Royal carriage swap-#1 STROLLER-MISSING-FOUND-MISSING AGAIN

[parkers*momma]

Ryan840 has offered to fix #1 and #2.

#3 new seat will be in at the same time so I need someone from swap #3 to volunteer to put it on #3

I'll order 3 new wheels and if they are in, they will be here by the end of the week. So I will need someone from swap #3 and #4 to put them on. As for #5, I'm paying for it and send it to Debraw76 since she stripped old #5 for those parts. The axle and wheel are already on their way to WDW so that is covered.

FYI-We are once again broke. Between ordering new parts and overnight shipping to WDW for the swappers, I'll be paying some of this out of out my pocket, so please use care--extreme care with the strollers until we get new swappers and revenue coming in again.

 

[tinkercat]

Wow, what a shame!

I can totally see why you would consider shutting down the swaps, and I'm so sorry you are having to deal with all of this crap. We used RC#4 towards the beginning of the swaps after the first problem with the original RC#3. I felt bad for you having to deal with that issue, but it sounds as if things have gotten much worse.

I will NEVER be able to comprehend why people think it is okay to treat things will so little respect. Being able to be part of the swap should be considered a privilege and I don't see why it is so hard for people to be honest or to treat things that DO NOT BELONG TO THEM with simple RESPECT!

I'm mad FOR you. I know how much work you've put into these swaps and I'm digusted that people have behaved so poorly.

 

[KATIESMOMMY]

Maddi- that is just sad and downright ridiculous!!! New strollers, esp hig quality ones do NOT tear up like that. I have a Baby Jogger city series, granted it is a single, but it is 3 yrs old and used extensively and while I have a few dirty marks on ( now it is light pink!) it still looks new.
I do have a suggestion, I think you should limit the swappers to those that are a bit established here on the disboards, people who used Dis regularly I think are a bit more worried about their repuations than the newbies and also have the swappers post a pic when they are done with the strollers, that way you can narrow down who did the damage...

 

[parkers*momma]

Maddi- that is just sad and downright ridiculous!!! New strollers, esp hig quality ones do NOT tear up like that. I have a Baby Jogger city series, granted it is a single, but it is 3 yrs old and used extensively and while I have a few dirty marks on ( now it is light pink!) it still looks new.
I do have a suggestion, I think you should limit the swappers to those that are a bit established here on the disboards, people who used Dis regularly I think are a bit more worried about their repuations than the newbies and also have the swappers send a pic when they are done with the strollers, that way you can narrow down who did the damage...

Right there...you may have hit the nail on the head. I just checked who gave the reports of damaged strollers clear back to the beginning and 90% of the time the previous swapper( who turned over the damaged stroller to the next swapper) was a newbie at the time. Actually had to post and post to get their count up to 10 just to PM. But at what mark does one become established? Like me, I'm a person of my word and take pride in that fact plus I can't even phantom the idea of "borrowing" something from anyone and returning it damaged. If that were to happen, my goodness first I would be soooo embarrassed but second I would replace the item and not take no as an answer. If I broke it, I would pay to fix it or replace it. But that is just me.

What would a good number of posts be?

 

[KATIESMOMMY]

Just my opinion Maddi, I have never run a swap before, but I would require at least 3-6 months membership and like 50-100 posts. It honestly sounds like someone stole the new stroller and left a junk one in its place, some ppl are scummy enough to do that and it is just sickening.
The other thought is to require a deposit, I would make it like $50, they can do it paypal, make them do it at least 2 weeks before they leave, if you do not accept the payment in like 30 days it goes back to them. By then you should know the condition of the stroller and if you need to keep their deposit...like I said...I have never run a swap but just some ideas off the top of my head...

 

[KATIESMOMMY]

one thought on the missing front bar...could it be at lost and found perhaps? Someone could check or call....

 

[mward73]

Well, I'm new to the DIS boards, but I can assure you the stroller will be treated with care. However, I'm like you and totally OCD about it - there's no way to tell that from people posting though.

Is there anyway to have people sign a contract of sorts? Maybe have the swapper take a picture when they're dropping the stroller off to the next person, then if there's a problem, you'll know exactly who caused it. If there's a contract of some kind - can they be held responsible to pay for the damages? Maybe raise the fee to "rent"? I know you just did, but it's still low considering everything you have to do and pay. That would get people that are serious about using it, rather than people thinking, wow, that's cheap, I'll just rent and do whatever I want to it - if it costs more, they're more likely to think about joining and possibly more willing to take care of it.

I'm really sorry you're having to go through this. It's unfair to you

 

[parkers*momma]

Just my opinion Maddi, I have never run a swap before, but I would require at least 3-6 months membership and like 50-100 posts. It honestly sounds like someone stole the new stroller and left a junk one in its place, some ppl are scummy enough to do that and it is just sickening.
The other thought is to require a deposit, I would make it like $50, they can do it paypal, make them do it at least 2 weeks before they leave, if you do not accept the payment in like 30 days it goes back to them. By then you should know the condition of the stroller and if you need to keep their deposit...like I said...I have never run a swap but just some ideas off the top of my head...

