As for flat rate look on USPS site and order the padded flat rate envelopes, They will fit a lot more the just the cheap flat rate box. They are free to order but your only able to get them online. I've shipped plenty of stuff in them for under $7 bucks. Its best to zip tie and pre bag the tools though incase the envelope gets ripped but its a cheap shipping option.
Pay it Forward Thread
- Thread starter twertsy
- Start date
As for flat rate look on USPS site and order the padded flat rate envelopes, They will fit a lot more the just the cheap flat rate box. They are free to order but your only able to get them online. I've shipped plenty of stuff in them for under $7 bucks. Its best to zip tie and pre bag the tools though incase the envelope gets ripped but its a cheap shipping option.
reddevildemo
Well-known member
I'd be in BUT I would pay for shipping on something I wanted to get, NOT give away.
slyonedoofy
Well-known member
I think the receiver needs to post an item worth in range of cost of the item received.
I can post a $50 gearwrench set because I have 3 of them.
I don't think it's fair for the guy that gets them to post a HF screwdriver for their item that's worth a $1.
Just my opinion.
I can post a $50 gearwrench set because I have 3 of them.
I don't think it's fair for the guy that gets them to post a HF screwdriver for their item that's worth a $1.
Just my opinion.
Yeah this method is kind of flawed, only in the fact that someone could just cruise this thread and score deals for the cost of shipping. I could make a business out of this if I didn't have a job.
Maybe a Trade Only thread would be best. A trader could post what they have and assign monetary range to the trade. Someone else could respond. An equal trade could be made.
I'm all for paying it forward, but first come first get doesn't work for someone like me.
Just a thought.
Maybe a Trade Only thread would be best. A trader could post what they have and assign monetary range to the trade. Someone else could respond. An equal trade could be made.
I'm all for paying it forward, but first come first get doesn't work for someone like me.
Just a thought.
My impression the Pay it Forward concept is to give to the up & coming generation. Many of us were schooled by old timers and given stuff to help with the beginning of our career.
Forcing a newbie to match a gift will only teach a lesson you should get exactly what you give. The concept should be is you get help and assistance now and later you should pay it back to the next generation with some interest.
I run a intern program the gets people involved with motorsports, I put them to work, I get them placed on race teams. I spend a fair amount of time training them, it is a lot of effort. But I have had some success with them and I hope when they are older and more experienced they will do the same.
I'm for it with one suggestion, the receiver should send the required shipping cost to person giving the item away before item is actually shipped. I was burnt a couple years ago on this and it left a bad taste. I tried to help someone out and they took the item I shipped and the $ it cost to ship.
Motoretro
Motoretro
rockinacummins
Well-known member
I say give it a go. And if it doesn't work out or it's too much of a hassle, we can chalk it up as a good attempt.
slyonedoofy
Well-known member
I agree that mentality works well when working directly with the person. But, this is the internet.
I have apprehensions that a Pay-it-Forward system on the net will be used in that fashion.
I don't mind helping out but I'm not going to give stuff away to someone who doesn't need it. I can do that locally.
Set some reasonable expectations so people don't abuse the system you set up.
I have no problem helping someone out, but I don't want some jerk posting a free harbor freight tape measure in response to a $50 gear wrench set I mail.
It's not fair to the system.
Maybe have the sender evaluate the receivers item they have to offer and see if they think it's worthy?
Any other ideas?
rockinacummins
Well-known member
I like this idea a lot
So, based on comments thus far, I'm proposing the below as the rules / process for a Pay It Forward thread. I'll still be starting the thread at noon today, so we can discuss/tweak/modify the below rules this morning here.
Rules:
1. NO discussion about the rules in the PIF thread itself. If people want to discuss the rules, we'll take suggestions/bitching/whatever HERE in this thread. I'll have a link to this thread embedded within the rules of the new one.
2. You must have a post count of 250 or greater to participate.
3. Let's keep the PIF thread clean. Feel free to comment on "nice scores" or "awesome item" but refrain from "your item is lame" type posts!
4. If it so happens that a claimant makes the case to the offerer that he/she is a "new, upstart tech" or "struggling mech" or whatever the case may be, that is in dire need of the item(s) for use in doing actual work, or attending school, etc., the offerer may choose to identify them as the claimant, but must post another item him/herself to the PIF (this assumes the claimant chosen has little or nothing they are able to offer up in return) THIS IS THE OFFERER'S EVALUATION OF THE CLAIMANT!! This is not a discussion to be had within the PIF thread.
5. Once the offerer has chosen a claimant, they must identify said claimant in the PIF thread like - "epiq rollcab sent to twertsy
" I think this is important because it will help us identify if there are poachers preying on the thread that might be BSing / crying the blues to offerers on every item they "want," rather than NEED.
