Beer Trading and a BA's Amazing Generosity

Best beer community ever.

 

Who were the great BAs? Throw them some love.

I don't trade anymore as it was just way too costly. However, when I was doing it, I do was impressed by the generosity. In fact, to some degree the amazing generosity is partly why I stopped. I felt awkward throwing in a can of Foolproof Robust Porter when someone else was throwing in a ton of unbelievably awesome stuff. I'd love to blow someone's mind with a box like that, but I never have the extra scratch, so I bailed. Maybe some day. Nevertheless, I too have found that many traders are extremely generous. I'd imagine they balance out the crappy experiences people have had with some traders who are trying to "win" at trading.

 

I must have some bad luck. Two trades this week had no extras. 2 of 4 bottles popped in another and the sender ignored my message but continues to post (I even sent him a 12 pack instead of the 6 he asked for). 4th trade I have out shipped on Monday on my end, he hasn't shipped after promising days ago and has now gone silent.

 

Every guy/ gal I've come across on BA are top notch awesome people! I always try to send a very sweet box myself. My second trade I made I felt ashamed because the other guy sent so much more then expected! I then sent a second box against his wish so I could sleep! These are the people on this site. There are always exceptions I guess!

 

This is pretty unacceptable, if it was because of bad packing I'd probably make a bad trader thread about it.

 

How many trades have you done?

 

About 15

 

Ah, the rest of them go ok?

 

Packing was questionable. I let it go because it didn't really care about the beer to much. Made the trade to hook him up because of his story. I sent him a message explaining what happened and not to worry about it. Woulda been satisfied with an apology.

 

They've been good for the most part. Just a frustrating week.

 

1) Always discuss extras, to avoid this issue. I always ask if the person wants to send extras or not. Some people don't, and this saves me from being disappointed. Clear conversation is key

2) Broken/exploded bottles are the shippers responsibility to replace. If he continues to not respond, start a bad trader thread about him so others know he won't follow through on his deals.

3) Tough one. Could be a real reason for his silence, but he should let you know. Do you have a cell number? Is he ignoring texts too? Same goes here - give him a little time, but if he stays silent, start a thread asking if anyone knows him and knows what might be going on.

You'll be surprised how quickly some people respond once they're tagged in a thread....

 

I'm sorry to hear that you quit trading. You sound as though you'd be an excellent trading partner. Generosity takes many forms. People have included some wonderful extras, which I appreciate, but the support, advice, encouragement & kindness shown to me has been invaluable. I've also gotten tips about future events & beer releases that are helpful & greatly appreciated.

Extras can lend trades some luster & excitement, but I'd think just as highly of the people I've traded with if they'd never included any extra beers. All of them have included those intangible extras which are (imo) the heart & soul of being a beer advocate. Your post sounds very much like you too are generous with those vitally important intangibles which (imo) should be (& usually are) the strength & focus of the community.

 

Thank you for the kind words. Sounds like you'd be excellent person to trade with too! The true kindness and generosity I've experienced in the BA community is via the homebrew forum. It is there where I have received massive amounts of brewing advice and information. I'm a much better brewer today because of the help of folks here (especially @JackHorzempa ).

 

Join a BIF, a little more controlled and you end up with a sub community of BAers.

You'll be taken care off if your sender flakes out.