If you haven’t money on hand, bartering for necessities can enable you to secure the items you need. Another benefit of bartering is that traded items can help you generate goodwill from others and secure needed services. In order to trade successfully, you’ll need to prepare to have items of value on hand.

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.

Tools can be found in varied quality. When purchasing for yourself, you’ll want the best tools you can afford, but when purchasing for trade, good quality at a discount price is preferable. 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.

WHEN NEEDED, REPAIRED ITEMS ARE JUST AS GOOD AS NEW
When deciding which items you’ll trade, don’t forget to consider your skills. If you know how to make simple repairs, you could purchase slightly worn items at a deep discount and refurbish them yourself.

ITEMS WITH MORE THAN ONE USE
Consider investing in items that have multiple uses. You will have more opportunities to trade and save space in storage. Blankets, buckets, twine, rubber bands, basins, assorted fabrics, soap and duct tape all 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. One valuable skill is the ability to produce ammunition. Research bullet swaging for more information on what you’ll need. 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. Add entertaining fiction to your collection. Again, multiple use items in this category would include fictional works that teach survival techniques. Used books are just as readable as new and can be had for deep discounts.

Creativity is your most valuable commodity. Re-purposing used items into useful goods is a greatly beneficial ability. The ability to perceive opportunities is a skill that can be learned now. Debi Pearl’s latest book THE VISION is a story that will challenge your creative imagination. Read this adventure novel and follow the characters through political, social and economic upheaval as they utilize their skills to deal with difficulties and danger. Get your copy today and consider the possibilities.