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When you are returning flies to the swapmeister, how do you usually do it? I put them in an Altoids-type (with foam glued into it) tin, in a small padded envelope (self-addressed and stamped), then both go into a larger padded envelope with the meister's name and my return address. Usually costs about a buck each for the envelopes, plus postage. Anyone have a better (read: cheaper) way to do this with the same fly-safety?
Thanks
MAO
I have yet to use a padded envelope. I use the standard manilla (brown paper) envelopes that have a metal clasp on them. And I usually send the flies in the same clear front case I plan on displaying them in. I just stuff that and the return envelope into the bigger one. Is this risky? Sure, but I can't afford to spend a small fortune on postage year-round. Also, If the person lives on the other side of the country or it's getting close to deadline, I'll spring for priority mail. Sending stuff to John R in Knoxville from NE Nevada, I have priority going both ways. I also tape all the seams on the envelope. I always look at it as the flies I get are worth more than the postage.
I've only done three swaps. In the first I used the little containers that most fly shops have for collecting your flies--you know, kinda like the salsa containers at Baja Fresh. Then, I got the little Plano multi-compartment containers from Walmart for about $1.50. Each time, I've sent my flies in a padded envelope along with a self-addressed, postage paid, padded envelope. I think total postage was a little over $1.00. Honestly, I forgot what the padded envelopes cost, but I picked 'em up at the local grocery store. I like using the Plano containers, especially for dries.
i put my flies in an appropriate sized plastic container for the particular swap i'm in. i dont use altoid tins, but thats just me (cant stuff 12 bass flies in there)
then i self address one envelope with my return address
at the post office i ask for return postage from the swapmeisters address
insert the swap box and return envelope in a larger addressed envelope and have that weighed. on its merry way it goes
my toe tags are a little different than most. i use business cards for toe tags. i put a foto of the fly and the recipe on it. i then stab the fly to the business card and put that assembly into a 3x4 ziplock bag. 9 times out of 10 thats how i do toe tags.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...ire/toetag.jpg
I use the cardboard boxes for mailing CD's and then envelopes like Maodiver.
Normand,
Your explanation is much better than mine and I happen to do everything you do aside from the special business card. Thanks for the added info.
Thanks..I just wanted to know if the regular manilla envelopes did alright, they are a lot cheaper. I think I will keep sending in metal boxes for safety, sized appropriately to the flies in the swap. I will switch to manila and see how that goes.
Cover the metal clips on the mailia envelopes or just tape them shut.
The metal exposed, on the envelope, costs more to send.
Rick
cheaper yes, but they rip open faster than a bubble pack envelope. and the postal workers are not going to put that loose fly box back into a ripped open envelope and tape it up for ya! ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by maodiver
No Matter what style box ( I use a Plano compartment box) or envelope you use ( I use the padded ones) make sure your return address is clearly marked and affixed to your box. There have been a couple of times in my swapping career that the machines at the PO have torn the envelope and the box containing the flies fell out. Because I have a return address label on my box, both times I got my box and flies delivered to my door, courtesy of the USPS.
REE
only need one envelope - just include TO: and FROM: labels that will be used on the envelope ya send the flies in. Put return postage in the form of stamps in with the flies. Some postoffices get picky and won't accept the pre-done postage. Always affix a to and from label on the fly container.
I have 10 regular fly boxes are reserved specifically for swaps. I place the flies, with toe-tags, in the box, place that in a 4 x 8 envelope with my address on it, then place that in an 8 x 11 envelope with the swapmeisters address on it. I do not seal the envelopes.
When I get to the Post Office, I have them calculate the postage, and then get 2 sets of stamps for that amount. I place one set on the 4 x 8 envelope, and place it back in the larger one, unsealed. Then I seal the large one, and place the other set of stamps on it, and then mail the whole package.
I use a plastic travel soap box inside of a regular manilla envelope, with another manilla envelope inside. Name and info are on the box because it makes it easier for the swapmeister, and it might help get it back to you if the USPS mangles things up.