People who have been following my blog for a while, know the concept of my Buddy Boxes and have seen some popping up in the blog-entries now and then. I noticed, that when I showed the Buddy Boxes on social media, the curiosity began to grow and people actually liking the concept so much, they wished other collectors would do this. Before I go trough some explanation and some tips, I must say that the words 'Buddy Box' are not owned by me and you will find different results on the Internet for the words 'Buddy Box' if you search for it. The term Buddy Box just grew on this type of trade. Also, this type of trade does not have to be exclusive for collectors and can be done in many ways. That is that, lets begin with the history, explanation and some handy tips!
History of the Buddy Box that I receive and sent:
It all started with a conversation between me and Julie, on STS forum. We became friends and somehow decided to sent each other a trade. Just a normal trade, with models we knew the other person wanted. It is custom on STS to add a little gift to the package when you sent it to the other person. It is a totally random gift and sometimes, people do not include one, which is fine, it is your own decision :) Somehow we added some more gift into each others trades, and we talked a lot on STS. But when we got each others phone numbers to talk on WatssApp, it really began! We could sent each other photos of items we came across during flea market and thrift shop hunts! Doubles and extras could be photographed easily: Do you already have this one? Nope? Oke, will sent it to you with the rest XD We discovered we had much in common with each other, common interests <3 So it became very easy to find things for each other and so, the Buddy Box was born! The Buddy Boxes are a big success between us, because we know each other so well. Now, I also began to do Buddy Boxes with Nardien, who I also know from STS. We both get more and more comfortable to add new items in the Buddy Box each time <3
So, how does a Buddy Box work?:
A Buddy Box is a box filled with things the other person loves, likes or has interests in. You can say it is a luxurious trade XD Where some items are a surprise, because you know the other person likes or loves it. Some other items are known to the receiver, because you, as a sender, are not sure if the receiver already has it. (This is very common for collectors, as many have a big collection and you want to make sure the other person doesn't have the item(s) already.) For a good Buddy Box, it is important that you know the other person! I would never sent a Buddy Box to a unknown person, asking me to sent one. You have to know the other persons interests! Otherwise the chance of you buying things for the other person that does not like them, is big!
How much money do you spent on a Buddy Box?:
Honestly, I do not keep track on the amount of money I spend on one Buddy Box, and it should not matter actually. Oke, oke, it should not get to high or overboard with the amount of money you spend on a Buddy Box. I just want to say that the money doesn't matter, it is the feeling, the joy of receiving a box filled with things you like and love. Sounds cheesy, I know XD I never say how much I spend on a Buddy Box, that should not matter. But there are some things to consider:
- Equality
Fancy word for saying that you should not sent two items with an expectation to get a box full with items back. And vise versa! If you have easy contact with your Buddy Box partner, you can agree on a number of items or money, so you both know that you will get an equally great Buddy Box. Honestly, I don't state a number with Julie XD We just both sent when we think our box is ready for sending haha!
- Shipping
Oh yeah, the nasty part of doing a Buddy Box, the shipping! Here in the Netherlands, national shipping is 6,95 euro for packages under the 10kg. International shipping on the other hand, depending to where, can range from 9 euros to a whooping 25 euros or more! And that is not even with a tracking code! I am really happy with my two Dutch Buddy Box partners <3 But I would love to have some internationally, for multiple reasons. But shipping is sometimes so high, that is is not possible to sent a Buddy Box on a regular basis sadly.
To be continued!!
History of the Buddy Box that I receive and sent:
It all started with a conversation between me and Julie, on STS forum. We became friends and somehow decided to sent each other a trade. Just a normal trade, with models we knew the other person wanted. It is custom on STS to add a little gift to the package when you sent it to the other person. It is a totally random gift and sometimes, people do not include one, which is fine, it is your own decision :) Somehow we added some more gift into each others trades, and we talked a lot on STS. But when we got each others phone numbers to talk on WatssApp, it really began! We could sent each other photos of items we came across during flea market and thrift shop hunts! Doubles and extras could be photographed easily: Do you already have this one? Nope? Oke, will sent it to you with the rest XD We discovered we had much in common with each other, common interests <3 So it became very easy to find things for each other and so, the Buddy Box was born! The Buddy Boxes are a big success between us, because we know each other so well. Now, I also began to do Buddy Boxes with Nardien, who I also know from STS. We both get more and more comfortable to add new items in the Buddy Box each time <3
So, how does a Buddy Box work?:
A Buddy Box is a box filled with things the other person loves, likes or has interests in. You can say it is a luxurious trade XD Where some items are a surprise, because you know the other person likes or loves it. Some other items are known to the receiver, because you, as a sender, are not sure if the receiver already has it. (This is very common for collectors, as many have a big collection and you want to make sure the other person doesn't have the item(s) already.) For a good Buddy Box, it is important that you know the other person! I would never sent a Buddy Box to a unknown person, asking me to sent one. You have to know the other persons interests! Otherwise the chance of you buying things for the other person that does not like them, is big!
How much money do you spent on a Buddy Box?:
Honestly, I do not keep track on the amount of money I spend on one Buddy Box, and it should not matter actually. Oke, oke, it should not get to high or overboard with the amount of money you spend on a Buddy Box. I just want to say that the money doesn't matter, it is the feeling, the joy of receiving a box filled with things you like and love. Sounds cheesy, I know XD I never say how much I spend on a Buddy Box, that should not matter. But there are some things to consider:
- Equality
Fancy word for saying that you should not sent two items with an expectation to get a box full with items back. And vise versa! If you have easy contact with your Buddy Box partner, you can agree on a number of items or money, so you both know that you will get an equally great Buddy Box. Honestly, I don't state a number with Julie XD We just both sent when we think our box is ready for sending haha!
- Shipping
Oh yeah, the nasty part of doing a Buddy Box, the shipping! Here in the Netherlands, national shipping is 6,95 euro for packages under the 10kg. International shipping on the other hand, depending to where, can range from 9 euros to a whooping 25 euros or more! And that is not even with a tracking code! I am really happy with my two Dutch Buddy Box partners <3 But I would love to have some internationally, for multiple reasons. But shipping is sometimes so high, that is is not possible to sent a Buddy Box on a regular basis sadly.
To be continued!!