Extras - your take on them?

I personally like to discuss extras up-front. Yes, I know that takes a little bit of the fun out of extras, but I would much rather be a bit "less suprised" than have an awkward exchange.

You don't have to discuss whats being sent, I just like to say "want to do 3-4 extras?" People have different financial situations so sometimes 'extras' creates and uneccessary burden.

I one time got a glass as an extra, and loved it. I am sure anything unexpected will be appreciated - food, swag, etc.

 

I don't set guidelines but I do like to mention it, especially with newer traders. I'm quite new to trading on BA as well (although I went overboard my first few weeks) and was glad someone asked and explained. I've recently been able to do the same for a newer trader.

there's been times I've felt like I gave the short end so I've tried to make up with other trades just to keep the beer karma on my side.

 

what is the literal definition of the word " extra "?

 

I'm normally sympathetic to the tautological "an extra is an extra" approach, but I don't really think a dictionary definition is dispositive here.

It seems just as likely that a beer trading custom could establish a flexible but predictable norm about "extras" in trades. I've done some fifty trades, and I can only think of one box received without an extra (excluding the 5–10 times when it's been agreed-upon ahead of time that no extras would be sent). If I don't want to send an extra, I tell my trading partner ahead of time because I feel as if there's an established and predictable practice—between the original poster and I, a practice that has obtained 97–98% of the time—of including extras in beer trades, and I don't feel comfortable receiving "extras" when I'm not sending them. Of course, if I were to receive a box with no extras, I wouldn't lose any sleep over it, but I know that I took a moment's pause when I didn't receive any extras in that one trade, especially because the bottles being sent were harder to come by. I would have much preferred a simple "hey, are no extras okay?"

 

I almost always include extras, but sometimes I ask to not because of time issues, or because I'm feeling swamped enough by beer as it is. I'm way more likely to ask to not do extras with a SoCal trader, because wtf can I send them? Nothing, that's what.

 

I always throw in extras, usually just fun locals. I do get a little disappointed if I don't get any, since they're usually the most fun, but they're extra so I can't get upset if I don't get any. I do it because I feel it's a nice way to give someone a beer that you enjoy and they don't have access to. For IP trades I usually give some of my homebrew as extras.

 

then they should really be renamed " grab bag " or " surprise beers " or something else. the moment you start to expect them, they're not " extra " to the trade.

 

I always throw in some extras (that is, when I did more trading). I always like the surprise of receiving them and I am sure that many others feel the same way so I try to do that for them. My cellar is nothing spectacular so it is generally something regional or local, or if I can get it then it is a want for them. If for whatever reason I would not be able to send extras I would disclose it as a courtesy. I know that I greatly appreciated it the one time that my trading partner was not able to send extras but let me know ahead of time.

 

Eh. Not to get into an argument about semantics, but OED's first definition of "extra" is "beyond or more than the usual, stipulated, or specified amount or number; additional." Something can be both "beyond the stipulated or specified amount or number" and customarily expected.

"Extra" is a fairly empty word for me in this context, so I'd be happy calling it whatever. It's the practice that's at issue, I think.

 

Extras are half the fun. I've agreed on no extras a couple of times for various reasons, but other than that I've never gotten a box with zero extras. I don't think I'd be offended or anything if it happened, I just certainly wouldn't send them any extras if we traded again.

I either try to hit a want or two, or just include a couple of local favorites. Or a limited release, particularly for repeat traders or deals where I felt my partner was being overly generous in the trade.

 

fair enough, but using more precise language to convey the expectation is a sure way to avoid threads like these every few weeks.

 

I've always just asked up front, yay or nay on extras? and if they say no I still will send a bottle or two. Just to try and make the other persons day if possible.

 

I always throw in some extras. Usually something from RR. I mean, who doesn't love week old Pliny?

I normally mention that I'm going to throw in extras. I think it's part of the fun to open the box and see what might be hiding inside.

 

I have only done about 7 trades (two in progress). Three of them with the same guy and we pretty much agree on a couple beers then end up sending 25#s plus to each other. It is awesome.

I will always send extras. I only didn't receive any once.

 

I usually try and send them, unless there is a space restriction and I don't have a bigger box and I let the people know.

The thing that kind of irks me a little is when you send someone a box and they don't even say thank you for the extra's. It makes me feel like I did'nt include good enough ones or something. But even when I include sometimes multiple bottles of highly rated regional brews, people don't even mention it.

It's like crazy extra's are now just so normal to some people that a box with agree'd upon beers and some other good beers just is'nt enough anymore.

 

ya i understand that. it irks me when i mule for someone (for free) and they don't even say, " thank you, the box arrived. " part of the reason why i'm swearing it off. that, to me, is way worse than not receiving extras.

 

your woman's baked goods would be a great extra.

 

I never realized extras were such a big deal. I always include, but they're extra. I'm never looking to get them, but I'm happy when I do.

 

I like to throw in a few extras each time, either wants, local favorites of mine, or a semi rare beer here and there. Just like with gifts, I feel like it's just as good to give as receive. It's a great feeling when somebody loves the box you sent out. Good extras could also lead to future trades with that same person, IMO. I know I would be more inclined to trade with someone if they went out of their way to include extras, whether it be a shelf beer that I've always wanted to try, or a limited release you wouldn't expect as an extra.

I've only gotten 1 box without extras in my short time trading (other than agreeing to no extras), and it wasn't a big deal. I did say "Oh man, no extras" when I looked through the box, just because I love getting surprise beers from different parts of the country. I wasn't upset, annoyed or anything like that.