I’m sure everyone has noticed beer trading is way down, even more so on ba. Something else I’ve noticed is the majority of trades seems to be iso stouts from SP, TG & P3, and occasionally old HF whales. Don’t really have a point here. Just gets old seeing people iso the same old stuff.
I can't speak for everyone, but here's my perspective. Why do most people arrange trades? Typically, it's to try to obtain something unique or special that you can't get locally. There are other reasons, but that's the main reason for most would be traders I would argue. These days, how much out of state beer is there that's truly unique and special, such that I want to trade for it? Not a lot would be my response. Add to that that shipping costs have really gone thru the roof, along with the inherent risk of shipping beer, and I don't think it's any surprise that trading is way down. Personally, it's been several years now since I last engaged in a trade and it's unlikely I'm going to participate in another trade any time soon. It's just not worth the added cost and hassle.
I'm consistently trying to trade for shelfies and have SP stuff to offer and STILL don't close many. It hard out here.....
I have only been trading 5ish years. I like to try anything I haven’t had really but every year slowed down due to pricing and distribution expanding for a lot of Illinois breweries to my area. I also gained memberships to Revolution and Side Project . Every year budget shrinks for beer for various reasons - groceries to kids. Also have some regular trading partners from here that we don’t necessarily go through the system because of the rapport and history that started here. I only post bigger stuff now typically, when I get it available. I think a problem a lot of the time is people trying to “win” the trade.
Hey not2quick send me a message. I'm sure we can come to an agreement. I like to think I'm easy to work with.