Extras

I've got them in every trade except where one party said not to ship them. I'd say the times we decided not to ship them was because one of us had a shipper that held a specific bottle count and that was already full based on the trade.

But I would say ask if the trader wants to include extras.

 

Trading is serious business.... if you provide extras, and they don't, then you're at risk of losing the trade battle. You need to put forth serious effort and research to determine the best way to get the better of your trading partner.

 

I've only done about 10 trades so far, but have added extras to all except one (he specifically told me no extras). Extras may be my favorite part of trading. I guess I assume I'll get some, but if I don't it really doesn't bother me that much. On the other hand, if the other party sends me a great extra, I make a note of it and would be much more likely to trade with them in the future.

 

If you're actually keeping metrics on the extras that you receive then you're doing it wrong.

 

I'll always throw in extras unless, like DenverBeerDrinker said, my shipper is completely full. I even had a "no extras" trade worked out with cowcakes and he still threw in an extra! Lucky I put in a tiny bit of swag as well extras are extra fun, but like the name implies they are extra you can't count on them

 

Once we've tentatively agreed to a trade, I'll usually send a summary of all the beers involved, and I add "+extras" to both lists.

Some would say that defeats the purpose of them being "extras," but it's a simple thing to add and it helps to avoid hurt feelings or animosity.

Communication is key, IMO.

 

That's honestly surprising. I've done quite a few trades and only had one trade not have extras, and I believe that was the person's first trade.

The only thing I can come up with is if you are driving a really hard bargain in the negotiating, then maybe the other side feels like they area already giving a complete max of what they want to send. I have no idea if that's how you are doing it... and it honestly doesn't sound like it... but that's a possible explanation.

I keep a trade spreadsheet with EVERYTHING in it. What was agreed upon, extras sent, addresses, dates, shipping costs, etc. I like to know who sent me what so I can let them know if I loved it. Plus, if I want more then I go back to that person instead of trying another random ISO.

 

There are times where I've flat out said, no extras needed. Either using a shipper, or trying to keep finances under a tight budget. Other than that in the past extras usually come with the trades, but I sure as hell don't go into trades expecting them.

 

I'm not against keeping records (I do this myself), but trying to make sense of the frequency/amount of extras that you receive sounds a little misguided.

 

So you are telling them to add extras because you are. Seems like you are saying "I'm going to throw in some extras, you should too"

 

Pretty much, although not with this undertone of malice you seem to be including. It just gets everything out in the open and transparent. If they don't want to include extras, that's their opportunity to say so.

Also, I generally include the "+extras" thing during the negotiation process too. But I definitely make sure to include it in my summary at the end, before we exchange shipping info.

 

I always send extras...how many depends on the trade and what I have available that my partner wouldn't have access to or on their wants. Unless you bring it up, you just have to go with your gut. Sometimes I've sent much more than my partner, and sometimes I get blown up...it's just the nature of the game. Extras are extras though, so you should never let the topic of extras affect you negatively. If you outdo someone, feel great that you made their day, and if someone outdo's you, pass along the good Karma. Cheers!

 

I started doing this as well.

 

Since I don't trade for whales I'd actually say I enjoy the randomness of extras more than the core of the trade itself. That being said, don't spend too much time worrying about the value and quantity of extras, as that kind of takes the spirit out of it.

 

I think you're looking at it a bit too cynically. Is there really anything wrong with making sure you're on the same page as your partner? These threads on the topic of extras are quite common. Talk to 5 people and you'll probably get 5 different opinions on the perfect amount of extras and some that don't understand that extras are extras and would be upset if they didn't the same level of extras in return. Sometimes it's about removing the risk of disappointing people, not for personal gain.

 

You were "put in your place" for not including any? People actually get pissed if you don't include any extras? I get that most people do, at least in my experience, but I don't think they are required by any means. When they become required, it takes all the fun out of it...

 

This is one of the better quotes I've read on here in a while. Perfect explanation of how extras should be viewed

 

Mavajo cleared it up when he replied to my post. The way I read that it seemed like he was just telling the other party that he was going to put extas in and that they should too. In his reply to me he mentioned that the extras were talked about throughout the negotiations and were agreed upon previous to the "+extras" statement.