To pay or not to pay. That is my question

[roadymi]

You are correct.

http://www.homebrewersassociation.org/pages/government-affairs/statutes/michigan

From my reading that is my understanding as well.

Thanks, that is the same article I had read but I couldn't remember where I had seen it. Old age sucks

 

[avidhomebrewer]

I thought this would be a good conversation starter. As I am sure most of you do, I like to give some of my home brews to friends. Last time I did so, one friend really liked a paticular beer and asked for more. He offered to give me some money to cover my supplies. So what is the "right" thing to do. Just give him more or take his money.

I did that too, some time ago. I gave a buddy some Nut Brown Ale and he liked it. I made a batch for him and he offered to pay.

In your case, I would offer one batch and see where it goes. If he asks for more after that first 'nice gesture' batch, politely bring up the idea that making beer does cost you money. I bet he'll respond positively.

 

[Oddball]

Then for the record.....I don't sell homebrew and I don't condone anyone else selling homebrew.

Good thing...this thread is probably bait for the ATF.....

 

[squeekybobo]

I see nothing wrong with taking money from a friend to brew up something he wants brewed. At least paying for the ingredients. I love to brew, my buddy knows this. He wanted a clone for a stout he couldn't find anywhere. He said if I found a recipe, he'd pay for the ingredients. I made him go with me to the LHBS and help me measure out the grains and crush them. That way, there's an appreciation that the beer doesn't magically make itself. I also sent him pics of his brew in process so he knows there's some effort involved on my part as well. I get to keep half of it, according to him, so I win.

 

[ong]

My understanding is that, in Oregon, you can trade beer for other beer and wine, and you can trade beer for other beer brewing ingredients or equipment. This is per that law that passed last November.

 

[lou2row]

I know mostly mooches, and I call them out for it. That's why I have very few friends. And I am okay with that.

Once you start to pick up on moochspeak and their mannerisms you can pick them out of a crowd. Key things to NEVER say in front of a mooch:

"It's illegal to sell this." (which means it's free to them and you can't take their money)

"I think I enjoy brewing as much as I do drinking" (they are doing you a favor and bringing you enjoyment by drinking your beer so you can make more. You actually owe them for doing it, so thank them you ingrate bastid!)

"I just like to see people appreciating my beer" (compliments, whether sincere or not, are payment enough)

"It's cheaper to make it than it is at the store" (meant for that particular style, not making PTE in comparison to natural light. But in their minds it is; so almost no cost at all)

"A lot of work goes into making it" (irrelevant; it is a hobby so you do it cause you enjoy it. They would never dream of doing it themselves, because drinking your free beer is their hobby. And if your free beer isn't up for grabs, that case of natty light is just a convenience store away)

 

[Newgene]

I would never take straight cash. However, you could always have them bring as many empty bottles as they want beer, and bring over the propane. Heck, if they bring over the whole tank, they can understand a little about having your bottles make it back to you.

My friends, in general, don't want things completely free from other friends. They just don't have much to barter with on this, so they offer money. I would do the same thing in their shoes. They just don't realize the joy we get in just hearing others loving our brew. That, and the wife not yelling at us for keeping 200 bottles of full beer that we really won't drink because we are waiting for our other beer to come out.

 

[Diaperload]

My understanding is that, in Oregon, you can trade beer for other beer and wine, and you can trade beer for other beer brewing ingredients or equipment. This is per that law that passed last November.

I didn't realize this.

Don't take this the wrong way ong but I think I'll have to check this out before I take somebodys word on the internet. Do you happen to have a link? Nevermind, I can do a search.

 

[ong]

I didn't realize this.

Don't take this the wrong way ong but I think I'll have to check this out before I take somebodys word on the internet. Do you happen to have a link? Nevermind, I can do a search.

http://www.leg.state.or.us/11reg/measures/sb0400.dir/sb0444.intro.html

 

[Diaperload]

Found it. Read it.

I've never had an interest in a bill, never bothered to read one. However, if it's about beer all bets are off.

Great news that I was unaware of.

 

[jarrodaden]

Clean label free bottles are the best way for someone to "pay" for your beer. When I give a bottle as a gift the first time, I tell they have to return the empties to get a refill.

I also like the idea of inviting a friend over to help on brew day. There is a fair amount of down time and brew day is a great excuse to drink a few.

 

[CBXBob]

I would never ask for money for the beer I give away, and my friends have never asked for money for the pot they give me.
I now have 4 stainless steel pots!
My county is so broke they can't go after the tweekers, I doubt they will be at my door if someone gave me $20 toward my expenses. Which so far no one has offered. Ungrateful pr*cks. Now I mostly brew beers that most of my BMC friends and family think are "Too heavy, too much after taste", you know like amber & brown ales, & porters.
Hold on there's some one at the door,

 

[Boy]

Some of my close friends who really like my beer will buy grain for me to brew them their own batch. I don't charge for my time, equipment, or extra tasks involved. The one catch is I usually tag a little extra on and just brew a bigger batch so I have some as well. Luckily I work at a bar and save all the usable bottles at the end of the night so I actually have too many. I really try though to get these friends to come brew with me as well though so they can see the time and effort and get stoked on the hobby and just how easy it is to do for themselves.