How does swishing work?

[Snowgirl1]

There's a charity swishing event this weekend but I've never been to one before and don't understand how it works. The flyer says you get a token for each item you take and you can use to exchange for another item. But what happens I don't find anything I like or that fits?? Is it just tough luck?

[Itsafineline]

Might be. I went to one about a year ago and was horrified at some of the cr*p that people thought others might want - the poor hostess had a lot of stuff to take to the charity shop the next day. She 'auctioned' off the best items, and put nominal prices on others. I went with loads and came away with nothing, but I was happy - cleared out my cupboard and made money for charity. The only thing was - when the people whose clothes you don't like are actually there, it was a social minefield!