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

[KATIESMOMMY]

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?

ita

 

[parkers*momma]

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?

Higher ups....I have to see what they say. Im for it, even if it will be a tad bit more work for me, it sure could bring down the stress levels.

Something else I thought of....I have to call instep and see if the seat coming in will even fit the stroller down there. The one ordered is for the safari, not the suburban safari. That could pose a problem. If it won't work, I will order yet another stroller seat...UGHHHHHHHH

 

[parkers*momma]

thank Heavens for a small tax return....And all this time, I was struggling on were I was going to spend it. Not anymore!!!

 

[parkers*momma]

Ok...this is where we stand.

#1-new seat coming & tape for handles
#2-new seat coming & tape for handles
#3-new front wheel & new bar (they haven't found it yet)
old #4-new seat coming & tape for handles
#4-new seat coming & New wheel/axle
Old #5-new wheel/axle coming--new seat arrived
#5 new wheel/axle from Old #5 being shipped down
Tinkerbelle swap-new seat coming.

OK...what I need is someone from #3 and #4 to put the items on...anyone?

 

[nelep]

Ok...this is where we stand.

#1-new seat coming & tape for handles
#2-new seat coming & tape for handles
#3-new front wheel & new bar (they haven't found it yet)
old #4-new seat coming & tape for handles
#4-new seat coming & New wheel/axle
Old #5-new wheel/axle coming--new seat arrived
#5 new wheel/axle from Old #5 being shipped down
Tinkerbelle swap-new seat coming.

OK...what I need is someone from #3 and #4 to put the items on...anyone?

My head is spinning!

 

[Sam's_Mom]

I think a larger deposit might be required maybe $100 with the swapper that comes after checking the stroller for damage??? At least that way a stroller that has major problems will have the money needed to replace the parts. My only concern is that some one will have to spend a lot of time returning money and double checking conditions.

I don't think there is an easy answer. I teach school and I can tell you that some parents and children both treat items that they don't have money invested in very badly.

I do think that maybe there should be an end date for the swaps. People vacationing many months from now are paying for repairs today and I worry that things are snowballing.

 

[ryan840]

Ugh, I'm so sorry this is turning sour Maddi! By chance are any of the strollers under warranty? The welding could be a defect and maybe even the broken backs, it seems to be happening a lot and to both the new and old strollers. Might be worth checking into though it probably is misuse. The lack of respect people are showing for these strollers is terrible.

 

[parkers*momma]

I think a larger deposit might be required maybe $100 with the swapper that comes after checking the stroller for damage??? At least that way a stroller that has major problems will have the money needed to replace the parts. My only concern is that some one will have to spend a lot of time returning money and double checking conditions.

I don't think there is an easy answer. I teach school and I can tell you that some parents and children both treat items that they don't have money invested in very badly.

I do think that maybe there should be an end date for the swaps. People vacationing many months from now are paying for repairs today and I worry that things are snowballing.

Yes is maybe extra work but if it helps keep the strollers in good working condition, I'm all for it.

Yes, as times I want to throw up my hands and put an end to the swaps. But it's not going to happen...I do enjoy running the swaps, I LOVE helping my Fellow DIS'ers save money, I truly do.

One of the things I recalled...which Nelep did the investigating and found to be true, was a couple of swappers mentioned they found us via TGM. At the time, I thought it was odd we made it on his site but in the same token I thought it was a good thing for the swap. It meant more of the open dates would be filled and less chance of the stroller going missing in Luggage Service. This was proven to be so totally opposite. This has nothing to do with TGM himself (his site is a wonderful site and contributes a great deal of information, facts, and he does help a great deal on DIS) the direct link to our thread was on his forum. NELEP has a membership to his site, so she PM'd them asking that it be pulled.

We feel that the Royal Carriage Swap should be one of the benefits for being a true member of DISBOARDS. DISBOARDS is a community-a tight community- of wonderful ppl from all over the world. I would say that 90% of our issues are from prospective DIS'ers who simply sign up for the benefit of using Royal Carriage swaps. I went back through the past 6 weeks and as I said the majority of the issues that happened was when newbies used the strollers. Newbies that posted just enough on this thread to get the strollers booked and haven't posted since. There's definitely a pattern to whom is causing the damages and it isn't DISBOARDS regulars. KWIM?

