Has it ever been done before? Is it possible? I know they've done regular swap boxes, and custom swap boxes, and a nirvana swap box sounds like just as much fun, only way cooler! I have a couple extra nirvanas (argie CP lofty, brazil baby cuddles, italy applejack, peru starshine, etc.), and I love the idea of swap-boxing.

If I did do it, I would make *very* sure to only include well-known pony peeps with tons of good references on the arena. I also would limit it to 10 people, and only in the US for right now. I *might* consider doing it internationally, but everyone would have to agree to ship global priority (with a tracking number and insurance), and that could get pretty pricy.

As far as values go, I would insist that everyone make extra sure they are trading ponies fairly (and to ask here when in doubt), and I might consider imposing some sort of guidelines; such as the pony's value must be between $15-75; we don't want any italy peachy's, but we also don't want any super rare valuable ponies (this would just 'cause too much stress I think if something might happen).

...any thoughts?

That actually sounds really fun. The only hard part woul be getting a value locked down, and getting everyone to agree on it. Additionally, the price range would have to be shortened, as I would feel really bad to see someone who sent out a $75 nirvana get a $20 one.

I would love to be in there too, but like stormy mention the price needs to be change and maybe write a list of the ponies that could be allowed in the swap box and also what condition, considering this would be a pricier swap box than the regular one, and also because price fluctuation. The list would be helpful for other ememb.ers to make up their mind, that way, you know if you have a few ponies and if you don't have a few of them, also a wish list from every participant according to the list would be helpful

I think it's a good idea, but you would have to lay down a lot of groundrules, because of the value side of things. If there are a number of Nirvanas in the package, you'll want to make sure the package is always insured or at least registered. Also, the vast difference in values might cause problems, so you'll want to be careful with that.

Maybe to start with we could just do an Italy Swap...an I am not talking
about the collector pose ponies either
Most of those, except for Italy Peachy or Italy Lemon Drop are about the same value.

Shelti, that is a fantastic idea! Starting with a country would be awesome. Also, for the shipping, it would be best if all participants were required to ship the same method. The onl problem with that would be the overseas shipping. Unless the coordinator made certain that participants only recieved the names of others in their country or at least continent. The whole thing would be pretty complex.

Sorry this post is so long, but I wanted to respond to everyones concerns

Stormy31685 wrote:

...The only hard part woul be getting a value locked down, and getting everyone to agree on it. Additionally, the price range would have to be shortened, as I would feel really bad to see someone who sent out a $75 nirvana get a $20 one.

I agree that it would be difficult for everyone to be on the same page about pricing. I think it would be good to keep a running inventory list with the box at all times, like AJ did with her box. When she started it she put a list of what was in it when she sent it, and included a small notebook, so each person could put the date they received the box, and what they took out, and what they put in. With the nirvanas, it would be a good idea to include prices as well. That way, there would be little confusion as to the value of a pony in the swap box. And, if anyone questions the value of a pony in the swap box, or the value of the pony they want to put in the swap box, they could always post here (we could keep a running thread of nirvana price checks for the swap box; or post price checks in the running thread of the progress of the swap box). Also, since I will be only including well-known members of the nirvana community, and everyone will put their name and what they took out and what they put in, I would encourage everyone to take a look through the running log and see what swaps have already happened. That way, even if someone did mistakenly swap out a $60 pony for a $30 pony, the next person could catch it and contact the previous person to have them make up for the difference (they would be responsible for making up the difference in a nirvana pony, which they would have to send to the person currently holding the swap box). I know it sounds a bit complicated, but that's only if someone makes this mistake. And, hopefully, if everyone keeps up on their price checks here, that sort of mistake can be avoided pretty easily.

Lastly, I intend to make sure the box has *at least* 6 different ponies in it of varying values when it starts out. That way, if someone has only one or two ponies to trade out, of say, $60 in value each, they won't be forced to take 3 $20 value ponies, etc. And, although I think it could be allowed that someone trade one pony out for two ponies, or vice versa, as long as the value makes sense/adds up, I think it needs to be a rule that the box always have at least 5 ponies in it at all times; that way everyone has a fair chance of finding something of the appropriate value, and something that they might want.

rochi-901 wrote:

I would love to be in there too, but like stormy mention the price needs to be change and maybe write a list of the ponies that could be allowed in the swap box and also what condition, considering this would be a pricier swap box than the regular one, and also because price fluctuation. The list would be helpful for other ememb.ers to make up their mind, that way, you know if you have a few ponies and if you don't have a few of them, also a wish list from every participant according to the list would be helpful

