Artelier

FAQs

Exchange FAQs

Arranging an exchange

Q: How do I arrange an exchange?

A: Look for listings in the areas you have selected as desired destinations, or you may see an interesting listing in an area you hadn't considered. Members' preferred destinations and length of desired exchange are indicated in the listings to help narrow the possibilities. Don't totally ignore members who haven't listed your area in their destinations - an attractive offer may well persuade them to consider an exchange with you.

You can also perform a search of the profiles online by any of the criteria on a profile if you are looking for something very specific, such as a non-smoker or someone without pets. A search is also possible by map instead of text criteria.

To give yourself the best opportunity for a successful exchange, contact a number of possible exchange partners, expressing interest in a trade and describing your studio, home (if available), area and preferred dates. New listings are added to the on-line database every day - check often for the latest offers that may suit your needs.

Meanwhile, you will probably be getting enquiries from your listing (it's so nice to get mail from so many wonderful places around the world!), offering even more choices. From these contacts, you will gradually narrow the possibilities to those that interest you most and where dates and other details seem to fit for both parties. You can choose to release your personal details at any time, using your Trusted Users page (in the My Profile section) so they can see the exact location of your studio (and home, is available), and you email or other contact information.

Once you find an exchange partner, you begin the process of negotiating dates. You may have already covered this in the communication you have had with them first. Click â‚¬ËœRequest Exchange' under their profile name once you select it, and fill in your desired start and end dates. Check the box to agree to the terms and conditions, and send the dates. This information will be sent to the potential partner, who has the chance to accept your dates or change them to something more suitable, or to deny the exchange altogether. This process will go back and forth between the partners until mutually desirable dates are found. Once dates have been agreed, you will each be sent a personalised letter of agreement by email giving more information about things to consider â‚¬â€œ insurance, travel, etc.

Don't forget to let anyone else you have been in contact with know if you are unable to pursue an exchange so that they can get on with other exchange plans.

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Q: How do I let only some people know my contact details?

A: In the Connect with artists section of the site, you can select which information to reveal to selected, trusted individuals that you have been in contact with. At the top of this page, you can set defaults for ALL users, which override any other settings you have made for individual users. For example, if you set your default to show your studio address, this will be shown to all users, not just ones you have been in touch with.

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Q: Who pays the bills?

A: Members usually agree to continue to pay their own household bills during the exchange but often arrange to have a separate phone bill for the period of the exchange - each will then be responsible for paying for phone calls made at their exchange home. *Note: many members now agree not to use the household phone but rather use their own mobiles or internet phone, such as Skype, while on exchange. There may be additional bills in one home such as for regular domestic help, a gardener, etc. Members must agree in advance who will be responsible for any extra payment to ensure fairness to both parties.

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Q: Must I inform my household insurance company about the exchange?

A: Yes. It is important to ensure that your insurance policy remains in effect while your guests are living in your home. Make certain your insurance company is aware that your exchange partners are non-paying guests. Most insurance companies now acknowledge that your home is at lower risk from burglary when occupied; however, theft claims may not be met if there is no evidence of forced entry.

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Q: If we exchange cars, how do I get from the airport to my exchange home?

A: A common arrangement is for both parties to arrange for a friend or another family member to meet the exchanger at the airport and drive them to the exchange address. If this is not possible, send each other very clear instructions on public transport or approximate costs by taxi. Occasionally members will arrange to collect a car at the airport; if not arranging to meet at the airport, you must arrange to get a message to the exchange party on the exact location / colour / license plate of your car in the airport car park.

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Q: Will I have help in arranging my exchange?

A: Artelier is a 'do-it-yourself' exchange service of necessity as you need to get to know your exchange partners so that you will feel comfortable having them in your home. Also, Artquest, who run Artelier, are composed of a very small team of 1 full-time and 3 part-time staff, who are unable to assist you in finding an exchange partner.

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Are there any problems with Artelier?

Q: Is it safe to leave my studio or home with people I do not know?

A: Do remember that your potential exchange partner is likely to have the same concerns as you do! Although we can't guarantee that your home will be treated well, having someone in your home at the same time you are in theirs gives each of you a great incentive to treat the home entrusted to you with respect and care.

As it usually takes several weeks to arrange an exchange, you will be exchanging information, photos, etc. with your exchange partners and generally getting to know them. By the time your exchange takes place you should feel happy that you are leaving your home in good hands. Some exchangers arrange an overlap so that they have the chance to meet at the beginning of their vacation.

