A Quick Intro to the New Swaps Section!
The Beta Swap section of the site is live! We’ve been working on this for months, and I’m so excited that the launch day is finally here!
Thank you so much for all your help, feedback and guidance on what to build! This wouldn’t have been possible without this wonderful community of fellow subscription box lovers!
If you have signed up to be a part of the Beta tester group, you can now list swap items and start swapping!
(If you missed out on the original Beta testing group, you can still browse the swap section, and if you want to make sure you get in on the next round of swapping, you can get on the waitlist here).
Since this is all brand new, I want to detail how we’ve incorporated your feedback into the site, and then I have a quick guide for listing an item.
Beta Team Feedback: Make it easy to search for and browse for items.
Site Features: Since this is a swap site for subscription box items only, we knew we’d be working with a finite number of items, and that many people may be listing the exact same item. Because of this, we didn’t want there to be 20 different listings for the exact same item. Instead, when you are listing an item you can see if it’s already on the site. Then just indicate that you have it to swap as well, and you can add any specific details and pictures you want. This way it’s easier for people to find your item, and you can list items quickly.
By setting up the listing this way, you can browse by category, or search by box or item.
So for example, let’s say you’re looking for the Rifle Paper Co. Calendar in the January POPSUGAR Must Have Box. There will be one main listing for the calendar, and then as soon as you click “Swap for It,” you’ll see all the people who have it available to swap. You can then decide who you want to swap with by location, rating, experience, or any other way you determine!
Beta Team Feedback: We need shipping standards and the ability to track packages.
Site Features: From the feedback, some people absolutely wanted shipment tracking on every swap, and others didn’t think it was always necessary. Since the group seemed somewhat divided on this, I thought for beta we’d let the individuals decide how to handle it per swap. Once you start a swap you get the other swapper’s email, so you can discuss how you’d both like to handle shipping.
If you do decide to share tracking information, we added site features that make it easy to share with your fellow swapper. Once you ship your items, on the swap page, you can select which shipping method you used, and you can add a tracking number, and your fellow swapper can do the same. Then it’s super simple to check back on that page and see the status of your packages.
To keep things as simple as possible, each swapper is responsible for the cost of shipping the item(s) in their possession to the other swapper.
Beta Team Feedback: Make it clear if the item is new and sealed, etc.
Site Features: When you list an item, you must select if it is new or used. We also have additional text fields for extra information like if the product is still sealed in plastic wrap, comes in a box, etc.
Beta Team Feedback: A feedback/ratings system is a must.
Site Features: After every swap, you can rate your fellow swapper with a score of positive, neutral or negative, and that will be reflected in their overall swapper rating. You also can add specific text feedback with each rating.
One request – before you leave negative feedback, please try to work things out with the other swapper first!
Beta Team Feedback: Consider a Buying/Selling option in addition to swapping.
Site Features: Since we’re still in Beta, I first wanted to see how the swapping site will work, and fix any issues before we add new features like selling. So it’s not available yet, but it’s on our backlog as something we may build down the line!
Now it’s time to get started!
How to List an Item:
If this is the first time you list an item, you will be prompted to provide a little more information and accept the terms of use:
Make sure the email address listed is one you check regularly – we’ll be using it to notify you if someone wants to swap with you!
The city and state listing allow fellow swappers to get a sense of how far away an item will be shipping from. You can even sort listings by which swapper is closest to you!
(If you don’t want to list your city, you can leave that blank).
Ok, now you can list a new item! Start typing in which box it’s from, and the box will show up:
Once you select the box, you can see if the item you have to list is already on the site, or if you need to add it:
If the item you have is already on the site, just select it and finish out the listing:
Here you can upload any of your own product photos if you want, select if the condition of the product is new or used, and enter information about sizing and anything else that’s relevant to the listing. Then click “List It!” and you’re done!
Alternatively, if the item you are listing is not already on the site, you can add it yourself:
Just click, “My Item isn’t listed here. I want to add a new item.”
