Extras Etiquette

You know, I have often thought that. That's why I've never discussed them. If you agree on extras, then they're more or less an expected part of the trade, not really an extra. An extra should be something unexpected ... hence the term "extra".

 

I don't think there's a fixed definition for "extras"; otherwise, we wouldn't have this question popping up once in a while .

To me, "extras" are wildcards. You don't agree on extras per se, especially since you don't discuss specific beers, you communicate intention (not expectation). This is especially important with newer traders who isn't quite sure what's going on. Not everyone see it the same way, have the same intention, comfort level, or budget. Personally, I get extremely uncomfortable when I feel that I was out-extra'ed and at the rate that I trade, extra'ing the shit out of my trade partner isn't budget-friendly, hence I have the info in my profile to communicate my intention and limit.

But again, it varies. My most recent trade agreement of "no extras" came at the relief of the trade partner who are on a tight budget and would essentially have to go and buy beers to extra me. Just prior to that, I got a message that my extras blew my trade partner completely away, but I did it because I thought his offer was lopsided. Then recently a pending trade with a new partner who was happy that I put the info in my profile because he wasn't sure. It all depends.

 

I never expect trades unless it was discussed while negotiating a trade. Then, I usually treat people how I want to be traded. I mean, how cool is it to send a couple of extras that make the recipient say "wow, thanks. You really hooked me up".