Extras Question

I always include extras in all of my trade. I usually get extras and sometime I don't. Unless it's part of the deal it's not required. I use extras to help compensate the other trader so the trade is more $4$. I also throw in local beers I think are good so they can try them. Beer that see small to no distribution.

Like you said, including extras is like tipping. Some people do it and some don't. Some people tip 5% and some tip 20%. It's really up to you.

 

Extras are exactly that. Extra - no expectation, no requirement unless previously discussed.

Sometimes I have had trades that one person has agreed to throw in a certain $ amount of extras to make up for a $4$ difference, but if it isn't discussed and agreed, then they are not required.

That said, I will usually mention if I am not going to include any extras at all - this is usually because i have a foam shipper and there isn't room, or it is an IP trade as part of a work trip, so I don't have any extra room in the luggage.

Frankly, just say thanks to the guy, and pay it forward - I have had people blow up my porch with extras, and sometimes not have any, and it is all good - they are exactly what they say - Extra!

 

My first trade was IP. I brought a killer extra, my partner didn't. I sort of interpreted it to mean that IP trades didn't include extras. My next trade I didn't bring one and my partner did. Felt like such an asshole and will never put myself in that spot again.

 

IP extras are tough if you don't travel or have out of market stuff because I never know what's to bring. I usually just put in a home brew because I at least know they haven't had it, but I am lucky to have that option

 

Right--if I don't have anything that's solid from outside NYC Distro I will say up front--"no extras, I have nothing you cant grab off the shelf"

 

It's simple...Either send extras or tell the guy you aren't sending extras. Never not send extras without telling the other person that there won't be any.

 

I always bring up extras in trade negotiation, not just for as to whether or not we are doing extras but to get a feel for the styles of beer my trade partner likes. Don't want to send milk stout if they won't enjoy it.

If somebody specifically says no extras then I'll find a different trade partner unless its something I really want. Extras are the best part of a trade in my opinion. I love opening a box with extras to find something I've never even heard of.

IP trades are different but I usually try to bring a 12oz bottle or 2 of something not available in our market if I have anything

 

I love extras and to me its like Christmas day when I open a box and there is an extra that I have always wanted to try etc. I have sent extras on almost all of my trades. The last 2 trades I sent 4 extras with the initial trade and both had Russian River Sours included as an extra. The way I see it, if I am going to pay $25 to ship across country whats another $30 in beer. Hopefully the OP will appreciate and consider me for future trades, at the very least I figure I earned some beer Karma.

I know that when I receive a box that is filled with extras that I am going to go out of my way to even the score at some future date.

Beer trading should be about the hobby and not treated like a commodity with people only worried about the bottom line.

 

Couldn't agree more - recently did a trade with @tbryan5 and the actual trade was one 12/16oz beer + ~$15 or so in extras. Kick ass box with 4 or 5 beers that I had never heard of and were absolutely awesome. The original trade was cool, but the extras blew my mind!

 

@pagriley definitely won our trade. He went as far as to scope out my hads/wants to figure out what I liked and sent me some bomb extras, which included some highly rated brews I have never had. Perfect trader. I second that the extras are probably the most exciting part of trading for me. I love trying brews that I have never heard of, and most of the time they are GREAT! It's pretty cool when you vet to tick a regional brew from across the country that has like under 50 ratings. I know I will always include extras unless the other trader specifically says beer x for beer y, and even then I may throw in one or two locals. I'm hooked, just wish I was in a bigger market so I could throw out more desirable beers, but hey, that's what trading is here for. Thanks again @pagriley, all of the beers that you sent and i have drank so far were awesome!

 

As others have said, extras are just as it sounds, extra. I know my first trade, I didn't include any extras and I felt horrible and I've made sure to never let that happen again. I always include extras unless the person I'm shipping to specifically tells me not to, which has only happened once. One other time I told my partner that I wouldn't be able to include extras because the trade was for 6 bottles and I was using a 6 shipper.

I do try to bring up the subject while talking to my trade partner without making it super awkward. After we confirm the trade, I will usually say something like, "what styles do you prefer for extras?". This not only lets me know what they would want, but it also gives my partner a heads up that I will be sending extras. I wouldn't be mad if my partner didn't include extras but I also wouldn't want them to feel bad for not sending anything.

 

I generally don't include extras, generally because when I trade, I trade big and blow my budget. I've recently gotten into the habit of requesting that no extras be sent so I can avoid the guilt that comes with it.

Side note: My second trade ever was with @JStampler and I didn't really understand the whole extras thing, so I'm pretty sure I didn't send any. Many apologies, and I hope my guilt and shame can make up for the lack of beer! haha

 

Really, what did you send me? I assume this was before you were trading on BA?

 

Looks like I sent you a couple of AB Noirs, Chase Had a Baby, and Funky Gold Amarillo and I guess I did send an extra (Roughtail Coffee Czar). I misremembered for the better, I suppose.

 

Ahhh, ok. The Coffee Tsar was badass!

 

I wish the new trend of asking and telling that extras will be with the trade would go away. It makes it a little more genuine when you get an extra without knowing if it was going to happen.

 

I don't believe this is a trend, at least if my trades are any indication. I never talk about extras unless the other party wants to, & I get very few messages about extras (other than the vague "what styles do you like"?). I'm with other posters, not knowing what extras might show up is sometimes more fun than the actual trade!

 

I see where you're coming from on this, such as the case where two individuals decide on how much $ to spend on the extras. In that situation extras aren't really "extras" any longer but part of the agreed upon trade. Its good to mention extras though so you don't send anything that your trade partner won't like.

Regardless, I like to truly "win" trades by sending awesome surprise beers