How it works

What to bring:
-All swap items have to be homemade, foraged or home grown by you
Swap items include sauces, dressings, breads, cookies, herb extracts, dips, cheeses, eggs, produce from your garden, kombucha and any food that has been homemade, homegrown or foraged by you.
-Type of packaging.
All items, specially foods, should be packaged protecting them from participants handling. Make clear to others amount for swapping. For example, 6 cookies or 3 muffins. Don't feel the need of spending much on packaging unless you wish to. Do recycle materials or use earth friendly packaging whenever possible. Include ingredient list.


How many items to bring:
-You may bring as many items as you wish
5 to 10 items is a good number to start. The more items you bring, the more exchanged goods you will take home. 
-Not all items need to be the same
You decide if you want to bring one type or different kind of items. You may bring a few bottles of kombucha, a dozen of eggs and a couple of bread loaves, for example.
-In most cases, items are exchanged one-to-one.
This means one package of empanadas is worth one bottle of infused vinegar or jar of jam.


How should I prepare for the event:
-Samples of your items are encouraged.
What a great way to share and entice other swappers.
-Bring your own supplies.
You will need to bring your own cups, utensils, ice, napkins to provide samples.
-Set up materials
Depending on location, you may need to bring a blanket to sit and display your items. Details of place and needed items will be included on event invitation.


What to expect during the 2 hour Swap event:
-First 30 minutes
The first 30 minutes of the swap are devoted to sign-in, set-up your items and receive instructions about how to swap.
-The next 30 minutes to 1 hour
The next 30 to 60 minutes are for everyone to walk around, examine and sample items from the other swappers. Swappers will write their names and items they brought on the sheets for any items they would like to take home.
-The final 30 minutes
Here is where the action happens. Everyone goes back to his/her original sheets of paper, looks at the offers, finds interested swappers via their name tags and finalize swaps. Take any extra un-swapped items and approach others. They maybe interested in trading with you.


You must be pre-registered to participate in the swap
Pre-registration will start 2 to 3 weeks before each event. Event will be announced here and at Alamo Swappers Facebook page. Make sure to submit your email address to receive confirmation of attendance. Attendance will be limited.


Participation is FREE.
The best part about a swapper event is that you do not need to bring any money for the actual swapping! Great efforts will be taken to ensure a free location. If this is not possible, a small donation will be collected to cover costs. 

Some kind souls may like to bring the swap organizer a "Thank you" of tasty treats or donations to cover event expenses. These generous gestures will make her extremely happy.