What's the etiquette on changed trades?

Discussion in 'Trade Talk' started by StJamesGate, May 22, 2012.

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  1. StJamesGate

    StJamesGate Grand Pooh-Bah (3,766) Oct 8, 2007 New York
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    A while ago, I set up an in person trade requiring travel. Now that the day is getting closer, the other trader (who is the one doing the traveling) has swapped in a different beer for a stout I wanted but he couldn't find.

    He's subbed a great DIPA, but it's one I've had before and am just not as excited about. I don't get a lot of US craft beer where I live, so I like to try new stuff whenever I can get it.

    Can I turn down the substitution and ask for something else? I don't want to send this guy I don't know on a scavenger hunt.

    This is my first trade, and a total first world problem, but what's the etiquette here?
     
  2. thagr81us

    thagr81us Initiate (0) Apr 28, 2010 South Carolina

    If you are not happy with the trade, you have every right to ask... Don't feel guilty about that. Trading is all about both parties being happy with what they are receiving and giving. Cheers!
     
  3. mulder1010

    mulder1010 Initiate (0) Aug 29, 2008 Australia

    so you agreed to a trade where the guy did not have one of the beers that you wanted in his hands already ?
    Should always make sure the guy has the said beers in hand first before agreeing on the deal. Avoids disappointment that way
    That being said I would probably ask him to bring a replacement and ask for something I have not had.
     
  4. Hanzo

    Hanzo Initiate (0) Feb 27, 2012 Virginia

    If you agreed on a beer and he just can't find it you can absolutely be selective on what he replaces it with within reason.
     
  5. shuajw

    shuajw Pundit (830) Aug 12, 2007 Georgia
    Trader

    If it's not the trade you agreed to, and you and your trading partner can't agree on a revised trade. There is no reason you need to go ahead with the trade.
     
  6. cbeer88

    cbeer88 Initiate (0) Sep 5, 2007 Massachusetts

    I'd really need to see the details of your conversation here to pass judgment, particularly given that you are a new trader. If he was clear that he didn't have the beer in hand and it wasn't a sure thing, then it's possible you just took it as "guaranteed" when it never was. If, on the other hand, he lead you to believe he had the beer (or had zero chance of not landing it) and setup a deal to meet up based on that, then it's not right that he just swaps it out.

    Just curious - what was the beer involved?
     
    FosterJM likes this.
  7. Etan

    Etan Initiate (0) Jul 11, 2011 Wisconsin

    Curious as well about what you're trading.
     
  8. black13

    black13 Initiate (0) Apr 11, 2010 Oregon

    There are always two sides to a story. But, if one side of the equation is not happy with the trade, don't do the trade. Talk to the other person and have them sub a beer you want or just call it off. No beer has been traded so no harm.
     
    thagr81us likes this.
  9. SeaSparrow

    SeaSparrow Initiate (0) Sep 4, 2010 Texas

    Communication is the key to a good trading relationship. You can absolutely see if he can get something else that would interest you more than his proposed substitute.
     
  10. BigTomZ

    BigTomZ Initiate (0) Apr 14, 2009 Virginia

    We really would need more information. Have you already agreed to his proposed swap?

    If not, there is no problem asking for something else or backing out altogether.

    If you agreed to a swap that he had to go buy and are now having second thoughts... that is a bit different. You can still back out or ask for something else since the beer hasn't exchanged hands, you wouldn't be a bad trader just kind of a douche.
     
    SubpoenaDeuces likes this.
  11. StJamesGate

    StJamesGate Grand Pooh-Bah (3,766) Oct 8, 2007 New York
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    I haven't agreed to the substitution, yet.

    I think the trader is a BA, and I don't think there's any malice on his part (even if maybe he should have had all the beer in hand when he agreed to the trade; I'm a noob so I can't say) so I won't give the full details of the trade right now.

    But, generally, it was originally 3 hard-to-find seasonals (not quite BCS, but all worth chasing) and one new release from him in return for 3 highly rated beers that don't get imported into the US and one whale from me.

    Good advice from everyone on how to handle this; thank you. I've gone back and asked what else he might be able to find in the short time before he travels.
     
  12. Pahn

    Pahn Initiate (0) Dec 2, 2009 New York

    lol @ 1 whale. come on guys.
     
    Photekut likes this.
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