By March
Today we’re having a review-gab of the Posse Swapmania of a couple weeks ago — how it worked out, what you got (and got rid of), any hiccups, etc.
1) It sounds silly in hindsight, but I was actually worried that nobody would show up and play. As I write this I went back and checked, and there were 1,229 comments. So … wow. Thanks, everyone.
2) It seems like the threaded comments format worked out pretty well. I was concerned that individual threads would get too complicated, and so I’d asked people to list their individual swap items separately. Some did; some didn’t. And yet it all seemed to work, in part because people swapped contact info and took their communications off the Posse sooner than I’d anticipated.
3) Late in the game someone posted the helpful detail that you can search comments on a PC by hitting CTRL + F (think “find”.) Who knew? I sure didn’t. This makes it easier if you’re looking for a particular fragrance and/or your swaps.
4) I had some hilarious email communications where I said … wait, what are we swapping? I assume that happened to some of you. But we sorted it out. I think I did seven swaps, both for fragrances I really wanted and chocolate/tea. There were some very imaginative swaps going on, including foodstuffs, jewelry, and hand-knit items.
5) In hindsight, choosing Thanksgiving weekend maybe wasn’t the greatest idea. It wasn’t a problem for our friends overseas, and my thinking was that it would give U.S. residents some time while they were off work/school. But I hadn’t considered the problems this created for those (duh) who were away from home and couldn’t remember what bottles they had, the sizes, etc. So if we do this again, I won’t pick a holiday weekend.
6) If there were any horror stories, I’m unaware of them. As far as I could see, keeping an eye on comments, people were behaving with total respect and civility and a sense of fair play. There were times when multiple people were going after the same items, and/or initial swaps that didn’t work out and people went with the second or third offers. Again, kudos to all of you.
7) I was concerned that this swap wouldn’t work because people would be too narrowly focused – i.e., I have Fragrance X, and I will ONLY swap for Fragrance Y. That’s what MUA’s for, right? But there was some great bargaining and additional throwing-in of samples to balance things.
8 ) Speaking of balance, I was impressed by people’s ability to look beyond the “perceived” dollar value of a particular bottle. Let’s face it – many of us have paid retail for mass market stuff, while also scoring killer deals on niche scents we got as bargains on eBay or elsewhere. Nobody knows what a particular bottle really “cost” someone else. People did what I’d hoped for – they had things they didn’t want, swapped for things they wanted, and didn’t stress too much on disparities in theoretical worth.
9) I’ve already heard several stories of people’s generosity in throwing in extra goodies in packages. I’ve not heard from anyone who got totally stiffed (swapper or stuff vanished). I have heard from a few folks who’ve not yet received their end, wondering how that is working out?
10) I’m thinking of doing this again, in the summer – that would be a new season and would give us six months to accumulate more samples/bottles we don’t want. What say you?
A quick review – I got several things on my wish list, including Hanae Mori Magical Moon, YSL Cinema, and Jolie Madame (new version.) Yes, I am just that lame and tasteless, apparently. One thing I swapped for on a whim was Annick Goutal Eau du Sud, because I’ve read several people calling it cumin-y, although cumin is not listed in the notes. I am thrilled. As you know, I’ve been on a bit of a cumin bender. I am pretty darned sure that Sud is not at the top of the AG popularity list (it has a miserable 45% rebuy rating on MUA). I couldn’t even remember what Sud smelled like. It’s sort of like Hadrien, but more herbal and with a hefty dose of salty sweat, which sticks around for the duration. It’s both abrasive and oddly refreshing.
Okay, throwing it open to you all. What did you get? How did it go? Any suggestions or issues we should work through?
image: Hecate and Buckethead blow out the candles on their cakes this summer; she’s worms, he’s sharks, naturally. They’re wearing swim gear because it was a migraine-inducing-super-soaker party with the more feral neighborhood children. No, this has nothing to do with today’s post, but I ran across it and it makes me smile.
This was my first time swapping and a total success! I did three swaps and ended up with two lovely frags I’ll be mostly saving for spring/summer (La Chasse au Papillons Extreme and HdP 1873), plus a bunch of decants from Musette (my favorite of which so far is Dior Dolce Vita – yum!). Thanks so much for hosting it and I hope we do it again!
Thanks March for this!.It was my first time and I was very nervous;I don´t know if my swappers have yet received their packages and I am still waiting for mine to arrive(more presents for Christmas yipee…)
It was a well organized chaos,great fun and the fact that everyone here is so lovely and understanding made me jump on board.
I also loved the fact that people were willing to trade for non perfume things as well which was a huge relief as I don´t have a huge collection.
Thanks again and please give us some more Swapmaniaaa!!!!.
I am looking forward to my swap
Sorry the package took so long, Taffy! E-mail me if gthere is any problem
Mary
Loved the swap
I swapped some vint L’Heure Bleue, MK Island Capri, a few Arabian oils for costume jewelry. I got a cute necklace with bees all over it and earring sets too.
With the sets, I thinks it’s better to list bottles separately. Easier to find and easier to reply to. Overall loved Swapmanina and would be it again (just not on turkey day)
sorry March, that was intended to tango-it wouldn’t go.
Oh, I can’t wait to participate in the next swap. I discovered PerfumePosse just a few weeks too late to join in this previous one. :(( And I have so much to swap!
Hey, welcome aboard! It’s a great group of people.
What do you have? I’m still game. I did 7 swaps, it was hectic, but a mother lode of fun. If you want to swap w me just respond here–next time will be even more fun–if that’s possible.
So, I read your comment on Annick Goutal Eau du Sud yesterday and once I got home, I put it on. You’ve really captured its spirit for me–darker, deeper, saltier Eau d’Hadrien. Your comment on its being abrasive and oddly refreshing stayed with me for the whole day. It was so evocative and oddly alluring. Somehow, I find that the winter is the time when I am most drawn to colognes. Maybe, because they are so summery in feeling. Eau du Sud definitely hits the spot by making me imagine the caresses of sand and the warmth of late afternoon sun…
*looks outside at the half frozen Hudson*
Colognes this time of year are kind of perfect, aren’t they? For exactly the reason you describe. I love Mandragore and Carthusia Mediterraneo and the Chanel cologne now, when it’s cold and they stand out in the frost. Of course they’re necessary sometimes in summer, but a different animal now… it’s good to be refreshed in the winter!
