Trading Problems

I've got lucky and met some really awesome people through trading and haven't been "screwed" yet but that's because I have my own guide lines I need to follow.
I have noticed an influx in bad trades and it very well could be some of those people selling in the black market.

My rules before I engage conversation with them are:
1: Check trade history, how many trades complete, etc...
2: How long they have been active on the site
3. If still unsure about the person do a quick search under the forums with their username, if they have had bad trades I'm sure something will pop up about it.
4. If nothing pops up and they are new to trading ask if they don't mind shipping first, if they don't want to ship first you are more than obliged to not trade with them and find someone else.
5. If you meet a few awesome traders try to regularly trade with them, you avoid having to deal with a new person and that worry every time and you can make some great trading partners and friends through it.

Sorry for your bad luck with trading man and I hope it doesn't happen again!

 

I can't explain but no avatar did make me question the new traders. But most avatars are not of the person. Im not sure if any are. But I do trade with caution. My first few trades, I knew to ship first to get some trade history before I posted. Hope you have better luck.

 

You are never forced to trade with anyone that you done feel comfortable trading with....a few months ago there was a guy ripping off people on the facebook trade boards trying to get people to send him free beer for his birthday, among other scams. I started trade talks with someone on here and this person ended up having the same name as the guy ripping people off on facebook, probably not the same people, but I didnt take the chance. If you dont feel right about something, dont do it. It's better to be safe than sorry.

 

#GouletBusTour

 

Well, as a recent first time trader, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I happened upon a really cool guy who helped me through my first trade and very patiently put up with all of my annoying first timer questions and concerns. Trading can be intimidating to a newcomer and it helps to have to have the input of a veteran who can guide you through this. In the end, the trade went off well and I got some great beers that I wouldn't have seen in person. I guess my point is, that it's not always easy for a first time trader either, and I did pick an avatar prior to trading, of my once beloved cat.

 

I agree with @Northtexan that being relatively new to trading through BA can be pretty intimidating but I've been able to connect with some pretty awesome people and I'm excited to see what the future holds.

I never really considered my lack of beer ratings as a possible hindrance to potential trade partners though so I appreciate you bringing it up @Imacopyouidiot. Time to step it up with that.

One of the things I really enjoy about BA (and the craft scene in general) is the mix of old timers and newbies. I guess I would hope people would be cautious but not completely write off less established members of the board.

Cheers!

 

I'm a 2014, but only because I never decided to officially join.

I remember chatter at tastings and beer releases pick up significantly in 2012 about things like this.
They called the people you are describing 2012ers. ( sorry for the irony )

-Have no clue about fair trading
-Have no clue how to pack boxes or communicate
-Think they are experts in the field of craft after a few months on a beer site
-Do not take constructive criticism without massive butthurt
-Want to know market value and need walez

Search the forums for "2012ers" there are many examples...

http://www.beeradvocate.com/communi...th-three-new-brews.121520/page-3#post-1785734

 

Also as an extra step for insurance make them accept a trade request before you send out the box that way if they do "screw" you over, you can give them bad feedback and they can't do anything about it.

 

lol, the degrading title "20XXer" has been around as long as internet forums have. Things were always better. Things are always going to sht. This place really started going downhill in 2009 if you ask me

 

I agree about the avatar thing. It doesn't seem like a big deal, but I guarantee that most folks on here will recognize a user by their avatar a lot quicker than by their actual username. To me, having an avatar signals a desire to be recognized and build a reputation. Whereas not having one can indicate a desire to hide or just engage in a smash-and-grab trade without contributing anything else to the site.

 

Yes, but it meant something entirely different back in the late 80's.