Newbie Beer Trading guide

Thanks to everyone who created and contributed to this thread. As someone who is fairly new to trading, this is very helpful and a great resource.

I am close to finalizing my first shipping-based trade and I have a few questions. I noticed that several people recommended using styrofoam wine shippers. I am leaning toward doing this myself as it seems to provide optimal protection. To summarize, here is the packing that I have in mind:

- Tape down bottle caps
- Wrap bottles in bubble wrap (in particular necks of bottles) and add extra bubble wrap to minimize movement in the wine shipper slots
- Wrap the entire stryofoam part in a garbage bag (perhaps double bag)

Does this sound about right? Other than the limited space for extras, are there any other disadvantages with styrofoam shippers? Would adding a box-in-box approach to this be overkill or would this be recommended? Any other thoughts or advice?

 

That sounds good. IMHO unless you're shipping a twelve-pack of KBBS, box-in-a-box is overkill when using a styrofoam shipper.

To me the biggest disadvantage of styro shippers is the amount of storage space they take up – unlike pulp shippers, they're not nestable and don't break down at all. They're also more expensive and slightly heavier, and if you don't pack very carefully there can be some telltale squeaking noises. Otherwise they're an excellent choice.

 

The only disadvantage I have encountered, other than the limitations regarding extras, is the narrowness of bottle slots on some brands of shipper. If you ever plan on sending small growlers/grumblers or 750ml bottles with wider bottoms, they may or may not fit in some brands of shippers.

I've never double boxed a styro-shipper. Never received one that had been double boxed either. I'd go with overkill on this, but others may have a different opinion.

The only thing I do that I don't see mentioned in your prep is to put each bottle/can in a Ziploc bag.

Cheers and good luck!

 

Thanks to all for the comments and advice. Regarding Ziploc bags, are there ones large enough to fit 750 ml bottles? I might be wrong, but it seems like it might be difficult to squeeze even into a gallon size bag.

 

Bombers or 750ml bottles fit very nicely into 2 Gallon Ziploc Freezer bags.

 

I would also like to add:
-emphasis to any new traders that they are expected to ship first
-adding a phone number and/or email should be provided by both parties
-communication is paramount
-any alterations should be communicated through BA
-and that this is a hobby (for most) and to be patient

 

I would say that an email address may be optional, but a phone number should be required, if for no other reason than shippers require it.