Due to a crazy period at work and Christmas parties/shopping etc I am very sorry to be commenting only now. Briefly – I had maybe 6 swaps? USofA, Sweden, Switzerland, Netherlands (I’m in UK) and all went more or less swimingly. I am delighted that people wanted the bottles/decants I put up for swap and viewed the return as a bonus but heh! What a bonus! Not going to single out anyone because all were generous, thank you, and thank you March for the wonderful idea and providing the forum.
You’re welcome! I’m glad so many people did so many crazy swaps.
Thanks so much for hosting March! It was a hoot. I had 5 swaps going and have recieved everything (a bottle of Yvresse AND Champagne- can’t wait to compare! An older (90’s?) version of Bandit that knocked my socks off! Some great samples of stuff I want to try AND a bottle of Cuir de Lancome (which I am still awaiting from overseas). I am pleased as punch with my swaps.
On a CUMIN NOTE- you need to try the new Fareb (8th Art) perfume- it packs a cumin whallop!
Those are some GREAT swaps. And I have tried Fareb! It’s lovely and as you say, it packs a wallop. That and the iris one are the nicest, I think.
I swapped for the first time and did 4 swaps! I’ve got an almost full bottle of something I wanted for a long time (and I love it) and maybe a million decants and testers, some of the frags I already tried and wanted and some of new (for me) things that I don’t have chance to try in my country (and I almost never travel).
And you, people, ARE generous! I’m impressed. It was a surprise to get all the extras you put in!
Thank you so much, Ines, Anita, Marsi and Ann!
And thank you, March, for hosting this event. I’m looking forward to next swap!
Helena
Chiming in a little late here, but I second the many thanks to March and everyone for a great swap event. I got great stuff from lovely people (waves to Helena, Karin, Anita and March above) and also Geordan. Let’s do it again next year!
Let’s do it in the summer. Which is hard to picture, sitting here looking out at the falling snow.
First time swapper here and absolutely loved it! What a lovely and very green idea and just before Christmas too! When I first put up my list of bottles and samps ready to be swapped and a list of wants, I did not know if I would have any takers, especially when I saw what wonderful offerings other people had listed…
Still, I took out my bottles and placed them on a table next to my laptop , hoped and just enjoyed keeping up with the ever growing list of entries, getting an education in the process…
I ended up doing 5 swaps! The perfumistas I exchanged emails and with whom I traded treasures were knowledgeable, generous, courteous and clearly very passionate about perfume and making this a fair and exciting a process…
What a wonderful way to learn about new perfumes, get decants of long lost loves and to know in your heart that the bottles that were no longer getting enough attention are going to appreciative and discerning owners…
I still am awaiting 3 of the swap items and am happy with he the suspense… It is after all holiday time and the postal systems are overwhelmed… Each packet I get in the mail will bring more joy! I am already so grateful with the samples and decants I got so far…
So far, I have gotten decants of TF tobacco vanilla( LOVE), new Balmain JM(WOW! I only knew the vintage), Demeter wet garden(a nostalgic scent for me) and a sample of ninfeo mio as well as samples of Caron tabac blond(HMMM,I can just see layering this one…), rose Alexandrie , Piguet Fracas and a Theorema mini (LOVE!!!)
I have already looked and identified bottles that will likely make it to a future swap…It feels great to declutter and bring in what truly makes my heart swoon…
Thankyou March for making this possible… I am happy you also got some of the things you were yearning for…
I am amazed at the breadth of swapping that went on and that, all things considered, it worked out as well as it did. It sounds like you got some lovely new things.
On the whole, I thought it was good fun and I did get some lovely stuff from some really delightful people
But…taking a deep breath…there were certain frustrations. The main one was that if there was something you might truly want but did not happen to log on at the right time, it was gone. The vast majority of swaps were listed on the first day, and many of those during working hours when a lot of folks would have been at work and not necessarily able to log in. (Guess I’m still a bit bummed about the Wildflower Honey that got away…)
My suggestion would be to have the next Swapmania (and I do hope you do it again, March!) take place over a non-holiday weekend. I would add that I think it would much fairer if all those participating made one list of everything they had to swap and then let all interested parties make an offer over the course of the weekend. At the end, swappers could then choose which offer they preferred and no-one would get left out at having a shot at getting something they might really want.
Just my two cents.
I’ve been thinking about your comment for awhile. And with all due respect (picture a GIANT respect hat) I’m going to disagree with it… I might be up for doing a weekend, but I’d still likely start it on a weekday and leave it up. The reason is that for me, it’s easier to monitor it that way. Also, I encouraged (and in fact wanted) the kind of quick bartering and exchange that went on — part of the social-experiment angle. Allow me to argue my position.
For people who want to take time, and get exactly what they want, there’s another forum — Makeup Alley (MUA). Folks list things there all the time — their swap lists and their wish lists — and they can take as long as they want, including “never”, to swap for them. There were things I missed out on too — things I’d have liked to get in early on. And I daresay that some of the folks who swapped with me maybe might have spotted something on there later that they’d have liked better. But hindsight, while 20/20, is rather slow and inefficient. We had a huge number of swaps, judging by comments, and by and large people seem pretty pleased. It did get crazy, and I did have some trouble getting on during the heaviest traffic (I’m grateful the site didn’t crash.) I did announce it, I think more than once, in advance so that people could try to plan a little, and while a ton of items were listed that first day, the swapping (and listing) continued on even after I’d officially moved on. By and large, it worked, and it worked well. I hope that makes sense.
It was fun! This was my first time swapping, and it was fun just to connect with like-minded folk. I should have planned more in advance, as I was away for TG weekend, and did not have my details in mind, but that was my lack of advance planning/inventory control. Very educational– in addition to learning about some perfumes I hadn’t yet had the opportunity to explore, and to trade for some really interesting decants plus amy warm weather favorite ( got enough Ines to last the next spring summer and fall!) It was also great to learn about a local source of chocolate sable cookies, and to send some on!;)I’ll participate again when you do it again– need to get some decanting supplies–Mary
The cookies, I loved that!
