Good evening everyone and fellow BA traders. So I've been here six months and acknowledged that 'trading beers' was on the most important and exciting thing here and I decided after a while I could join it. I've read the threads of ''code of conduct'' and the 'FAQ' regarding trading, and many questions that were well answered by experienced traders to newbies in trading like me. But I'd like to come up with my own... I'll simply ask what kind of beers if I decide to trade with Americans will they be interested in? Personally I'd love to try anything from Founders that you guys drink a lot, especially Breakfast Stouts but not only. The WBAYDN thread obviously sparked my curiosity on a number of American brews almost unavailable here. I have already 6 styro shippers that can fit 8 33CL/12oz bottles already. I got them with online haul and thought it would be odd to threw them away knowing I'd end up trading on BA. My account is verified and it seem the ''Beer Trader'' has been added under my name. I have access to a number of Belgian and French beers.. Obviously will follow the rule to trade and not sell. Do we have some formal papers to fill ? Take photographs of the price of the beers I'm about to trade with another member so to make sure I don't scam anyone ? Also shipping internationally from Europe to US (or Canada since we have our share of Canadian members) is it easily doable? A tad pricey maybe ? UPS or FedEx are the best options? Thanks for reading and any replies and tips will be greatly appreciated ! Cheers Shanex
Americans are usually only interested in Cantillon and 3 Fonteinen. Shipping is expensive, in the Netherlands its way cheaper to use the regular postal service instead of a courier, and the quality is quite good. And since shipping alcohol to the US is not allowed there's always the chance your bottles will be confiscated, though it doesn't happen often I guess.
Did my first cross-atlantic (Belgium - USA) shipping last month. The cheapest option is to use Bpost (32 euro in my case). Just make sure that everything is safely packed and don't put on the label that you are shipping beer...
i've always used bpost, just make sure you pack really tight with lots of filler. This is what you pay (belgium to vs): 32,80 € for up to 5 kg (small package, usually 1x 750cl and 2 x 330) 65,60 € for 5 to 10 kg (up to 5 x 750 cl) 98,40 € for 10 to 20 kg (up to 11 x 750 cl) Going above 20 kg I would recommend to split up in multiple packages. Put (collectible) glassware on the label. Ask the same for the beers you are receiving and expect to pay some taxes.
Thanks/Merci guys! You're right its really even more expensive that I thought it would, I also figured Americans would want before all 3F and Cantillon because they can't get it there (or at outrageous price anyway).. I gotta agree that shipping internationally even more so to America will not be an easy one. I'll keep looking for Founders, and many other American Breweries that are popular on BA and sadly mostly unavailable here. Thanks for the help, I don't give up on trading quite yet, I'll eventually find someone to trade with maybe closer to me and at a more reasonable shipping price.
The shipping is expensive, but I imagine you could find someone to do a "shelf for shelf" trade. Founders + whatever else you're looking to get $4$ for 3F OG and Kriek, Tilquin OG and Questche, Girardin Black Label, Cantillon Gueuze and Kriek, etc. I recently did exactly this, shipping off a case of Founders Imperial Stout. Granted, this was with a regular trade partner of mine, but I think others might be willing.
I've got some trading partners overseas who regularly send boxes and most probably could include some of the things you are looking for. Just let me know what you desire.
I'd also suggest keeping an eye out for relevant postings in the International In-Person forum. Some of us from the States make it over to the EU periodically and bring bottles in our suitcases for trading.
