How many extras?

The only piece of advice with regards to extras is...don't worry about it.

Extras are you opportunity to share beers that are:
a. local
b. not distributed to your trade partner
c. not going to be enjoyed by you for whatever reason.
d. secret gems.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, when I'm packing extras, I stop when I run out of room in the box. Not because I'm worried about being out extra-ed, or because I have some theoretical quota number in my head, but because I want to make someone's day.

 

I have to respectfully disagree with point C. I NEVER send out beers as extras that I don't enjoy myself. I guess the only exception would be if it's a particular style I don't like (which there really isn't) in which case I wouldn't have bought for myself to begin with. Or if it's a beer I don't like, have access to, and is on my trading partners want list.

 

I agree with this completely. And now I can see how it would be misconstrued. What I meant by not enjoyed was:

A beer that I have purchased for myself, but never got around to drinking, and rather than sit on it for longer and maybe drink it someday, send it to someone who wants it. (i.e. I had a '13 sucaba in my closet that for whatever reason I never drank, saw that the guy I was trading with had it on his wants list, so rather than it sit longer and get dusty on my shelf (and it's something I've had several times before) I just stuck it in our gopickitupformebro trade. I mean not enjoyed by me in the sense that it's been sitting in my cellar and I haven't drank it, send it to some one who really would appreciate it.

 

Yeah, sorry about that. I figured you had good intentions, I should have been more clear myself. I just didn't want the op getting the wrong impression.

 

I understand completely; make it as clear as day rather than as clear as mud. Nothing even remotely close to a hard feeling

 

Depends on how many cans/ bottles. I'm comfortable with 8 or so in a 14 cube box. It's cold now so I opt for more insulation vs xtras. First priority is getting the primary beers there safely.

 

Out of my 50+ completed trades, I'd say nearly all arrived with none, 1 or 2 extras and I send 1 or 2, usually 2, as well. Earlier on, I didn't include extras because I did initially and several trades showed up without extras. I ended up sending something separately to make up for those trades that sent me great extras that didn't get any from me.

Now I send 1 or 2 on smaller trades, at least 2 on bigger trades. I'd try to include locals not available outside of PA, locals that see limited distributions (FFF, NG), and/or something that I really enjoy that are rated at least 90 on BA.

 

I try and include as many extras as possible. Perhaps it because I have so much damn beer around my place but I like filling out any box I send with extras instead of additional newspaper, peanuts, etc. I've received a few without extras but that doesn't deter me. If I can send something someone else isn't able to get I really get a kick out of it.

 

Extras are completely subjective and you'll need to develop your own set of "rules". But here are some of the things I consider or influence extras:

1. Trading history. Frequent traders tend to get better extras as it usually comes back around to you. Did you get out-extra'd in the past trade? Then time to step up the game.

2. Box size. Fill it up, even if it's just some locals you have available. Want to disappoint me in a trade? Send a 12-pack stryo-shipper with a couple empty slots. I would rather have inexpensive locals than air as an extra.

3. Other trader (1st time trade). Was he easy to deal with? From an area or have access to breweries you will want to trade for again? If you're wishing to make this more than a one-time deal, then skimping on extras isn't a good way to start. Make the other trader want to trade again to make it up to you. If he takes the extras and runs, then consider it a small investment in determining the type of trader you won't have to deal with.

4. Trade itself. Do you feel like you're getting the better deal? $4$ out sync in your favor. Or is the other trader being somewhat generous with his offerings to get something he really wants from you? Then make up for it a couple nice extras. I realize this one is getting harder and harder as everyone wants to "win" the trade. But extras are a good way to make everyone happy (happier).

One other thought on the topic. If for some reason you can't (due to space) or won't be sending extras, communicate that to your trader. I know extras are "extra", but I consider it part of the trade experience. So if none are coming, let the other guy know. Easier than hard feelings later.

 

My $0.01: Extras are completely optional, as long as you communicate the expectation to the other trader. I actually prefer skipping the extras if I'm just trading a bottle or two since the increase in shipping weight and package size just isn't worth it. But come to an agreement with your trading partner before not shipping any.

 

I do anywhere between 3-5 extras depending on the size of the trade and how much I like the trader. If the person is in a particularly good area for beer and is a solid hookup (let's say, for example, I LOVE Jester King beers and he lives in Austin), I'll usually be a little more generous just to keep up good relations towards future trades.

 

I like to include as many quality locals that will fit. Good way to be a local beer advocate.

 

One thing I think about, and often as the other trader, would they rather have quality extras or quantity. Personally, I prefer one good quality extra to multiple good extras as I already have plenty to drink.

 

wow 1 o r 2?
I think ive never sent fewer than 4 or 5 and rarely got fewer than that many.
different strokes i guess..i like to send lots..its more fun that way...

i prefer to look at wishlist/wants if i can for style and specific beer names rather than just send random locals
but many times theres stuff in my local distro area or that you I got in a previous trade that I can guess the partner would like so i send those
I ve had at least ten trades where the extras were as interesting/valuable to me as the original trade objects
i know some ppl send glassware shirts food and toys and shit too ive only gotten a little of that

 

Yup, that's my experience through 52 trades and counting. I had a couple "no extras" agreed up front because of one reason or another. I can't recall a single time I was unhappy with getting an extra. Those without extras, I had no issues with the trade. I can honestly say I was happy (some more than others) with all 52 trades completed because I got the beer I wanted to get through those trades.

 

I was about to start a thread about the fact that 3 out of my last 4 trade boxes arrived without extras--it seems to be a growing trend, even when I specifically say something like "Just so I know about extras, what styles do you like?"

Mytheaus reminds me, though--I'd rather get no extras than extras I don't like. Especially when you can tell (sometimes just a hunch) that the other side is trying to unload stuff they don't want anymore.

 

I had a couple first trades that came right out and asked "extras or no extras?". I actually appreciated the question because it's made clear up front. Now if it's first time trading, I'm including 2 extras (criteria in my first post up there) and expect no extras from the other trader. For repeat trade partners, I'm try to add more than 2 extras and/or make extras more unique. Unless it's clearly agreed on "no extras", I will always ship with extras. Recently, I even asked one of my repeat partners to try to keep to 2 extras at most. I just don't drink that much and hate to have him trying to figure out what I may or may not like, and vice versa.

 

I like to send enough extras that when their box arrives I typically get a BM along the lines of "Dude I am going to have to get you back for this."