We are so grateful for every purse that gets mailed to us. We realize each one represents a huge investment of time, effort, and cost. So, this page is designed to help you ensure a trouble-free mailing process. Please be sure to read our tips below - and send purses to the right location in the right way. Generally, the only time we have trouble, delay, or confusion, is when these details aren't followed. Additionally, to help us process your donation quickly and efficiently, be sure to check out our packing slip details here.
Send Your Purse To One Of The Following Locations
Our Mailing Addresses & Methods
6 Tips For Trouble Free Shipping
Each year we get questions that come up about how best to ship us the purses. So, I thought I’d share an overview post that hopefully addressees the questions. I tried to make it as brief as possible, so please read it thoroughly and then feel free to ask additional questions. Also, I am writing in a very direct manner, please don't take it as un-kindness. I'm just trying to be very clear. We love and admire each purse maker and each purse we receive - and deeply respect the time and effort that goes into making and sending purses. I'll update this post as needed.
Tip Number One: Send Purses To The Correct Address (in the U.S.)
Sew Powerful
16640 SE Old Petrovitsky Road
Renton WA 98058
Note: This is a church, so they operate under church-type hours. So they are closed on Monday, sometimes Friday and Saturday. They also come in late some days and go home early other days. Therefore:
Tip #2: You have 2 great shipping choices
Give Back Box: This partnership allows Sew Powerful purse and notecard makers in the United States to ship up to 40 pounds to Sew Powerful for a flat rate of $15. Your purses and notecards will come to us via UPS Ground so expect the shipment to take longer than when using Priority Mail. You will buy your $15 label from the Give Back Box website, and within 24 hours you will receive an email from UPS with the link to download your UPS label. The process might not be instantaneous but considering how much you save, you may feel the tradeoff is worth the extra time. To get your $15 label, go to GiveBackBox.Shop and scroll down to the ‘International Help’ category to find Sew Powerful. Your labeled box can be dropped at any UPS Store, Office Depot or Staples store. Step by Step instructions are attached to your Packing Slip confirmation email or get the instructions HERE.
USPS: The United States post office offers flat rate shipping with 2- or 3-day delivery using Priority Mail. Third party services, such as PirateShip.com, typically discount USPS rates and offer a good way to save. Costs vary depending on the distance you are shipping. We do have a terrific relationship with the USPS mail-carrier. Her name is Sue. She LOVES our program and has even come to an unboxing party to help. She personally handles all packages addressed to Sew Powerful. She tells everyone at the post office to leave them for her in a big bin and then she brings them during church office hours. She is great and really cares.
Tip #3: (said in love - and with respect) Don't Stress!
We encourage you not to stress. Please do not to require signature upon delivery. We encourage you not to email us and ask us to go find your box to confirm it has arrived. This is why we have the monthly Sew Powerful Live stream. Using the packing slip you can also ‘opt in’ to receive a thank you card that will let you know we have received your package.
Note: We encourage you to not over complicate it. We have this working really well at large scale. Just trust the process.
Tip #4: Avoid Mailing Costs And Drop Your Purses Off At A Show
If you can drop your purses off at one of the many shows around the country where we have a booth, then you can avoid shipping costs. For the latest updates on our show dates and locations, be sure to check our weekly newsletter.
Tip #5: Don’t Include Anything Extra
Please don’t include anything extra in your box of purses (except the note cards and your packing slip, of course). No cash or checks - no bibles, no extra fabric or stuff we have to deal with. We have to remove them before they are sent to Zambia.
Note: If you’d like to make an $11 donation for each purse you send in, which is optional - but very helpful, the best way to do it is via the website. The 2nd best way to donate is via check, but just do not include it in the box of purses. Send your check separately to our PO Box (below). No purses or notecards can be accepted at the PO Box.
Sew Powerful
PO Box 2299
Auburn, WA 98071
Tip #6: International Senders, Please See The Addresses Above
As more international shipping locations become available we will add them to this page.
We are super grateful for each purse, each purse maker, and the effort it takes to get them to us. We realize these have taken hours and hours of painstaking work to make and are incredibly valuable - actually priceless. We do our very best to treat them that way throughout the entire process.
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