Chris van Benthuysen

Trading

Trades:

I am always open to setup a trade. I may decline an offer or suggest you try me at a later time because I am busy, or for some other reason. But it can't hurt to offer a trade. If you would like to set up a trade:

Read my trading policy page (this page) thoroughly.

Figure out what shows you are interested in of mine. Include this in your e-mail.

Either include a list of the shows you have, or a link to your trading/shows page.

B+Ps (Blanks & Postage):

As for B+Ps, I am less likely to accept them because I could very easily end up turning into a CD factory if I accept every request I get. Everyonce in a while I may post an offer on a trading board (i.e. John Mayer Trading Page - www.johnmayertrading.com). This is the best time to get in on a B+P, because I'm obviously willing to take a few. Here is the proper way to do a B+P (at least with me):

Make contact with me (chris@vanb.net) and confirm that I'm ready to do a B+P for you and what show it will be for. This is kind of a "duh" but I wouldn't be surprised if people just started sending me CDs without asking me first. If you are one of these people (who just randomly sends me CDs), they may be thrown out. Or better yet, I just may keep them. Anyway, establish contact and make sure I'm aware that you are sending CDs and that I'm prepared to do a B+P.

So that the CDs don't scratch each other up put them in protective sleeves. Jewel cases will just break in the mail. You can get a box of 15 Case Logic protective sleeves for like 6 bucks at Sam Goody or somewhere like that.

Get 2 bubble envelopes. I use a 6x10 and a 8.5x11 when doing mine, I don't care what you use, just make sure the CDs will fit in both of them. Address the first one (the smaller one if you have different sizes) to yourself and make my address the return address. Place enough postage on it to get it home. I've found that 2 CD-Rs in that size envelope with the protective sleeves costs just under 80 cents to ship, so 3 stamps (of the 34 cent variety) covers it ok. Use regular stamps, not metered postage. DO NOT SEAL THIS ENVELOPE, I need to put your copied CDs in it to send it back to you.

Place the first envelope, along with the CDs in the second one (larger one). Also include a quick note (on an index card or post-it note) with your name, e-mail address and the show I'm am copying for you. Address the second envelope to me and place your return address on it. Somewhat obviously, you need to put at least as much postage on this envelope as the other one, if not one stamp more.

Once you have placed the B+P in the mail. Send me an e-mail so that I know you have put it in the mail and can be looking for it. Do not use UPS or FedEx. Only ship via the US Postal Service.