A B&P can seem complicated at first, but once you get the hang of it, (or have a good guide) it really is pretty simple.
Supplies:
- The proper number of blank CD-R's. (The trader will tell you how many.)
- CD Sleeves or some other method to protect your CD's.
- A bubble mailer.
- An envelope larger than the bubble mailer.
- A pen or other writing utensil.
- An index card or something else to write on.
Caution: Make sure the CDs you send are CD-R not CD-RW. Some CD-RW disks will not work as audio CDs.
Step 1: The jewel cases that often come with your blank CDs will add significant weight to your package. Most people will use CD sleeves made by Case Logic or even the paper sleeves that are used in software boxes (like
these.) Insert your blanks into the protective device you chose.
Step 2: Address the bubble mailer to yourself, and use the trader's address as the return address. You can use either an address label or just write the address directly on the mailer. This will be the envelope used to send your CDs back to you after being burned by the trader.
Step 3: Write a short note to the trader to remind him/her what concert the trade is for (the
date and
venue are helpful). You should also include your email address or IM screen name in this note, so the trader can easily get in touch with you in the event of a problem. Since the traders are using their own time to help you out with no benefit for themselves, it is also encouraged that you say thanks.
Step 4: Put the protected CDs and the note into the bubble mailer.
Caution: do not seal the bubble mail envelope!
Step 5: The larger envelope should be addressed to the trader. Make sure you fill in your address for the return address. This will be the package that is actually sent to the trader.
Step 6: Go to a post office or some other place that has a postage scale.
Step 7: Weigh the bubble mailer with the blank CDs and note still in it. This will be the weight of the package sent back to you after the trader burns your CDs. Put the required number of stamps on the bubble mailer.
Step 8: Put the
unsealed bubble mailer inside the larger envelope, and then seal the
larger envelope.
Step 9: Weigh the entire package, and put the required amount of postage onto the large envelope.
Step 10: Drop your package into the mail.
Step 11: This is the hardest step of all; waiting for the package to return, and hope that everything went well. If you recieve the package and everything works fine, thank the trader again through an email or IM. If you don't recieve a package back within 2 weeks, politely email the trader to ask the status of the trade.
Remember: the trader is doing it on their time, not yours. Be paitent, and everything should work out.
Thanks to oarsa.org for information.
