How to Barter

When currency is in short supply, trading for goods (bartering) is another method by which you can secure goods. In addition to needed items, bartering can also help secure the services of another person and generate goodwill. Being prepared to barter is the first step towards a successful trade.

When determining the best items to have on hand, consider these guidelines.

LOOK FOR MEDIUM QUALITY AT LOW PRICES
Remember that goods purchased for trade are not for your own personal use. Your outlay of funds now is an investment designed to generate a high profit for you later. Don’t purchase junk, but look for good prices on good products that are in the mid-range of quality.

Tools can be found in varied quality. When trading, discounted and used items found on sale will be preferable, in contrast to the highest quality you can afford when purchasing for yourself. You won’t be able to trade junk, but you can find good bargains at flea markets, consignment shops, pawn shops, garage sales, yard sales, estate sales, and other discount stores.

SKILLFULLY REPAIRED ITEMS WORK AS WELL AS NEW
Take into account your unique skills as you invest in trade items. If you have carpentry, metalworking, leatherworking, sewing, or other skills it may be possible for you to purchase items that need repair at an even deeper discount.

ITEMS THAT ARE USEFUL FOR MORE THAN ONE PURPOSE
Look for multi-purpose items. You will have more opportunities to trade and save space in storage. Items such as duct tape, tarps, string or twine, blankets, rubber bands, buckets, basins, soap, and assorted cloth fall into this category.

MAKE YOUR OWN TRADE GOODS
Rather than stockpiling an assortment of items, consider learning a skill set that enables you to produce valuable items. A helpful skill is knowing how to manufacture ammunition. Read up on bullet swaging to learn how to do this. Foraging, candle making, soap making, masonry, pottery, sewing and metalworking are all skills that will enable you to produce products for trade.

KNOWLEDGE
Reference books on self-sufficiency are good trade items. Add entertaining fiction to your collection. Valuable literature will be that which offers both an entertaining story AND an education. Used books are just as readable as new and can be had for deep discounts.

Of course, your creative mind is your most valuable resource. Many items can be had for free by those who are able to convert useless items into useful goods. You can practice this skill now, learning to recognize opportunities. Debi Pearl’s latest book THE VISION is a story that will challenge your creative imagination. An adventure novel, it is set during a time of social, economic, and political unrest where the main characters must draw upon all they’ve learned in order to survive. Get a copy and enjoy the adventure of learning today.