I was unaware that we are able to send books as gifts to non-members.  What is up with this?  I had a request for a book and accepted it.  When I printed out the wrapper, the "Information for the Receiver" says this:

"Your friend (name omitted) has sent you the book (book name).  This book was mailed to you by Stephen S.  Please contact (name omitted) so the book can be marked in our system as received.  Ask (name omitted) about the great features PaperbackSwap.com has to offer.  Join us today and become a member of the best book club in America."

Since when are we able to do this?  I'm not sure I'm completely comfortable being part of a three-party trade.  I mean, what if this person doesn't contact the gifter to let them know they received it so I can get my credit?  It's too late now because I've already paid for postage on the wrapper; I'll go ahead and send it out.  But I was just curious as I can't find a link for this anywhere.

Thanks for any replies.

http://www.paperbackswap.com/help/search.php?terms=mail+to+family+member This may help.

I love it!!!!!!!     Most of my orders in my early months was to a dear friend who was very ill and about all she could do is read.   I've also sent books to family,  a nephew in Iraq and to friends for birthdays.         It's GREAT!!!     I mark the books received after two weeks if I've heard from the person who received the book or not.         If they don't get it, I've lost a credit, but it's not the end of the world to me.

After you've received at least 3 books (I think that was the minimum), PBS allows you to ship to an alternative address. If you search Help for "alternative address" you will see the details. Hopefully those generous enough to send a book to a friend are honest enough to get the credit to the sender. Saves on postage in the long run! 

I send books to my niece this way and so far it's worked like a charm.  However, I do take on the extra responsiblity of keeping in touch with my sister to find out if the book has arrived.  I figure that's what I would want from someone if I was sending a gift book for them.  Also, I've sent gift books to people and always received my credit in a timely manner. 

I sent a few books to my mom this way.  as long as the other parties are in contact with each other then it shouldn't be a problem for you to send to someone else and for that 3rd person to tell the PBS member to mark it as received and such.

I'd have my mom sign up but she isn't as technologically advanced as I am

Thanks to all for the replies... I feel better now knowing that this extra service is available.  Perhaps I'll use it one day too.  Thanks!

If you want to try it out, you're welcome to send me a book!   ;>)  lol

If you are nervous about it you could always send the book using DC....then you will get your credit when it is scanned. 

I remember being a bit anxious the first time I saw one of these, but I've never had a problem with one.

I use the mail to a friend option quite often to send books to my mom.  She knows to call me as soon as she gets one, but if it's getting close to the expected receive by date, I always check in with her.

Stacy that's a really good idea. At least you're sure to get your credit that way.

I have sent books to a friend as well as my mom with no problems!!