Just curious, I am fixing to make my first couple of trades this weekend. One is shipping to WA from TN and the other to MN from TN. Most likey will be a six pack in each trade. Maybe a little more. What's the average cost for this? Anyone with a rough estimate?
If you go through the UPS/FedEx website, you'll get the prices depending on box dimensions + weight + how fast you want it there. Or you could go with the USPS flat rate box, which is cheaper. However, USPS explicitly states that they don't allow for shipping alcohol (even though many have done so with no issues).
FedEx and UPS also state you are unable to ship alcohol, against their policy. Whichever way you go, don't tell the shipping company you are shipping beer!
On a usps priority flat rate you should be able to get 8 cans (16oz) exactly, so if you 6 or 7 you're good. It cost $13.95 , unlimited weight. A tip, pre pay and print label at home and then just drop off at local post office. USPS offers free boxes and they offer regional A and B boxes which are worth looking into as there are cheaper sometimes than flat rate. Good luck.
Additionally, you can have the USPS shipping materials sent to your house for free (as opposed to grabbing them for free at the post office). They have bubble mailers that work great as padding. 8 cans fit nice and snug in Medium Flat Rate. Can get up to 16 in a large, but it is tight and need to only use 1 layer of padding. (this is for 16oz cans). If you are sending 12oz cans they can sit in the M and L flat rates standing up and you can fit a lot.
true you can get great deals depending on your perspective but you aren't getting equal quality beers for cheaper than you can at your fine local bottle shops
Then no point in ever traveling or eating at new places, meeting new people. I get what you are saying, craft brew world has gotten smaller in the aspect that there are many great breweries out there, locally. But the way I look at it, I get to try new highly rated beer without having to make a trip to that particular brewery. Will it cost more? Maybe, but it's my money and it's worth it to me until it's not. I'm not trying to win like in some cases, it's just money and beer.
I fully agree rusty and that is why I trade. I just think some people, including the OP based on the thread, don't consider the additional $2+ per beer with trading and come away feeling somehow cheated.
I normally start to have buyers (traders) remorse right I after send the tracking number. I think that it wasn't really worth it. But then the new great beers show up and the feelings of remorse go away.
