Welcome to the 2006 Canadian-American Candy Exchange.
What is it?:
A chance for Americans and Canadians to experience the uniquely delightful candies which are only available in the other locale.
When is the Deadline?:
If you wish to participate, please post to this thread stating your nationality by 11:59pm March 11, 2006. No latecoming entries accepted. Its just too complicated for lil ol’ me.
How Will I Get a Partner?
Make sure your email address is current in your profile. Or post it to the thread if you do not wish to have it in your profile. Or email me your address separately, after posting in the thread. Point being, if I don’t know your email address, you won’t get a partner.
After all entries are posted, I will match up everyone and email you individually to notify you of your partner. From there you will contact each other to exchange addresses, etc.
In the event of an unequal Canadian:American ratio, partners will be assigned on a first-come-first-served basis. In other words, if we run out of Canadians, it’s just tough cookies.
What if I’m Canadian and Really, Really Nice?
If you are Canadian and would be willing to exchange with 2 partners a)you are very nice and b)state that in your post and c)hi, opal!
What if I’m Broke and/or Lazy?
Please do not say you will participate unless you have the inclination, time, and financial means to do so. “Grinching” your partner is rude and quite against the spirit of the thing. See below for expected costs.
How Much Should I Spend?
No party shall spend more than $10 (local currency) on candy per partner.
How Much Will Shipping Cost?
US Participants: I strongly advise the use of the “Global Priority Flat Rate Envelope (large)” for your shipments. By folding the corners under and applying lots of packing tape, you can make a handy small box, and its only $7 regardless of weight (a big savings over parcel post if your package weighs over 1lb).
Otherwise, Americans should expect to pay around $12-$15 for a 2lb (1 kilo) package), and Canada Post rates are fairly comparable at the same weight (~$12 CAN)
What About Customs?
You will have to fill out a short customs form for your package. Be general in your descriptions to discourage poaching. Good: “packaged candy” Bad: “luscious, creamy, Mackintosh Toffee”
Send only packaged, commercially available products. This will smooth your package’s way through customs. (To my knowledge there were no major customs problems last year despite the warnings of naysayers.)
What Kind of Things Should I Send?
Ask your partner, but generally Americans can’t get anything Cadbury except Creme Eggs and Mini eggs, anything Kinder including Kinder Surprise, and many Nestle products. Generally Canadians can’t get anything Necco, Marshmallow Peeps and related products from JustBorn, many Hershey’s products, some Mars products, some Willy Wonka products, and regional specialties like buckeyes, pralines, etc.
Let the Exchange Begin!
