Bartering Items

[dieselrealtor]

Books on food preservation?
I was thinking about canning jars & lids earlier, not the first one.

I have a friend that has taken some advanced food preservation courses.

 

[Bondhead88]

I want to hear your thoughts on stocking up on bartering items for SHTF situations--what would you think would be prudent to store for bartering?

To get this out of the way first--let's just assume you are fully stocked on ammo, food, water, emergency supplies, medicine, etc, etc, etc. And you are just looking at obtaining stuff for bartering. What items do you think would be good and why?

Ideally, the item will be durable, easily divisible and in great demand.

I have a buddy that stocks up on small bottles of liquor for this reason (he doesn't drink), envisioning that such a luxury will be a good bartering item. Also has the added benefit of being useful for medicinal purposes, I guess.

Maybe some precious metals in small amounts but I see this being useful only in a recovering economy where money becomes important again, not in the initial collapsing stages.

I've heard people planning on bartering ammo. Not a bad idea I guess, but you'd have to be very careful who you'd give this to. You wouldn't want it used against you.

I've read about war times when luxuries like lipstick, new socks, books and the like were more than worth their weight in gold. Those items don't normally get mentioned but historically, they seem to have their place.

So, how about it guys, what are you stocking up in the bartering department?

Or, if you don't think it's worth stocking up on items just to barter with, I'd like to hear those arguments too.

Just a thought if I am fully stocked and I don't need anything (I don't mean there might be something I don't want I mean need)

I am not sure I would barter anything. Bringing attention to yourself can bring some pretty major problems.

If I had to barter things it would never be ammo, food, fuel, water or meds.

I think some of the comments about toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, and so forth would be things that I may barter if things got hairy and I needed something desperatley, I would look at that.

There will be plenty of people who do not realize what they have and trade necessities for luxuries. That may be cruel but survival of my family would be my first priority.

Having said that. I think a low profile and keeping your cards as close to your chest would be the wisest thing to do.

 

[dieselrealtor]

Not drawing attention is a good idea in any kind of duress situation.

Planning to not barter anything in a crisis situation is presuming that you have planned for every possible contingency, I have no doubt that there are some that have, however most definitely will have not, myself in the latter category.

 

[ThrottleJockey]

I don't "plan" on bartering, but to plan on NOT is unwise. Something will always come up, or break that you failed to get backup for. NO one can be prepared for EVERYTHING, so it pays to be prepared for that too.

 

[hidesert]

A good reference is a book called "Live off the Land in the city and country" by Ragnar Benson. I ran across this book in the school library in 1986. Covers all of the area generally discussed and seems to hold the test of time for the most part. Bartering stock was .22 ammo and rifles.

 

[tooleman]

what he said

what he said

My thoughts and opinions on barter and trade

Never show more than necessary for a given trade. Never let on like you have more.
Only trade alcohol, weapons, and ammunition to those you know will not be a problem for you later.
Try to barter skills and knowledge rather than goods. They don’t run out.
Try to barter the information in books. Don’t let the books leave your control.
Try to barter the use of tools and equipment rather than trading them away.
Try to make trades in neutral areas or at a designated barter/trade meeting. Make sure you aren’t followed back home.
Not all the items/skills listed will be of much value early into the event. It could be three to five years or more for some of the items to become valuable.
Try to have most of your equipment and several months of consumables before you stockpile trade goods, including Precious Metals.
When it comes to PMs, unless you are wealthy, start slow. A few silver dimes & quarters at a time. When you feel it is time to get gold coins, stay with the small denominations. And remember that there will be some people that won’t trust or want them.

Some of what I'm acquiring for barter (No, I don’t have all of these items. Yet.)

Scales to get agreed upon weights of items
commercial scale (±500#)
commercial scale (±100#)
commercial scale (±10#)
commercial scale (±16oz)

small containers for measured out items (spices, meds, etc.)(really small zip-locks)

1.0 oz gold coins
0.1 oz gold coins
40 count rolls pre-1965 silver quarters
50 count rolls pre-1965 silver dimes
blank barter slips (pre-printed slips to record barter transaction – who, what, when, how much, etc.)