I never swapped before so I just dove in and hoped for the best.
It was better than I expected. I had four wonderful swaps…Each person was amazing in a different way.
I swapped with someone from Germany which was cool..
One swapper and I realized we had something in common (not something happy, but sometimes its comforting to meet people who have share similar experiences good or bad)…
Another swapper helped me find my beloved, but discontinued HG Guerlain…It was an amazing surprising Christmas miracle.
In my last swap I was so happy that a vintage perfume went to a home that would truly appreciate it rather than it languish in the back of my perfume drawer.
I am very very happy I participated. It was a fully positive experience!
Thanks March
Congrats on the Guerlain! Now I’m curious which one…
Plus Que Jamais….stunning…
Although as I recall from your review I think you liked it, but there was something lacking in it for you that made you not smitten. For me, I understand it’s not querky or edgy, but there is something so perfect about it. I think it is really different from anything else…I don’t mean oddly different, I mean perfectly different, if that makes any sense..as in there’s always something about other fragances I wish I could change and then they would be perfect..Plus Que Jamais is perfect just the way it is…
I’m one of those out of towners who didn’t know what I had to swap. March held this virgin’s hand and there was no crying. I scored the beautifully presented Fidji that I probably would have paid big bucksahama for on ebay. All it cost me was a bottle of Magical Moon and a Lindt choco bar.
Next time,I’m offering a gently used bottle of Amoureuse by
Parfums DelRae, can’t wear it anymore and Bellodgia by Caron. Oh,and my dirty little secret-Bluebell! What the hell was I thinking?
See, this is eggsactly what I was talking about. You got the vintage Fidji and are thrilled. I got the mass-market Magical Moon and am thrilled. (I ate the choc. Even shared a bit with the cheese.)
Cannot help you with your Bluebell thinking. 😉
Ooooh! I’ll be keeping an eye out for your Amoureuse listing! and the Bluebell…
Then we’ll be in competition–see you next time:)
OOOOoooohhhhh!! Pick me! Pick me! Whenever you want to offload the Delrae Amoureuse, I am your girl! LOVE that stuff!
March, I had the BEST time! I was new to serious swapping on this scale – had mostly traded samples one-on-one with people-but I finally had enough of my own things to plunge into the fray. I swapped with five people, only one of whom I already knew (the fabulous Musette) and made some new swap buddies! I am doing follow up swaps with one of them since we quickly figured out that we are scent twins!
I only swapped one FB so next time I will try to swap away the other one I had to give away and hopefully more. I ended up doing mostly decants of my vintage stuff but I got some FBs in return so I feel like the lucky one. One of my prizes was a long time HG, the original Parfum Sacre EDP, in The Black Box, now discontinued, and it is now MY PRECIOUSSSSS. :-D
I found out that if I am willing to give some of my favorite scents away, I will be doubly rewarded with swapping Karma and get wonderful things back that I love. My vintage stash needs to be shared anyway, it won’t keep forever, and that perfume ain’t gonna wear itself!
Flora! WE both got Parfum Sacre? Wanna trade the original for my newer version? hee hee….Karma is good, I agree.
Maidenbliss, you should try the new Parfum Sacre Intense released a few months ago – it’s sort of a replacement for the old EDP but it’s woodier to my nose and has something synthetic in there that’s not in the old stuff. It’s wonderful but still not as good as the original formula IMHO.
The old formula EDT in the solid gold box is about as powerful as anyone could ever want anyway, and it’s much easier to find than the Black Box. I will contact you directly with some more info. :-)
I can thank Perfume Posse for introducing me to my latest addiction a few years ago! I’ve learned SO much…and this continues to be my favorite perfume blog. First-time swapper–and so much fun! I was the person who swapped the beloved Mitsouko EdP for (prepare yourselves) Flowerbomb(!) I can hear March gasping! I had always loved edgier scents (Bvlgari Black; Ormonde Jayne Woman; Parfum des Merveilles; La Labo Vanille 44 (from The Perfumed Court), etc. However, I lost my Dad a few months ago, and for some arcane reason started craving Flowerbomb! I even spray the Flowerbomb Extreme on my pillow. It has comforted me. Don’t you think, fellow perfumistas, that we look for the absolutely perfect perfume to change our lives? I do. And I swapped Parfum des Merveilles for some incredibly beautiful scents: Guerlain SDV; Organza Indecence; etc. The two women I did business with were lovely, generous and knew their perfumes. I now have some new ones I think I must have! I dumped a tiny decant of M. Micallef Note Vanillee into my large decent of Givenchy Organza Indecence (such sacrilege!)–and it smells divine. Well, at least when I’m thrown into debtors’s prison, I’ll be smelling great! Thank you again, dear March, for giving so generously of your time and energy. I’ll definitely do this again!
Miranda,
I, for one, am SO happy that you were able to make that swap, insane as it sounds to us Mitsoukoians. That Flowerbomb gives you such comfort puts it on the level of the most vintage of Mitsoukos – and for me to say that…well….
I wish you much comfort and ease, as you navigate through this difficult time.
xo >-)
Thank you SO much. There’s a lot of heart and truth in what you said.
It matters not the smell divine
all we know is that it’s ‘mine’
who cares to know what turns our nose
always it will be mysterious
the lavender
the lily
the rose
So beautiful–and so true.
Thank you. I’m so very happy for you, Miranda. Everything you said in your above post is perfect!
OH MY GOD. 😮
lol
can I tease you just a teensy, tiny bit? Just, like, a millimeter? About the Mitsy?
Remember, I’m the woman who swapped vintage Fidji for a mass market frag too, so /:)
A late response, but—which one of us is gettin’ teased? Ain’t it unbelievable? I’m tickled!!
The idea of swapping Mitsy away for AP makes something seize up in my chest. :)>- But since my swaps no doubt look the same way to others…
wait…AP? confused here–is there some perfume lingo I’m ignorant of? hope i don’t look
even dumber by questioning this:)
how do ya think my chest felt when I got the offer? thumped and bumped.
