Bar Coaster as a Postcard!

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Swap Coordinator:	saellys (contact)
Swap categories:	Paper Goods Postcards Ephemera
Number of people in swap:	11
Location:	Regional - USA
Type:	Type 2: Flat mail
Rating requirement:	4.80 (unrated swappers allowed)
Last day to signup/drop:	March 16, 2012
Date items must be sent by:	March 24, 2012
Number of swap partners:	1
Description:
Got some extra cardstock bar coasters? Send one as a postcard! Yes, it can be done! For this swap you'll send one coaster to one partner, naked with a short greeting on the back (and of course your username and swap name). This, of course, means that if the coaster is printed on both sides, you'll need to cover one side before you write on it. White-out, gouache, acrylic paint, and white sticker paper all work fine. Coasters can be bar-specific or beverage-specific, and don't necessarily need to advertise beer or liquor. This is sender's choice, but please don't send a boring plain coaster. Look for designs that you'd like to receive. They don't have to be round or square, either--I'm sending one that's in the shape of an arrow! Due to the odd shapes and small sizes of most coasters, plan to affix $0.65 in postage and keep your mailperson happy. This is a USA-only swap since we're working with limited space for stamps. If you're in another region and want to host a copy of this swap, feel free! Minimum rating of 4.8; newbies are allowed as long as your profile is thorough. I will angel if necessary, but don't join if you can't fulfill your side of the swap. This is a simple little swap and I don't anticipate any issues. Now go get those coasters!

Discussion

PukeFacedFreak 02/24/2012 #

Oh this is interesting. So, what side is the address and stamp going on? I've never joined a postcard swap before, but this is to be send as is, not in an envelope, right?

saellys 02/24/2012 #

You can choose which side the address and stamp goes on. If you like the design on one side, leave that one uncovered and put them on the other; if the design is the same on both sides, they can go on either. The one I'm sending, for instance, has the beer bottle's label design on one side and a description on the other, so I'm whiting out the description and writing on that side. Yup, these are going to be sent naked!

hippofairy 02/24/2012 #

FYI:

Postcard Dimension Minimum Maximum Height 3-1/2 inches 4-1/4 inches Length 5 inches 6 inches Thickness 0.007 inch 0.016 inch

Any item smaller than the minimum dimensions is not mailable. For postcards, length is the dimension parallel to the address. Postcards must be rectangular and be made of unfolded and uncreased paper or card stock.

hippofairy 02/24/2012 #

sorry, the comment didn't format properly.

just wanted to let you know that the minimum height and length is 3.5 x 5 inches. don't know of any coasters that big, but you take your chances sending anything smaller. don't want any swaps to get lost in transit!

saellys 02/24/2012 #

Oh dear, I didn't realize that was the case. I've seen coasters sent and received by my friends without any problems. Anyone else done this before? If not I'll revise the swap and we'll send them in envies.

savannahjan 02/24/2012 #

On a related note, there are actually bar coasters that ARE postcards. I've sent quite a few out. :D

camelsamba 02/24/2012 #

I believe those requirements are if you want to use postcard rate postage. You can send things that don't meet the criteria, but you have to send as first class (45c instead of 32c) and probably add the "non machinable" surcharge (another 20c).

JHope 02/24/2012 #

I think it depends on where you live because I have sent and received postcards a lot smaller than normal and it didn't cost any more than usual.

This is a cool idea though, I'll think about joining :D

saellys 02/25/2012 #

Here are the details: http://pe.usps.com/businessmail101/mailcharacteristics/cards.htm

Just to be safe, I would stick a $0.65 stamp on there. Sorry for the extra postage, folks!

daniecex 03/13/2012 #

I actually went to a bar the other night that had coasters that are actually postcards.. On the back of the coaster, it has a plaace designated for a stamp, and the line separating where you write your message & where you write the address.. Pretty cool, if you ask me. I grabbed a few, so Im definitely looking forward to this swap! (:

audreydoll 03/16/2012 #

I thought I was the only one who collected these things, well I guess I can part with teo for two different ones LOL

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