How to do a B&P (Blanks and Postage)

B&P is perhaps the simplest method for a newbie to get exposed to trading and start collecting shows.  Basically, you will send blank discs and return postage to an established trader, and they will send you back copies of shows.  All traders started out as newbies and needed help when they started, so usually they are happy to help others get started as well.  This tutorial will give you step-by-step instructions on how to do a B&P from start to finish.

 

Step 1:  Pick a few shows that you would like to obtain.

Step 2:  Locate and contact a trader who has a show that you want, and who has offered a B&P.

Step 3:  Do the B&P.

Step 1:  Pick a few shows that you would like to obtain.

Before you can ask someone for shows, you should probably pick a few out that you are interested in.  If you are brand new to this scene, an easy starting point is the Rushboots.com list of “Suggested Boots for Beginners”.  This contains a list of our own personal favorite shows from each tour.

 

If you have something more specific in mind, like a show that you personally attended, then you need to do some research.  Your best bet is to visit The Digital Rush Experience (DRE) website.  The DRE database contains listings and reviews of most ROIO that have been released from each Rush tour.  Also on the DRE you will find “Ron’s RoIO Guide”.  This is a fantastic document that is a must read for all new traders, and it contains reviews of many shows along with a very illuminating history of trading.

 

So, use the above described tools to make a list of shows that you are interested in.  Write down the date, location, and title of each show so that you can let traders know exactly what you are looking for.  Note that for many tour dates there are multiple shows available that were captured and produced by different tapers, and some are better than others. 

 

Step 2:  Locate and contact a trader who has the show that you want, and who has offered a B&P.

Next you need to find a trader who is willing to do a B&P and who has some shows that interest you.  You can do this by browsing the many Traders Lists (‘bootlists’) that are posted on the internet, or you can actively ask if someone is willing to do a B&P for the shows that you want.

 

Browsing Traders’ Lists

Browsing is an easy way to find out what is available.  You can go to the Rushboots.com bootlist section for a sampling of traders’ lists and links to personal trader webpages.  A number of bootlists can also be found in the Traders Section of the Rushtour.com message board, our parent webpage.  You do not need to register for the message board to browse the Traders Section, but you will need to register if you want to make contact with a trader through the board.  Registration is free and painless, and it is highly recommended.  Besides trading information, you will also find lots of lively Rush conversation and information!!  The following pictures will show you where to look for trading information at Rushtour.com:

 

 

        

 Within a bootlist, a trader will typically describe their shows, how to contact them, and their terms of trading.  Try to locate someone who has a show that interests you and who specifically mentions that they are willing to doing B&Ps.  Once you have located an appropriate trader, then you just need to follow their instructions on how to make contact (e.g., by e-mail or private message (PM)).  If you’re not sure what to say, then you can use the following as a basic template:

Dear <name of trader>,

I am new to trading, and I saw you offer of B&P at <name of website>.  I was wondering if you would be willing to do a B&P with me for the following shows:

<List shows here........don’t go overboard, start with one or two shows per request unless otherwise indicated by the trader>

Thanks very much,

<Your name>

 

Now you just need to wait for their reply.  Don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear back immediately, or if the trader cannot meet your request.  Traders are normal people just like you with busy schedules, and sometimes they cannot fulfill all of the requests that are made to them.  If you are turned down initially, just make a request to someone else and you WILL find someone who will help you out.

 

Requesting on a Message Board

If you cannot find what you are looking for in the various traders lists, you can ask for help more actively.  In the Traders Section of Rushtour.com, there is a section called In Search Of (ISO) which is shown in the above picture.  As mentioned above, you will need to register in order to post your message on the board.  Browse through the various messages in the ISO section to get a feeling about what people have requested in the past, then post a message with your request.   If you’re not sure what to write, you can use the following as a basic template for your request:

 

Hi everyone,

I’m new here and I was wondering if someone could help me get started with trading.  Would anyone be willing to help me out with a B&P?  I am interested in getting started with the following shows:

<List shows here........don’t go overboard, start with one or two shows per request>

Thanks very much,

<Your name>

 

More likely than not, you will receive a response from someone within a few days (if not a few hours).  The folks over there are very friendly and amenable to helping out fellow RUSH fans. 

 

Step 3.  Do the B&P.

Once someone has agreed to so a B&P with you, it is time for you to spring into action.  The trader may have made given you some specific instructions on how to proceed, or their webpage or bootlist may have contained a list of instructions.  The first thing to do is make sure that you adhere to those instructions, otherwise you may end up with your shipment of blank discs sent back to you.  If there were no specific instructions given, then you can follow the step-by-step instructions in this section.

 

First you may need to go shopping for materials.  Here is a list of what you will need:

 

1.  Blank media (e.g., CD-R, DVD-R, DVD+R).  The type of blank that you send will depend on what you are getting from the trader.  Sometimes the trader will specify certain brands or types of media that they prefer.  If they specify something, make sure you follow their request.  Numerous traders insist on the use of ‘high grade’ media, although it is somewhat difficult to determine exactly what this means.  We are in the process of researching the topic of “high grade media”, and there will be a Media Advice section on the site in the near future.  However, many traders insist that you are cannot go wrong with discs that are stamped “ Made in Japan”, so you may want to start with this.

2.  CD sleeves.  To reduce shipping costs, you will use these instead of jewel cases.  These can usually be found wherever you buy blank discs, and a couple of examples are shown below.

3.  Bubble mailers (6” X 9” standard or 6” X 6” CD mailers).  Make sure that you buy bubble mailers (you know, the ones that are fun to pop).  DO NOT use padded envelopes that are fibre-based (usually these have some kind of pull strip that is used to open them).  Trust me, I’ve received these in the mail before, and the fibres get all over the discs….major pain in the neck to clean up, and I did not want to use the fibre coated discs in my burner.

4.  Kraft envelope (8” X 12”, or any envelope that is slightly larger than the bubble mailers).

5.  Postage stamps.  You will need enough stamps to send your package to the trader, and for them to return the package to you.  You can get this information by taking you package to the post office (this is your best bet), or you can use this websiterates http://postcalc.usps.gov/ . 

 

                                                                       

 Now you just need to package everything up and ship it out.  The first thing you need to do is write up a note to the trader that reminds them of the B&P agreement that you made.  Simple write your name, the shows you requested, and the forum that you made contact with the trader (even better….print out a copy of the e-mail that has your conversation).  Next, take the appropriate number of discs that you need for your shows, and place them into the CD sleeves.  Now, write YOUR address on the middle of the bubble mailer, and the trader’s address in the return address section.  Place the blank discs and your note to the trader into the bubble mailer BUT DO NOT SEAL IT.  Affix the appropriate amount of postage stamps on the mailer for the trader to send this package back to you.  Now write the trader’s address in the middle of the Kraft envelope and your address in the return address section.  Place the bubble mailer package inside the Kraft envelope, seal it up, affix the proper amount of postage, and mail it out.  For those who are visual learner’s, this may help you out:

 

           

 Now you just need to sit back and wait for the audio or video feast that will be sent back to you!!  Our final word of advice (which you will see throughout this site) is to BE PATIENT.  Remember that the trader probably has numerous transactions to deal with, and they also have the usual daily chores that take them away from their trading activities (e.g., family, work, friends…….don’t they realize the importance of RUSH??? :)

 

Anyway, hopefully this has been helpful to someone!  Rushboots.com is being designed to be as newbie friendly as possible.  If you are new to trading, PLEASE let us know if there is something here that is unclear or if you have any specific questions.  We also went through the early days of confusion and frustration in trading, and we are trying to help ease the pain with this site.  If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, contact us at Rushboots.