Wanted: Beer Trading FAQ Input

Would definitely like to see this:

We've agreed upon the beers to trade, what next?
- Set shipping dates / expectations
- Setup the trade in the Beer Trading Feedback System
- Get their name, address, phone number, email - in the event you need to have a concern addressed.

 

Just a few off the top of my head while in a hurry...

1) Is trading beer legal?
2) I'm a new trader, any advice?
3) What's the trade value of this beer?
4) How do I properly pack?
5) What's the best courier to use?
6) Should I avoid shipping beers in the winter?
7) Who's responsible for lost/missing/damaged packages?
8) Where can I find the bad traders list?
9) I think I got screwed, what do I do now? Or usually how long do I wait to out someone for being a bad trader?


Not a question, but a list of frequently used/generic acronyms (not beer names). Maybe a blurb on how to figure out what a beer name is.

 

Like mentioned above I think the biggest thing is always questions about what shipper to use and how to properly pack a box, whenever I see a thread asking I always direct them to @mythaeus profile. And acronyms is an awesome idea, I know I still get confused at some of them

 

How to avoid being screwed over in a trade. What precautions should you take (photo verification, contacting previous trade partners, etc)

 

alot of the info is right here... acronyms may need to be updated but this is the most comprehensive Beer trading how too I have ever seen.

http://alewatcher.blogspot.com/2010/11/new-trader-tips.html

Maybe email him and ask if you can copy his article to a sticky.

 

Adding to @mythaeus's list, when is a deal made?

 

Well for starters this is roughly how I would answer @mythaeus questions.

1) Is trading beer legal?
-you trade at your own risk, follow all of your state and local laws

2) I'm a new trader, any advice?
-yes, read this thread
-don't be afraid to ask questions in the help section, there are a lot of friendly BA's willing to help
-try to trade with an experienced trader first and expect to ship first
-use the trade feedback system and don't ship until both parties have accepted
-create a fed ex/ups account if possible, it makes shipping much easier
-research the BA you are trading with by using the search bar (just enter their name)
-look at their profile page
-look at their posts and make sure it is someone you feel comfortable trading with
-ask for references and contact those references
-don't agree to a trade with beers you don't currently have in your possession
-ask if extras are included (some people don't always do extras) but normally it is expected unless stated otherwise
*extras should be something on their wants if possible, a style they like, a good local brewery, something you would want to drink and NO OLD IPA's (generally older than 4-6 weeks IMO
-set a shipping date that you know you can ship by
-most importantly COMMUNICATE on a regular basis. Most BA's are very understanding, if you have to ship late for whatever reason just tell the other person whats going on and when you will be able to ship. Talk and talk often.
*out of ideas for now

3) What's the trade value of this beer?
-use the trading forum to help gauge what you want and what you have to trade; no, we don't all know what exactly gets done and what doesn't but it will give you a general idea
-enter the beer you have or are looking for in the search bar in the ISO section, it will narrow it down even further
-if you happen to see one BA who seems active or know someone who trades on BA, ask them what they think
-I'm a firm believer in whatever makes both parties happy

4) How do I properly pack?
-use styro shippers if you can find them (available on line and at some liqour/beer stores)
-use a standard box that will fit whatever beers you are sending and buy a roll of bubble wrap (essential)
-use styrofoam peanuts or lots of crinkled up newspaper
-if possible, double box
-make sure the box has a tight fit (ie don't fill it half way and leave empty space) you don't want any room for the bubble wrapped beers to move around
-if possible, line the box with a trash bag and tie it off when your done, this may help in preventing any broken bottles from leaking on to the box
-possibly seal each bottle in a zip lock

5) What's the best courier to use?
-most people I know use fed ex
-ups
-avoid using usps, it is against the the law
-if you have a shipping account, you can print off labels at home and simply drop the box off on the counter woth no questions asked
-if you don't have an account and they ask what you are shipping (there may be some sloshing noise)
*home made olive oil, salad dressing, snow cone syrup, amino acids, pickled okra, you get the point, just be prepared with an answer before you walk in

6) Should I avoid shipping beers in the winter?
-sometimes, beers can and will freeze
-it obviously depends on where you live and where you are shipping; check the weather forecast for the entire time it will take the package to arrive
-also look at the states you think the box may be traveling through (ie TX to Oregon sometimes goes through CO)
-heat may be a potential problem as well

7) Who's responsible for lost/missing/damaged packages?
-ALWAYS provide a tracking number to your partner
-once the package shows "delivered" the sender is no longer responsible
-if the shipping company loses the box try to work out a compromise; this is best avoided by waiting to drink the beers you traded for until both parties have received their boxes (in case the beers are irreplaceable they can be sent back)

8) Where can I find the bad traders list?
-stop being so impatient! (great question @Todd)

9) I think I got screwed, what do I do now? Or usually how long do I wait to out someone for being a bad trader?
-we are working on that right now
-if the person stops all communication and has not been on BA I would out the person after 1-2 weeks (depends on the persons history, how well communication was beforehand, etc)
-if the person is logging on and ignoring your messages I would out them after 3-4 days max

10). That's all I got for now, I'm sure I'm missing some things and others will come to mind. Hope this helps

 

Well done!!!!!

