How to Arrange an Exchange
- THE FIRST STEP
Begin by choosing several listings and contacting the members. A brief e-mail to express interest and referring to your membership number (username) may pave the way for a quick exchange. All correspondence should be personalized. Your initial contact does not commit you to an agreement - they simply express interest in an exchange.
Your first communications should express interest pending the outcome of additional correspondence. Outline the advantages of your own home and area as a holiday destination.
If an exchange agreement seems likely, exchange further details information about your home. Describe you home honestly in all correspondence - you want your guests to be pleasantly surprised when they arrive, not disappointed.
You should :- Describe interiors, rooms, grounds, storage areas, shopping and recreation facilities.
- Explain presence of child/relative who may remain in the home. And never hide the existence of pets.
- Give references if available.
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THE SECOND STEP
You will ask and answer detailed questions. Do not be shy about this. It is wise to avoid misunderstanding by clarifying as much as possible at this stage. Some experienced exchangers confirm important agreements in writing. Again, a brief telephone call can speed matters up considerably. Ideally, by the time the exchange is ready for launching, your exchange partners will be good friends. This is the best insurance!
You should :- List specific number of people in the exchange group with ages of children/teens.
- Make arrangements for use of telephone; reimbursement for any long distance calls
- Make arrangements for laundering used linen on completion of exchange.
- Make arrangements for meeting guests on arrival, and for collecting house keys. Members report that, in most cases, their new neighbors or a friend welcomed them, helped them to settle in and assisted wherever they could.
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