When sending "thank you" beers...?

As a Crooked Stave trustee for several people I've got anywhere from boxes of homebrew, boxes where the BA goes out of their way and gets extra of special releases, standard beers not in my distro and even got some gift certificates to local place since they figured I was getting a ton of beer and wanted to do something different.

As far as me sending stuff to my trustee or gopickitupfprmebro, I try to send stuff off their wants, local brewery only or not distro'd out of CO.

 

I don't think so. I've got a 2-3, 6-8 and 12 from various people. When sending if sending easier to get for me then I probably send more. If I'm digging into the cellar and it's harder to get bottles but stuff they want I might send 2-3.

 

If I'm on the receiving end, 6-12 limited or or brewery only beers, more is better. If you're on the receiving end, 2-4 local IPAs. If you're lucky, I'll throw in some coasters I got from the bar last night.

Seriously though, I only have experiences with go pick up and am usually on the helping end. For each one, I make it very clear that I DO NOT want a "thank you" box. I just wanted the exact cost of the beer + shipping label. I do say that one day I'd appreciate the same favor or if they have certain beers from the area to trade in the future, I'd appreciate it if we can discuss trades when the beers are released next. I also emphasize that this latter part is not obligatory. In other word, I essentially use it to TRY to build future trade relationships. That said, I've done it for several traders (as well as for long-term trade partners) and haven't "cashed in" on the returning favor.

On the other hand, I do have a mule/partner who go pick up for me. Since he doesn't trade and isn't declining "thank you" boxes, I do send him some. Depending on what he helped me with, I generally send 1 or 2 nice bottles (limited and/or pricy and/or desirable) and add 2-6 beers that I'd normally extra, using the same criteria for giving extras (not distributed to his area and/or highly rated and/or beers I personally love).

 

It depends Mark. If someone is sending a semi-limited sour then I think one of anything and everything you've got in the cellar would be minimally adequate.

Then again you're a solid enough dude that if the above is too much I'd expect you to know what's what!

 

Too late. #patientlywaitsforporchbomb

 

Its not me(obviously), but I'm sure whatever you send @markgugs will be just fine

 

Personally, I like sending thank you beers unless the person picking up doesn't want any. I did have an experience though when picking up BA Abraxas for a guy (actually it was a girl's name on the bottle but I sent it to a dude) where I thought I was getting a thank you box but never did. I sent the BA Abraxas plus 2 extras and all I got was the money to cover the bottle plus $5 for shipping. Needless to say I won't be picking up for him anymore

 

Wait...what...So you pick up a BA Abraxas for someone and sent extras on your end and got $$$ for the bottle and $5.00 for shipping. Thats not right in my book. I'd be embarrassed if I was the recipient asking you for the "favor".

 

Yea, I think actual shipping was like $14 lol. I didn't expect much but a couple basic local pale ales or something would have been a great thank you in my book

 

That's like asking a "buddy" back in the high school days if they got a rubber and they turn around and give you a used one...yikes.

 

Or rather lie by saying no and then using it on your girl instead... Leaving the used one on her porch on his way out.

Mark, go lightly on the thank you, we don't want your box to be the new standard.

 

I think that what you sent is more than acceptable. I really enjoyed the originality of the shirt! Drinking this


right now.

Having been on both ends of the deed here is what comes into mind for me.

1. Have they done this for me before/are they a trade partner
2. Is this somewhere they are going already or are they making a trip specifically for me
3. How much are they going out of their way/time they are spending on it (whether distance or quantity or whatever)
4. Are they an ass during the process

Things I expect as the mule

1. Payment ahead of time
2. A label in advance/or agreed upon before sending
3. Clear expectations set on whether or not a shipper will be provided

Things I expect as the person sending the money

1. CONSTANT communication
2. Sent out within a few days if I'm not sending a shipper and within a few days of the shipper arriving if I am (weekends/holidays excluding)
3. My package to be packed properly

I usually send a little extra to those that have done it for me before or are regular trade partner.

I think what @markgugs sent was perfect, slightly above expectations and really thoughful


I've received 12 bottle shippers filled for being a trustee and gotten nothing from other people. At the end when I personally volunteer to help out someone I make it clear it's not necessary, but always appreciated.

 

They all love Carton beers! Had Boat Beer at EBF and chatted with Augie too. Wish I was able to visit the brewery when I was living in Boston

 

You are dead to me.