07/27/2021 / By Virgilio Marin
Barter is the exchange of goods or services of equal value without the use of money. It was nearly forgotten until the Wuhan coronavirus pandemic struck last year and revived bartering. Driven by panic, many people stockpiled essential items like diapers and used their excess supplies to trade them for things such as spaghetti.
In the event of economic collapse, bartering will be an essential skill that preppers must master to secure their family’s needs. Here are some things to keep in mind to barter effectively after SHTF: (h/t to UrbanSurvivalSite.com)
Scarcity often defines value in a barter economy. In an SHTF scenario, certain items such as prescription medicine will be scarce and therefore increase in value. Only commodities of equal worth can be traded for such items. Offering a shovel for an ax may be a fair transaction but offering four dozen eggs may not succeed.
But if someone who really likes eggs hasn’t eaten them for a year, then trading four dozens of them may just work. Value is also highly subjective. While everyone needs everyday basics such as food and water, different people also have different needs. For example, women might perceive tampons to be more valuable than bullets while men hunkering down by themselves might prioritize the latter.
When bartering, you’ll need to choose wisely who you’re going to barter with and what you’re going to exchange with them. If you have a significant stockpile of tampons, then it makes sense to trade with women in order to get the most out of the transaction. The more important a commodity is to a person, the more that person is willing to swap something extremely valuable in return. (Related: Why you should learn to barter for when SHTF.)
Check out some of the best barter items to stockpile before SHTF:
You can also barter items that you make yourself, such as homegrown produce or baked goods. If you have a unique skill, you can also trade your labor for things or another person’s labor. If you’re an accomplished timber-frame carpenter or a professional blacksmith, then you may find people in your area open to bartering. But like tangible goods, the value of labor also rests upon scarcity. The more specialized your skills are, the better your chances of a successful transaction.
Here are a few tips to barter effectively:
Bartering is an important survival skill that allows you to secure things such as food and water in the event of economic collapse. Hone your bartering skill by practicing and stockpiling items of value.
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