First you’ll be prompted to choose a category. (This makes it much easier to browse the swap listings and for other swappers to find your items).
Then you can quickly grab the image of the item you’re listing from any webpage. (We’ll link back to the original source in the listing).
Then just pick which image you want to use and add the name of the product.
If the standard product photo of the item you’re listing doesn’t exist online, you can always upload your own image too. (This will likely happen for items from Golden Tote and JewelMint mystery boxes!)
And that’s it! Let me know if you have any other questions I haven’t covered!
When you’re using the swap site, please keep in mind that this is beta, so we anticipate that there will be things that need improved upon. Please share any feedback you might have – what you like, what you don’t like, what’s confusing, what could be improved, what’s missing, etc. (The site also may be slow at some times, and if it is, let us know!)
You can post all of your feedback and ideas in our Feedback Forum.
Written by Liz Cadman
hi everyone! I’m what you considered a newbie to the swap part of MSA. Although I have been enjoying part of MSA. Although I have been enjoying the spoilers, comments, and reviews for quite a while. Question and hopefully maybe someone can help me with it. In the description box I’ve seen the term unicorn bait on some of the listings. I’m not sure what that terms means. Could someone please explain that to me?
Thanks in advance for your help.
😄🙏
It means they think the item they are listing is very desirable and/or in demand and they will only trade it for something very special or unique that they really want that does not come up for swap very often or maybe hasn’t even been listed before.
Hi Liz!
Thank you for letting me into your swap site! I’m so excited to be able to use this portion of the blog cuz there’s so much more that I can list and also want from other boxes that I can’t afford to sub to. Thanks so much! Going to try it out now 🤗💖✨ have a very Merry Christmas to you and your family too! ~Lori D.
Am I the only one thy is totally confused by this. I’m not getting how you make the swap
This may be a dumb question ,but is there a preferred method of shipping , usps, ups, FedEx? Maybe some veteran swappers have advice for us newbies.
USPS is your best bet. The shipping link is on the usps site or you can go through paypal’s shipping link. UPS is usually best very large or very heavy parcels (I’m talking over 30 pounds).
thank you
Thank you for sharing that information! I am very excited about this. 🙂
I got an email that I was off the wait list but I can’t fill the form out?
Same here?
How did you get a solution to this? I’m having the same problem now.
Finally accepted to the swap site. I filled out the info under the ‘ready to swap? let’s get started” tab. I filled everything out, but when I click on ‘list an item’ it takes me back to the original ‘let’s get started’ page. Help please!
How did you get a solution to this? I’m having the same problem now.
I’m getting the same problem too… Did anybody get a solution to this?
How do I remove an item that I no longer have available to swap?
How do I update the “What I’m Looking For” section of my swap profile?
I’m having an issue with a swap. I sent my end a couple of weeks ago but have not received the swap items that were to be sent to me. I’ve tried contacting the other swapper to no avail. Please tell me what I should do next. Thank you!
Did you ever hear back from anyone? That’s just awful. Can you put her name and address all over here?
Hi Jenny,
I saw your email – and I’m writing back now.
I was wondering if there is a way to review what you have listed as items you are willing to swap? I listed a lipstick I gave away to a friend and I wanted to take it off.. But I can’t seem to find a way to look at items I’ve put up for “swapping”.
Hey,
I Love the swapping ideas, and am subscribed to a few of the boxes already, and have a few things I would like to swap… When do you think the next test group will be ready, or how long until we are off the wait list?
I’m so excited to participate!
Thanks,
Emma
2 suggestions on the swap site (which I LOVE btw):
1) there should be a way to cancel a swap after the agreement is made – for example I had a case where an item got damaged and we decided to cancel the swap – we had to enter dummy info and feedback to close out the swap then relist the remaining items. This is also useful if one party goes AWOL and stops responding – this allows the item to be relisted.