I just put this in front of AKA-M4TM to see what she thinks. I like the idea as to having it there to pay for replacements-axles/wheel/seats on NEW strollers and for replacing the accessories once I have the funds available to replace all of them ($400+ to cover all the swaps). I can send down duffle bags that can be attached permanently to the strollers to hold all the items so we wouldn't have to worry about LS losing an items and an innocent DIS'er having to pay to replace it. It could all be in the attached back and zipped close.

It's in the hands of the higher ups to see what they think.

Anyone else have suggestions on HOW to keep the strollers in working order??

 

[parkers*momma]

one thought on the missing front bar...could it be at lost and found perhaps? Someone could check or call....

I'm still trying to locate it. It's not at POP or so they say. It's way easier to explain a stroller than a front bar. I've called three times and going to start again at shift change (9pm) hopefully fresh CM's might find it.

 

[cmaee]

It honestly sounds like someone stole the new stroller and left a junk one in its place

To be honest, this is what I thought happened too. The fabric on this stroller was not a vibrant color. It just did not look new. Do you know what color the stroller was supposed to be? The stroller we picked up was a blue/charcoal gray color...which I know are dark to begin with, but it looked sun worn. It looked identical to Royal Carriage 3 in fabric color. There were no idenitifing marks on it to associate it with Royal Carriage. I thought that was odd, but as I said to Maddie in a PM, it had the previous swappers name on it on a huge tag that I assume was put on it to find it in a crowded stroller parking area.

 

[parkers*momma]

Well, I'm new to the DIS boards, but I can assure you the stroller will be treated with care. However, I'm like you and totally OCD about it - there's no way to tell that from people posting though.

Is there anyway to have people sign a contract of sorts? Maybe have the swapper take a picture when they're dropping the stroller off to the next person, then if there's a problem, you'll know exactly who caused it. If there's a contract of some kind - can they be held responsible to pay for the damages? Maybe raise the fee to "rent"? I know you just did, but it's still low considering everything you have to do and pay. That would get people that are serious about using it, rather than people thinking, wow, that's cheap, I'll just rent and do whatever I want to it - if it costs more, they're more likely to think about joining and possibly more willing to take care of it.

I'm really sorry you're having to go through this. It's unfair to you

I do sincerely appreciate the support. This is reminding me WHY I am doing this...because of the wonderful ppl I meet.

I thought about a contract but to enforce it if they refuse to pay for damages would mean court. Two problems with that...negative feedback for DISBOARDS(which I wouldn't want that to happen- I this place!) Second, DISBOARDS is global...I have swappers in Canada, Spain, Brazil, plus all over the United States-there just wouldn't be any way of enforcing it. Third, what we are doing is probable frowned on by Disney and if I was banned from there over this... I WOULD DIE!

The picture thing might work but what good would it do me if they refuse to pay for damages? Again...great idea...I would at least know who caused the damage and could ban them from every joining a swap again but it still wouldn't help relieve the swap financially.

I could raise the rates to help coupe the expenses but in the same token as it isn't fair to close down the swap because of a few bad apples....it isn't fair to ask more from all the good swappers we do have.

Limiting posts might work but them I lose out on wonder ppl like you, NELEP, etc. WTH am I going to do so this quits happening?

 

[zarvgirl]

Oh Maddi, This is all just so frustrating, I can't imagine how you must feel.
I don't know if there is any sort of super solution, I know that the swap was fabulous for us. When I tell people about it they are shocked that these things exist......that there is people out there that spend their own time organising things like swaps.

I think the idea of the pictures could work.......accountability then lies with the swappers. The idea of minimum posts or time on the dis a tough one, on average how many swappers are new to the dis? I had never heard of the dis until I became OCD about planning our relatively last minute trip!! And used a fridge swap and RC swap, both blessings.

And, I too would be soooo embarassed if something I borrowed was returned in such a state. ONe of my biggest worries before the trip was that the swaps would go off with a hitch. Thankfully, I was able to pass things on in the same state I recieved them. Otherwise I would own up to it.

I hope this is just a very bad bump in the road. Like the 7 yr itch in a marriage!!! the 8 month bump of stroller swaps. Chin up, keep trucking, I see light at the end of the tunnel!!

 

[mickeeemouse]

I can't believe people would disrespect someone else's property like that especially since you are doing something that will save them at least a hundred dollars or so. When I read what happen to RC #4 I was shocked I can't believe someone would mistreat brand new property like that. How hard is it to lift a stroller up over a curb and why would someone let a child stand in a stroller my DH would give my child such the evil eye it wouldn't be funny, it would last a milli second and probably not even that long because he would be grabbing the child so quick it wouldn't be funny. He is a great dad really, just not into childish behavior that is unacceptable. Thank you so much for your hard work it is very appreciated. I do like the idea of taking a picture before and after use.

