Secret Santa 2014 input wanted

[tulosai]

While I obviously do not expect you to change this now, I wanted to voice for consideration for the future that I think the turnaround time for international swap buddies is ROUGH, and is what makes me want to avoid saying I can take an international santee. Those people are going to have barely 2 weeks to stalk, shop and ship and I personally think that's not long enough.  Some indies take 2 weeks to even ship the package out to you and even with bigger and better known companies it is common that it would take at least 1 week to get something. It is even more frustrating if someone is 'late' posting their wants list in that case you'd basically have to guess just to get stuff on time.

I am not meaning to sound critical and I understand why December 1 has to be the ship date to make sure people get it by Christmas, but I think a 2 week window is really, REALLY tight.  I personally would favor a 2 week sign up window so there would be 3 weeks minimum to shop.

Again, this is not meant to sound overly complaining and I do not expect you to change anything for this year, but I feel this is a serious concern that I need to voice.

 

[zadidoll]

Unfortunately this rule is this is based on the shipping deadlines set by UPS and the post office. I did just modify the rule for that to this:
 
Gifts must be sent out no later than December 1 for international exchanges and December 15 for domestic.
Note: This will give you up to a three week window to shop and ship. For those participating in an international exchange please refer to the USPS or UPS site for details on when the deadline for shipping international happens to be.

• Navy holiday mailing dates
• UPS holiday mailing dates
• USPS holiday mailing dates
• Endicia holiday mailing dates

Some of the international deadlines is actually December 3 with others up to December 10. I understand that it's harder to stalk and shop for someone with a shorter time frame however it is possible just more difficult.

 

[tacehtpuekam]

Would it be possible to add time at the beginning of the window though? Have sign ups for only two weeks instead of three? Then the International Santas have three weeks to stalk/shop/ship. 

ETA: @@zadidoll /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> 

 

[zadidoll]

You mean close the window on November 8 instead of the 15? I'm open to that but want to hear from the majority.

 

[tulosai]

Would it be possible to add time at the beginning of the window though? Have sign ups for only two weeks instead of three? Then the International Santas have three weeks to stalk/shop/ship. 

ETA: @@zadidoll /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

This is essentially my suggestion/question too.  It is only my opinion, but I personally don't see any great advantage to having signups be 3 weeks rather than 2... if anything, I think the vast majority of people sign up in the first few days, and then people do stream in but much more slowly.  Some people delay signing up till the end of the sign up window to see what their finances shape up to be, but I think those delays would be in the same amount in a 2 week window as in a 3 week window, and that about the same percentage would ultimately sign up.

I know I'm only one person but I honestly don't recall anyone advocating that sign up window be longer, whereas I do remember some people even advocating a shorter one.

ETA: I just say your most recent post, Zadi, and I did want to say too that I  100% do think/agree that majority should rule on this issue. If many people do want a 3 week sign up window so be it.

 

[tacehtpuekam]

You mean close the window on November 8 instead of the 15? I'm open to that but want to hear from the majority.

Of course! Honestly it doesn't even really affect me since I'm not planning on shipping internationally, but just throwing it out there as a suggestion for anyone who is. /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> 

 

[Jwls750]

I would COMPLETELY rather have a  2 week window, and more time to shop. Is saying 2 weeks to sign up is too long a stretch?? Call me crazy, but who needs 2 weeks to sign up? Most people probably sign up the 1st week anyway right? (Maybe I'm crazy and totally wrong /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />) 2 weeks is good!

Also, even for people who do domestic (like me) having more time to shop is always good /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

 

[Lolo22]

Would it be possible to add time at the beginning of the window though? Have sign ups for only two weeks instead of three? Then the International Santas have three weeks to stalk/shop/ship. 

ETA: @@zadidoll /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

I agree, less time for sign ups.  I also like the new rules and think they are a good compromise to different issues raised here.

 

[zadidoll]

VOTE NOW!

https://www.makeuptalk.com/f/topic/134500-vital-do-i-close-the-sign-up-window-early-or-leave-as-is/​

 

[meaganola]

I vote for shorter signup and longer shopping windows! My intent is to go full indie, and TAT can BLOW UP LIKE WHOA during this time of year.

 

[tacehtpuekam]

@@JC327 What are your thoughts on this? /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> 

 

[onelilspark]

I have a question about the $25 value.  This will be my first Secret Santa and I just want to make sure I understand everything right!

From my stalking of previous years, it seems like the dollar amount to spend has always been around $25, but that a lot of people have included more than that (I know it's not necessary, but that people have.)  Is the value at $25 so that the gifts are more consistent?  Or is it still pretty much the same in that if we choose to, we can include more, but just don't expect anything more than a value of $25?  