2) I know this is somewhat harder, but it would help if there were a way to pass the swap back and forth a couple of times before saying it’s a deal. For instance, I request something from a person, they come back requesting something of mine with a much higher value. I would like to be able to revisit their list and, if they have items that would bridge the gap, add them to the trade. If they agree, then we call it final.
Thanks for the feedback – I’m so glad you love the swap site! We’re working on a way to cancel swaps – it’s a little tricky because of the concern that one person could technically mail their item, and the other could cancel the swap, so we need a system where both parties agree to cancel, or in the case of an AWOL person, we have a time limit set.
The good news on your second suggestion is that we are almost done with adding counter-swap functionality. We’re going to do some tests this weekend and it should be up next week!
Please keep the feedback coming. We really appreciate and want to make the site as useful and fun as possible! 🙂
Can we get Sunset45 added to the listing? I have some earrings and lip gloss to swap from it!
Every time I go to sign-in or click on the link to list an item, it takes me to https://boxes.mysubscriptionaddiction.com/ and tells me I’m already logged in.
While filling in the information form to begin swapping I noticed that you could type in what you are looking for, but I can’t seem to find where to see what others are looking for. I would love to see what others are interested in before I swap.
Thanks!
Once you click “Swap for It” on any item listing, you will be able to see it next to the swappers names if they have it listed. Hope that helps!
Thank you Liz!
Can you also add Z Box to your subscription boxes? I have a ton of stuff to swap from them. 🙂
Loving the new swap addition! One thing I’d like to see added is a way to edit your swap. As of now if something changes in the swap then the only option is to cancel it and start over.
Also, need stylemint 🙂
Would also love to see a completed swaps section instead of them being bulked together into All Swaps. All swaps to me, mean open swaps.
Hi! Finally dug into the swap site, and I’m on my third item listing! Such a fantastic idea! I’m loving the site — a very clean and user-friendly layout. For some reason, though, I’m not seeing the item descriptions for any of the listed items (neither the ones I listed nor others’). I might just not be seeing where I need to look, though…?
Me neither.
Hi Liz,
I think I signed up for the beta group, but I’m not able to log in.
Hi Andrea,
I think you should be good now. Let me know if you can login!
Perfect! Thanks!! Can’t wait to try this out 🙂
Can you please add total beauty collection box as an option for swapping?
Hello Liz,
The website is great and already swapped 2 items!
Juste one question, is it possible to remove the canceled or old swapped from the page? May have missed it.
Thank you!
Cecilia
oh are you still in the testing stage?
Yes – right now the swapping site is only open to use for our Beta tester group. But you can get on the waitlist to be in the next round here: http://eepurl.com/NaQtP
I signed up for Beta and can’t get in – this is happening to me:
Every time I go to sign-in or click on the link to list an item, it takes me to https://boxes.mysubscriptionaddiction.com/ and tells me I’m already logged in.
Hi Kelly,
Sorry about the access issue. I’m going to email you to fix it.
I am having the ssme problem as Kelly. Please help, I am so excited to get swapping.
Just sent you an email to get this fixed asap. So sorry!
I’m having the same problem, Liz.
Hi LizM – I think I may have been able to fix your access issue. If it’s still not working let me know.
I tried yesterday and now and can’t get in……it won’t let me type any information…..where it says click on box and you will be swapping in no time……I click and won’t allow me to type information on…..also I can’t find the actual swapping site on here
WOW! This just looks amazing, Liz! I will be inputting items for swap this weekend. Thanks for all your efforts (and your hubby too!)
Thanks! Let me know how everything works for you! 🙂
Is there any way to change items that I listed in the wrong category? I chose Beauty instead of Fashion on accident for a couple items.
It’s not working for me either I must also be blocked.
It’s not working for me either Every time I go to sign-in or click on the link to list an item, it takes me to https://boxes.mysubscriptionaddiction.com/ and tells me I’m already logged in.
Sorry about the account issue – I just sent you an email. Hopefully we can get this fixed for you asap!