6. It is at the discretion of the offerer to evaluate / bless the next item to be posted for the taking in the PIF. This should keep the posting of "HF tape measures" to a minimum. The offerer should not ship the claimed item until:
a. they (offerer) have posted who the successful claimant is;
b. the claimant (or her/himself as in rule #3) has posted the next item.
Process:
1. Post up an item(s) you are willing to part with, at no cost to a claimant;
2. Claimants PM the offerer regarding:
a. why they need the item (work, collection, etc.)
b. the item(s) the prospective claimant will be offering up if chosen by the offerer
3. Offerer chooses, at his/her discretion ONLY, a claimant
4. Chosen claimant arranges shipping, method doesn't matter, it's up to the two parties.
5. A new item is posted by the claimant, or as decided in BY THE OFFERER Rule #3 above.
6. Get your popcorn heated up and watch the fun!
CONSTRUCTIVE comments welcome!!
Rules:
1. NO discussion about the rules in the PIF thread itself. If people want to discuss the rules, we'll take suggestions/bitching/whatever HERE in this thread. I'll have a link to this thread embedded within the rules of the new one.
2. You must have a post count of 250 or greater to participate.
3. Let's keep the PIF thread clean. Feel free to comment on "nice scores" or "awesome item" but refrain from "your item is lame" type posts!
4. If it so happens that a claimant makes the case to the offerer that he/she is a "new, upstart tech" or "struggling mech" or whatever the case may be, that is in dire need of the item(s) for use in doing actual work, or attending school, etc., the offerer may choose to identify them as the claimant, but must post another item him/herself to the PIF (this assumes the claimant chosen has little or nothing they are able to offer up in return) THIS IS THE OFFERER'S EVALUATION OF THE CLAIMANT!! This is not a discussion to be had within the PIF thread.
5. Once the offerer has chosen a claimant, they must identify said claimant in the PIF thread like - "epiq rollcab sent to twertsy
" I think this is important because it will help us identify if there are poachers preying on the thread that might be BSing / crying the blues to offerers on every item they "want," rather than NEED.6. It is at the discretion of the offerer to evaluate / bless the next item to be posted for the taking in the PIF. This should keep the posting of "HF tape measures" to a minimum. The offerer should not ship the claimed item until:
a. they (offerer) have posted who the successful claimant is;
b. the claimant (or her/himself as in rule #3) has posted the next item.
Process:
1. Post up an item(s) you are willing to part with, at no cost to a claimant;
2. Claimants PM the offerer regarding:
a. why they need the item (work, collection, etc.)
b. the item(s) the prospective claimant will be offering up if chosen by the offerer
3. Offerer chooses, at his/her discretion ONLY, a claimant
4. Chosen claimant arranges shipping, method doesn't matter, it's up to the two parties.
5. A new item is posted by the claimant, or as decided in BY THE OFFERER Rule #3 above.
6. Get your popcorn heated up and watch the fun!
CONSTRUCTIVE comments welcome!!
rockinacummins
Well-known member
I dig those rules twertsy. I think that will make the thread useful and fun.
So when an item is claimed, should the offerer remove the "listing" of the item? Or shall we leave them up so everyone can kinda see the history of the thread? And when the offerer posts that the item is claimed, it should be posted in the actual "listing" rather than a new reply correct?
So when an item is claimed, should the offerer remove the "listing" of the item? Or shall we leave them up so everyone can kinda see the history of the thread? And when the offerer posts that the item is claimed, it should be posted in the actual "listing" rather than a new reply correct?
littleponderosa
Well-known member
I'd play - post count not high enough. Sad news for me and the future recepient of some cool ****.
Bill
Bill
BTMSUP
Well-known member
I am in. A few dollars for shipping is not going to put me in the poor house one way or another. I have a bunch of old and new stuff that I will never use but can't bring myself to throw away. This seems perfect. Thanks to the OP.
Edit: I guess I can't play. I don't have enough status points yet. Oh well. Good luck with it.
Edit: I guess I can't play. I don't have enough status points yet. Oh well. Good luck with it.
Last edited:
Duct Tape Man
Well-known member
I'd make the PIF thread a sticky so it's always at the top of the thread list. That way it doesn't get lost in all the other posts on GJ daily, when it gets lost, it dies, I've seen it happen before.
rockinacummins
Well-known member
Ditto
jlh92
Well-known member
While that is a much more fair number than 500 posts, I still think it may be to high. How many members that are truly "in need" of tools have over 250 posts?
