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Beer shipping/trading in CT?

Discussion in 'Trade Talk' started by Zbyler, Feb 23, 2013.

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  1. Zbyler

    Zbyler Initiate (0) Jan 18, 2013 Connecticut

    Hey guys,

    I am currently the "Beer Manager" of a store in New Haven County, CT. There are tons of beers that we cannot get here and I was wondering if anyone knows what the rules are here as far as shipping beer to do trades with others. I know there are some very restrictive liquore laws as far as shipping wine and things but I am uncertain as to whether it applies to beers as well. I would love to start trading and getting my hands on some things that I may never get to try otherwise. Any knowledge is helpful and appreciated!

    ~Z
     
  2. mcrago

    mcrago Initiate (0) Oct 6, 2012 Indiana

    Hmm. I'm not sure that that liquor laws pertain to "trading"; I believe they apply to "selling". That said, I would NEVER use the USPS to ship beer across state lines as I'm not sure of the Federal laws against shipping alcohol across state lines. Always use UPS or Fed Ex.
     
    loafinaround likes this.
  3. Zbyler

    Zbyler Initiate (0) Jan 18, 2013 Connecticut

    So should I call the UPS center in town and just ask if theyll ship it or should I just package it and not say anything? Just trying to figure out the best way to go about it. I have access to some great stuff that I think others would be interested in and there is a ton I would like to try as well.

    ~Z
     
  4. woosterbill

    woosterbill Pooh-Bah (2,733) Apr 6, 2009 Kentucky
    Pooh-Bah

    CT BA's (like me) trade beer all the time. It's definitely not something you publicize to the shipping company you're using (I prefer FedEx), but as long as you pack safely and check your trading partner's references you should have nothing but smooth sailing.

    Step 1: Read Alewatcher's guide to beer trading.
    Step 2: Spend enough time contributing to the community here on BA to earn the privilege to post in the ISO/FT subforum.
    Step 3: Offer up some fresh Gandhi-Bot cans in exchange for some comparable off-the-shelf beer that you want to try but can't get here.
    Step 4: Make sure the person you contact is a veteren trader with a solid reputation, and send your beer along with some tasty extras.
    Step 5: Wait for your generosity to be reciprocated, and enjoy.
    Step 6: Keep an eye on your wallet, as trading can be an addictive and surprisingly expensive branch of the hobby.

    Cheers!
     
  5. Andygirl

    Andygirl Initiate (0) Jan 3, 2013 Michigan

    I order "collectible glassware" from Europe :wink: There is great glassware all over the US I plan on checking out.
     
    Bradystraps likes this.
  6. RMoeNay

    RMoeNay Initiate (0) Sep 22, 2010 Connecticut

    Just trade, a few stores in CT ship legally, but if you want something for personal consumption, Just set up trades.... I use FedEx and UPS with no problems.

    Just a FYI, do not sell these ’grey market' beers. Theft are illegal to sell, and some BA's will report your store to the State (per a forum post awhile ago in the New England Forum).

    ***edit*** just follow Woosterbill's advice.... Very informative and accurate
     
  7. jrnyc

    jrnyc Pooh-Bah (2,988) Mar 21, 2010 New York
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    Package it and say nothing. No need to ask them anything. If they ask what is in the box, make something up, I say "sauces". Never had a problem.
     
  8. Zbyler

    Zbyler Initiate (0) Jan 18, 2013 Connecticut

    Thanks for the info. I know it is very illegal to sell them and I would never do such a thing, it is only for my own tasting pleasure (as well as sharing with friends). I know a local store that was reported for selling things that we can't get in CT (owner had another store in new york and was distributing products to his ct stores) and the guy got screwed to say the least.
     
  9. Zbyler

    Zbyler Initiate (0) Jan 18, 2013 Connecticut

    @woosterbill

    Thanks for the info, I will read through the guide this evening and continue to be involved in threads and reviews to obtain the pleasure of posting in the trading section.

    ~Z
     
    woosterbill likes this.
  10. willbm3

    willbm3 Initiate (0) Feb 19, 2010 Massachusetts

    Weird, I've been known to ship textbooks, glassware, and spaghetti sauce. My UPS store always asks me what's in the box. It's kind of annoying
     
  11. pjs234

    pjs234 Maven (1,453) Jun 29, 2008 Connecticut

    If you don't want to trade, there are also a bunch of online venues that will ship to CT. Shipping costs are a bitch, but you can get some good stuff via online stores. If that interests you, do some searching on the forums, as there have been a few threads on this topic (not CT specifically, but i find most do ship here).
     
  12. DougC123

    DougC123 Savant (1,162) Aug 21, 2012 Connecticut

    Not using USPS doesn't mean it's not a crime. Just because you use a non government entity to ship doesn't mean the federal laws don't apply.
     
  13. mcrago

    mcrago Initiate (0) Oct 6, 2012 Indiana

    I don't believe I said they don't apply. I was only giving the OP advice not to use the USPS.
     
  14. jageraholic

    jageraholic Maven (1,378) Sep 16, 2009 Massachusetts
    Trader

    You can get beer shipped to CT from online shops so I wouldn't think its much of an issue. They check for id upon delivery though to ensure legal age.
     
  15. DougC123

    DougC123 Savant (1,162) Aug 21, 2012 Connecticut

    The way you said it made it sound that way. " I would never use USPS to ship across state lines as I'm not sure of the Federal laws against shiiping alcohol across state lines".
     
  16. kmello69

    kmello69 Initiate (0) Nov 27, 2011 Texas

    This thread reminds me of those stings where criminals are told they've won the lottery and just have to show up to collect their winnings.
     
    mcrago and Photekut like this.
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