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Got an SASE in today's mail. It consisted of an undersized envelope, no padding of any kind, and a single first class stamp. Person requested all the tomatoes on my seed list, and cucumbers: six packets in all.
Although this is, perhaps, the worst example, there seems to be a lack of understanding about how to package and ship seeds. It may be different for flowers, I wouldn't know. But veggie seeds need some protection.
For starters, read the FAQ on the topic here at Dave's.
Next, use some common sense. Six seed packets will not fit in an undersized envelope, let alone be safely sent through the mails that way. The recipient would, most likely, wind up with a package of seed dust.
You should always use either an envelope with bubble wrap or other padding, or a padded envelope. I prefer padded envelopes, and use nothing else for my own trading. If you go this route, seal them with tape, rather than using the self-stick strips or flap glue. That way they are re-usable without damaging the envelope. Saves everybody money in the long run.
Give some thought to the volume the trade will fill. As is true with many people, I use 2 1/2 x 4 1/4-inch coin envelopes for my seed packs. That's the smallest size they come in, and many people use bigger ones. Take that into consideration. Assume that the sender uses standard seed envelopes, and send an envelope that can accomodate them.
Try to estimate the postage fairly. Any oversized envelope (either padded or with padding added) needs a minimum of 44 cents---34 cents for the first ounce, and an 11 cent surcharge the PO charges for the oversize---theoretically because it won't go through their equipment and requires special handling. We should all be so lucky that this was true. But it isn't. Which is why we want the padding in the first place, to protect the seeds from the rollers and other mail handling equipment. Most of the time, anything more than one or two seed packets will require 55-70 cents postage.
I will send the person who requested this large trade the seeds, and pay for the postage, because I believe she did this unknowingly. But I sure don't want to make a habit of it. Also because I'm a heck of a nice guy. :-)
The fact is, for those only making a few trades a year, this wouldn't be an issue (the postage cost, that is. Padding should always be used, regardless). But for those of us who make dozens of exchanges a year, the postage can mount up pretty quickly.
Remember that a trade is an exchange of product. But when you are getting seed for an SASE, the sender is doing you a special favor. So treat him or her in a way that shows you appreciate what they are doing.
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