A spambot got into my email recently, causing a number of friends to hilariously tell me they were OK for Viagra and how come I had so much of it etc etc. Apols to anyone who had the misfortune to be on my contact list! It took me ages to sort out and I’m kinda glad I chickened out early in the piece (because of post office terror)…
Next time I am going to sit down and really make a list and stop being so anally retentive! There must be some unsniffed bottles and decants that are not getting the lurve they deserve in my stash somewhere!!!
Look, don’t FORCE yourself. I’m one of those people who has so many bottles they’re reproducing on their own. I keep my samples, mostly, but other folks felt that way about their samps… you’ll know when the time is right! :)>-
This was so much fun to read. I’m with a few others on here who did not have the courage to dip my toe into the swapmania. I kept thinking that I didn’t have anything interesting to offer … and have never swapped. :-(
But ya’ll have given me the confidence to try and I look forward to the next one! So happy everyone was pleased with their swaps.
c’mon in! the water is warm!
xo >-)
Long-time lurker, first time swapper! I was able to swap a few bottles for some decants on my wish list and samples that were recommended by the swappers based on that list – this is quite the knowledgeable group, but you already knew that :)
I have received 2 of 3 packages from the States. None of the packages I sent have been delivered to their intended recipients yet. It’s (only) been a week and I’m hoping they will reach their destinations before the weekend so as not to dissuade people from swapping with us Posse-fans up north.
I’m already gathering samples for the next swapmania.
Bry,
I wouldn’t worry about it overmuch – I’m still getting stuff! And sometimes the CAN post is wonky – 3 days…or 3 weeks. Ya nebber know.
xo >-)
Not worried or deterred! :-)
The Canada thing IS weird. I’ve bought bottles … maybe they’re looking for other contraband? Sometimes they come quick, sometimes veeery slowly.
I’ve actually never swapped before, and I was amazed at how patient, generous and sweet everyone was. It actually gave me the warm and fuzzies, which are sorely needed these days.
Perfume peeps rule!
^:)^
Yea, Dante! It WAS fun! Musette, you have my secrets:)
Perfume peeps DO rule. And everyone was very patient, and it’s a joy for me to read how happy so many folks are with what they got.
I had wonderful swaps with everyone.
I was the lucky one who got Diana’s Alahine; it came beautifully packed, with lovely cards and candies — a box of southern hospitality.
I traded my Mitsy with Musette for some decants/samples. What a BLAST it has been corresponding with her. Her notes are as great as the fabulous perfumes she sent. I hope she comes my way so I can meet the “evil auntie.”
The gracious Marikel sent me some samples for a decant, with many extras.
Geordan’s Detchema will likely arrive today. Don’t work so hard, sweetie! It’s Christmastime!
I want to thank them all for their kind attentions and the Posse for hosting the swap event of the year.
Best, Rednails
I’ve enjoyed reading all these so much. So thanks to all of you for participating and making it fun.
It was such fun for me! I got rid of a few unwanted bottles and a few decants and got tons of decants and samples in return (too much to list each item – I had 5 separate swaps!). It was torture for a few days as I had a cold when I started getting the packages so couldn’t sniff all the goodies! All the swaps were great and came in quickly – no problems at all. Got a sample of De Bachmakov and am wearing that today – very nice. Most of the things I got are summery (PdN Eau Turqouise, AG Le Chevrefeuille, LAP The Pour un Ete, MH Tangerine Verte), so I haven’t been wearing them too much now. Luckily I live in San Diego, so it will be warm enough for them soon!
Suggestion – I think listing each item separately was a good idea, and should be followed for future ones as even though it leads to a lot more comments, it’s much easier for the comment replying to know who is interested in what. Can’t wait to do it again!
Totally agree with the suggestion.
It may be difficult for those with a lot of samples and small decants and are allowing swappers to pick and choose.
I had several swap partners willing to split my one bottle and once I agreed on who I was going to work with, we took our negotiations offline until we all agreed, and I came back and posted the status. So that may also work in this situation.
People actually split up samples and decants in an incredibly orderly fashion, as best as I could see through that chaos 🙂 And then taking it offline for the details seemed to work out well.
I do think I’m going to suggest again that people list stuff separately, although I acknowledge that people swapping bunches of samples/decants tend to lump them together, and then some of those got peeled apart in the swaps. But it made it easier for me, following one item per swapper at a time.
I had a great time reading through the comments and completed two swaps! I am very new to this wonderful world of perfume and I must say the two women I swapped with, March and Tommasina, were so kind and generous. I have so many new scents to try out, I am overwhelmed!! I will be ready to play next time, with more items to offer–I’m already looking forward to it!
Well I have really been enjoying my swap with you, so happy you’ve liked yours as well!
*sigh* I was too chicken. There were so many things that looked interesting, but sadly I am a newb and didn’t have much in the way to swap. I did however have a fantastic time reading through all the comments and living vicariously. As a swap virgin, this is the first swap that I have ever been tempted to join, because it all seemed so friendly. Hopefully you will do this again, and I will have more courage then!
I plan on doing this again in the summer, and I hope you’ll join us! Lots of great swappage got done…
PS People were swapping for chocolate, etc., and a couple people BOUGHT me bottles of stuff I wanted and sent them. Just sayin.’
Wow! Those twins are sooooo adorable! Fantastic opportunity, March! I thought I was fairly organized but when I stepped off the swap cliff I wasn’t prepared for it.
To all my fellow perfumistas–thank you so much for all the goodies! I hope you were happy with your swaps. I received so much stuff I can’t begin to list it all. I got things I wanted to try for years. The trip to my mailbox everyday has been fun as well as emailing back and forth w people in and out of the USA. I was given so many extras – haven’t even begun to sift through everything. Initially quite chaotic until I got a handle on it.
If I knew how to knit I’d make you a scarf, March.
Hope you love the TFs and CdG Incense Series! I have thoroughly enjoyed the skankfest that is Bal a Versailles. I also delighted in getting to know Maidenbliss a tiny bit.