A large library of useful books (remember, trade the information, not the book)

200ml bottles 190 proof Everclear
smokeless tobacco
2 oz boxes tobacco
booklets cigarette papers
smoking pipes
small boxes matches
butane lighter fuel
Zippo lighter fuel
lighter flints
lighter wicks
disposable lighters
straight razors w/strop, soap, & cup
shaving soap
Q-tips

playing cards
dice

candle/oil lamp wick
Coleman lantern mantles
Crank flashlights

2 oz jars instant coffee
16 count boxes teabags
2 oz jars bouillon cubes
tubs add-water-only drink mix

1 pound boxes sugar
various spices
small containers of cooking oil
2 oz boxes salt
2 oz cans pepper
5 oz cans milk
4 oz cans cocoa
2 oz bars chocolate candy
8 oz bags hard candy (individually wrapped)

4 oz cans Vienna sausage/potted meat
12 oz cans roast beef
7 oz cans Spam (or 12oz)(or Treet)
6 oz cans tuna
10 oz cans soup (heavy on the meat types)

16 oz bags rice
16 oz bags beans/lentils

aspirin pain killer
acetaminophen pain killer
multi-vitamin
OTC reading glasses
OTC UVA/UVB resistant sunglasses
Cheap wide-brimmed straw hats

small boxes tampons/sanitary napkins
reusable sanitary napkins

reusable cotton diapers
diaper pins
plastic/poly/nylon/rubber diaper cover pants

clothes pins

wooden pencils/ink pens
small note books
legal pads

50 count bottles water purification tablets

6”-12” candles
boxes strike anywhere kitchen matches

rolls toilet paper
bars soap (Ivory, Lava, Fels Naptha laundry soap)
hair combs/brushes
disposable razors
toothbrushes
boxes baking soda
shoe and boot laces

packets safety pins
packets of sewing needles
spools of thread

mousetraps
rat traps
fly swatters

jersey gloves
cotton/leather work gloves
insulated gloves
socks

tubes silicone sealant
tubes Shoe Goo/Goop
tubes JB Weld
duct tape
mechanic’s wire
electrical tape
friction tape
rubber tape
sheet plastic
divided buckets with a variety of nails, screws, bolts, nuts, and washers
sealed cans of welding rods (6011 and/or 7018 1/8”)
variety of brazing rods
cans of brazing flux

regular canning lids
wide mouth canning lids
Tattler reusable canning lids
Tattler reusable canning lid rubber rings
P-38/P-51 can openers

6-hour cans ECOFuelXB
1-lb propane cylinders
10-lb bags charcoal briquettes

solar 12-volt battery chargers
solar AAA, AA, C, D, 9-volt battery charger
rechargeable batteries AAA, AA, C, D, 9-volt


#10 cans heirloom seeds
Coffee plant seed
Tobacco plant seed
Tea plant seed
Poppy plant seed

Biodiesel production chemicals
Soap making chemicals

500-round bricks .22 LR RF cartridges
5-round boxes .410/20 GA shells
single units M6 Scout/Savage 24F/Remington SPR-94 O/U .22 RF/.410 or 20 gauge combos


Here are some examples of Tradesman’s Tools that could be stockpiled and either used and the product/service bartered, or their USE bartered out. One wouldn’t barter away the tools that bring in the food. (Again, I don’t have all the items or skills.)
±500# scale
±100# scale
±10# scale
±16oz scale

Tailor/Seamstress tools
Sewing machine
Serger
Sewing basket (needles, thimbles, thread, measuring tape, seam ripper, scissors, shears, marking chalk, straight edge, pins, neck magnifying glass, etc.)
bolts of cloth, patterns, spare needles, pins, chalk, thread, buttons, zippers, snaps, etc)
Treadle type sewing machine (Janome 712T)
weaving looms
>1,000 watt generator


Food processing tools
Grain grinders, solar dehydrators, butchering tools, manual meat slicer, manual meat grinder, sausage stuffer, stuffing tubes, jerky shooter, meat smoker, water purifier


barbers tools
scissors, combs, hair brushes, dusting brush, broom, dust pan, chair, neck apron, razor, shaving cup, shaving soap, towels

ammunition re-loader’s tools
Dillion progressive tool w/primary caliber dies
RCBS press with common caliber dies
Bullet casting equipment
lead
black powder making tools & screens

laundry tools
Staber washing machine
laundry soap
bleach
clothes lines w/poles, stakes & clothes pins
water heater (kettle w/tripod)
water tank
12v pump & battery
drain line
James washer w/wringer
2+ washtubs
>1,000 watt generator

entertainment tools
band instruments
projection TV
TV projector
Lap-top computer
DVD disk player
VHS tape player
Chairs
Karaoke machine w/cd-g’s
Lighting system
Sound system
>1,500 watt generator
Battery bank, solar panels, and inverter
protective bullet resistant face for TV’s if used
Classic books for storyteller to read

