Bad Trader

You're right. If I send $100-150 worth of beer and $30 in shipping/packing materials in a trade and get screwed by the other party, who cares? Hell, I wipe my ass with $20 bills.

That's my money I worked to earn that was stolen from me.

 

How does one acquire commercial beers if not for money? (insert joke about sexual favors, etc.)

 

I am not saying it's not fucked up what happened and the fact the OP is out some beers. I just don't think of beer as money. My statement "in the end its just beer" is not referring to the OP's situation, I was referring to the beer community in general. Again, to each their own, I just don't put a dollar value on my beer.

 

Hey, awesome. Then how about trading me your ABB Mexican Cake, BA Abraxas and Proprieror's for some nice locals I have. You talk the talk but can you walk the walk?

 

Why not to trade with new folk if you are a new folk:
New folk are poorer packers, in general
New folk have no experience with requisite communication
New folk have less experience with etiquette (i.e. box gets lost/damaged and noob doesn't know it now is his resp. to send another box)
New folk have no folk to vouch for them
Statistically it is overwhelmingly new folk who have problems like those in this thread, but being new folk they don't even realize it.

Why trade with veterans if you are a new folk:
You will learn proper packing
You will learn etiquette
You will learn proper communication
You will have folks to vouch for your trade partner and lessen anxiety
Statistically it is overwhelmingly more likely for your trade to go smoothly.

 

What I love is this guy was on this morning at about 9am, I am sure he knows about this thread but doesnt care.

 

How is talking the talking and walking the walk trading a limited beer for a regularly stocked beer? What does money have to do with any of that? Do you not trade beers for other beers of similar stature?

 

I think his point is either beers have a value that is relative to the values of other beers, and not equal, or they don't. Putting that value in terms of money, rarity, or consumer quality rankings is largely semantics. At least that is how I viewed it.

Not saying I agree with either of you, but that is my take.

 

I wrote that because you came across condescendingly when ShanePB posted that when someone steals beer, they are also taking from that person the time and money it took to acquire that beer. To dismiss and denigrate that legitimate perspective by saying that it means that the person views beer as money and by posting, "It's only beer." in a thread where someone is telling their tale of being ripped off, you invite that response.

 

I understand what you are saying. Didn't really look at it that way when I was posting it. I do not dismiss his view as a legitimate perspective, I just simply stated I don't view beer as nominal value. I do agree it is a factor when getting screwed like this, I just don't see the money lost as the basis of being upset. I am not saying a particular perspective is wrong our right. Just explaining my opinion and point of view. Not trying to attack or write off anyone else's point of view.

I was unfortunate to stiffed once by a BA member that had been around for a while. While losing out on money sucks, I was more pissed about the entire ordeal and how degenerate this guy was. The idea of getting involved in trade with no intentions to fulfill your pisses me off to no end.

Anywho, sorry OP you got taken on this trade. At least you can take away some great lessons from this experience and hopefully it doesn't deter you from trading in the future.

 

Cool. Understood. Now about that BA Abraxas you've got....

 

come to Chicago and I'll drink it with ya

 

Good points except the list contained more than just that you will learn how to pack (though you will see it in action when you get your box from the veteran even if you send first) The most important point was this one

"Statistically it is overwhelmingly more likely for your trade to go smoothly."

For info on how to pack go to the blog done by Alewatcher (not sure I can link to it anymore without TOS probs) which a search will certainly turn up.

As far as making a fair trade that is something that no advice can help you with except doing your own due diligence.

Just reporting what those of us who have been trading for years notice. Cheers!