Secret Santa FAQ

Secret Santa FAQ:

>Do I have to log into a google account to fill out the form? Why?
Sending in an file for your proof of address requires you to be logged into a google account. You can fill out the form with whatever email address you want though.

>I participated last year. Can I use the same picture I used as proof of address over again?
Yes.

>Why do I need to provide proof of address?
To help weed out grinchers and/or potential trouble makers providing fake addresses.

>Why no PO Box addresses?
Because it can essentially be used as a throw away address. Not using them avoids any potential disaster.

>There are shipping delays again this year, how will this impact the exchange? Is it still doable?
Even with the delays that happened last year the exchange went well without a hitch. Even with the potential issues of the holiday rush surrounding this year, I'm sure if we order our gifts early and send them out with time to spare we'll have no issues. This is why I'm making the sign up cutoff for November 6th. It's a small window, but by now most people who participate know what to expect and what to ask for. Besides ordering early, check USPS for delivery disruptions, they have a site with updates for both domestic and international delivery. When it comes to imports they are still slow and expensive, DHL and EMS are working but expect them to take a couple days longer than planned.

>But are pick up and drop off delivery services like Parcelly ok?
Yes, as long as you can prove that you get packages and/or mail from that location regularly or at least semi-recently. In the same way you'd send proof of address normally, I need to see a shipping label or that address on an offical piece of mail addressed to you with any sensitive information I don't need censored of course. The only exception is that I will also need a date too to prove you've received mail there recently.

>Why are there no price brackets?
It makes sorting pairs easier and it lets you set a price bracket for yourself. The recommended price point is 25-35 dollars but you can go over that if you like. That is essentially the minimum though. Be as generous as you like or keep it simple. This way, everyone can do what's comfortable for them.

>What is proof of purchase? Why do you need it?
A picture of the gift itself or the receipt of what you purchased for them. It's to help filter out potential grinchers. As long as you can prove you have the gift or it's on the way I can be assured that you plan to follow through. I will also be checking if anyone tries to scrape by the price minimum with cheap bootlegs of the actual toy your assignment listed (unless it's a joke gift accompanying your real gift). Don't do this.

>Can I send a used or hand-me-down toy as my gift? Could you match me up with someone looking for the toy I'm looking to send?
Yes and yes but the first questions depends. I need you to take a picture of the toy in question when you send me proof of purchase so I can judge its condition before you send it along. As long as the value of the toy meets the price minimum it's fine. If you want me to match you up with someone with a particular interest, say so in the notes section of the form and I'll see what I can do.

>Can I send homemade baked goods with my gift?
Yes, but please, ask your recipient if it's ok. This is what the notes section in the form is for. Do not send it if they specifically ask you not to.

>Why is there a section for favorite candy, snacks and listing allergies?
The number one question I get in emails is "Can you ask my anon what their favorite candy is?". You don't have to send candy or snacks but a vast majority of people do. This just helps me save time responding to the same question over and over. Obviously you can keep this section blank, but if you actually do have any food allergies (especially serious ones) please list it so you don't get a box of potential death mailed to you.

>Can I send joke items with my gift like sex toys, etc?
I can't stop you from putting whatever you like in there. Have fun with it. Just don't send them literal shit in a box.

>Is this safe? I'm afraid if I give out my address I'll get swatted. I'm scared.
I've done this for years and nothing like that has happened. At worst, someone will send a pizza to your house but even that is highly unlikely.

>What are you doing to prevent grinches?
By asking for proof of purchase and proof of address. They're filters for seeing who is truly dedicated or not. Despite this though, there is still potential of it happening. There is only so much I can do. In the event it does happen, someone who signed up as a replacement santa will offer to send the anon who got grinched a new gift.

>How does a "replacement Santa" work?
Once Christmas passes, if an anon says they haven't gotten word from their santa nor their gift I'll be making several attempts to contact them. If they ignore me by not replying to my emails or posting in the thread I'll confirm at that point they're indeed a grinch. I'll add them to a blacklist which I will pass onto next year's santa (or use myself) to keep them from participating again. I'll then contact someone who signed up as a replacement and ask if they want to send a gift to the grinched anon.

>Will you post the name and address of grinches, if any, in the thread?
Absolutely not. It would be against the global rules. I hold onto their address for my records only.