As a small business artist, I was really excited to launch an art trade project where I exchanged my handmade bouquets for art or goods from other creators. I posted an open call and was amazed to receive 53 trade requests in just 24 hours. To be fair, I didn’t discriminate based on follower count or social media presence and picked the first 10 who messaged me, hoping to support diverse artists equally. However, after nearly 5 months, I only received 3 packages back out of the 10 I sent my work to. I realize now that not setting deadlines or clear expectations might have contributed to the low return rate. Following up multiple times felt awkward, and I wondered if I was being too passive or non-confrontational when some participants just dropped off. This experience taught me a few valuable lessons: 1. Clear communication upfront matters—setting deadlines and clarifying expectations can reduce misunderstandings. 2. Vetting participants a bit more carefully or requiring a deposit might encourage commitment. 3. Building accountability through follow-ups is important, but it needs balance to avoid feeling pushy. 4. Art trades are a great way to connect and support fellow creatives, but they can also be risky for small creatives relying on reciprocity. For anyone looking to try art trades or exchanges as a small business, I suggest having a written agreement or clear guidelines, using trusted networks, and maybe even starting smaller with fewer people to manage the process smoothly. Despite the disappointments, this project helped me appreciate the genuine creators who showed up and reminded me of the importance of community support. If you’re considering a similar project, learn from my experience and prepare for possible challenges ahead. My PO box is still open for those who want to send packages—I’m hopeful to still showcase these artists in a video soon!