BIF noob question...

Before it starts, look for NBO or a signup thread.

 

Definitely before it starts. Keep an eye out for beginner/NOOB/locals types of BIFs. They tend to run periodically.

In the meantime I'd suggest getting a couple of more trades under your belt. Even the NOOB BIFs tend to like to see people with a few trades worth of experience. There is a learning curve to both trading and BIFs, so it's easier to not have to help somebody out with both at the same time. (i.e. don't make one of your first couple of trades be a BIF)

 

You might need someone to sponsor/back you in a BIF, depending on what it is and who's running it since you dont have much of a trade history.

 

Seconding everyone else. Look out for NBO's. Those let you know when a BIF is beginning (note: not everyone posts an "NBO" thread, sometimes they just post "Noob BIF round 2" or just tack the next round signups onto the old rounds hauls thread... so it helps to keep an eye on them). There are several different "Noob" BIFs that periodically are run, so when the next one starts up you can jump in then. It definitely won't hurt to build up a trade history either. Even if the BIF organizer doesn't specify a trade count requirement, they're still going to sleep easier with someone with a 5-10 trades under their belt rather than just one. If only for their ability to pack a box that isn't going to leak.

Most of all, I would suggest reading through as many BIF hints and haul threads as possible, to see what participating in a BIF is all about. It can be a lot of work, but they're also a lot of fun. Good luck!

 

Words of wisdom, these are.

Basics Need-to-Knows:

• Minimums are a basic guideline, you might look like a dick doing the bare minimum, and if you look like a dick, somebody will generally call you out on it. So, rule of thumb is go over the minimum, unless rules state otherwise.
• Keep good communication with the organizer, as well as the Hints & Hauls thread. If you disappear for extended periods of time, it will raise suspicions, especially if you are running after the ship date. It's also much more fun when you are active in the threads.
• READ THE RULES! They should clearly state shipping windows, box requirements, and expectations of participants. Stick to those rules, and you should be OK.
• Do your research. Make sure if your target reviews a lot of beer, research their reviews to check beers you might send, and see if it's appropriate to send (don't send them beer they reviewed poorly). Check bottle dates, distribution (www.seekabrew.com) and wants lists. These are all important to provide a good box.
• Comes with the trading territory, but learn how to properly pack a box (also read this blog top to bottom).
• DON'T GET IN TOO DEEP. There have been a few instances of participants getting involved in 2, 3, 4 or more BIFs at once, and they end up sending mediocre or late boxes, or even nothing at all. Don't get in over your head, pace yourself until you understand your limits on time, funds, beer, etc.
• Don't get your hopes up too high, and know that sometimes you won't get exactly what you want. BIFs can be a crapshoot sometimes. Other organizers will agree that they always try their best to assign targets in the best geographically diverse, distribution separative, and trading levels and histories at the forefront of their decision making, and if your box is not exactly what you expected, don't let it get you down. Keep in mind much of the fun is seeing your target get excited when they post their haul. HOWEVER, genuinely shitty boxes do go out, and those are addressed individually.

I hope this provides a good bit of info, these are pretty basic guidelines to expect if you want to get involved in BIFs.

 

Also, just wanted to add:

Make sure you take a photo of every haul, and type out the list. Your sender will really appreciate it.

 

Just do some locals for locals trades to start, expect to ship first as a newb.

 

Come to think of it OP, I have a six bottle shipper or 2 laying around. Send me your addy and I will send some good locals. You can return the favor. Just reuse the shipper with some quality locals in return.