a day during the event. With a Trade and Replace, the pace is a little slower because of the negotiation process, but it's not fair if you are on the list and you go away for a few days. People will most likely be sending you trade requests that you will not be answering, which will hold up the whole process. If you can't check in once a day while you're on the list, then please let me know and I'll replace you with someone.

9. It is suggested that if you are convoed by two or more people for a trade, the first person who convoed you (and is successful trading with you) will be the one to bump you off the list. Feel free to trade with the other people who convoed you, but it's only fair that the first one bumps you off the list.

10. I hope that there aren't any trade disputes during our event! However, if any one has any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me, IndulgentCreations and CreationsByChristina and we will try to help you work it out. We haven't had any huge brawls here yet, because we all are trading in good faith.

11. This part is going to suck but I'll have to say it. If it comes to light that you haven't traded in good faith, then your participation in other events, and your membership, will be in jeopardy. Trading is a way to benefit us ALL, and one person can ruin it for everyone. SO PLEASE TRADE FAIR! Also, we do not condone fee avoidance - it is definitely up to you to decide whether or not to change your prices for this event, but we would encourage everyone to play by the etsy rules as well.

So, over the next couple of days, think about what you need and tag your items! I will email everyone the thread, post it on the weekly thread, and post it here on the blog.

The list is as follows (in the order that people commented on the blog)

http://vidia2be.etsy.com/

http://pattibear.etsy.com/

http://feltuptees.etsy.com/

http://healingstones.etsy.com/

http://plumstars.etsy.com/

http://monasmane.etsy.com/

http://ciaohound.etsy.com/

http://sidheforest.etsy.com/

http://kimsmissprissy.etsy.com/

http://mrsalib.etsy.com/

http://sweetside.etsy.com/

http://luckyrosiescreations.etsy.com/

http://stacirose.etsy.com/

http://blingismything.etsy.com/

http://passthelasso.etsy.com/

http://wheezies.etsy.com/

http://dreamersweb.etsy.com/

http://designsbygalina.etsy.com/

http://tmrey.etsy.com/

http://covetables.etsy.com/

Any questions? Everyone ready? START YOUR BROWSING!!!!!!!

xoox muffin

FINAL List Updating... and Trade and Replace details!

okay. so Ak and i have received tons of membership requests and confirmations... so i will be updating our blog lists and our mailing list and hopefully we'll be good to go!!! indulgentcreations has cleaned up the huge trade list too, so it looks like our housekeeping is almost over!! thanks to everyone for being so patient!!!

so... to kick this all off, we'd LOVE to have a HUGE 2 week long trade and replace event!!! we'd like this list to be made up of some of our newbies who are willing to show themselves and their shops off! if you don't know what a trade and replace is, read this:

"Trade & Replace - exactly like a Buy & Replace - except no money exchanges hands. There will be 10 - 15 names on the list, and people who want to "trade in" will have to negotiate with whomever they want to bump off for a trade... of course, if you want to BUY in, how can we say no? Remember, NO money changes hands, you negotiate a fair trade including your shipping."

I hope that makes sense!

So newbies - if you'd like to be one of the shops to kick us off, add a comment HERE with your shop name! I'll be taking the first 15!!!

And everyone else - don't forget to label your items for trade with our tag, "TEAM TRADE ON"!

Ready, set, TRADE ON!!!!

xoxooxox muffin

We LOVE Trading!!!!! Plus, the "Studio Tour" and Cleaning House!

