The Return of the Barter System

**dinah** · 10-31-2011, 09:38 AM

i can cook, crochet, sort of sew, and wrangle children.

**savvy_sniper** · 10-31-2011, 10:07 AM

Organized bartering never seems to work. I have been bartering casually for years. If someone has a skill that I am in need of I don't hesitate to ask if there is something we can work out.

A friend has killer photoshop skills. I needed a logo for my business. He developed it and made it in several sizes and variations for my needs. I helped him set up his eBay store and taught him all the ins and outs.

I tell friends and family that I am available to pick up drop off kids that miss school buses, are sick, etc. I also am available to pick up drop off at the airport, auto/motorcycle shop, etc. These people pay me cash or give me things that I need in return. Word of mouth has been awesome. There are tons of people out there that need reliable help.

I know people that want to buy things on eBay, but don't want to set up an eBay and PayPal account. They tell me what they want, I buy it, have it delivered to my house, and they come pick it up, pay me, and pay me a small fee. Sometimes it is a Harley riding friend and I buy the item and they give me a part that I need in exchange.

I always make/bake things to take to parties, get togethers, etc. People like them and often it ends up that I make something for them and in return they do something for me or pay me cash.

There are opportunities out there. You have to let people know you are interested in bartering, doing things for cash, etc. Things WILL develop over time.

Hubby repairs and builds computers, and welds. Generally he gets paid, but there are times that he works out some sort of barter/trade.

In this economy there are plenty of people that need things but don't have CASH. I always tell people I have lots more time and skills than money.

**savvy_sniper** · 10-31-2011, 10:08 AM

I am currently looking for someone to alter a bunch of Harley shirts that were given to me. I WILL ask about bartering when I find someone!

**Inkstain82** · 10-31-2011, 10:30 AM

Let's see. Barterable skills...

As long as there are kids, they will be playing sports, and their parents will want someone to write about their progeny's heroic exploits. At least I hope they'll always want that...

**krbshappy71** · 10-31-2011, 01:00 PM

Our Craig's list has a Barter section, if you haven't checked that out already. Pretty fun to peruse and see what you can help out with or what someone might have that you need.

Me, I'm cute. Need I say more? *snicker*

Kidding, just kidding!

**nodmicks** · 10-31-2011, 01:28 PM

I could totally barter hair care services. However the state of WI would take away my license and fine me up the wazoey under current law

We have a big garden, chickens and extra land. We could barter that.

**zakity** · 10-31-2011, 02:25 PM

A few friends and I have some informal bartering that goes on.

One friend has wheat berries. She had a bazillion containers of it. She doesn't need so many now because her kids are grown and so she is using up the surplus. We trade freshly ground wheat flour for homemade soap. She needs the homemade soap to keep her eczema at bay.

I have bartered soap for other things also.

DH bartered some lead for a nice leather belt.

**greekislandgirl** · 10-31-2011, 03:00 PM

Neat thread! My part of Greece isn't as badly hit as your friend in Crete, I think. We definitely don't have barter here. The currency is the same as it was, but we do have inflation.

My skills... I can teach many things (several languages, cooking, exam prep), I do editing, translating, proofreading, and ghostwriting, I can do interior decorating/design (amateur) and many of home projects. I am a fast typist (well over 100 wpm) but that doesn't seem to be very useful anymore! I have made web sites as a job but I'm not that great at it.

And of course I'm available for helping with any number of non-skilled jobs

like housesitting, dog walking, personal shopping, etc.

I've actually considered using my frugal skills to help some of the families around here who have no idea what to do to get their finances in order. Most people in Greece are seriously strapped right now.

I also am aware that my food stockpile may become valuable for barter if things take a turn for the worse here. I am actually stocking certain things with the knowledge that they may become unavailable or very, very expensive in the near future, especially foreign or less-common foods and products.

Incidentally, since you mentioned that your friend is an olive farmer, I've picked olives and pressed them into oil in Greece. It's a wonderful experience. NOTHING and I do mean NOTHING on this planet comes close to the taste of fresh homemade bread toasted on coals dipped in olive oil as it comes streaming out of the olive press. That is a powerful barter item.

**Sissy** · 11-01-2011, 10:18 AM

I love bartering! You can get some amazing things you never would've had the funds to purchase--creative things that make life fun & joyful.
It's such a shame that it's so heavily regulated here in the US. : (

Let's see... What can I do...
I can...
teach (regular reading/writing & piano)
DIY projects, reupholstery, building,
hubby has recording studio,
I give good advice

I'm trying to learn to sew (not a great endorsement there, huh?)

I can build furniture out of shipping crates, turn suitcases into pet beds & chairs, can think of a use for almost anything!

**jas** · 11-01-2011, 11:00 AM

I can bake, cook and can make stationary. I could babysit, decorate or refurbish old furniture and odds and ends like that.

I am still learning gardening and had only slight success this year. I will keep trying as it will be very valuable in the future.

Great thread by the way!!

**JustMegan79** · 11-14-2011, 09:08 PM

We have informal bartering going on around here, due to necessity and friendship. For instance: my neighbor (also friend) has a daughter that cannot drive due to epilepsy. I pick her up from the walmart twice a week where the community college transit drops her off. (less than 3 miles from my home). In turn, (I have a dog that cannot be left alone) they watch my dog Chelsea when I need them to.

Another example; dh Dad got a deer last week. He gave it to us. Our other friends (also neighbors) have a grinder and came down helped us for 3 hours to process and package the meat. We gave them half. We also gave the hide to another neighbor who tans them, and a roast to another neighbor who regularly brings us extra from when she cooks supper. We all trade...anything we have. We came home from my parents the other day and shared bulk swiss cheese, black beans, and fish fillets with our friends. In turn, they will later give us extra of what they have.

I will also help keep children, and in exchange, my dog will be watched if needed. It's like we are all in it together.

We don't keep track on paper or anything like that, but we are all friends, and it all works out. I like it this way. We, and they, have things they need and can use and it helps us all out.

**Trishagirl** · 11-14-2011, 10:26 PM

I can babysit, bake, cook,make cards, type, sew, cross-stitch, walk dogs or sit w/pets. I have a van to transport ppl where ever they want to go & pay me or dh.

**Backwoodsgirl** · 01-06-2012, 11:52 PM

I can sew, make clothing repairs, some alterations. I can quilt, make rugs, make candles, can all of my food so there will be jellies, jams, fruits, tomatoes, etc.

I will be raising chickens and rabbits again so there will be meat and eggs and feathers.

Since we are the few who have a woodstove in the area, we can cook when the power goes out.

We will be raising fish in a pond.

My roommate is a small engine mechanic, certified.

We also have wood working tools.

I also have helped people with herbal remedies over the years. Saved one woman's life, or so her doctor said later.

Will also barter herbs.

There are a lot of things to barter, but mostly it will be the things people take for granted until they don't have it any longer.

Backwoodsgirl