Survival Skills # 28 How to Barter Goods and Services

Survival Skills # 28
How to Barter Goods and Services


Step 1
Figure out what goods or services you might have to trade. Even things you take for granted, others may want. Are you good at fixing cars? Do you have a lot of old books lying around? Find something to offer to others.
Step 2
Research what you've decided to offer for barter to find the monetary value. Monetary value is extremely important in bartering so that each party gets a fair deal. Do not inflate the value of your goods or services, or no one will want to barter with you. The old books you have lying around are not the value of the same number of brand-new books.
Step 3
Find others to barter goods and services with. Craigslist has an excellent area for barter with local people and businesses. SwapAce.com is another good, international bartering site. When listing your goods or services for barter, be sure to be specific so that all parties involved have a clear understanding of what is being traded.
Step 4
Barter. Don't be afraid to ask to trade. You never know what someone may want in exchange for something else. It never hurts to ask, as long as you are respectful and are fully aware of the monetary value of both items or services up for barter. If you are unsure what the other party considers the monetary value for the goods or services they have for barter, ask. Don't be insulting- usually in bartering, insults come from ignorance of the monetary value of what is to be traded.
Step 5
Make a list of items you have to trade and make a list of items you need. Start to look for your items in the paper, on-line and talk to people.

Things You'll Need:
Goods or services to trade
Goods or services wanted
Internet connection
Network of People