My other two swaps, one to Canada and the other to Switzerland, I’ve sent, but the packages from their end have not arrived. Here’s hoping it’s a slow mail thing. I think I’ll stick with swaps inside the US next time, as I really stressed about those overseas mailings!
Overall, I’m so glad I participated. Lots of fun, and Maidenbliss is right, it made my trips to the mailbox lots more exciting. Perfumistas (perfumaniacs?) are the best folk. Be well.
Narciso is on its way!!! It would have been quicker to stick the bottle to you and send it by cab :(
ack – I was in Montreal this week so my English is off :”> The better way to have put that would have been: to send the bottle by cab.
No worries! I was betting slow holiday mail was the culprit. My big fear was the HUGE sign threatening $250K fines for sending perfume, specifically in the mail or by UPS. I was so afraid of getting in trouble with customs. I’m so glad yours arrived without incident! Hope you enjoy the decant and samples.
Wow! they play rrrrufff! up there in the GWN! ow!
xo >-)
Hemlock–I’ve been lovin’ them to pieces!
Wanted the CdG series/TF and you came through.
Got my last swap today from CA. I’m a kaleidoscope of scent.
I lol-silently out loud when I get the speech about what’s in my packages at local PO. Part of me cringes at lying and the other devil-may-care laughs it off. So…? I have friends everywhere? Is that a problem with you? I bat my innocent eyes, just cosmetic samples, what’s the problem? Oh, the problem is wafting… hmmmm….
Hey, someone’s making me a scarf! I am soooo excited.
And I’m glad you had fun.
I’m a Swap Virgin, and this first time was fine for me. I swapped a partial bottle of Crabtree & Evelyn Wisteria EDT for a partial bottle of Bal a Versailles EDC, and I’m very happy with it (got some extra goodies, too – olive oil soap and some samples, thanks to my fellow swapper!). I did find the multiple-thread format confusing to wade through. As it was my first swap, I kept it simple and picked one thing I was interested in among the first listings. I’m wondering if next time, the comments area should just be for the offers, with the negotiations being carried on via email? But I do hope there will be a next time, I thought this was a great idea.
I’m glad your swaps worked out. It’s hard to know about the offers… I could argue either way. The nice thing about having that all transpire on the Posse is it’s transparent (messy, but transparent) so people have a sense of what’s being offered for and by whom. In my case, I backed off a swap when I saw that another person offered (for swap) something the original poster really wanted.
I did two swaps, in both cases to get rid of things that my wife didn’t like. First I swapped a bottle of HdP 1740 for a Miller Harris Terre de Bois. This one was completely blind, because I had no idea what Terre de Bois was like. It went smoothly and I liked what I got. The second was an older bottle of Ungaro Diva, which I swapped for a small Boucheron. My wife loved the Boucheron, so it was a win.
I think the swapping worked well until the list of comments got enormous, at which point it became too hard to sort through, even using Ctrl-F (yes, I knew that one; use it a lot!). I had forgotten to tick the “email me if someone replies” box, which was a mistake; next time it might be good to have that default to “yes” for the swap event.
The hardest thing for me was that my list of wants was too short! So I’ll have to prepare a list of things I’m willing to try for next time. I was mostly hoping for masculines, which restricted things too much. Next time I’ll be better prepared.
I do think that people who get/got the most out of it were willing to try a bunch of new things, maybe stuff they hadn’t even heard of. MUA is better for people who are trying to swap for specific things, b/c then you can go search in a less frenzied way for what they want and/or what you have.
The comments area got so big that eventually it took forever to load, and even I got lost a few times. I do wonder if it’ll be a bit more contained the next time, as perhaps people won’t have as much stuff, and we’ve all had some experience doing this once so will be more organized in our responses.
umm, excuse me. you really think we all are going to slow down on our sampling/purchasing? trust me, I will have just as much if not more to swap next time ;))
Ha ha! I was thinking the same thing!
Well, I was thinking we’d gotten through some backlog. OTOH maybe more folks will delurk and play, so who knows? 😕 :d
March, totally agree: the ‘fumes I swapped for were ones I would never have thought of asking for, including one I had never imagined (a perfume by an Icelandic artist!), and this is what made it all worthwhile for me.
Hey March, I really wanted to get in on this swap, but I found it really hard to follow. The first few posts were easy enough to follow, but then it just got crazy. And while it was more obvious what people had to swap, I couldn’t figure out what people’s wish lists were…just some constructive, hoping that next time I’ll be able to participate…thanks for your consideration
The Wish List thing is hard. I’ll just put that out there and say it. Having people drop in their whole MUA swap/wish lists is space-consuming. Having people go to MUA to look doesn’t work, because lots of people who played aren’t even on MUA.
My hope, which I think we mostly managed, was that this wouldn’t be a mini-MUA — that folks mostly didn’t say, here are the three things I have, which I will ONLY swap for these things I want. That is, after all, what MUA is for.
Until now, I’d never swapped, used MUA mail, or shipped overseas: new frontiers! I got lovely bottles of Paestum Rose, Escale a Pondichery, Ambre Gris, Barbara Bui Huile Blanche and a very generous assortment of samples. I love knowing that my neglected bottles of Jungle L’Elephant, Alahine, Nuit de Longchamp, Jaisalmer and Yvresse went to people who’ll wear them happily. (Frustratingly, Alahine’s list of notes SOUND right up my alley; sometimes I feel like the only person on the planet who doesn’t adore it).
The best part was the conversation, and being reminded what nice, generous people share my love of perfume. Marsi, March, Eve and Millicent — THANK YOU!!
Can’t wait for the next event…I’m already lining up candidate bottles and decants.
It was great to swap with you! Alahine, I love that thing so much, and Louise laughs at me because she says it’s all amber. And I don’t Like Amber. [-(
It sounds like you did great in your swaps. Your Elephant did indeed go to a loving home! lol of the weekend, my niece said, what’s THIS?!? (cool elephant bottle.) I said, ask, don’t spray that!!!
PS If you come back, did you get your Barbara Bui samp? I threw it in the mail.