 

[parkers*momma]

To be honest, this is what I thought happened too. The fabric on this stroller was not a vibrant color. It just did not look new. Do you know what color the stroller was supposed to be? The stroller we picked up was a blue/charcoal gray color...which I know are dark to begin with, but it looked sun worn. It looked identical to Royal Carriage 3 in fabric color. There were no idenitifing marks on it to associate it with Royal Carriage. I thought that was odd, but as I said to Maddie in a PM, it had the previous swappers name on it on a huge tag that I assume was put on it to find it in a crowded stroller parking area.

I'm still trying to figure out why it had her name on it and not yours???

No, it wouldn't have the ROYAL CARRIAGE on it because it was shipped straight to msreneau for her to take it to WDW with her the end of March. Yes, the colors should look identical to #3--only sharper not duller. #3 was put in commission on 1/15....#4 was put in commission 3/14. Two months later. If it would have been #3...then I would have thought it was switched because msreneau left the stroller offsite at another hotel in Orlando.(a definite NO NO but it did happen) so any of the staff at that hotel could have switched their old one out for the new one...KWIM? But since it was #4...that couldn't have been the case. Beaches did stay off site the entire time but saremmons reported back that everything was great when she used it just no accessories. For the life of me, I can't figure out why #3 was not damaged but #4 in pieces and both were used by both swappers.

I'm positively ill over this happening to you. I am TRULY sorry that care wasn't taken. For you and for the swappers after you until I get it fixed.

 

[mward73]

What about a combination of the pictures and deposit? Everyone sends a $50 deposit, person before takes a picture after they're finished using it and sends it to you. If the next person has a problem, obviously they need to contact you immediately, rather than at the end of their use and explain the problem. While it might become a "he said/she said" type thing, at least people would begin to have some accountability and hopefully start taking care of things.

This is the whole reason I refuse the let my best friend's DH borrow anything - 3 things and they all came back damaged. I want to smack people like that!

Hopefully someone has an idea that will work and everything can get back on track.

 

[parkers*momma]

honest swappers...I completely understand normal wear and tear. I do expect this to happen. I just don't want anyone to think I am being a total priss over this. What I don't understand is how new strollers are damaged as the new one have been damaged.

 

[KATIESMOMMY]

honest swappers...I completely understand normal wear and tear. I do expect this to happen. I just don't want anyone to think I am being a total priss over this. What I don't understand is how new strollers are damaged as the new one have been damaged.

wear and tear is normal, occasionally even on a new one a weld will break, but the damage done in the last few days is above and beyond normal AND if something like has happened why would you NOT contact the person you are swapping with and letting them know ahead of time what they are coming in to. To me, that sends a huge red flag that they did the damage. You are not being prissy Maddi, your concerns are very justifiable.

I also think, just me, lol, think the accessories for the most part are pretty much something I would skip outside of the sunshade and bag. They seem to get lost pretty often and also I am sure they could get lifted at WDW pretty easy...

Pictures and a deposit I believe is the way to go. Everyone has camera capability from digital to their cell phone to photopass. No one goes and takes NO PICS. My stroller was in half my shots last year lol

 

[hygienejean]

Oh Maddi, I am so sorry this has happened. You are doing such a nce thing for us, I feel terrible that folks aren't taking care of the strollers...

What about checking Ebay feedback? I guess not everyone has FB from Ebay but it is one way to check on someone's honor.



Jean

 

[parkers*momma]

Oh Maddi, I am so sorry this has happened. You are doing such a nce thing for us, I feel terrible that folks aren't taking care of the strollers...

What about checking Ebay feedback? I guess not everyone has FB from Ebay but it is one way to check on someone's honor.



Jean

Might be an idea....most ppl are creatures of habit and use the same user name on different sites. I'll have to see what it brings up on a few swappers or maybe google them on other sites.

Goodness the extent I go to keep this swap going googling strangers!

 

[nelep]

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I wish I knew what the heck happened to those strollers! I do not understand how people can do that. If it's not yours, then I would think that EXTRA care would be taken to make sure that the stroller stays safe, clean and does not get broken. Not the opposite. I don't get it.

Ok, enough of that. Now on to what to do. Here are my recommendations (feel free to agree or disagree - that is how we will make the RC swap the best it can be!):
- Require a deposit from all swappers OR
- Require a deposit if the swapper has less than 50 posts
- Require a deposit if the swapper is newer than 3 months on the DIS
- Require that a swapper contact Parkers*Momma (or Nelep) IMMEDIATELY if they receive a stroller that has anything wrong with it - or they will be held accountable and will loose their deposit ("accountability" would then require that ALL swappers make a deposit)

Being part of the RC Swap is more than just a swap, it's a community of people who actually care about the vacations of fellow RC swappers. If someone is not willing to make a deposit, there are plenty of other swaps on this board! Personally, I'd feel more comfortable knowing that swappers before and after me are really committed to taking care of the RC.

Comments?