I'm positive....100% positive...if we limit who can use the RC strollers we will see a decline in the damage. As Katiesmommy expressed, true DIS'ers worry about thier reputations on DISBOARDS. There is 17 other stroller swaps so there still will be possiblities for newbies. The Royal Carriage Swaps is one of the first original swaps when DISBOARDS allowed us to start them again. Our strollers have always been well taken care of and never had any issues other than normal wear and tear--I completely expect minor issues. So we will be limiting this and creating new guidelines for the swap. We think this will put us on the right track to a smooth running swap so there won't be a need to shut down the RC swap.

As to charging a deposit of sorts....I'm definitely looking into it. I've pm'd AKA-M4TM to see her prospective on this. I can order parts, accessories, etc to replaced damaged items. The most expensive to date is the shade...they run about $40. I'm more than willing to do whatever it takes to get this swap in the black and KEEP IT THERE. I really thought about this incase we do get approval, and it would mean pictures when each swapper picks up the item AND when they turn it over. It would mean calling me the day a stroller is picked up (my number is on every stroller so there isn't a reason why I can't be called) if there is an issue to protect yourslf from having to pay for excessive damages. I realize that each swapper doesn't know me personally-as I don't know the RC swappers personally. I trust each swapper with these $200 strollers. But the question will be, will Swappers trust me with their deposit. I should hope so-time will tell if we get approval to do this...................

I do think sending down a small duffle bag to be attached to the strollers will not only give each stroller a storage area so nothing will be lost in LS, it will include a checkoff list on the outside of the bag so each swapper can quickly look at it to be sure that each item is returned. Plus with the items confined/stored in a zipped bag which is attached to the strollers, the won't be any way for it to be lost in Luggage Services.

 

[CannonBoy]

- 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)

If a deposit will be required from any swapper, then I feel that it should be required of all swappers. How else can it be fair?

I don't believe that requirements should be placed on anyone based solely on post count, or their join date. Take me for example. I joined DIS in '04, long before most other's join date that I see in this thread, yet this is something like my 15th post. Some people simply do not take the time to post, or have much to say. I had to post to get my count up in order to send my PM. (I couldn't bring myself to just post smileys. I felt that I had to contribute somehow/somewhere) With this being said, I pride myself on dependability. I will report any and all problems with the stroller once it's picked up, and even though my stay at Disney is brief, the following swapper will receive the stroller in as good, if not better, shape than when I received it.

I also understand that others might not be so dependable. As a new swapper, I would be willing to pay for a deposit so long as I knew that the deposit was to be returned in a timely manner.

I'm sorry to hear that this is happening. I'm still amazed at the idea of stroller swapping. Thank you parkers*momma for taking time (away from your family, I might add) to continue to organize the swap. I chose to join RC due to the "organized" feel of it! Your time and effort do not go unnoticed!

 

[parkers*momma]

Ugh, I'm so sorry this is turning sour Maddi! By chance are any of the strollers under warranty? The welding could be a defect and maybe even the broken backs, it seems to be happening a lot and to both the new and old strollers. Might be worth checking into though it probably is misuse. The lack of respect people are showing for these strollers is terrible.

Yes three of them are under warranty. #3, #4, and #5. I am going to call instep to see if there are known problems plus tonight I'm going to seach reviews on the three new strollers. But in good conscious I can't ask them to honor it if it clearly was neglect on swappers end. With old #4-definitely misuse. The forks that hold the wheel were bent, that is from ramming the stroller-nothing less could cause this. New #4 sounds like it was ran over or fell off the back of a truck. Clearly not insteps fault...strictly a swappers fault that a new stroller looks as this one does.

Trust me, I WILL get this swap put back together and running smoothly. There isn't a question in that...not even a question as to when I will get the stroller put back into go shape...I'm so all over that too. The only question is how to get the misused STOPPED. And I think we are truly on our way to this with the ideas that have been suggested. If anyone else has suggestions....PLEASE post them. I'm open to anything that will help the swap.

