Now it's time to hit the stores! I actually find picking out items for my swap partners to be one of the most fun parts of swapping. There's something exciting about trying to put together a package that the person will like, hunting for things they've asked for, selecting items "typical" of your area and maybe throwing in one or two surprises, too.

Here's a pro tip: If you're interested in swapping regularly, keep a swapping stash hidden away somewhere. If you spot an item that has a long expiration date and doesn't spoil easily in the store at a discount, you can buy it and add it to your stash. Then when you're putting together a package, you'll have a supply of cheaper items at home (so long as you don't eat it yourself!) and you'll be able to send more items within the same swapping budget. Once it's time to swap, just select things from your little supply and purchase any additional perishables just before shipping.

Once you have all the items, make sure to package them safely to avoid damage during the transportation. It's considered good form to take a photo of the box before shipping it off and send to your trade partner, but it is not required.

Which courier company is best to send items through is quite country specific in a lot of cases, and since I only have experience of my own country I will let you research that part yourself.

Once again, I urge you to keep in mind that international shipping can be quite expensive before you set up a trade. Make sure that you are not sending anything that is not legal to send and that you fill in the customs forms accurately and neatly. Sloppy customs forms can result in packages being opened and even confiscated, so be careful!



Send your swap partner a message when the package has been sent, so that they know to expect it.