I’m sorry I didn’t get back to you sooner: I did get the BB samp–thank you! It’s so cozy that I may have to start looking for a FB when the credit card recovers.
I Love Amber — that’s why my reaction to Alahine’s so baffling. Wish I could identify which note (s?) is putting me off.
So glad you will do this again and not on a holiday. In the occasional few minutes I wasn’t cooking or carousing with my family, I checked in and it looked like so much fun. Even although I didn’t have enough time to participate, I enjoyed seeing all the happy swapping. Good job in pulling this together, March!
Thanks. Will definitely do this again, not on a holiday weekend. And it was, indeed, fun. I had fun just reading it and watching the bargaining.
It was delightful mess, and fantastic for someone like me who has no trouble making decants but lots of trouble going to the P.O. So all at once was crazy, but in the end, easier.
Still waiting on a couple of long distance things. My package to Switzerland made it there almost a week before the Canadian one.
I am wearing my hat!
Yay! I love that pattern. I’m so glad the hats were well received.
“A delightful mess” – what a perfect description. I kept checking it (even out of town, I borrowed a computer) and thought, HOW many comments are there?!? But we persevered and sorted through it. lol about Switzerland.
I swear it’s on it’s way!!!!
I got a little swimmy trying to follow the comments, but it was fun and I have two new big loves: Norma Kamali Incense and Dior New Look 1947. Gorgeous, both of ’em. My nose is thrilled, my wallet is apprehensive. Thanks to all my lovely swappers, and I would like to offer a public apology to a couple of people I think I lost track of and never responded to. I’m not a bad person, I’m just not a very smart one… ::sheepish::
NK Incense, muWAHAHAHA. Don’t spill it! For heaven’s sake. I have a decant of Ceremony, which is marginally more civilized. I also still owe you a samp of Elephant. (hides face)
Eh, some people didn’t get responded to, and nobody pitched a fit. Given the huge quantity of emails, I can’t say non-response was a shocker.
This was one of the nicest experiences of online rapport I’ve had the pleasure to experience! The generosity of spirit was just awesome– one lovely lady kept coming up with more bottles/decants/samples she wanted to send me… so I went ahead and sent her my entire list. That was SO cool. Another wonderful new acquaintance went out of her way to make sure we worked out a swap for the decant that interested me, and I think we were both happy with the results ( I hope so– I know I am). And finally, as I was perusing the swaps that went on towards the end, I noticed that someone was looking for a bottle of something I just happened to have and forgot about, and contacted her and ended up get a lovely package of decants and samples (and a very pretty bottle with a bit left in it). Score! I loved being a part of this, and would jump at the chance to participate again. Thanks March, for initiating this! And many, many thanks to the generous and classy swappers who made this so much fun. XO
I admit it was a personal moment of clarity/hilarity for me, seeing folks swap things I love — gah, take my Mitsouko/Jicky/whatever. And for almost everyone who hates something, there seems to be someone who wants it, as your story illustrates. Glad it worked out. Your swaps sound delightful.
… and the best part was discovering at the end that your fellow swapper lives in your own state!
I know, that was a nice surprise! You were a great swap-partner and I had so much fun emailing back and forth. Let’s do it again some time… maybe I’ll get something for Christmas that needs to be swapped away… :)
This coincided with the final pre-holiday end of the year work frenzy and was my first try at swapping – so I only listed one swap and responded to one other, and was rather delayed in getting my offerings packed and sent off.
I am THRILLED with the Icelandic perfume decant (and samples) from Annelie, and with Rich Hippie (and a treasure trove of samples) from Tammy. It is an almost alchemical experience to turn neglected bottles and samples into something new and unusual that I would never otherwise have sniffed, and great fun to meet virtually fellow ‘fume lovers in far-off places.
It was also huge fun just to read the offers and counter offers. For example, Karin’s description of Jicky, “this one’s a civet monster! P-EW with a capital P-EW!” was the most perfect marketing catnip ever, IMO.
Huge thanks, March, for organizing another super scent event!
Yeah, I loved the descriptions and the way some of the people wrote, basically, take this thing off my hands, please! I laughed reading them. And it was great to see the long-distance swaps working out. I think some folks were dubious about overseas swaps or worried they wouldn’t work, and fingers crossed, they did.
Would you believe 4 of my 5 swaps were out of country? And most arrived in less than a week? What a world.
What a smelly, friendly, crazy chat world. :)
I had a great time with this, despite swapping for the first time AND from a weird location (Malaysia). Although there were a few people who didn’t reply — some may have listed stuff once and not checked back in — everyone was really nice, even if we didn’t make deal.
I did three swaps, all of which worked out smoothly. As a relative newbie living in Perfume Wasteland, I think I got the long end of the stick in some trades, but then plenty of others feel that way too, so maybe there’s just a lot of goodwill going around.
Everyone WAS really nice. I need to say again how much that impressed me. There were swaps that fell through because someone else had something the swapper wanted more, or folks didn’t get back and say their swaps were done, but nobody pitched a fit about it. Considering how many people were playing, and how complex the offers got, wow. Gold (*) all around.
I am always happy to hear people got more than they’d expected rather than less.
Timing will always be tough. I wouldn’t sweat that…holiday weekends might be great for some, horrible for others. For me, it would depend; this one was awkward, but I jumped in at the tail end, and still managed to end up in 5 swaps.
Which brings me to mind set…hey, y’all who stayed one (or more) steps back…I get it. I wasn’t sure I would do it, but I got my party hat on, and all went well. Sometimes I’m up for garage sales, or a day with crowds, and others…NOT. :)
My swaps, still in progress. (cf “I jumped in at the tail end,” add in “most of my offers were arrays of samples/decants I prepared myself.”) I have very much enjoyed the correspondence–had some delightful banter back and forth to Malaysia–and all that has arrived so far has either been Just As Expected (perfect!) or More Than I Imagined (spoiled!) Both categories, by the way, would be Beyond Expectations, because the main points were to get rid of languishing items and/or explore, right?