 

[parkers*momma]

If a deposit will be required from any swapper, then I feel that it should be required of all swappers. How else can it be fair?

I don't believe that requirements should be placed on anyone based solely on post count, or their join date. Take me for example. I joined DIS in '04, long before most other's join date that I see in this thread, yet this is something like my 15th post. Some people simply do not take the time to post, or have much to say. I had to post to get my count up in order to send my PM. (I couldn't bring myself to just post smileys. I felt that I had to contribute somehow/somewhere) With this being said, I pride myself on dependability. I will report any and all problems with the stroller once it's picked up, and even though my stay at Disney is brief, the following swapper will receive the stroller in as good, if not better, shape than when I received it.

I also understand that others might not be so dependable. As a new swapper, I would be willing to pay for a deposit so long as I knew that the deposit was to be returned in a timely manner.

I'm sorry to hear that this is happening. I'm still amazed at the idea of stroller swapping. Thank you parkers*momma for taking time (away from your family, I might add) to continue to organize the swap. I chose to join RC due to the "organized" feel of it! Your time and effort do not go unnoticed!

definitely everyone...accountablity for everyone. As for you, I seen where you have been a lurker for 5 years...first glad you finally came out!

Yes definitely a timely manner. From what was explained, paypal will reimburse funds if they aren't accepted in 30 days. The deposit will be done strictly through paypal so it would be a matter of a couple of clicks once the swapper is back and no issues are reported the day the incoming swapper picks up the stroller. The incoming would have to contact me the day of pick-up to make this work. It will protect them, it will protect the outgoing swapper, and it will protect paypal deposits.

Thank you so much for the compliment. That is one of the reason I love doing the swaps. Making a difference for my fellow DIS'ers.

 

[Tisha_PA]

Maddi - I am so sorry to see you have to go through all this. We found RC #2 to be a Godsend during our trip and can't imagine why people wouldn't take care of these strollers as if they are their own.

I agree with PP's about not allowing newbies to join the swap especially since you have been able to determine that the majority of the damage was done by swappers that only joined the DIS to get in on the swap. I don't mind paying a deposit if that's what it takes to get everything back on track.

FWIW, I'll be happy to contribute any accessories still needed when we head down in September.

 

[lfwhipp]

Parkers*momma,

I am very sorry to see what has happened to these strollers. After taking quite some time to read through the pages of this thread, i just cant believe the last few pages and what has happened to a completely new stroller, the backs being stood on and such, it amazes me!! I have had a graco double for 6 years and it still looks like new, how do you damage a stroller like that in a little amount of time??

I do understand your aversion to newbies like myself. If you do require a refundable deposit i would be more than happy to pay it to you. I do promise that if you decide to keep certain people in like myself who are new to the boards, i will take care of it, take pictures, call you, etc. If not, please let me know so i can make other arrangements and get a refund on the deposit I've already paid. I can assure you i didn't join just to get in on the swaps. I have lurked here for years and never registered till i started thinking about doing Free Dining again and was code watching. I love the Dis and WDW. I stumbled on to the swaps on the budget board while planning and was very worried about sending a stranger my ressie #, personal info and money, but reading this board has shown you are good people, i just hope i get the same chance to use this as other people. Not all of us newbies are disrespectful and careless.

Again, i am just appalled at the actions of some people, I feel for you doing this out of your own time and money for us only to have so many issues. Thank you for your hard work!!!

 

[disneynuts777]

Maddi...I am in tears after catching up and reading the last three pages of posts.
I have no words for people who do not respect other peoples property.
If I had not joined this swap (and then switched to Tinkerbell!!) we would not have a stroller.Renting a stroller from Disney for 9 days is just not a financial option for me.
There are nine of us going and most of the trip is coming out of my pocket.( I have sort of bent the truth to two of my sisters on how much they owe me so that I knew they would be able to come!!!) So I have been trying to save where I can.
Keep your chin up Maddi.....you are doing a magical job and the true DIS'ers do care......really care....about you and the strollers!!!!

 

[dolfinjuls]

Wow this is all so crazy! I'm sorry you've had to go through all of this otherwise avoidable nonsense! I don't even know what the best thing to do to help prevent these events in the future would be. You have been doing such a great job, I know for sure that I would not be able to keep up with this! The only thing I can say for myself is that I will treat that stroller like it is our own. I don't know why anyone would do it any other way!

