Posted: 2/28/2015 6:03:59 PM EDT
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So what are some of the better items to have on hand to barter with?
I am thinking cigarettes, alcohol, sugar, and anti-biotics are near the top of the list. Thoughts? |
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Condoms. They are like .22 ammo - small, store forever if you treat them right, low individual unit cost, but VERY high utility.
If things go that far south, in a few months women who don't want to start being Mommies again will be looking for help. And I have no problem giving it to them. 
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People seem to often say "cigarettes, booze" and similar items. Now-I agree these would be valuable to people when shit gets bad, however my personal opinion, I don't really want to do business with folks who are seeking such items.
No-this is not some holy roller judgement issue, I just suspect that if people are trading for smokes and booze, then they are either set and good to go (unlikely) or desperate. I don't want to let a desperate person know I have what they want. I would much rather have "extras" of stuff I use since I don't smoke, like TP, medical supplies, socks, personal items, etc. |
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how will you defend these "barter items" where do you plan to barter at (see above) do you have your basics covered 1st before buying 50 liters of booze or 200 rolls of tp? nunya- raw cig making supplies. we tested/tried 10+++ year old "top" brand stuff.my smoker buddy and wife commented that it just tasted "light".... |
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People seem to often say "cigarettes, booze" and similar items. Now-I agree these would be valuable to people when shit gets bad, however my personal opinion, I don't really want to do business with folks who are seeking such items. No-this is not some holy roller judgement issue, I just suspect that if people are trading for smokes and booze, then they are either set and good to go (unlikely) or desperate. I don't want to let a desperate person know I have what they want. I would much rather have "extras" of stuff I use since I don't smoke, like TP, medical supplies, socks, personal items, etc. Well said |
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Quoted: People seem to often say "cigarettes, booze" and similar items. Now-I agree these would be valuable to people when shit gets bad, however my personal opinion, I don't really want to do business with folks who are seeking such items. No-this is not some holy roller judgement issue, I just suspect that if people are trading for smokes and booze, then they are either set and good to go (unlikely) or desperate. I don't want to let a desperate person know I have what they want. I would much rather have "extras" of stuff I use since I don't smoke, like TP, medical supplies, socks, personal items, etc. I agree with this. I wouldn't trade booze, unless you have a group of armed people to back you up. Last thing you need is a bunch of drunks remembering you have the stuff they traded you and deciding to get it back. |
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Quoted: Cigarettes may not store real well. I would think flasks of whiskey, bic lighters, wipes or other stuff that for the most part don't go bad. http://www.amazon.com/BIC-MINI-LIGHTERS-ASSORTED-COLORS/dp/B00711YQN8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1425231354&sr=8-2&keywords=lighters+bic+mini |
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People seem to often say "cigarettes, booze" and similar items. Now-I agree these would be valuable to people when shit gets bad, however my personal opinion, I don't really want to do business with folks who are seeking such items. No-this is not some holy roller judgement issue, I just suspect that if people are trading for smokes and booze, then they are either set and good to go (unlikely) or desperate. I don't want to let a desperate person know I have what they want. I would much rather have "extras" of stuff I use since I don't smoke, like TP, medical supplies, socks, personal items, etc. I agree that having more of stuff you need (and others will need) is probably better than gambling on barter items. On the other hand, why do you think someone who would like a smoke will be any more desperate than someone who has no shoes or is in need of medical supplies? |
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I agree that having more of stuff you need (and others will need) is probably better than gambling on barter items. On the other hand, why do you think someone who would like a smoke will be any more desperate than someone who has no shoes or is in need of medical supplies? Quoted:
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People seem to often say "cigarettes, booze" and similar items. Now-I agree these would be valuable to people when shit gets bad, however my personal opinion, I don't really want to do business with folks who are seeking such items. No-this is not some holy roller judgement issue, I just suspect that if people are trading for smokes and booze, then they are either set and good to go (unlikely) or desperate. I don't want to let a desperate person know I have what they want. I would much rather have "extras" of stuff I use since I don't smoke, like TP, medical supplies, socks, personal items, etc. I agree that having more of stuff you need (and others will need) is probably better than gambling on barter items. On the other hand, why do you think someone who would like a smoke will be any more desperate than someone who has no shoes or is in need of medical supplies? It's also a matter of granularity and portability. You could trade a single cigarette for something, or 5, or a pack, or a carton. You can't really split up a pair of shoes. That being said, I agree that stocking up on items *solely* for trade isn't as good a strategy as buying lots of stuff you already use. Regarding my condom example, I actually use non-lubricated condoms, so if I order a gross, it's not like they will go to waste as long as I don't expose them to temperature extremes. I'll trade a Prepper's Dozen, which is 11 - it started out as a dozen, but one gets used in the negotiation process. 