Take care in your preparations and your home is likely to be much safer than if left empty while you are away, along with the added benefits of free accommodation while you are gone.

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Q: How can I be sure of having a successful exchange?

A: There can be no absolute guarantees but Artelier is built on the trust that will come as you and your exchange partner get to know each other during the course of your preparations before your exchange holiday. Putting everything you have agreed in writing should also help prevent misunderstandings; much of the basics will be covered in your standard letter of agreement sent automatically by the site when you agree an exchange, but you should add any extra agreements that you come to during negotiations. Making common sense judgments on whether an exchange offer is likely to suit your needs will help to ensure a problem-free exchange, e.g. a photographer in need of a clean space may not be best suited to exchange with a sculptor working in clay or stone due to potential mess. Likewise, artist who work with the internet will appreciate the convenience of an exchange to a home geared up with broadband.

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Q: What if I, or my exchange partners, have problems when occupying the other studio or home?

A: It is very helpful if you have a friend living nearby or a neighbouring studio tenant who is prepared to act as your agent while you are away. They can be available to welcome your guests, hand over keys and help with any problems your exchange partners may encounter. Many 'agents' enjoy the chance to introduce guests to the local area and people; it can really add to the holiday if you have a local contact - and who is there to help with the 'quirks' of unfamiliar appliances.

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Q: What is the most common problem Artelier members encounter?

A: One which does come up occasionally is simply a difference standards of tidiness. Although all members are reminded to leave their studios / homes clean and tidy for their guests it's just a fact of life that housekeeping standards can vary. You must remember that you will be staying in a lived in home, not a five star hotel, and reflect on the space and other advantages you can enjoy even if your exchange partner's studio is not up to your own housekeeping standards. People who are overly house proud need to consider if they will be able to relax and enjoy the holiday before considering home exchange. However, most swappers treat their guest studios and homes with great respect.

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Q: What about damage to my studio, home or property?

A: The responsibility lies with whom-ever caused the damage to either pay to have it repaired, or to reimburse you. Anyone can cause damage accidentally but we have never had a report on deliberate damage to property. If you are worried about damage just bear in mind that your exchange partners may have exactly the same worries about you! As this is the case, exchange members usually return to a home in the same - or better - condition than when they left it.

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Q: What if my exchange partner cancels at the last minute?

A: Once you are sure your arrangements have been finalised, agree to both book your airline tickets at the same time. Then, if you each make copies of the tickets to fax or send to the other this will be an extra reassurance for both. Once significant amounts of money have been invested, it is extremely unlikely that either side will cancel except for valid reasons such as serious illness or a death in the family. Check when buying travel insurance that the policy will cover you in these instances. Any Artelier member known to have broken a firm exchange agreement without a valid reason will be excluded from future membership. You can also rate other member's performance once you have completed an exchange, warning other members about potential problems.

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Additions: pets, cars and accessibility

Q: I want to exchange to a non-smokers' home and also need disabled access. Can I find homes that may be suitable?

A: Perform an 'Advanced Search' and you will see a number of ways to restrict the results of your search, including Non-Smokers Only and look for different keywords in their Accessibility section. When browsing listings generally you will see Accessibility Information descriptions of homes which may be suitable. You should of course give details of your particular needs when contacting members in order to find out if their homes would suit you.

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Q: I would like to exchange for a six-month period. Do members only want short exchanges?

A: Although many members are looking for shorter exchanges, there are members who want to exchange for longer periods from six weeks to a year or more. You can begin this process in initial contact and finalise it in the exchange dates negotiation mentioned above.

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Q: I would really like to do an exchange but I have expensive computer / photographic / video equipment that I would be worried about being damaged. Must I leave everything available in my house for my exchange partner to use?

A: No. Just ensure that your exchange partner is aware of what is 'out of bounds' or, better still, lock such items away in a spare room or friend's house, or move the items to your own house if you are not offering this for exchange. It is expected that domestic appliances (such as kettles or fridges in your studio) will be available for use, with instructions left on how to use them where required.

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Q: What about my pets?

A: Many exchangers enjoy looking after their exchange partner's pets. However, never impose your pets upon a partner who clearly does not want the responsibility. Many exchangers will use your studio as a base for exploring the local art scene and may not want to be tied down by pet care. Even if you plan to make other pet care arrangements, do let any potential exchange partners know what pets normally visit your studio or live in your house in case of possible allergies. Leave an adequate supply of food and clear instructions for members who do agree to look after your pets.

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