Beer Trade Etiquette

http://alewatcher.blogspot.com/2010/11/new-trader-tips.html?m=1

This thread will get moved to the trading forum.

 

Newbies ship first. Noobs should find experienced traders for their 1st few trades. I feel weird not sending extras but the general consensus is extras aren't necessary.

 

Always send WAY more than you're suppose too. Send the good shit to represent our hometown breweries and distro. Only use Fed Ex, its cheaper and iv had better luck with them. Tape you bottle tops. Have fun.

 

I have sent at least 50 boxes and everyone has made it with no problems. Have never taped the bottle tops. Seems like overkill and a hassle for receiver of beer.

 

I do

 

Quantity over Quality

 

It's Beer "Advocate"

I'm a recent trader, and I "advocate" sending people alot of beer. Maybe more than I should - but I enjoy it when people are surprised, I want people to want to trade with me.

Even if it was negotiated as not doing any extras - I would still send some, maybe just not as much as usual.

 

That's an old wives tale and I find it annoying when people do it. If that cap is coming off, tape ain't gonna stop it (pressure and all).

Just wrap it like you're going to throw it off your roof and all should be well. I recommend bottle shippers as well as garbage bagging the entire inside in case of leaks. You don't want the hassle if FedEx/UPS opens it.

I have used UPS, but I tend to stick to FedEx Home Delivery.

I typically do 6-bottle shippers with 1-2 agreed upon bottles... the rest are extras. I just ask for locals I can't get here... not picky. When you let people send their own favorite beers, you tend to get new stuff you didn't even know about or wouldn't usually try. That's my bag.

I also have regular traders. That's what you should shoot for... much less of a hassle than finding a new trader every time you want something.

 

Mattress Pads or other Foam helps absorb leaks too....

 

I have found that I like trading with people on social media sites (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook). You get a better feel for that person. You'll definitely want to make regular trading partners, so don't flake out. Also check the bad traders list on BA.

 

My 1st trade I had a bottle leak that was not taped. Not sure if it was due to the pressure on the plane or what. Iv taped ever since then and have never had a problem. Wise take or not, I tape.

 

I agree, find yourself a REGULAR trade buddy. Be warned - shit can get real expensive, real fast.

 

"extras" are always tricky. They can be hit or miss. My favorite example is a can of Jackie o's chomolunga that came as an extra.
I don't care much for honey or nut brown ale so not something I would buy - but was glad to try it.
Before the trade is finalized I say that I will include an extra or 2 and try to send a beer at least rated 90 or higher and maybe something off the wall

 

I second Lutter here. Tape does nothing. I've had taped bottles leak. If it'll leak through a cap, it'll leak through tape too.

 

I am new to trading, but have sent beer and flown with it. If anyone wants to quote and correct me, please do.
Alewatcher's advice is golden.
Get this from HEB, Uhaul, etc. http://www.boxesaz.com/moving-suppl...m_source=google&utm_campaign=(3)+stretch+wrap

This wrap is awesome because it can be used fast. Sometimes I'll wrap the cap in this, and it can come off pretty quickly for the end user. But because it's many layers, it'll stop small leaks. Sometimes I'll wrap the entire bottle in it (before bubble wrap). Not sure if it does anything, but it's fun when buzzed.
Use rubber bands or this stretch wrap to put on your bubble wrap, tape ruins it (source Alewatcher and I tested it). I prefer the wrap because it's faster and tighter. You can pretty much create a leak-prof cocoon around each bottle with bubble wrap and this wrap (untested for now, will be testing soonish).

Don't tell FedEx what your shipping, include some tic tacs to cover sloshing if needed. Or say it's local olive oil and something heavy (decorative rocks!).
As far as what you send, my first real trade is w/ someone in this thread, so I'll see what he thinks.

Does anyone want to weigh in on whether everything should be wrapped individually or if 6ers can be wrapped 'as-bought'?

 

NEVER wrap them in a group.....seriously.... this is a good way to get some bottles broken...they'll jiggle and hit each other...

And OP: if you want the unwritten rule about extras..its: always send them
especially if you are new.
Try to find stuff your trading partner can't walk into a store and get in his/her area