Discussion Forums - Questions about SwapaDVD

Generally: No.

SwapaDVD does not permit inclusion of advertising, commercial solicitation, political materials, religious tracts or the like with SwapaDVD mailings.  These are often unwelcome and can be extremely offensive to the receiver. 

The USPS also has strict regulations if the package is being sent Media Mail rate.  Only media (books, CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes) and an invoice (page 2 of the SwapaDVD Wrapper qualifies as an invoice) are allowed to be sent using Media Mail rate.  No advertising, commercial solicitation, political materials, religious tracts, non-Media items, letters or cards are allowed.

• Media Mail is subject to postal inspection
• If your package is found to be in violation of Media Mail regulations:
  • Your package may be returned to you
  • Your package may be delivered to the requestor postage-due
  • Your package may be destroyed.

What is Allowed in a package sent using Media Mail rate:

• Media, as described above
• A note with a simple accompanying message,
  • such as "Happy Birthday!" or "Hope you enjoy it!"
• An invoice or notification of the shipment
  • The second page of the SwapaDVD Wrapper falls into this category.
  • The USPS eligibility guidelines for enclosures and attachments for Media Mail say (we have edited these for relevance; the full regulations are athttp://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/173.htm#wp1060522)

  • 4.0 Attachments and Enclosures

    4.3 Written Enclosures

  • Markings that have the character of personal correspondence require, with certain exceptions, additional postage at the First-Class Mail prices. The following written additions and enclosures do not require additional First-Class Mail postage:

    a. The sender's and the addressee's names, occupations, and addresses, preceded by "From" or "To," and directions for handling. (page 2 of the SwapaDVD Wrapper qualifies here)

    b. Marks, numbers, names, or letters describing the contents. (page 2 of the SwapaDVD Wrapper qualifies here)

    c. Words or phrases such as "Do Not Open Until Christmas" and "Happy Birthday, Mother." 

    d. Instructions and directions for the use of the item mailed. (page 2 of the SwapaDVD Wrapper qualifies here)

    4.4 Invoice (page 2 of the SwapaDVD Wrapper qualifies here)

    An invoice, whether it also serves as a bill, may be placed either inside a Media Mailpiece or in an envelope marked "Invoice Enclosed" and attached to the outside of the piece if the invoice relates solely to the matter with which it is mailed. The invoice may show this information:

    a. Names and addresses of the sender and addressee.

    b. Names and quantities of the articles enclosed, descriptions of each (e.g., price, tax, style, stock number, size, and quality, and, if defective, nature of defects).

    c. Order or file number, date of order, date and manner of shipment, shipping weight, postage paid, and initials or name of packer or checker.

Including any inappropriate materials in your package is a serious infraction of SwapaDVD rules (and if the package is sent Media Mail, also of Federal law). Including inappropriate* materials with your DVDs will jeopardize your membership at SwapaDVD.

 *if the item does not clearly fit into any of the categories mentioned above, its appropriateness/inappropriateness will be judged solely by The SwapaDVD Team.