Best of all…I AM GETTING A SCARF!!! I can’t wait. Little does my swapper know I am desperately trying to figure out how to persuade her to make me a hat to go with it. Oh, wait… ;)
I know! Swaps in Malaysia and a scarf, does it get better? (no) And I hear you on joining/not joining. I held myself (?) to seven only because I felt like that was all I could keep track of.
HAW HAW HAW! I’ll send a hat in a few weeks! gotta finish the xmas presents first!
email your head deets: hair length and color, diameter of yer head, etc.
The cat keeps sitting on your scarf while it dries, i’m about to kill him…
I was in and out of town and couldn’t participate, but will next time!
Yeah, sorry about the timing, I promise next time to pick a regular ol’ workweek.
March,
Thank you so much. I was a fearless swapper when I first joined MUA (and was focused on make up) but had not done any swapping in close to five years. Thanks for the motivation.
I had two unloved (but perfectly good) bottles. I just can’t throw perfectly good things away, yet I wanted the space they were taking up. (In return I got samples. Thanks, Nina)I swapped one bottle and now have space for my bottle of of Idole de Lubin. That was a good thing because I like to wear it in cold weather, and we have been freezing!
That said, maybe a holiday weekend was not ideal. I got a response for my other unloved bottle, but could not respond as I don’t do Facebook or Twitter. (Occupational hazard: my teen clients would inevitable try to “friend” me. (Heck, I have had an adult client attempt to contact me via Linked In.)
Thanks again for hosting!
Thanks for playing! And yes, again, apologies for the holiday weekend, which worked for some and not at all for others. Since I’d not done this before, and we were only gone for one day, I just hadn’t thought it through.
Idole. So much love. I have a bottle too.
Dear March, thank you so much for coordinating this swap. I haven’t swapped since the earliest days of MUA, like since 2000, so I had many treasures ready for new homes. I had four swaps:
DIANA in Alabama: I swapped my Balmain Ambre Gris for her YSL Yvresse.
HELENA in Israel: I swapped my SL Daim Blonde for her Guerlain Mitsouko.
KATIE in California: I swapped my Chanel Cuir de Russie for her Chanel Coco and Guerlain Ylang-Vanille.
NICOLA in the U.K.: I swapped my Chanel Bois des Iles for her Burberry Brit Gold.
I’m completely delighted with my swap buddies and the new goods. Many thanks, Diana, Helena, Katie, and Nicola!
I’m already looking forward to the summer swap!
Hah, you swapped from all over too! It’s amazing, the things we can send … I did farm my packages out over different POs, trying to avoid suspicion. :d
I am not good at getting involved with swapping/splitting with people I don’t know, for some reason, though I love exchanging samples and bottles with friends, both online and in person. For this swap, I didn’t have anything I felt anyone would want, so I was prepared to sit out the chaos, just observing. I was very impressed and slightly baffled by those of you who managed something like eight transactions… and especially those who arranged mutiple swaps between others in order to eventually get something you wanted. But just browsing through, not looking for anything “Top Three” on my wish list, I came across a bottle of Mediterraneo (sorry, March!), which I’ve always been interested in, and I had what the swapper wanted in exchange (Sycomore decants).
I’m glad I limited myself to one transacation, but it went fabulously. I got to meet another Canadian, wonderful Annie, and she sent her package super-speedy. I got a full bottle of sparkling Mediterraneo, some samples of new stuff, lip balm, a fire-engine-red lip liner (how did she know?), brown eyeliner and a Japanese mystery package, which turned out to be bath salts (of so-far undetermined color). We emailed back and forth and the whole thing was just a delight. Perfume people are the best! Thanks so much for braving the server crash by setting this up….
See, this warms my heart, and I’m glad you wound up with that Mediterraneo and she got exactly what she wanted – and a perfect example (if I say so myself) of that courtesy — I really wanted the two of you to hook up, I backed off right away and sincerely. And now you’ve “met” a new swapper. 😡
I had a great time with Erin too! It was lovely that we both felt we got the better deal: Erin not only sent the Sycomore decants, but other decants (NOT samples), samples, and the WHOLE BOTTLE of Knize Ten. !!! I even got an amazingly strange bar of chocolate I hadn’t had the gumption to buy in Vancouver.
Alas that my second swap is not quite finished, as I am dying of curiosity how Ms. J from Swizterland will like her package. *I* have already received the package with the Cuir de Lancome decant, as well as samples and chocolates, from the Chocolate Centre of the Universe. It really did feel like Christmas.
BTW thanks again, March! Everybody has been so incredibly generous.
It sounds like it was a lot of fun and you get a medal for hosting the whole thing, March. It was all a bit much for my tiny brain to encompass, so I didn’t try it this time, but I love that it worked out so well and that people swapped for craft items, too.
And the picture of the twins is adorable. And I got to see them in person. Squeeee!
Must add I can’t believe so many people don’t like Eau du Sud. It was my long time monogamous love before I met y’all and started branching out like crazy. Can’t wear Hadrien, though.
The Hadrien/Sud thing is funny — either people love Hadrien or they think it smells like Lemon Pledge, and it goes there a bit on me too. Sud is my Hadrien substitute, but the comments on MUA are pretty cruel… see, our tastes are just more sophisticated. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
Those twins, oy. It’s a good thing they are so cute. Julia wants a bobcat for Christmas. I had to work out whether it was the construction vehicle or an actual live bobcat (it’s the latter.)
erm…i don’t think your dog would be too happy about a bobcat.
OK – just remember that the sense of adventure and derring-do will serve her well later in life….. You just have to survive it all for a while!
she would do better to get the heavy equipment. Srsly. She could rent it out and pay for undergraduate school. I doubt she would make much renting out an actual, live bobcat – but I could be wrong….:-?
besides, I’m a big fan of earthmoving Bobcats. Great things, there.
xo >-)
I bad a blast with this. I offered my pathetic assortment of samples and minis, which no one wanted, but that was totally fine by me, since most people were interested in my crocheted items and willing to swap for those. One swap we have by mutual agreement delayed until finals and my holiday crafting are complete, but I am completely confident it will happen, and I can’t wait to get started on her scarf! So I will end up with two bottles and a boatload of samples that I am currently digging my way through. This was so much fun and a huge thank you to March for setting this up. I too would like to send you a little something as a thank you for setting this up March, would you like a hat or scarf? Email me!