I will add or reiterate, as I practice what I preach, that COMMUNICATION is the key component to any and all successful trades.

 

Use RUBBER BANDS and not TAPE when wrapping bottles in bubblewrap!. The rubber bands allow the bubble wrap to be reused again in another beer trade. It cuts down in shipping costs and is much better for the environment. Rubberbands all day!

 

How about linking some Bad Trader threads to show what Not to do. I like what mythaeus had to say and daryk77 although I am not sure if we could come up with a concise definition.

 

Perhaps a short write up on shipping beer outside of the country. I've noticed an increase in international trading and even seasoned domestic traders need some advice.

Nice idea BTW.

Jeff

 

Fire away, I'd love to know myself as I've never shipped overseas.

 

Yea a bad trader sticky or something along those lines might be helpful.

 

What if we put a sticking in the trading forum where we as users could post pictures of Authentic bottles that are waxed?

I for one knew Assasin had gold wax but never realized the wax "ribbon" around the neck of the bottle.

Doing this may keep another dick from trying to pass off bad wax jobs.

 

@cfh64 provided some very good information on the FAQs I posted. I'm going to add a few things based on what I wrote in the past, but will cheat and provide links to my posts where I can:

1) Is trading beer legal?
http://www.beeradvocate.com/communi...ly-allow-trading-of-beer.228198/#post-2965613

2) I'm a new trader, any advice?
I think Ale Watcher's blog post is a great start. I'd advise a new trader to start there: http://alewatcher.blogspot.com/2010/11/new-trader-tips.html . Since most of the info @cfh64 posted for this question is scattered throughout the FAQs, perhaps there's no need to post all of that under this question.

3) What's the trade value of this beer?
The general rule is $4$ for beers of similar demand and rarity. Search the trade forum for trader offers for the beer to get a sense for what it has been traded for.

4) How do I properly pack? & 5) What's the best courier to use?
Aside from the use of stryro shipper, I know a lot of people refer to my post here regarding packing and shipping:
http://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/tips-for-newbie-on-trading.177530/#post-2413609

Another thing that is advisable is to have info on signature requirement. If you live in an area where packages can be stolen, make sure to ask your trade partner to request "signature required" delivery. It's your responsibility to ensure that you are home to receive the package. FedEx will leave packages outside. If they are stolen after marked "delivered", it's usually beyond your trade partner's scope of responsibility.

Yes, international shipping information is needed! Perhaps in a separate question?

6) Should I avoid shipping beers in the winter?
Review the information from this thread and decide for yourself: http://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/cold-weather-trading-winter-shipping-thread.136681/

It's crucial for you and your trader partners to understand the potential risks and agreeing on when to ship the packages out.

7) Who's responsible for lost/missing/damaged packages?
Just wanted to expand on what @cfh64 said that "delivered" does not absolve the sender's responsibility regarding breakages. The package must have been marked "delivered" and the content is confirmed to be intact.

8) Where can I find the bad traders list?
To start: http://www.beeradvocate.com/trading/ (right side, under "Bad Beer Traders")
Be sure to check the potential trader's feedback and note any negative feedback.

9) I think I got screwed, what do I do now? Or usually how long do I wait to out someone for being a bad trader?
Always use of the BA trade system and make sure you have a confirmed trade request before shipping. Always get a phone number and email along with the shipping address. Not only phone # is required by FedEx/UPS when generating the label, you can have FedEx/UPS automatically send tracking updates to the email address. The additional contact info can be used for more direct contact, i.e call the trader if something happens.

There isn't a set # of days lapsed before calling someone out, but rather it depends on what took place so far in term of communication and whether or not the trader has seen the messages and continued to ignore you (check to see if he has read the messages you sent him on BA, check to see when was the last time he logged on, etc.).

Exhaust all means of communication, reach out via PM, email, text, and call. If unsuccessful, create a "possible bad trader" thread to get advice from members. Detail out what have transpired, send a message with the link to the thread to the trader giving fair warning that you will out him/er on the thread if you don't get a response.

 

Except for if you use the blue tape that comes off clean.

 

I've addressed this in my packing method referenced above. I don't want to get this thread into rubber band vs. tape discussion. The main thing is to make sure the bubble side face inward and that the use of tape is minimal. Packing tape comes right off the flat side of bubble wrap pretty easily. I think of all the boxes I received, only 2 used rubber bands and I had no problem removing the tape and reusing those packing materials.

 

I actually used to wrap the bubble wrap with a layer or two of saran/plastic wrap than I figured out if you pack everything tightly enough you don't need anything.

 

I think the subject of growler trading should be addressed as well. I often do growler refill trades but you have to be mindful of the filling laws in your state and the state where the other party is getting it refilled for you. For instance, some states allow any growler to be refilled as long as the government alcohol warning is printed on the growler. Some states allow breweries to fill their own growlers only. You have to work those details out before the trade because sometimes it determines who sends first. You also have to take some extra precautions as to what kind of growler you use and how to insure that it doesn't pop open during shipping.