New To Trading, Where To Start?

This has come up a lot.

 

http://alewatcher.blogspot.com/2010/11/new-trader-tips.html

http://www.foodrepublic.com/2013/08/08/5-steps-mastering-art-beer-trading

http://www.thedrinkingcraft.com/#!T...ing/c8ic/2E7DECE4-E0E1-4198-A582-BF9792A7DBF0

http://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/beer-trading-101-ideas-wanted.33821/




My personal suggestion is do a basic locals for locals trade first before trying to acquire any rare or highly sought after bottles

 

Before you start trading, be sure you know how to package the beer.

Before you start buying beer, find out if it is worth anything.

 

Really research, it's cold as hell forever right now, you'll lose bottles if your not careful.

 

Hopslam is tough because pretty much anyone who has it in their distro and wants it can seek it out and get it, so you'd be looking to trade it to people who don't get it (most of cali, boston, vt, etc). I traded a 6pk of hopslam $4$ for Trillium IPAs (boston). Think I saw people trying to do 6 hopslam for 4 heady etc as well, and I think a decent amount of these got done. So other hard to get/limited release IPAs is a good place to start

 

In general, buy beers you enjoy drinking rather than solely as 'trade bait'. Also, be aware that trading is both expensive & addictive. Pace yourself & be careful that you don't get in over your head.

 

isnt this what the whippersnapper thread is about? new to trading. mostly concerned with trade bait and values.

 

I didn't take the OP as looking to get one over on anyone, just not really sure what he's doing and looking for advice. I agree with others that you should look at doing local shelf first, as this is easier and will let you get your feet wet without risking much if you screw up (poor packing, etc.). Being from Virginia, you might try grabbing some Hardywood stuff, maybe some Nugget Nectar or Hopslam, and look to trade for local IPAs. Search the ISO threads and you will see posts for local shelf trades pretty regularly, or you can start your own. For example:

http://www.beeradvocate.com/communi...-cakes-iso-ht-or-other-top-local-ipas.256814/
http://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/ft-local-6-or-12-iso-local-6-or-12.255563/ (same state as you, but still)
http://www.beeradvocate.com/communi...pland-sour-bodhi-headhunter-oh-locals.254460/

 

This can't be said enough to new traders. I'd wager that a good 50% of bad traders are a result of starting fast and getting in over their head.

My advice:

Post a generic thread like FT: 6 hopslam/ISO: Good locals and in the body of the thread, I would explain you were a new trader, interested in some good locals and a trade partner who is willing to help you out if you have any questions. You'd be surprised how many folks would jump on that more in helping you than in their interest in hopslam. Or, save your hopslam and post FT: Locals/ISO: Locals and do the same thing.

 

Money is one aspect of it, but there exists a very real urge once you start trading to pounce on every trade that you're capable of making. Next thing you know, you've got 10 trades going at once and you don't have the time or money required to pack and ship your boxes responsibly. Or the old "life gets in the way" and you don't communicate with your trading partner because you got busy with school or work or sick kids or whatever.

Take it S-L-O-W. Most experienced traders learn that lesson at some point or another. One trade at a time. Get feedback from your partner on how you packed, how you communicated, how was your negotiation, etc.

And don't really worry about what you're going after, just make sure you're being conscientious of how you're conducting yourself. Some folks are natural whale-slayers, and some folks decide they aren't worried about the whales b/c the mackerel taste just as good and are much easier to find.

 

I have only done a few trades but I learned alot in the two trades I have done.
First of all there are lots of great people who will help you out. One guy offered me some beer in exchange
for a packing slip. I thought for sure there was a catch but sure enough a box came with some decent beer that I had
never tried and two that I had heard of and was excited to get. I offered Jai Alai that I had extras of and just wanted something fair in return got seveal nice trade offers. Nobody was out to screw me over.
Second this was a big one for me. It is expensive to trade. You need a solid box, bubble wrap, shipping peanuts and anything else you can use to pack. Than the shipping which has been $25 - $30 per box each box about 6 beers.
Third thing I learned were extras. It seems like this is the way to go. The people on BA are nice enough that throwing in a good local beer on your end is no different than buying a friend a beer at the bar. You may deal with this person again so good idea to leave a strong impression.
Being new offer to send first and try and look for people who have multiple trades in their history.

Once you complete your first trade you will be addicted. I just wish I had more beer locally that was desired so I could do more trades. There are so many great beers waiting to be tried.

 

I'm reading this thread with interest, as I'm considering trading as a way to try some great beers not (or hard to find) in the Seattle-Tacoma area. In fact, I'm looking for tips on packaging and shipping, as I owe a New Englander some beer as a result of a poorly executed pass play (some would say a poor play call..) in a recent sporting event. I've just now started searching, but does anyone have a good link on packing and shipping? I hate to waste expensive bottles (yeah, I know cans are a better bet, but they just don't put some of the better stuffin cans!) due to mistakes on my part....

 

Perfect, exactly what I was looking for ! This is my first shipment (not a trade) but I would be interested in trying the trade thing. You'll be the first I ask!

Thanks YR !