Okay, i've finally recovered from the Trade And Replace!!!! and what a fantastic time we all had! the trading was fast and furious, the goods were fabulous, and the conversations, as always, were fantastic!

i personally had about 10 trades as a result... how many did YOU do! i love everything that i've gotten so far - you gals are sooo talented!!!!!

here are some of the highlights:

"trade ho"!!!! (take a look at threeofwands' trade ho bracelet in the picture above!)

all of our wonderful new newbies!!!!!! YAY!!!

brownies, marshmallows and fudge

the trading buzz

not sleeping because of the trade addiction

there are actually too many good memories to post here.... :)

thanks again to everyone who participated - and i can't WAIT for the next one!

as most of you know, Ak and i will be "cleaning house" this month in regards to whittling down our membership list. we have quite a few people who aren't very active with the team, so we'd like to take a roll call of people who would like to remain members... but you have to promise to be active in our events! LOL! seriously though, how can you help but trade? LOLLLLLLL!!!

we also talked about doing a "studio tour" of members' workspaces here on the blog, so stay tuned for details! i think that we'll feature two members' spaces here on the team blog, each week or two, so get thinking about what you'd like to say and take some pictures of your space! (even if it's just a TV tray in front of the couch!) you can also feature your space simultaneously on your own blog!

anyway, now i'm babbling... thanks again everyone for EVERYTHING! see you all soon!

xoxoxoox muffin

July's Trade and Replace!!!! THE LIST!

guys and gals.... tomorrow's the BIG day!!!!

i haven't heard from anyone yet on the starting list that they can't be part of the game this time... so here it is!

http://julibeeKitsch.etsy.com
http://EchoesOfStars.etsy.com/
http://GreyBrocket.etsy.com/
http://indulgentcreations.etsy.com
http://KaleidoscopeStyle.etsy.com/
http://heychica.etsy.com/
http://snitterdog.etsy.com/ or http://thegreenefairy.etsy.com
http://snailpaw.etsy.com/
http://mimisjewels.etsy.com/
http://butterflydesign1.etsy.com or http://earringparadise.etsy.com
http://chendric.etsy.com/
http://GemsAndDolls.etsy.com
http://gloplace.etsy.com/

once again, review the blog for the "rules" of this TnR and get your shops ready! i'll be starting the thread about 6 am ETSY time, so please please please help me keep the thread up and the trading flowing!

READY, SET, TRADE ON!

xoxoxo muffin

Our Next TnR... and Happy Move, Ak!!!

Rumour has it that everyone's itching to get moving on the Trade and Replace!!! Hopefully everyone has gotten the email that Ak sent today! We are so looking forward to our Christmas in July... i know i'll be making my list over the next week!!!!

So grab your datebooks and mark down Saturday, July 19th, early morning ETSY time! That's when i'll start the thread, and post the link here! i'll be using the list that our last TnR ended with, so if you can't make it, please let me know and we'll replace you. you MUST be able to participate relatively actively, so please feel free to stay and chat and bump up the thread!

remember, you don't have to be a member to play in the TnR! i hope that you'll ALL be there!

i will post the list closer to the start of the TnR just so people can let me know if they'll be participating.

and while we're here... let's wish AkHotDoggies a wonderful move to her new home! we'll miss you while you're relocating... and can't WAIT for you to get back here to ETSY and your team!!!! safe travel and lots of love!!!


xoxoo muffin

Are You Guys Ready for CHRISTMAS IN JULY???

Gang, you know you're ready... it's going to be Christmas in July!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So watch your email and this blog for the date - it's coming up SOON!!!!!!!!!!!!!

June's Trade & Replace... Another SUCCESS!!!!

Thanks to all the team members who made this Trade and Replace another fabulous success!!!! I know that people have already started getting their packages in the mail, and you can feel the joy!!!!!

Here are some highlights:

snitterdog, courtneywatson, eastcoastkitsch, and both knits making their trade debuts
creationsbychristina cheering up gloplace
indulgentcreations cleaning everyone up with her marvelous soaps
flamingolady trying to convince everyone that flamingos CAN make good housepets
beckynot showing off her animal saving efforts
gems' gorgeously scented stuffies
chendric, ravyen, kaleidoscope, butterfly1, echoesofstars, mimi and muffin's jewelery
kristy's red barn bakery goodies and thisisit's fabulous journals
lorain's soy candles lighting up the place
rusticdiva and heychica bouncing in and off the list multiple times
salsagal's upcoming wedding
magymai711 and lapetite's vintage stuff

I know i've missed people... but everyone knows how wonderful they are... and how wicked our team is!!!!!!!!

