I am new to this site and still learning my way around. A member has requested a couple of books from me that lives about 30 miles from where I live. The member stated that maybe we could meet and hand deliver theses books and save postage. My question is, could we swap books by meeting instead of mailing the books? And would we still get credits for swapping books by hand delivering them? The city this member lives in, is a city that I go to about 3 times aweeks, so hand deliver wouldn't be a problem for me, but I don't want to break any rules by doing this. Please advise.

Thank you

Lisa

Hope I am editing this right. Just want to give an update, I met with the member today to swap books, I have to say I was really nervous about meeting someone like this, we met at the library and I took my mom and my daughter-in-law with me. It was very nice meeting her and I would surly do it again. By the time I got home she had already marked the books recieved.

If it's not an inconvenience to you and you feel comfortable meeting, sure.  Just mark the books mailed before you head out and have the other person mark them received when she gets home.

I once had an order from a gal who lived around the corner from my husband's job.  I offered to have him leave them on her stoop the next morning, and she said that would work.  I marked them mailed when he left the house and she marked them received later in the day.  We didn't meet, but it was a fast delivery, and I saved on postage.  I gave her the option of going the regular route (I'd mail them).  I didn't want her to feel uncomfortable, but she opted for the fast delivery.  LOL.

So, lots of folks have arranged some variation of what you suggest.  I think the general rule of thumb advice is to only do what's comfortable for you, what feels safe and don't feel bad if you or they would rather just have the books dropped in the mail.  A lot of folks here are only looking for books, not friends, but it is always fun to hear back when two members have met.  Maybe you could come back and tell us about it.

I had someone in my town request a book.  I asked her if she'd like me to just leave it in her door, but I used the PBS label and wrapped it as if I were mailing it.  She marked it received the next day.  Pat

I like setting a first meeting at a library, the post office, or a coffee shop.   Some place safe.

If you are both in agreement, why not? PBS doesn't care how you get it delivered, that's between you ane the other party. I've several people that live near me and we've met for coffee or a FOL sale or even gone out to lunch. As long as it's agreeable to both of you, that's all that matters.

The next time I find someone that lives near me, I will extend the offer.   I had one rquest from a member that lived not more than 40 mins away and I basically drove by the town everyday, well the mail took over a week.  As Julie said, I would give them the option so they do not feel uncomfortable. 

Thanks for the advice, everyone.   You all are so very nice on this froum. I'm sure I will be asking more questions as time goes on

I'd just like to add, that not all members are comfortable with meeting.  Lisa's was.  Always PM first to see about the possibility to meet or drop a book off.  Do remember that some of our members can't do it.  Some are housebound.  Some have new babies or children being homeschooled.  Some just don't have the time.  Some don't have a safe place out of the weather for a book to be left.   Some work nights.  Please don't push for it if a member is hestiant. 

There is a forum for locations that have group meetings.

Lisa--

Here's a link for the local PBS Chapter which seems to be nearest to you.  If you're interested in meeting local members, it is a good place to start.

Cheers,

Catt

I swapped with someone who lived 5 minutes from my house. I PM'd her and asked her if it would be OK if I delivered the book to her and she said fine. I left the book on her porch and she marked it received later that day. It was easy for me, saved me the postage and she got her book the same day, so everyone was happy.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________              I have unpostables in my profile. 

One free unpostable per order. PM me