Are you SERIOUS?!?! I’ll be honest: I was a little bummed that I’d failed to think of swapping for a hat or scarf. I am the Queen o’ Knitwear, wearing a scarf right now. I bet the neighbors think I’m hiding something wrong with my neck. 😉
Absolutely serious – I can try a hat or mittens or something. Email me – you totallymdeserve a knitwear treat for hosting this madness. And oh what fun madness it was! Also I was a swap virgin too, this was my very first one, and everyone has been so delightful. What a wonderful community this is. I’m so pleased to be a part of it.
Argh I keep hitting reply w/o adding deets. My email is jen at g mail dot com
Thanks! I can Look You Up (I have the secret key) but it’s much easier getting your contact info right here.
and she makes a cuuuuuute hat! I orta know….;)
xo >-)
Blushes
Thank you, you make awesome sample sets!
Thank you, March, for hosting! I was one of those who was supposed to be away for the weekend…but ended up at home because my DH was ill (he’s fine now). Swapmania provided a great outlet for fun! I only dipped a toe in – two swaps and one side swap. Have tons of bottles I could easily swap away, but didn’t want to overwhelm the process. I “listed” three, and swapped two, but then spotted an offer to someone else for a Cartier Heure, and ended up swapping some Amouage samples and such for a sample of XIII and other goodies (thanks, Musette!). The other swaps:
– Jicky EDP for Nahema/Eau Legere (a wave to OperaFan above – thanks! And so kind of you to offer some J to March. :-) )
– Decant of Escale a Portofino and various samples for some Apres la Mousson and a bunch of other fun samples, including the two FK colognes (pour le soir = yum!).
Thought it worked out great, though those 1200 comments were a bit overwhelming to read through! Definitely helped that participants took discussions offline.
Looking forward to the next bash!
The search feature — that would have made things so much easier, I’ll put it in the post next time, I bet I wasn’t the only person who didn’t know how to search comments. I kept losing my personal threads and had to keep checking back, slowly. It sounds like you got some great samples.
The search feature (or Edit-Find on windows explorer) was my saving grace from bug eyes…
Karin, waving right back at you!
Oh March! Meant to ask – how’s that Magical Moon? I’ve been curious about it for awhile cause I’ve heard others say it’s a dupe for Attrape Coeur/Guet Apens. Do you agree?
Yeah, I didn’t know about that search feature either – great find!!!
I’m a fanclub of one. As far as I know. It’s a nice … woodsy/fruity incense? Sort of a comfort scent to me, like a cheap and easy Annayake Miyako, if you know that one. It’s still around at some of the Nordstroms for sampling.
A-C?!?! Nooooo. Nothing at all like the Guerlain to me. I mean, nothing.
I also didn’t know about the search feature and it would have made it much easier – I gave up at about 500 comments cuz I couldn’t keep up. But I re-entered once the search function was mentioned. Don’t want to think about how many comments would have been there if people hadn’t taken it off line :)
I was doing two things — trying to mind my own swaps and keep an eye on the “tenor” of conversations — and point out missed connections to people who seemed to have things another person would want. And I scrolled up and down until I was dizzy.
I had been really looking forward to this , I swap all the time and have a huge collection . Then I got sick and came in late . Bummer .
The swaps I tried , ended up with people who were away from home and could’t remember what they had at home so I ended up swapless .
Next time for sure I will be an Olympic swapper , I have so much great stuff that needs new homes .
Thanks for doing it March , I look forward to the next one!
Yeah, sorry about that schedule fail… next time I’ll do some random midsummer swap. I bet some folks will re-swap things they got.
Ooooh!
SWAP by Carol! OOOOH!
crap. I can’t imagine….it would be like swapping with Patty. Or the Pope. Or Elizabeth Taylor (hey, Liz! Swap you this Jared bracelet for your vintage Bulgari zigzag, whaddayasay? /:)
But maybe I can boost an armored car or something, so I’ll have something to swap with you!
xo >-)
I swapped with eight people and had a blast! I won’t list everything here–too many little samples and things, but I now have a lot of new perfumes to try. I swapped away some things I won’t miss or will never use, and also decants of my favorites.
There is one person who may or may not still be waiting to see what I offer…I am now too occupied with holiday planning to follow through–(sorry, E!) but hope to catch up with her later.:-\
Thank you March and all of my wonderful, generous, kind & interesting swappers!
You’re welcome. It was a blast for me too.
March, thank you for having the Swap! I had so much FUN! Thanksgiving weekend was actually good for me, because the kids didn’t have basketball or any of their other activities which keep me running, and even though I had Thanksgiving here, the rest of the weekend I was able to enjoy browsing thru the Posse. The best part of the swap was getting to make new acquaintances. I think I got blessed with the most generous, sweetest four people on the planet. Thank you Holly, Lauren, Aimee and Geordan! I was overwhelmed with your kindness and generosity! It was fun both making up and receiving the little swap boxes. The swap also forced me to clean out my samples boxes, drawers, etc. and I have now found more which needs to find new homes, so I would love to do it again. THANK YOU, March!! :-)
Hey, that was another thing — going through the collection, culling, thinking, do I really WANT this? And you’re one of the people for whom the weekend schedule worked. :)>-
Perfume friends are great.
You are the best, Sherri! I just wanted to hop on here and thank you again for a swap made in heaven. :)
Y’all are brave, and have inspired me to dip in next time. Great job, March-and lovely pic of the twins!
Thanks, doll – it was fun to watch, even for folks who said, uh…
This was my first set of swaps and it was absolutely great. I am still pretty much a newbie so it was a great opportunity to expand my collection- I got things I really wanted, like Bulgari Black ( so gorgeous!) and wanted to try like SSS and I am now in love with Tabac Aurea and Winter Woods. Ooh and Eau de Merveilles and Chergui! My swappers were lovely and generous- I would love to swap with any of them again (Hi guys!). I think we are all happy bunnies!
Thanks again March! :-)
I’m going to post on the SSSs, they are lovely. Glad you had a good time!