underwhelming box etiquette

Definitely & I'll extra you a box of the limited edition Tar Heel pop tarts they sold at the bookstore!

 

Please tell me I'm on the "do not trade with" list! That would be my greatest BA accomplishment!

 

Just post that Pliny and supplication are soooo rare, and your on!

 

This post makes me happy for only having regular trading partners. I've traded with most of my guys anywhere between 5-15 times. Now it is basically a "hey is this available?" "Sure...i'll pick you up one." We put boxes together over a month or two and then send crazy shit extras. My MI guy (who will be unnamed) dropped a Kuhnhenn Raspberry AND Blueberry Eisbock plus a Black Note (750 ml) into my box as "extras." I have another awesome guy in CA who sent me (2) T25's and 12 beats for cost. My ChiTown crew does the same thing with BCBS and variants. I guess I feel pretty lucky and the only way I've grown into any of these awesome relationships is by sending awesome stuff without expecting anything in return. Eventually, you'll be like me with a bunch of established guys who will just send awesome boxes out of the blue and get them in return.

Cheers,
Ryan

PS - Props to all my homies around the US.

 

This thread has turned out way better than it started imo...For new traders and people trying to learn before they trade, more threads like this help with some of the advice put out by very experienced traders....

 

I think it’s important when starting a partnership to give the best box possible. Maybe the box I get back in return won’t be as good as the one I offered, but I want to crush their porch with a nice generous box regardless, because I find it fulfilling to do so even if my potential partner doesn’t reciprocate.

If, to my pleasant surprise, they give me an even better box then I offered them, then I make sure to make it up to them on the next go round.

Maybe your box was just a little bit better, but I think if you focus that hard on being equal it’s like pulling hairs. Just make sure your partner feels appreciated and I’m sure they will crush your porch with love the next time. Some of the best relationships I’ve had started with a disappointing box but things got better after we became more familiar with each others wants and the types of boxes we prefer.

If you follow these simple tips you’ll end up with many long term relationships where you both are extremely happy with each others boxes.

Wait, is this not a lesbian dating forum?

 

It's not hard to find out if you look at my profile.

 

Aha. Two types of avoid. Nicely done.

 

I don't usually say anything to them as long as the main trade is ok, but I'm just less likely to trade with them again.

I'd say all of my regular trading partners are regulars because one party or the other crushed it with some quality stuff the first trade. I still send out quality extras even if I get the short end of the stick 4 out of 5 times because that 5th time may be an awesome new trading partner.

I'll put it this way. I've completed a lot of trades with multiple people. Next time I am able to stumble upon multiples of coveted beers who am I more likely to trade with? The guy who send me some quality locals and obviously perused my profile and seekabrew to make sure he was sending good stuff or the guy who sent me a Belgian IPA and a 6 month old shelf beer I can buy at home?

 

I'm in agreement with this. There can be alot of varying circumstances that influence what goes in each box. Ie whats available, what the other person has or hasn't had, wants, what I happen to have in my cellar at the time, etc

For instance, I just sent out a box to a very generous BA that has had many, many whales (from my understanding and based on his wants) so I couldn't really figure out what to send that he would want or hasn't had. I decided to send new locals that just came out here and had decent ratings. Sure, I could have sent more "whaleish" beers that he's already had but I figured he may want to try something he hasn't tried and is off the radar. I hope he liked it.

You also have those "ticker" types that love to try any new beer just for the "tick". There are people like myself that just like good beer. I realize my wants are becoming tougher and tougher and its not as easy for people to hit those wants. I also realize the more beers I've had the harder it will be for people to send something I haven't had.

I know everyone doesn't have alot of cash to spend on trades, this shit is expensive. Everyone doesn't live close to some badass brewpub or microbrewery. Everyone doesn't have great distribution or "deep" cellars. It's important to keep all of this in mind. Having said that, I think its obvious when someone DOESN'T put any thought into the box and I keep that in mind as well.

The point is, as long as the person can tell you put some thought and effort into it then its all good, IMO. Like Ridglens said, you win some and lose some but it eventually all comes full circle. Though, I do keep records and try to reciprocate somewhere down the line if I felt like I really "lost"

 

Not sympathy, that box pissed me off and I wasn't the recipient of it!
week.