25 April, 2008

Buttons, Name Tags & the Post Office

After going to the post office earlier this week, I figured I was good on mailing the buttons out in a business size envelope with bubble wrap. Therefore, I made up all the orders I had received and took them to the local post office for processing. UGG! I was told they could not be processed as they were packaged. So, I asked how they would like me to process them. They want them in a ready-made bubble wrap envelope at least 4x6 inches. I then made sure this was exactly what I needed by having them ask the postmaster. I was not making problems; I just want to follow the rules...just not have the rules change on me the next time I try to mail off buttons. I can see their point of the buttons having a sharp pin and it could be hazardous to the Postal carriers. I like Postal carriers, so I want to keep them safe.
Again, here is the picture of my Ravater Button:
My button

Because of the new envelopes and a higher shipping price, I am going to have change the amounts charged.

**For the buttons, it will still be $2.00 each.
Shipping is now:
Domestic: $1.80 for one button and $2.10 for two.
International: $2.00 for one and $2.20 for two.
My paypal acct is coggietm@hotmail.com

I will need shipping info and in comments if you could put your Ravname and the info about what Ravatar(s)you want used. That way I have it all in one place. **



Sorry about the price increase, I am trying to keep it as reasonable as I can so everyone can afford to get their Ravatar button. Remember that part of every button will be donated to Ravelry.com. Thank you for those who have paid a little extra before, as you have allowed me to do the change in shipping without a problem.

I was asked in a PM why I was offering buttons internationally, as not many people are coming for over seas to go to Stitches Mid West. I go to a lot of yarnie meet ups around my area. Not everyone goes to the same meet ups, but most go to one or two throughout the year. Just recently, I went to a Late Night Yarn Party (LNYP) at City Knitting in Grand Rapids, MI. When you walked in, you got a stick on nametag for your name and your Ravname. This was nice, but people still asked what my Ravater looked like (visual lot us knitter are huh). Next month I am going to a Stitch-n-Pitch being hosted by ThreadBear in Lansing, in June another LNYP, and in August, I will be going to both the Michigan Fiber Festival and Stitches Midwest. At all of these, it will be nice to have a button so if someone online recognizes my Ravatar; they know how to get a hold of me later. I am just trying to make it easier for people to recognize each other in person, from an online community.

I want to give a shout out to Sharon of SheKnits Podcast Thank you for talking about the buttons on your latest podcast. You Rock!!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm so far behind....
but I'm wondering... are there specific Ravatar's from which to choose? or can you use whatever we have as an Avatar?
I clearly need to order me a RavaButton!

Coggie said...

The one you use the most would be my suggestion.

Anonymous said...

Does Ravelry benefit financially from these?

Coggie said...

Hi anonymous,
I just saw your comment, sorry it has taken me so long to respond.

I think on the original blog about starting these buttons I did mention that I would be giving back to Ravelry by doing this :)

Yes, I am giving a portion of proceeds back to Ravelry, as a Ravelraiser. I have donated one portion to them before paying off any of the upstart on my Credit Card. After the 1st I plan to give more and each month from there on as long as I have orders.
Thanks for asking.
Coggie