If you make an error (I just listed something as full size) and I see now that it’s half sized. Is there any way to delete it (or edit)?
Yep! On the upper right corner, if you click the arrow next to your account name, then click View Your Profile Page. All your listings will be on this page and you can edit or delete them.
Let me know how that works for you!
I don’t see this option. Has that changed?
What a great idea – thanks Liz. Looking forward to get off the wait list and into the action.
Question for you though: are swaps limited to items within one category? Or would we able to swap items across all categories (e.g., clothing for beauty items)?
Thanks!
You can swap anything for anything! (I know I’ll be trying to swap some beauty items for golden tote clothing!) 🙂
this is very exciting! I hope someone will take my LeEdge lol
Love it Liz, you have done an excellent job 🙂
Thank you so much! (I have to give my husband Eric credit too – he does all the coding!) 🙂
OMG I’ve been listing and swapping for three hours!!! I. Am. Addicted. Completed four swaps already! Liz, thank you….your web team is amazing. The interface is perfect. The only thing I would add is a comment box so you can offer someone more than one item, if the one you want from them is more expensive.
never mind….I figured it out! you can choose more than one item to trade for.
De-lurking to say this is fabulous. Thanks so much for all your hard work, Liz!
Oh – thank you so much! 🙂
Do products from a total beauty collection box count for swapping?
I want to post some Total Beauty items too! Liz, could you please add the Total Beauty box to the list of swappable boxes? Thanks!
Ah man, I want to swap too! 😛 The site looks awesome and is such a good idea!
I love this, using it already. Comments:
1. Would be great to be able to further negotiate a swap – If someone responds with something that you don’t agree with or think is fair.. Maybe the comment box on decline would be fine, at least you could say what the reason is.
2. Bondi NY (now defunct subscription box) isn’t listed, would love for it to be added.
Thanks Kristen! This feedback is great. I think a lot of people want a way to have a conversation/re-negotiate a swap, so we’ll be working on that next. And I hadn’t thought about boxes that no longer exist, so I’ll try to figure that one out too!
Is it possible to list items not from a subscription in a legit way? I mean, I could always just say it’s from X box even though it isn’t – But would there ever be an ‘other’ category?
One other thing – It might also be nice to have a drop-down menu for size that has options like: Sample, Deluxe Sample, Full Size. It might make it easier for people who don’t have the exact sizing info.
Thanks so much for putting this together! I love the layout and being able to search by box, it makes things much easier. And I love that there aren’t multiple listings of the same item. I’ve already set up two swaps! And I can’t wait to add tons more stuff tonight after I’m home from work.
As for people not having what you’re looking for, I suggest waiting because they may be like me and are at work and listing things from memory right now vs. going through what they have. More people may have more items to choose from later tonight or tomorrow.
As for value, I’ve been going back through to Liz’s reviews to see what her values were for the items and approximating even trades based on that. Or, personally, I don’t mind if what I am giving someone is worth monetarily more than what they are giving me if I really want the item they have or just need to get rid of items I will never use that the other person will. So I guess it also depends on that. One person may love that $40 full-size cleanser but to another, it’s worthless, and they may be willing to give it up for something worth only $20 or $30.
This is what I’m doing at the moment! There’s some things I know from memory that I have and want to get rid of, but I have a ton of other small items as well as clothing, that I can’t wait to catalog!
Hey Liz,
I think I found a typo? When I get an offer to swap, i get this message:
“Next Action for You: Review the user’s available items and cancel of propose a swap”
Should it be cancel OR propose instead of cancel of propose?
Liz – This is awesome. Have been using it literally since launched today and have a few comments:
1. Definitely agree with the prior comment about approx retail value. I don’t want to insult people with my proposal or look greedy when I am having a hard time guesstimating the value!
2. Is there somewhere on the site where we can see all the proposals we got? Would be great to be able to see them along with their status (ie. Not responded, Proposed Swap Sent, Declined Swap) so that it is easier to manage. I am getting lost and don’t want to leave people hanging!