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Quoted: I worked on some of the relief efforts for Tuscaloosa tornado disaster a few years ago. Know what everyone wanted besides food and water? Toiletries. Shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes...... Amazing I snag all the travel size stuff from hotel stays. I have A LOT of little bottles and bars of the basics. |
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The irony of it all is that by the time conditions have degraded so much that people are bartering smokes, booze and canned food, the thing you really would have wanted to have is cash, gold and money in an off shore account along with a passport to get the hell out of there, leaving behind all these barter times.
Best barter item though? Food. The kind you already stock to eat yourself anyway. At the same time if everything goes to hell food will sure be on demand among the poor souls trapped there. FerFAL |
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The irony of it all is that by the time conditions have degraded so much that people are bartering smokes, booze and canned food, the thing you really would have wanted to have is cash, gold and money in an off shore account along with a passport to get the hell out of there, leaving behind all these barter times. Best barter item though? Food. The kind you already stock to eat yourself anyway. At the same time if everything goes to hell food will sure be on demand among the poor souls trapped there. FerFAL That's true as long as its better where you plan to bail to and that you can get there. I know for a fact that whiskey is a good barter item because I've used it as such during the big eastern blackout a few years ago. Half a bottle got me into a pool party with girls and plenty of food. Steaks and bikinis beats ramen any day. 
Not every situation requiring preps is TEOTWAWKI. |
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That's true as long as its better where you plan to bail to and that you can get there. I know for a fact that whiskey is a good barter item because I've used it as such during the big eastern blackout a few years ago. Half a bottle got me into a pool party with girls and plenty of food. Steaks and bikinis beats ramen any day.
Not every situation requiring preps is TEOTWAWKI. Quoted:
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The irony of it all is that by the time conditions have degraded so much that people are bartering smokes, booze and canned food, the thing you really would have wanted to have is cash, gold and money in an off shore account along with a passport to get the hell out of there, leaving behind all these barter times. Best barter item though? Food. The kind you already stock to eat yourself anyway. At the same time if everything goes to hell food will sure be on demand among the poor souls trapped there. FerFAL That's true as long as its better where you plan to bail to and that you can get there. I know for a fact that whiskey is a good barter item because I've used it as such during the big eastern blackout a few years ago. Half a bottle got me into a pool party with girls and plenty of food. Steaks and bikinis beats ramen any day.
Not every situation requiring preps is TEOTWAWKI. Very true....but gold /cash Ans pass port can get you a good vacation away from the peasants and their shtf..... But bikinis and steaks...sounds right....:) Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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Very true....but gold /cash Ans pass port can get you a good vacation away from the peasants and their shtf..... But bikinis and steaks...sounds right....:) Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile Quoted:
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The irony of it all is that by the time conditions have degraded so much that people are bartering smokes, booze and canned food, the thing you really would have wanted to have is cash, gold and money in an off shore account along with a passport to get the hell out of there, leaving behind all these barter times. Best barter item though? Food. The kind you already stock to eat yourself anyway. At the same time if everything goes to hell food will sure be on demand among the poor souls trapped there. FerFAL That's true as long as its better where you plan to bail to and that you can get there. I know for a fact that whiskey is a good barter item because I've used it as such during the big eastern blackout a few years ago. Half a bottle got me into a pool party with girls and plenty of food. Steaks and bikinis beats ramen any day.
Not every situation requiring preps is TEOTWAWKI. Very true....but gold /cash Ans pass port can get you a good vacation away from the peasants and their shtf..... But bikinis and steaks...sounds right....:) Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile Get both.