I agree! I would like help from everyone to compile a list of what ponies and what conditions to exclude. I think it is neccessary that the value of the ponies be *at least* $15; because I don't think anyone wants any super common Italians, or even fairly common Italians in baity condition. I would only include my Italy applejack, for example, because she is VGC/NM. I would not want anyone to include a baity Italy Bowtie, or even a NM Italy Lemondrop. But, tell me, what ponies would you like to see excluded? I hesitate to say "no baits" because many nirvanas are just beaten up. I think as long as the pony is not super duper common, we should be lenient with their condition. Thinking of my Peru Starshine, well, she is practically bait: her mane is cut, her symbols and eyes are rubbed, and her tail is new (she was tail-less when I got her). Is this the sort of thing that should be excluded? Why or why not? Also, the brazil baby cuddles I was going to include has been rehaired; I rehaired her with genuine MLP hair (and I think I did a pretty good job). Are we going to allow rehaired ponies? I think if we do, we should definitely require that it be noted on the inventory log, as well as any other sort of restoration (beyond just cleaning) that might have been done to the pony.

I also agree that everyone participating should post their wantlist in the swap box thread so everyone knows who is seeking what.

LadyGuinevere wrote:

I think it's a good idea, but you would have to lay down a lot of groundrules, because of the value side of things. If there are a number of Nirvanas in the package, you'll want to make sure the package is always insured or at least registered. Also, the vast difference in values might cause problems, so you'll want to be careful with that.

I think I already answered part of this above, but as for shipping insured or registered, I agree. If I do the swap box, I am definitely only including people in the US for the first time around, just because overseas shipping is not quite as safe (and awfully pricy when insured and trackable). For shipping within the US, I think it should DEFINITELY be sent with delivery confirmation and insurance, as these two services together add up to about $2.25 (i.e. not too expensive, but worth the trouble). I think we should all agree whether to send it priority or parcel post. Personally, I see upsides to both ways, but I don't want to make everyone send priority if you don't think it's neccessary to pay that much more, and I also don't want to make everyone send parcel post if you would rather spend a bit more money and get it around a bit more quickly. What do you all think about these shipping methods?

shelti wrote:

Maybe to start with we could just do an Italy Swap...an I am not talking about the collector pose ponies either Most of those, except for Italy Peachy or Italy Lemon Drop are about the same value.

Although I think this is a good idea, I think it could potentially exclude a lot of people. I only have 2 italians, and one of them is a pony that I don't intend to part with; the other is applejack (which is very common and I'm sure not on many peoples wantlists; especially not if you have enough italians to do a whole swap box of them). So, if we did an Italian only swap box, someone else would have to start it, because I just don't have enough Italians to get a swap box rolling (again, I think it should have *at least* 6 ponies in it to start to make it worthwhile). And, like I said, I'm not even sure if I could participate since I only have that one, fairly common, Italian for trade.

Stormy31685 wrote:

Shelti, that is a fantastic idea! Starting with a country would be awesome. Also, for the shipping, it would be best if all participants were required to ship the same method. The onl problem with that would be the overseas shipping. Unless the coordinator made certain that participants only recieved the names of others in their country or at least continent. The whole thing would be pretty complex.

I think I already more or less covered the shipping thing in my response to LadyG, but just to recap, this would only be for folks in the US; I don't want to mess with overseas shipping. And, I agree that everyone should ship the same way, with insurance and delivery confirmation. The only question is if we all want to ship parcel post or priority, and I am posing that question to you all.

Lastly, this thought just occurred to me: We should make a rule that if a certain pony is already in the swap box, you can't add another one of the same pony. Different poses or variations might be allowed, but if there is already an italian shy-pose applejack, for example, don't add another italian shy pose applejack, but if you have an italian CP applejack, that would be okay (of course assuming you swapped it out for something of comparable value, etc.)

Any more concerns or suggestions? Anyone interested in participating?

That sounds like a lot of fun! Too bad the only nirvanas that I still own are Italy Peachy and my MOC argie rock pony

I would love it!!! I am looking for even cheap common Italians.

that would be awsome - IF everybody followed the rules like they were supposed to. i know for the last swap i was in - i was to send to thebaddoggies adn i did, but she never sent it back out and i was the one who got all the greif for it because i couldnt prove i sent it as one cant get del. con. for canada

tikibirds wrote:

that would be awsome - IF everybody followed the rules like they were supposed to. i know for the last swap i was in - i was to send to thebaddoggies adn i did, but she never sent it back out and i was the one who got all the greif for it because i couldnt prove i sent it as one cant get del. con. for canada

that stinks, tikibirds! I guess this will add to the list of reasons why I am only including collectors from the US for this one.