I have points and samples that I'm hoarding...so I just want to make sure I'm on the same page!

ETA: One more question - what does it typically cost to ship internationally?

 

[zadidoll]

I have a question about the $25 value.  This will be my first Secret Santa and I just want to make sure I understand everything right!

From my stalking of previous years, it seems like the dollar amount to spend has always been around $25, but that a lot of people have included more than that (I know it's not necessary, but that people have.)  Is the value at $25 so that the gifts are more consistent?  Or is it still pretty much the same in that if we choose to, we can include more, but just don't expect anything more than a value of $25?  

I have points and samples that I'm hoarding...so I just want to make sure I'm on the same page!

ETA: One more question - what does it typically cost to ship internationally?

People tend to go above the $25 limit and that's fine. Many people use points, freebies they get from purchases or from their personal stash of unused items from various subscription groups. People also do a lot of swapping to get what they want for their giftee. So long as the items are new, unused and never opened. I love shopping Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales because you typically can walk away with hundreds of dollars worth of product for under $30.

Cost to ship internationally varies depending on the weight of the package and the location. Last time I sent a small gift via priority to the middle east it was $25.

 

[tacehtpuekam]

I have a question about the $25 value.  This will be my first Secret Santa and I just want to make sure I understand everything right!

From my stalking of previous years, it seems like the dollar amount to spend has always been around $25, but that a lot of people have included more than that (I know it's not necessary, but that people have.)  Is the value at $25 so that the gifts are more consistent?  Or is it still pretty much the same in that if we choose to, we can include more, but just don't expect anything more than a value of $25?  

I have points and samples that I'm hoarding...so I just want to make sure I'm on the same page!

ETA: One more question - what does it typically cost to ship internationally?

I usually try (and fail) to stay pretty close to the $25 limit as far as actual purchases go, but then I also include items from my own stash, from trades, or purchased with Birchbox points. Plus there are always such great sales around Christmas! /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> 

 

[latinafeminista]

I just voted for shorter signups because I definitely think we need more time for shopping!

 

[latinafeminista]

I have a question about the $25 value.  This will be my first Secret Santa and I just want to make sure I understand everything right!

From my stalking of previous years, it seems like the dollar amount to spend has always been around $25, but that a lot of people have included more than that (I know it's not necessary, but that people have.)  Is the value at $25 so that the gifts are more consistent?  Or is it still pretty much the same in that if we choose to, we can include more, but just don't expect anything more than a value of $25?  

I have points and samples that I'm hoarding...so I just want to make sure I'm on the same page!

ETA: One more question - what does it typically cost to ship internationally?

I think it's your latter option for sure 

 

[onelilspark]

People tend to go above the $25 limit and that's fine. Many people use points, freebies they get from purchases or from their personal stash of unused items from various subscription groups. People also do a lot of swapping to get what they want for their giftee. So long as the items are new, unused and never opened. I love shopping Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales because you typically can walk away with hundreds of dollars worth of product for under $30.

Cost to ship internationally varies depending on the weight of the package and the location. Last time I sent a small gift via priority to the middle east it was $25.

I usually try (and fail) to stay pretty close to the $25 limit as far as actual purchases go, but then I also include items from my own stash, from trades, or purchased with Birchbox points. Plus there are always such great sales around Christmas! /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

I think it's your latter option for sure 

Thanks ladies!  That was my understanding prior to reading the rules, so I'm glad it's still that way - I have been crazy about hoarding my Ulta points the past few months!  

I quoted something for work today (that was a lot heavier than this should be) going international and it was $300...so I wanted to make sure I wouldn't sign myself up for something too crazy.

 

[DonnaD]

Just request no international delivery when you sign up.  I, personally, always stay within the USA because even shipping to Canada has exorbitant shipping fees...you'd never guess is freakin' attached to us!  You don't have to accept an international secret santee.  I believe it's asked of you in the sign up questionnaire.

 .

 

[tacehtpuekam]

Just request no international delivery when you sign up.  I, personally, always stay within the USA because even shipping to Canada has exorbitant shipping fees...you'd never guess is freakin' attached to us!  You don't have to accept an international secret santee.  I believe it's asked of you in the sign up questionnaire.

 .

Correct, you can request a santee within the same country. 

I'm assuming most of the ladies who aren't in the US will need to ship internationally though, so we're looking at the timeline for their sake. 

 

[tulosai]

I would say also that while shipping is very expensive international the potential payoff can also be great if you are very interested in trying international cosmetics.  In Europe, and all other continents, there are many things available that are not available here and vice versa.  If you get a good buddy it can add a really really fun dimension to the whole thing.