home canning equipment & supplies
firewood cutting tools
knife/edged tool sharpening tools
printer’s/newspaper publisher’s tools
butcher/meat cutter’s tools
meat processors tools (sausage, etc.)
tanner’s tools
milk processors tools (cheese, etc.)
baker’s tools & supplies
bath house/shower room tools
candle maker’s tools & supplies
gardener’s tools
mechanic’s tools
machinist’s tools - Smithy Granite 1340 Industrial Max metalworking all-in-one machine
woodworker’s tools – Smithy Supershop 220 woodworking all-in-one machine
blacksmith’s tools - Oxygen accumulator, acetylene generator
plumber’s tools
lumber making tools - portable sawmill
electrician’s tools
carpenter’s tools
roofer’s tools
stonemason’s tools
primitive building tools
cobbler/shoe maker’s tools
soap maker’s tools
brewer/wine maker’s tools
distillery tools
miller’s tools
spinner & weaver’s tools (looms)
teaching tools and supplies K-12
smelter/foundry/metal worker’s tools
sheep sheering tools
papermaking tools
rope, cordage, and net making tools
millwright’s tools
farm tools (prepare, sow, cultivate, harvest)
biodiesel equipment & supplies
wood gas generator equipment & supplies
charcoal making tools
black powder making tools
reference/do-it-yourself library (books/magazines/CD-ROMs/DVDs)(never let the media out of your control)


Here are the skill sets I think most likely to be needed. (I only have a few of them myself)

Alternative energy specialist
Ammunition re-loader
Appliance repairman
Assayer
Baker
Banker
Barber
Basket maker
Bathhouse/shower room operator
Beekeeper
Bicycle Repairman
Biodiesel maker
Blackpowder maker
Blacksmith
Botanist
Brew master
Brick maker
Bullet caster
Butcher/meat processor
Candle maker
Carpenter
Cartridge maker
Cartwright
Chandler
Charcoal burner
Cheese maker
Chemist
Chimney sweep
Cobbler/shoe maker
Coffin maker
Cook
Cooper (barrel maker)
Coppersmith
Dentist
Distiller, drinking alcohol
Distiller, fuel alcohol
Doctor
Dog trainer
Electrician
Electronics tech
EMT/Paramedic
Experienced barterer/flea market operator
Farmer
Farm hand
Farrier
Firefighter
Firewood purveyor
Fisherman
Food canner/processor
Furniture maker
Gardener
Gatherer (wild plants, useful rocks and minerals)
Glass maker
Goatherd
Goldsmith/silversmith
Gravedigger
Gunpowder maker
Gunsmith/gun maker
Handyman
Harvester/picker
Heavy equipment operator
Herbalist/mineralist
Horse trainer/wrangler
Hunter/trapper
Ice purveyor/harvester/maker
Knife maker
Knife sharpener
Knitter/crocheter
Laundress/laundry room operator
Leather worker
Librarian
Logger/forester/sawyer
Lumber maker
Machinist
Mechanic
Metal worker
Metallurgist
Midwife
Milk maid
Milk processor
Miller
Millwright
Miner
Mulcher/composter/manure collector
Net maker
Nurse
Optician (eyeglass maker)
Orchardman/arborist
Paper maker
Peace Officer
Pedi-cab driver
Pest control specialist
Pharmacist
Plumber
Postman
Pottery maker
Primitive building specialist
Printer/newspaperman
Radio Operator
Rancher
Ranch hand
Repairman
Roofer
Rope/cordage maker
Sail maker
Sailor (Boatswain)
Salt maker
Salvage specialist
Security guard
Shake/shingle maker
Sheep sheerer
Shepherd
Shipwright/boat builder
Shoemaker
Skill At Arms instructor
Small engine mechanic
Smelter/foundryman
Soap maker
Soldier
Spice purveyor
Spinner/Weaver
Stonemason/brick layer
Sugar maker
Surveyor
Tailor/seamstress
Tanner
Teacher
Thatcher
Tinker
Tire repairman
Tool & die maker
Trade maker
Trader/Wagoner
Trapper
Truck driver
Undertaker
Veterinarian
Watch/clock repairman/maker
Weaver
Welder
Well driller
Wheelwright
Winemaker
Wood gas equipment maker
Woodworker


A few skills that won’t be in high demand, but would be a good secondary skill

Artist
Bookbinder
Candy maker
Comedian
Dye maker
Entertainer
Historian
Ink maker
Judge/arbitrator
Karaoke operator
Maid
Massage therapist
Musician
Physicist
Scribe
Secretary
Storyteller
Toy & game maker


Some things I probably won’t get for barter for this reason: If there is a large die off the items will be available to pick up all sorts of places. If there isn’t one, they will still be available through normal channels.

