Trade Journal

If you are diligent and like to do it, it is a good idea. When I first started I kept track of everything but didn't keep up with it.

 

^ jr pretty much nailed it for most people probably. That was my experience at least.

 

I think about doing this. I should do this. I haven't started doing this.

 

With many trades in the rear view mirror, I really wish I had kept track. It would be nice to have a record of stuff I've sent my trade partners in the past.

 

i do it just because I was constantly trying to remember what I sent people in the past. I enjoy doing it and update it after every trade.

 

Yes! I keep a simple spreadsheet with the name of the trader, beers I've sent/received (including extras both ways), & the score/grade I gave the beer. It helps me remember who I've traded with & for what, & I can look up just what I've sent to the people I trade with repeatedly.

I also keep a tab for upcoming trades (so I don't overcommit on a release or forget something), a tab for people I won't trade with for various reasons, &, well, some other stuff, too. It keeps both my ADD & OCD in check, plus, it's kind of fun (& sometimes disturbing) to look back over 8+ years of trades.

 

I'm not as thorough as @maximum12 but I definitely keep a doc of trades in progress and completed, including the core trade and extras sent and received, as well as any private notes (like: terrible packing job). Sometimes I forget, but it's fairly complete.

 

You guys that keep up with this kind of thing are impressive! I managed to track about two boxes before it fell apart. I am constantly asking my trade friends what I have and have not sent. They seem to really enjoy what I send so put up with me....