3. AWESOME WORK! Loving this!
I’m a dummy and JUST realized the whole “my swaps” section. LOL.
Oh no worries – I think we need to make that section a little easier to find. A few people have had the same comments. Let me know if that section makes sense and works for you though!
And thank you for feedback! 🙂
It would be great if there was a quick link to the swaps section somewhere on the home page or maybe when we click on our user name to see “My Wishlist” and “My Subscriptions” you could add a tab for “My Swaps”? Just a thought. Thanks for putting this together! 🙂
Sorry, Lina, didn’t realized I posted under your comment, whoops!
Sorry, Lina. Didn’t mean to post my comment under your comment xD
Can you add a “comments” section to the swap request or a way to reply to the swapper? Someone requested a swap but they didn’t have anything I wanted listed, I felt horrible just denying the swap without being able to say something to them.
Also, if someone doesn’t have one thing that is comparable in value, it would be great to be able to mark multiple things they have up for swap to help make it an even swap.
Perhaps having the ability to disclose our emails or some other way to communicate in the system to talk back and forth to work out the details of the trade?
This is really great by the way, you have obviously put a tremendous amount of work into the beta site and I really appreciate it!! Thank you so much!
Thanks so much for the suggestions. We’ll see what we can do about comments if you reject a swap – how nice of you to think of that!
Also, if someone requests an item from you, you are able to select more than one item from them to make the swap more equal. Let me know if that’s not working for you though.
You should get the other swappers email address in our swapping emails, so if that didn’t happen – let me know and we’ll figure it out!
Thanks again Paula!
I see it now, I didn’t realize it was in the emails. Am spending more time looking around, there are alot of features! Thanks
I was just browsing what was listed and for the clothes I don’t see any sizes listed. That might be something that is good to add so that we know if it’s worth wanting to swap for. Also is it open to Canadians to sign up for? I realize that can get trickier as not everyone is willing to ship to Canada.
I’d also be interested in knowing whether Canadians can join this swap forum. Thx!
Thanks for the feedback on sizing, we’ll need to think about how to display that better.
And this swap site is open to everyone in every location! When you sign up you enter your country and location so you can find swappers close to you, but as long as you and your fellow swapper are OK with shipping costs you can swap with anyone in any country!
It’s not working for me. Every time I go to sign-in or click on the link to list an item, it takes me to https://boxes.mysubscriptionaddiction.com/ and tells me I’m already logged in.
Also, when I click on an item and then “Swap For It,” it tells me that there is 1 available, but then does nothing.
Sorry – it looks like you’re blocked out from the beta group, but I checked and you are on the beta list, so I’m going to email you directly to fix this!
Awesome! Thank you!! 🙂
Hi Liz,
I am experiencing the same issue. Could I also be blocked? I definitely signed up to be a beta tester, and have been excitedly looking forward to the site being launched. I can’t wait to try it! Can you verify that I was put in as a tester? Thanks!!!
How will we know what the person is willing to trade for?
Once you request a swap for an item, we’ll email that person and they can look at all the items you have listed and select if there’s anything they are interested in. Hope that helps!
We’ll definitely keep in mind that making a list of items you want would be helpful too.
I wonder if it would be helpful to also have a place to list an approx. retail value? Might be good to be able to swap things that are similarly priced?
I wonder if it would be helpful to also have a place to list an approx. retail value? Might be good to be able to swap things that are similarly priced?
Hi Liz,
great site! Just one question. How can we do it if the item doesn’t come from a box you listed? Such as Memebox or the Hautelook / Allure beauty bag?
Thanks!
Cecilia
Thanks for the feedback Cecilia! We’ll have to make some updates to account for boxes not listed. But in the meantime I’ll add those boxes to the list. I’ll update you when they are listed.
Thank you Liz!
Hi Liz,
I have some items from a Heather Armstrong Quarterly box that isn’t listed. Could you add it as well?
Thanks!