How big is the trading hobby?

I talked to my brother in law who is super heavy into craft beer for years and a major home brewer. The thought of trading has never crossed his mind. I would say we are in the minority as far as craft drinkers go. (just using that story as an example)

In my opinion cost and questionable legality scare most off of trading.

 

I agree. Although there is quite a fair amount of trading on RB and Reddit, however, those are still more niche groups in the craft beer world. Outside of that, I can't imagine there's too much going on...

 

I think its more when friends/family go to a new place traveling/work they ask them to pick up something new/exotic/much talked about beers that they otherwise wouldnt have access to.

 

Trading is blowing up yo: for those who think trades happen on BA/RB only, I know people who have traded on Facebook and a biking forum.

 

I know that it is frowned upon by them but I would love to know how much UPS and Fed Ex make per year from beer trades. I'm sure we are a drop in the bucket but I would still like to know.

 

Of all people I know around me (including people that I meet at local beer events, etc.), I only know three people who trade. Not that this can be statistically backed up, but I think we are a very very small minority.

 

I know two counting me...
And one more who is thinking about getting into it.

 

I agree we are a minority. I try trading through Craigslist sometimes when something cool and local gets released. Sometimes I'm successful (it takes a LOT more leg work than trading here), but sometimes I just blow their minds:

"You mean some people trade and drink beer instead of sell it for a profit?"

 

Not even close. I can't tell you how many craft beer fans give me a quizzical look when I mention it. I've started to describe it as 'beer pen-pals', which seems easier to understand.

 

My buddy has done a trade through Instagram.

 

It's a tiny niche within the already small niche of craft beer. Quite frankly, my friends who also enjoy craft beer think I'm borderline insane with my trading and cellaring. Though they certainly don't complain when I bring them tasty stuff to try...

 

I've traded beer several times with guys I know from guitar forums.

 

Ain't that the truth!

 

All I know is that in the couple of months that I have been trading I have been able to grab some huge wants, some of which I had been waiting years to try. So I hope this trading thing doesn't burn out.

 

I've done lots of trades through Youtube, Facebook, and Twitter.

 

I've traded via twitter and reddit as well. Seems pretty popular.

 

I've traded on a Computer Forum, no issues.

 

I've never traded before, but it is something I want to do. My favorite liquor store out here in E. LA gets Pliny the Elder in all the time, and the owner always calls me when he gets a shipment in. He always holds some for me because I've always been a great customer of his. Anyways.... every time I drink Pliny, I always talk about how I know everybody wants to get their hands on it, but lots of people can't... I'd trade that beer for local beers that I can't get my hands on.