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In the past week I've received an offer from someone that doesn't accept pwe trades (but they didn't mention it in their message, I found it by reading their profile and asking, and they wanted transaction withdrawn).  And I've received a trade offer requesting 74 Topps and the message stating they only want very good/excellent condition 74s. 
 

Do traders just not read profiles anymore? I know to propose a transaction you have to scroll past the profile words. I've even put trading in bold to catch peoples eye. 
 

I think it's good to read profiles especially if you have certain expectations in a trade- you need to know who you're trading with. I am not ever going to ship 11 common base cards in a 5 dollar bubble mailer, but that's ok if someone has that expectation- I just am not the person but I had to do the research to find out they don't allow pwe shipments. Just seems so silly because I feel I'm pretty clear in my profile.  Any suggestions on how I could be clearer? 

No, I think you're on the right path there. That seems to be the "societal norm" for TCDB: if you feel strongly about it then put it in your profile. I certainly glance through them before sending a proposal. And I usually included a comment along the lines of "interested in a little PWE trade?" in my proposals when preferences aren't stated just so I'm upfront as well. 

From some of the offers I receive it's clear that either they didn't read my profile as I have a fairly strict minimum going each way unless cards are from any I'm focusing on, or they feel like they're the exception. There have also been those who've read my "limitations" and mention they tried to meet some parameters but were unable to - I respect those and have gone ahead and traded with them even though "my" restrictions were not met.

I'll admit my profile is lengthy and have attempted to refine it down to a shorter length, but there's information I do not wish to remove so it is what it is.

I always read the profiles if it is a person I have never traded with before - both before accepting a trade and especially before offering one. If I have traded with the person in the past, then I rarely look.

I always read the profile, no matter how lengthy. I think it's in everyone's interest to have a profile message(s) written up, as it not only states what one expects but it also provides a window into who that person is. I liken blank profile pages to trade proposals with no introductionary question or comment ... wouldn't hurt to add to the social community aspect of the site, folks. Read those profiles and get to know who you're trading with!

Thanks for all the replies and conversation :)   I have learned a lot from this site over the approx 2 years now I've been active (prior I used it as a checklist for going to card shows)   When I think of TCDB I think of PWE trading for sure! At first I thought I could only do 3 cards in a card saver and small pwe, but y'all taught me there's WAY more options for pwe shipping than just 3 cards :) and I think that is the norm on here. I know my trading would be drastically limited if I had to do bubble mailer on all trades, I couldn't afford that. 

And I have had SO much fun getting to know people on here, and learning about what their collecting goals are. I try to always aim my offers to what their profile says but always tell them to feel free to revise, I want both parties happy in a trade. And that greatly helps making an offer when the profile says hey I'm focusing on these sets right now because if I have cards from 10 sets that are on their want list, I know what to offer first so they likely don't have to spend time revising. Just like my profile, I make sure my Miguel Sano PC is up top because above all else, if someone has Sano cards those are my first priority/interest and would love to have those offered before other Twins or pc players like McGwire etc. 

Yes,  I know that a lot of people don't read them by questions they have asked during a trade that were already answered in my profile.  Rather than explain what your expectations are to each new trader,  everyone can read your profile and you can put them there.    Everyone is entitled to have things the way they want and clearly stating what you want is the best way to get it.  The profile is the place for that and traders on both side should utlize it.

I always read the profiles when receving transaction proposals. It's helpful when there are certain condition requirements or preferences. I also keep a list of condition preferences from past trades so when trading again I don't end up asking the same question twice. I'm pretty easy going, but it does drive me nuts when I get a big offer and get everything together and they change their mind or go back on what they consider acceptable condition. It saves everyone a lot of time, if preferences and condition are covered up front, either in the profile or trade comments.

I mean it does seem a little off to request 11 cards in a bubble mailer. I am in the midst of a trade right now and I read making sure that there was nothing needing to be done. I would always check the profile because you don't want someone complaining that, "MY CARDS WERENT PACKAGED RIGHT," and they never trade with you again. My profile is simple, unless I have or can afford other packaging, PWE only.

I'm pretty easy going for receiving cards, I haven't yet had anything that wasn't considered "brutal" packaging. (just no scotch or packing tape on top loaders!)

In terms of bubble mailer v. PWE, I'll send either depending on how I feel. I picked up a box of the smallest mailers from U-Line, $130 CDN is a lot up front (and a BIG box), but it works out to 26 cents each. Cutting up cereal boxes and using regular business envelopes it's likely about the same cost (even for the stamp).