Confessions of a Swapper is a series that profiles MSA's top swappers. Want to share your own swapping experiences with the community? Details for how to get in touch are located at the bottom of the page.
Last week, we kicked off this new series by chatting with Angela W., one of MSA's most active swappers. Today, we're speaking with another top swapper-- and another Angela-- Angela Trupo.
But before we jump into the interview, let's take a quick look at the Swaps site. If you're new to this corner of MSA, it might be helpful to take a quick peek at what swaps are all about.
What is the MSA Swap site?
Image from MSA's Swap site.
The Swaps section of My Subscription Addiction launched way back in 2014, and it's a place where members of the community can exchange items they receive in subscription boxes. If you've ever wanted to get your hands on a subscription box item you missed out on, swaps is the place to make it happen. Coveting the Teressa Foglia X Curateur "Lynn" Hat you missed in Spring's Curateur box? Looking to add the Library of Flowers Field & Flowers Luminary from Summer's Margot Elena Subscription Box to your candle collection? Swaps provides a platform where you can connect with other members of the community to trade for the items you can't stop thinking about.
To become a swapper, you'll need to sign up for a free MSA account and set up your profile. After you confirm your email address, you can navigate to the Swaps section and join the Swap site waitlist. Once you've been approved, you're ready to start swapping! (FYI-- your MSA profile is for more than just swaps. It's is a great place to keep track of your subscriptions, opt in to brand-specific emails, and create your subscription wishlist.)
You can browse the wide selection of items and request swaps from members of the community who've listed items that catch your eye. They'll then be invited to browse your listed items. Agree on items you'd like to trade? You've got yourself a swap! Each participant ships their half of the trade and provides tracking information. When the swap is complete, both parties submit feedback.
Over 20,000 swaps have been completed, and there are over 4,000 registered swappers. All members of the My Subscription Addiction community are welcome to participate.
Now, without further ado, let's meet Angela!
Confessions of a Swapper: Angela Trupo
Lindsey: Angela, thanks so much for taking the time to talk Swaps. How long have you been swapping on MSA?
Angela Trupo: Holy cats! Since February 2014.
L: How did you discover Swaps?
A: I was a fan of MSA and was really into getting boxes but I had way too many items I would not use. When Liz announced the Swaps site, I was really excited!
L: How frequently do you use Swaps?
A: It depends. I swap whenever I can but it seems to be harder these days. A lot of people that I used to swap with are no longer around on the site. Many people are swamped with items and have to be picky - they don't want more items unless they are follows. Others want to swap beauty for hard-to-find "permanent" items, which is not an interesting or wanted swap for most of us. Shipping costs have also gone up significantly in the last 7 years. I used to be able to send a small package for $2.95, now it is typically over $5.
L: You've completed a lot of swaps. What are your favorites?
1 of 3
A:
- My Apolis x Clare V. market bag. I still use it and I love it. The inside has a waxy lining and it is just a really fun bag!
- A beautiful grey wood and bone mosaic tray. I can't remember what it was called or where it was from but it is still on my dresser.
- My pink Rose et Marius Bastido pattern tumbler. It makes me happy. I am still trying to find another.
L: What are the “holy grail” items on your swapping wish list?
A: I really want another RetM Bastido tumbler (in the blue and green), and the last La Cocotte mug I need to make the set!
L: When you receive a box, how do you decide which products to keep and which to swap?
A: Skincare is easy. My skin is a pain (aging, acne-prone and sensitive) so I get rid of most of it. I don't wear a lot of makeup. I am really loyal to the items that work for me and don't like to try new ones and turn my skin into a mess. Otherwise, if I don't think I will use an item, it goes up. Sometimes I hold onto something and realize I will never use it - then I put it up. I am trying to clean out my stash now.
L: Do you upcycle in other ways? If so, please share some examples!
A: My friends get a lot of items that I don't want and can't swap (for instance, there are 78 of them on the site already). If the item is not completely frivolous, I will donate it.
L: What's your favorite thing about Swaps?
A: It can be fun, like a game, to try to get an item you really want. I also just like the idea of sending something that someone else will use in exchange for something I want.
L: What's your favorite subscription? And what do you love about subscriptions?
A: My all-time favorites were Adidas and Little Lace Box. Both are gone now! I like Causebox (Alltrue) now since the items seem to be good quality, and I don't get a lot of filler.
L: What advice do you have for new swappers who are just getting started? What pieces of swap etiquette should they know?
A: Communicate. If you make a mistake or have an issue, just be honest. If you change your mind, tell them. People are basically really nice on the site!! Read people's profiles or listing notes. They took time to write those and there is a lot of good info. Don't be upset if someone declines your swap. It is way too much work to write a nice note to each person you decline if you put out a bunch of requests for one item and then get it. Sometimes the person has things you don't need. It is not an insult to cancel!! Don't make your decision based on one negative review. Sometimes things go wrong.
Thanks so much to Angela Trupo for taking the time to speak with me about Swaps. I really appreciate it, Angela!
Now, I want to hear from YOU. Are you an active swapper who'd like to share your swapping stories, tips, and tricks? Get in touch at [email protected].
Have a swap-related story to share? Or a question about Swaps? Drop a note in the comments section below! Eager to start swapping? Sign up here.
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