 

[princessmorgan]

I am so sorry about the issues with this swap! I don't get RC #3 until May 9, but my DH could put a new seat on if no one else volunteers. After reading the last few pages I think a deposit is a good idea also. As far as being "fair" to everyone, I think it's hard to do that when something isn't working here. This is a stroller swap where people are trusting strangers to take care of something. There are always going to be bad apples when doing something like this. There can be bad apple Disboard newbies, and bad apple Disboard veterans.
Maddi, I think you should set whatever guidelines you feel are necessary and that fall within the Disboard rules. When you are as nice as you are, then someone is bound to take advantage of it. It's sad that it is this way. Maybe it's time for some tough love, and if people do not want to abide by the rules, deposit, etc. then they can choose to not participate in the swap. We were all new at one time, so I think we should understand it's not personal. It is out of the kindness of your heart that you are running this. Thanks again for your efforts!

 

[Goseethemouse]

I too am very sorry for all the problems you have been experiencing. I know how frustrating it can be to invest time and effort in a volunteer effort and have it repaid badly. No wonder you are upset!

Anyway, I too think a deposit might be a good way to remind people to treat the strollers well. And, much as it pains me, limiting the swap to people who have been on the DISboards for a while is probably a smart move as well. I have been a frequent lurker but didn't sign up/start posting until quite recently so that probably lets me out. Anyway, I hope things get better and you won't have any more problems!

 

[msreneau]

Maddi- I am so sorry for all these swap problems! I haven't been on the boards much lately so I am just shocked!!

I didn't know I couldn't drop off a stroller at an off-site hotel. Of course, I should have read through the swap posts and rules again after I first joined when I was making arrangements, so that error is totally my fault. I'm so sorry to the swapper who lost out.

 

[nelep]

Wow! Some great feedback here - thanks!

I am a newbie too! I also just stumbled on the RC swap while researching my trip. I had to get my post count up as well. Parkers*Momma and I met when I was having trouble with the swapper before me. And then the swappers after me flaked out and didn't follow through on their arrangements.... blah blah blah. So, needless to say, after many PMs and phone calls with Parkers*Momma, she kind of grew on me. So here I am helping out.

It sounds as if most agree that a refundable deposit is necessary from all swappers.

As far as limiting the swap to those who have been around awhile, I think this is a good idea too. (Cannonboy - you have been a member since 2004 - to me, that shows you are dedicated to the DISboards even though you don't post much.) Parkers*Momma will have to set the guidelines to what she is comfortable with and put them into effect for those who sign up going forward.

If you are ALREADY SIGNED UP for this swap and are a newbie - DON'T WORRY! I can't imagine that Parkers*Momma would ever kick you out!

I can't say enough good things about Parkers*Momma. She really does care about all of you, even though she has never met you. She is one of those people who just takes everyone in. She worries herself silly when things don't go smoothly. She is looking out for all of you. Bless her for that!

And finally...
Swappers, check you consciences! If you do not think you can respect Parkers*Momma and this swap, please drop out.

Future swappers, welcome to our COMMUNITY! I've made some great friends here. I hope you do too!

 

[princesses&pirates]

I am a newbie too who had to post a bunch to get into the swap. If I had come into the swap and read that it took experienced Disboards' to be part ofthe swap, that woul dhave been my bad luck. But understandable. I would have just seen it, as "Those are the rules." It would probably be one of the simpler ways to narrow down swappers. We came into the swap just recently for a May-June date(of course now I know what events are planned that week) and were lucky to get in. I was excited because I had read about how much care had been taken in the past with the strollers, but this has gotten crazy. Even if something had happened by accident, I would be calling to profusely apologize and try to make it right. But alas... bad swappers.

Please tell me that they have been given at least a stern talking to? I am not as nice as parkers*momma seems.

I am like many that I have ben readin gthis morning--sad and appalled. And hoping that they last long enough for current swappers to have wonderful vacations.
Parkers*momma--you are awesome. Take a bigger deposits and rewards yourself!!!