I just thought of another rule that should be important to add: Once the box gets to you, you must mail it to the next person on the list within one week. We definitely don't want it being held up for too long at any one place.

well, if anyone is sincerely interested in participating and has some nirvanas to trade to add to the swap box, please email me at prixton @ gmail.com (my inbox here is way too full). Please include the following information:

Your full name:
Your arena name:
Your email address:
Your mailing address:
How long you've been a member at the arena (must have been a member for at least 6 months):
What nirvanas you currently have to trade that you would consider adding to the swap box:
What nirvanas you are looking for/would hope to get in the swap box:
Is there any reason that you might not be able to participate (i.e. if you can't afford postage, if you are going to be away/out of town/on vacation for more than a week any time in the next 6 months, etc.)?:

Everyone who participates is required to have *at least* 10 positive feedbacks here at the arena, and at least 4 of these must be for trades or sales (not for buying something). I hope this isn't too stringent, but I really want to be certain that everyone who participates is in very good standing with the pony community. Ebay feedback, or feedback under a different username (here or elsewhere) will not be considered. You must also be at least 18 years old. If anyone feels that they are within good standing with the pony community, but do not have 10 feedbacks here, you may contact me with additional information on your references, such as links to feedback at fionas or the TP (under the same username), but please be aware that I cannot guarantee that everyone who applies will be included in the final swap list.

I think I am going to accept "applications" until August 21st. By August 22nd, you can expect a final list of who will be included, and I will also post a complete list of the rules, as well as the wantlists that I have been given. I expect to mail the swap box by August 28th at the latest.

I still would like input here on the thread for these 2 questions though:

1. In the interest of fairness, everyone will be shipping the box the same way. We will only be shipping within the US, and it is required that you ship the swap box with delivery confirmation *and* insurance. Should we ship the box priority or parcel post?

2. What (if any) ponies should we NOT allow to be added to the swap box? Are the extremely common italians (peachy, lemondrop, etc.) to be allowed? How about very baity ponies? How about rehaired ponies? Are HK/China varients (like princess variants, lavender woosie, bobbie, etc.) going to be allowed?

I think if you ask for insurance, there is no reason to ask for DC, since insurance will give you a tracking number (at least I think so), insurance is in a way more important than DC, in case the ponies get lost.

Hmm, I am looking at the usps.com website right now. If you just get insurance with priority or parcel post, it does NOT provide a tracking number or proof of delivery. In fact, if you get insurance without some form of tracking (DC or registered or express mail), you have to go through some extra steps to be able to collect the insurance money if the package does get lost (like prove yourself that the package was never delivered). Delivery confirmation only costs 60 cents extra for parcel post, and 50 cents extra for priority; I'd say it's well worth the extra cost.

I am also calculating different rates as far as priority vs. parcel post, and the option of registered mail (registered mail can only be added to priority mail, not parcel post, provides a tracking number and insurance). For example, for a 4 pound package (I am overestimating; it shouldnt really be more than 3 pounds, but I want to be on the safe side here) from zip code 22153 (VA) to zip code 90210 (CA), here are the different options and their costs, according to usps.com:
Registered, priority mail (includes $200 insurance and tracking): $20.25
Priority mail with delivery confirmation and $200 insurance: $14.75
parcel post mail with delivery confirmation and $200 insurance: $12.24

It seems that registered mail is definitely too expensive, but the difference between parcel post and priority is only $2.50, and it would get there quite a bit faster. I personally think that either of these options (parcel post or priority) with $200 insurance and delivery confirmation would be our best bet. I will do my best when compiling the list to make sure that everyone is sending the box to someone *relatively* close to them (i.e. not completely across the country, like in my example), which should save a bit of money. Also, like I said, the example I used was for 4 pounds (probably heavier than it will actually be), plus a great distance (one coast to the other), so actual shipping for the swap box should be considerably less.

Here is another example:
4 pound package from zip 22153 (VA) to 60603 (IL):
Registered priority mail (includes tracking and $200 insurance): $16.80
Priority mail with delivery confirmation and $200 insurance: $11.30
Parcel post with delivery confirmation and $200 insurance: $10.58

As you can see in this example, priority is less than $1 more, but that much faster. This makes me think that maybe the shipping requirement should be priority with DC and $200 insurance...

Pity I dont have anything to swap - I'd much rather just buy an argie CP lofty.... hint hint anyone lol.

specialk070581 wrote:

Pity I dont have anything to swap - I'd much rather just buy an argie CP lofty.... hint hint anyone lol.

LOL, well depending on what kind of response I get for this, I might just end up selling her. If I do, you'll be the first to know!