We'll have another next month, and the theme is Christmas in July!!!! so get your holiday lists ready and you won't have to shop come December!!!!!!

Thanks again, gang, we love ya!!!!!!!!!!

xoxoxo Ak and Muffin

THE TnR THREAD!

ARE YOU READY?

http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5653891

ONLY A FEW HOURS LEFT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


xoxoxo Ak & muffin

June's Trade & Replace Lineup!!!

ARE YOU READY? THE TRADE & REPLACE STARTS THIS SATURDAY!!!!!!!!!

The line up is as follows:

http://rusticdivadesigns.etsy.com/

http://raevyn77.etsy.com/

http://snitterdog.etsy.com/

http://creationsbychristina.etsy.com/

http://thisisit.etsy.com/

http://eastcoastkitsch.etsy.com/

http://beckynot.etsy.com/

http://snailpaw.etsy.com/

http://mimisjewels.etsy.com/

http://negellatj.etsy.com/

http://gloplace.etsy.com/

Someone posted under the blogger id "Dee" - can you give me your etsy shop name so i can add it to the list? I can't access your blogger profile to see what your shop is!!!!!

Just in case one of these shops cannot fulfill it's TnR duties, indulgentcreations (http://indulgentcreations.etsy.com/) is the alternate shop!!!!

So, go ahead and browse these shops... who are you going to bump off first? Hee hee!

xoxoox Ak and Muffin

TRADE AND REPLACE - Celebrating the Return of SPRING!

Hey fellow trade-a-holics! It's time again for another trade and replace!!!!!

We're aiming for early June, so get your shop ready!

We are starting with a new list, so if you are interested, please post your comment here! if you have any questions, write AkHotDoggies (http://akhotdoggies.etsy.com/) or Muffin (http://muffintopdesigns.etsy.com/) by June 5th! We will then have the Trade and Replace the following weekend. We'd really like to see some of our new members come out and show off their talents!

WE WILL BE TAKING THE FIRST 12 MEMBERS WHO POST HERE!

If you need a refresher about how a Trade And Replace works, check this out - http://etsytradeaholics.blogspot.com/2008/03/newbie-traders-guide-volume-one.html

Are you ready? We are!

READY, SET, TRADE ON!!!!!!!!!

xoxoxo Ak and Muffin

(and don't forget to vote for our banner, if you haven't already!)

Another Successful Trade & Replace!!!!

Once again, the traders have indulged in their addiction!!! Trade, trade and more trading went on all week long! Not to mention the chats and the support amongst these super fine etsy shops!

Some of the more memorable moments...

- Raevyn's awesome treasury

- Christina and sunraven's 'tini avatars

- Indulgent's monkey farts

- distracting butercups from her car problems

- lucie39 trading till she was too pooped to post

- beadsidesmyself and chocolate milk

- Ak getting addicted to Pouncing team members

- kolton's one eyed monsters

- shaving our legs (again? WTF?)

- and of course, food - cinnamon rolls, biscotti, and the ubiquitous FUDGE!!!!

Stay tuned to help us plan for the next Trade & Replace! We'll have a "choose the date" poll up soon, so start posting your comments here if you want to be one of the 12 to start us off next time!!!!!

Thanks again to everyone who kept us going and to all who traded!!!! Whoot whoot!

Trade on!!!

xoxox Ak and muffin

HEY YA!!!!!!!!!! APRIL'S TRADE & REPLACE GAME!

hey all!!! today's the DAY!!!!!!!!!

come and join us over at the TRADE AND REPLACE GAME in the Promotions Forum!

the game runs from today till next Sunday at midnight!!!! the rules are the same... but you never know what you're gonna find!!!!

http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5576038

if you have any questions, please let Ak or Muffin know!

READY, SET, TRADE ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!