IMO most members that are going to be needing tools will be the newer, lower post count ones. But those members will also be the highest risk.
Maybe lower post count members should have to offer up an item before they can claim one? I think that may work best as it would give them a good chance to 'trade' something they aren't using, even if it isn't tool related, for something they actually need.
I'm definitely feeling that. I DO want to make sure this is both fun AND beneficial for those just starting out. In fact, my first offering will be twofold; first, a more "collector" related post; second, something someone just starting out could really use.
Perhaps the "post count thing" could/should be left up to the offerer's discretion? I too am feeling like those new mechs/techs won't truly benefit because they inherently will have low post counts. Not sure what to do here
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Not to make this more complicated than necessary, but do we need two PIF threads?
One for here, the General board, and the second for the Vintage board?
I will tell you my rationale...
Reading the comments on this thread about 'young mechanics' it seems as if most guys are talking about relatively new or contemporary tools.
I, on the other hand, will only be offering (and only interested in taking) old collectibles.
The only way one thread would ever flip between a new/contemporary tool or piece of equipment and a vintage tool or piece of equipment would be a taker who dabbles in both. Taking a new tool and offering a vintage one, or taking a vintage tool, and offering a new one.
If we get into a long sequence of collectibles being offered, taken, offered, etc between guys mainly or exclusively interested in collectibles, it could get frustrating and annoying to the Contemporary tool guys.
The opposite will also be true.
Just a thought.
One for here, the General board, and the second for the Vintage board?
I will tell you my rationale...
Reading the comments on this thread about 'young mechanics' it seems as if most guys are talking about relatively new or contemporary tools.
I, on the other hand, will only be offering (and only interested in taking) old collectibles.
The only way one thread would ever flip between a new/contemporary tool or piece of equipment and a vintage tool or piece of equipment would be a taker who dabbles in both. Taking a new tool and offering a vintage one, or taking a vintage tool, and offering a new one.
If we get into a long sequence of collectibles being offered, taken, offered, etc between guys mainly or exclusively interested in collectibles, it could get frustrating and annoying to the Contemporary tool guys.
The opposite will also be true.
Just a thought.
jlh92
Well-known member
Perhaps the "post count thing" could/should be left up to the offerer's discretion? I too am feeling like those new mechs/techs won't truly benefit because they inherently will have low post counts. Not sure what to do here
I'd say it should be left up to the offerer. Who they send it to ultimately goes to them anyways.
I'd say start with one and if the need arises and the interest is there that another thread be started. I for one have way to many vintage tools and would be interested in both unique vintage tools and newer tools that I actually need and would use.
ishiboo
Well-known member
IMO, I like the idea and I have a lot of stuff I could "donate", however I believe that the general policy should be if you get something via PIF, you don't sell it for a year or something similar... IE, you get it to use it. Obviously it's a moral obligation for the recipient and not something that can be enforced.
Ishiboo, I completely agree with you, but don't feel it should be a rule. I, for one, would ban someone from my list, particularly if I gave them something as a "new tech" and found out they were trying to sell it. I can't imagine anyone doing that, then again, I tend to be a bit naïve that way...................too damn trusting.
JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN
Well-known member
Alliance Members should be allowed to participate as well regardless of post count
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Thanks for doing this, twertsy.
MrWrencher823
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 24, 2015
- Messages
- 136
So you're saying I need 150 posts to be able to help a fellow wrencher out??
warmpancakes
Well-known member
Ohmthis
Well-known member
I'm in on this too. I have a few things in mind to give.
slyonedoofy
Well-known member
Number of Posts really shouldn't count. I could say "cool" on 5000 posts and never really contribute to the forum.
Needless to say, I'm one of those that reads a lot and sits back and watches.
But that's me.
gipraw
Well-known member
I think some combo of post count, time on the board and general posting history is enough. The sender can simply do a quick search of the potential claimant. If every post is cool, nice, etc then you know what to think of them. All of us get into a discussion about something at some point.
I am in. I like stuff like this a lot.
I am in. I like stuff like this a lot.
Hmm.. I thought I was reading the "Rules" on the official PIF thread. Didn't see anything about min post count of 250 to participate. I posted something up already. Guess I'm beat. Or I could go on a "cool" comment rampage. 
Yeah I guess I missed that one posting at a time thing.
But if only a recipient can post the next item, and the aim is helping out those just building/upgrading their tools, wpuldnt the items offered up get progressively worse in quality and eventually stop?
Ohmthis
Well-known member
I'm glad I came back here before I posted something up. Thanks twertsy, I like the idea helping out a new generation of tool lovers. I've already got my PIF tool ready..............just need to be patient