I've been trading beer for 10+ years, and I've never needed a proxy ... until now. Can someone explain the typical process, because I really have no clue. Assume that the proxy is a stranger and label will be provided and thank you beers are the payment. (1) Label provided - normally I have been shipping through FedEx and printing my own labels at home - then I attach and drop off box at FedEx. How do I get a label that I provide to someone far away? This leads into question ... (2) Do I send thank you beers beforehand - and could therefore put a label inside box? And then to question ... (3) Would this box then be used to return the proxied beers? This is the way I would envision it, but don't know if that's the norm. Of course then the thank you beers would have to arrive in a large enough box to hold the proxied beers for the return trip. Or am I way off base and the proxy pays for packing materials them selves? That doesn't seem right. If person being proxied for needs to supply the box - are the 6 or 12 bottle shippers preferred? I usually use any old box and pack the crap out of it with layers and layers of bubble wrap and peanuts and all that. Never had an issue ever, but then again what if the proxy is a crappy packer? Any info to clear this up in my mind would be appreciated - thank you!!
(1) You should have the option to save the label (instead of printing it) and you can email it to the proxy as an attachment. Then they can print it out and apply it to the box. ...as for the other parts, I think those are reasonable ideas, but I think the proxy portion of the transaction should be taken care of first - they pick up your beers and send the box ensuring everything arrives safely. Then you can turn around and send your thank you box. You could also work out the details with the proxy. If they offered to proxy, it’s possible that they are a regular trader and wouldn’t need to pay for shipping materials and have the necessary boxes, wrappings, at their disposal. Like all trading, proxying to me is no different. Communication is key. Ask these questions and make sure each party understands them as well as the expectation of this arrangement. Good luck!
I certainly cant speak to all iterations of a proxy, but can give you my previous experience (both by being a proxy and that needing the service). - I usually either ask that they create a label (or I create one) and print to PDF which I then send via email and gets slapped on the box. - In certain instances I was having them proxy 5 750ml bottles, and this person was doing it for multiple people. I assumed they didn't have multiple 6 shippers on hand, so I did pre-send my 6 shipper to them with thank you beers, they then shipped the proxied beer back in that box. - If I proxy for smaller format bottles (ie - cans), I usually just ask they send a label and I pack up the cans in any box I can find, ship them off and any arranged thank you beers arrive after that fact in whatever box they have. I am sure there are a million other circumstances out there, but so far this is how I have encountered the proxy situation.
Hey there! I have proxied for people and also had some kind folks proxy for me. The usual process has been that the proxy picks up and packs a box with their own material. If you have something specific you would like them to use, it's good to communicate that or just provide it outright. You can also discuss thank you beers to see what styles or breweries they prefer. Some people like to try beer they can't normally access, do you could send them a box with some of your local favorites mixed in catering to their preferences. Others like to stick with what they know, so you could perhaps buy them a couple crowlers or a nice 4pk or two from the same brewery at which they are proxying. They could pick up the thank you beers at the same time they grab your beer for you. Labels can usually be printed and emailed, or you could compensate them w more beer or funds to mitigate their shipping expense. Like all things trading, trust and communication are paramount. Make sure that you're both comfortable with the details, and don't hesitate to be specific. Cheers.
I have proxied many times over the years. All depends on how you work it out. Ideally send the thank you beers first, because I've been shorted several times by people (including a member on BA) I usually buy the shippers and the packing material, then the person reimburse me the cost. I prefer to get paid before I send out the final box. Yes, definitely talk to the proxy beforehand. So there is no confusion.
IMHO, more important than any of the details of the transaction is getting someone you can trust. The couple times I’ve used one I’ve gotten people with 50+ positive trades.