Knives, especially ‘Cheap’ knives
Clothing
Tools (Yes, have a really good set for yourself, and possibly one to barter the use of, but keep the tools)
Cooking equipment
Fishing gear

 

[Icarry2]

If I were to speculate I would say that a group of individuals would be best to stock up on different items so that the group in general would have everything they needed and enough for others to be traded for the things they wanted.

I guess plan such that you won't have to trade or barter for things you need but rather things you want..

There is never enough and no one is completely prepared..

Just my thoughts and I don't know anything..

 

[INMIline]

What he said. Boots will be worn out and the phone books are to replace tissue paper. Dental items will be worth there weight in gold. Nobody wants their teeth pulled by their buddy with pliers

Boots, Boots, Boots, phone books, salt, vinegar start kits, dental items, hand tools... The Patriots, Surviving the Coming Collapse.

 

[grimor]

wow, I could of sworn this said bartending items. I got all excited, then I actually came in and people were talking about toilet paper and stuff...

 

[INMIline]

I'd say you're all set as well

wow, I could of sworn this said bartending items. I got all excited, then I actually came in and people were talking about toilet paper and stuff...

 

[DeadeyeChrista'sdad]

coffee coffee coffee. I saw only one of you mentioned it, Jerry D. Young, and he spoke of instant coffee in two ounce jars, and not regular coffee. His point is very valid, but I agree with some of the others who say that those little things we enjoy every day might be the things we would be willing to give a little bit more for in a shtf situation... I'm thinking that a baggie with a few ounces of coffee might be golden. Maybe I'm just a caffeine head. It's one of the few vices I allow myself, and I'm not at all sure it's as much a vice as it is a pleasant addiction...

 

[Jerry D Young]

Here is an alternative for coffee drinkers or as a trade good item:
Canned Green Coffee Beans, Costa Rican Estate Blend

But one needs the knowledge and equipment to roast, grind, and package the product for individual use or sale.

 

[6birds]

coffee coffee coffee.

Cultivated chicory is a great substitute, and can be blended with coffee for a caffeine fix.

I have a few roots planted, another year or two, we ought to have some excellent chicory to roast. Some of the good roasted chicory I've had in New Orleans is better than coffee. It also happens to be damned good for you as a food source.

 

[Miner]

salt, ammo and blankets

 

[ThrottleJockey]

salt, ammo and blankets

I agree, but my question to you is: What kind of salt and what will you do with it?

 

[Miner]

I agree, but my question to you is: What kind of salt and what will you do with it?

Any. Country Ham is great for Christmas dinner. We have been honing our skills while having some great meals. Not Perfect yet.

 

[bwframe]

coffee coffee coffee. I saw only one of you mentioned it, Jerry D. Young, and he spoke of instant coffee in two ounce jars, and not regular coffee. His point is very valid, but I agree with some of the others who say that those little things we enjoy every day might be the things we would be willing to give a little bit more for in a shtf situation... I'm thinking that a baggie with a few ounces of coffee might be golden. Maybe I'm just a caffeine head. It's one of the few vices I allow myself, and I'm not at all sure it's as much a vice as it is a pleasant addiction...

One of my favorite instructors says;

...What about prescription medications and coffee? Yes, they are the same to me...

Me too!

Going on the instruction thing;
What's a sole with a fair amount of training in shooting and self defense bring to the table for barter? Would not those who are well stocked always be in need of trustworthy security?

 

[ThrottleJockey]

Any. Country Ham is great for Christmas dinner. We have been honing our skills while having some great meals. Not Perfect yet.

Please forgive the question as I wanted to be certain you actually knew! It never ceases to amaze me how many people just think they know. Try using mineral salt with NO iodine. I buy mine at the feed store as a livestock supplement. Do you know where I can replenish my supply of KNO3 (saltpeter/potassium nitrate)? It has become nearly impossible for me to find unless I just buy the bag of mortons premixed stuff at the grocer, but that doesn't lend itself to bulk purchase or blending my own mixture very well. Am I to assume you also have a cold smoker? I'd like to talk to you about this a bit more, but don't want to further hijack this thread.

 

[oldfb]

Fyi Marlboro has been putting coupons for their tobacco snus. It is a foil sealed plastic tray looks like a skoal bandit knock off.
Got a few for our kits. They are free so ask a friend that smokes to save them for you. Then start stocking up.

 

[tyler34]

I haven't seen anyone mention shampoo, that would be a great one. we have a box full of hotel shampoos that would be perfect for bartering.