Etiquette w/ Trade Extras, How Much?

I've never looked at extras as a percentage of the total package.

If I'm sending a box that will fit 6 beers safely and securely, and the trade is for 3 beers, I try and throw 3 extras in the box.

If I'm sending a box that will fit 6 beers safely and securely, and the trade is for 5 beers, I try and throw 1 extra in the box (something a bit nicer than a 12oz local typically).

Can't remember any trade I've ever done without any extras being sent.

Cheers!

 

If you keep score, you're doing it all wrong and the point of extras has gone completely over your head.

For me it depends on many things if we hit it off and seems like we'll be doing more trading, how long past the agreed ship date I took to ship, if you're a trading partner,if you communicated well.

All these things affect how many and what caliber extras I send. I can assure you I've never thought of it much though. The simple equation for me is do I like you and want to have future trades happen or were you a pain in the ass to deal with and its highly unlikely I'll ever be dealing with you again?

 

I generally just fill the box. I first always try to hit a nice want if I can, and if not then something else I think they'll really like. Then the leftover room in the box is usually new/good locals. Totally varies though...

 

I like to fill a want or just send a beer that I think is awesome. Lately all my buddies have been receiving hotd adam and burnside brewing's sweet heat (just got gold at gabf). Sometimes I send glassware and not beer.

 

Typically 2-3 unless there's only room for 1. I do tend to pitch in nicer extras when the trade is for higher end beers.

I also try to include bottles that the person can't get in their market and/or beers that match their preferred style or they haven't rated yet. Overkill, I know, but its not uncommon for me to go shopping to grab an extra I think the person will like.

 

I've had this happen and it kind of sucks but that punishment is a little severe. There are still people the don't know about seekabrew, and in many cases it's not accurate. So I always give them benefit of the doubt. Now the old IPA thing...no excuse for that.

 

I just send lots of beer, some is specified, some is not. send stuff that people will be excited by.

 

A rule of thumb with extras that will go a long way:

Treat others how you want to be treated.

 

Fair enough, if they are seasoned traders they should know the score.

 

I am trading noob sort of, but I know the score.

 

Send a box of beer you'd be happy to receive. Whether it's the agreed upon items or extras. Send a box of beer you'd be happy to receive. You don't need some fucking ratio or score or algorithm. Send a box of beer you'd be happy to receive.

 

If you look at the bottles/cans and wonder if its good enough...its not.
If you yourself are questioning it, the recipient is going to have a wtf?! moment.

 

sometimes I send chocolate. Weird I know. There is a Jacques Torres Chocolate in the building that I work in, that is known for their fine sweets.
I'd send coffee too, especially having access to some great stuff (Intelligentsia, Stumptown) in NYC, but maybe that's pushing it.......yep.

 

Sending a glass from the brewery your sending bottles of makes a nice extra.

 

My last trade i was trying to impress and sent two quality San Diego bombers, a pliny, and some very limited glassware that went with the original trade. Needless to say im looking for a permanent midwest trading partner...

 

Try to send a box you'd be happy to receive, and all will be fine.

 

There are no rules. With long established traders, I never send extras as we just send boxes back and forth, so what's an 'extra' in that situation? For new traders, I'll sometimes suggest a dollar amount. "I have five empty slots, so I plan to target $25 in locals to fill the space". And sometimes I end up with little space for extras, but I'll usually let them know. You also have to factor in their wants, what they're sending, their trading history, potential for long term relationship, and your mood that day. And what's available locally at the time, what you have in the fridge, etc. Go with flow and you'll be repaid in kind for any extras you include. Or at least that's been my experience.

 

No math or science here. I just try to hit their wants and or add things they don't have access to. If the person recieving my box doesn't have to change their underwear, I know I have failed