GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR BARTERING

If you find yourself without access to currency, bartering is a method by which you may secure items in trade. Bartering can also be used to generate goodwill and secure services from others. Being prepared to barter is the first step towards a successful trade.

As you consider which items you may wish to collect, here are some guidelines that I think may be helpful.

TRADE ITEMS ARE AN INVESTMENT
Remember that goods purchased for trade are not for your own personal use. Trade items are an investment designed to get you a good return – a maximum profit. This means you want to purchase bargain items, but not junk.

An example of this may be tools. For your own personal use, you want the best tools you can afford, but for trade, a discounted or used item will do just fine. 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.

IN A PINCH REFURBISHED IS AS GOOD 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.

MULTIPLE USE ITEMS
Consider investing in items that have multiple uses. This will save storage space and increase your opportunities to trade. Items such as duct tape, tarps, string or twine, blankets, rubber bands, buckets, basins, soap, and assorted cloth fall into this category.

PRODUCE MATERIALS FOR BARTER
Rather than stockpiling an assortment of items, consider learning a skill set that enables you to produce valuable items. The ability to create your own ammunition is a valuable skill. For further information on the tools required for this you should research bullet swaging. Skills in metalworking, sewing, pottery, masonry, soap making, candle making and foraging will be beneficial for bartering as well as for your own personal use.

INFORMATION
Select books which will serve as a resource for those looking for ways to become self-sufficient. Consider books that provide individuals with entertaining ways to pass the time. Valuable literature will be that which offers both an entertaining story AND an education. Shop for used books offered at a discount.

Of course, your creative mind is your most valuable resource. The ability to use something and then refit that item for other uses will serve you well. These things can be practiced now, training your brain to spot opportunities. THE VISION by best-selling author Debi Pearl is one of those books which will help spur your creative juices. 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 your copy today and consider the possibilities.