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I agree that having more of stuff you need (and others will need) is probably better than gambling on barter items. On the other hand, why do you think someone who would like a smoke will be any more desperate than someone who has no shoes or is in need of medical supplies? Quoted:
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People seem to often say "cigarettes, booze" and similar items. Now-I agree these would be valuable to people when shit gets bad, however my personal opinion, I don't really want to do business with folks who are seeking such items. No-this is not some holy roller judgement issue, I just suspect that if people are trading for smokes and booze, then they are either set and good to go (unlikely) or desperate. I don't want to let a desperate person know I have what they want. I would much rather have "extras" of stuff I use since I don't smoke, like TP, medical supplies, socks, personal items, etc. I agree that having more of stuff you need (and others will need) is probably better than gambling on barter items. On the other hand, why do you think someone who would like a smoke will be any more desperate than someone who has no shoes or is in need of medical supplies? Shoes and medical supplies are universal and valuable to me so I have no issue having them. Cigarettes are not at all and though I GREATLY ENJOY my bourbon, I will survive without it. Someone wanting medical supplies, shoes, etc maybe equally desperate and willing to do something dumb, but the difference is you trade for a pair of shoes and medical essentials and that person is not immediately or shortly there after- desperate for a re-supply. |
| I would say ammo, items to start a fire (lighters, matches,Etc..), food, clean water (clean water supplies), heirloom seeds, how to books, and medical supplies. I would not advertise items for bartering or set up some sort of shop. I would only take a few things that I knew I could go without and trade as needed at some other trade post. Making yourself average or below will reduce the risk other wanting to rob you or come after what you have worked long and hard to acquire. Learning a trade would be best IMO. Being skilled at small engine repair, welding, medical training, electrician, or even horticulture will probably keep you safer in your community and make you an asset worth protecting. These are skills anyone can pick up at a Jr. college for cheap considering the will last you a lifetime and they can be passed down to others. |
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I would say ammo, items to start a fire (lighters, matches,Etc..), food, clean water (clean water supplies), heirloom seeds, how to books, and medical supplies. I would not advertise items for bartering or set up some sort of shop. I would only take a few things that I knew I could go without and trade as needed at some other trade post. Making yourself average or below will reduce the risk other wanting to rob you or come after what you have worked long and hard to acquire. Learning a trade would be best IMO. Being skilled at small engine repair, welding, medical training, electrician, or even horticulture will probably keep you safer in your community and make you an asset worth protecting. These are skills anyone can pick up at a Jr. college for cheap considering the will last you a lifetime and they can be passed down to others. Good point trading on training. So many think "I have a firearm I could do security" but so will everyone else. Having medical training, canning, skinning, game processing, off the grid sanitation and such will be far more important. |
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Good point trading on training. So many think "I have a firearm I could do security" but so will everyone else. Having medical training, canning, skinning, game processing, off the grid sanitation and such will be far more important. Quoted:
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I would say ammo, items to start a fire (lighters, matches,Etc..), food, clean water (clean water supplies), heirloom seeds, how to books, and medical supplies. I would not advertise items for bartering or set up some sort of shop. I would only take a few things that I knew I could go without and trade as needed at some other trade post. Making yourself average or below will reduce the risk other wanting to rob you or come after what you have worked long and hard to acquire. Learning a trade would be best IMO. Being skilled at small engine repair, welding, medical training, electrician, or even horticulture will probably keep you safer in your community and make you an asset worth protecting. These are skills anyone can pick up at a Jr. college for cheap considering the will last you a lifetime and they can be passed down to others. Good point trading on training. So many think "I have a firearm I could do security" but so will everyone else. Having medical training, canning, skinning, game processing, off the grid sanitation and such will be far more important. Great idea UofaSpyder. How many people out side of us hunters know how to process game, canning, or building a camp sanitation. These are the things that will make you a leader in your community and you can barter those skills for a much better life. The stronger your community the more you increase your life style and chances of survival. |
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I would say ammo, items to start a fire (lighters, matches,Etc..), food, clean water (clean water supplies), heirloom seeds, how to books, and medical supplies. I would not advertise items for bartering or set up some sort of shop. I would only take a few things that I knew I could go without and trade as needed at some other trade post. Making yourself average or below will reduce the risk other wanting to rob you or come after what you have worked long and hard to acquire. Learning a trade would be best IMO. Being skilled at small engine repair, welding, medical training, electrician, or even horticulture will probably keep you safer in your community and make you an asset worth protecting. These are skills anyone can pick up at a Jr. college for cheap considering the will last you a lifetime and they can be passed down to others. Some products and items sure are in high demand during disasters but the idea of setting up some kind of barter town kiosk as the world falls appart around you is laughable. Given how unlikely and how much of a bad ida it is in general, you're far bette of stocking up on things you know you'll be using yourself. During large scale disasters we all know that food is a priority. You eat it anyway and it doesnt look suspicous if you trade a couple of your precious cans of food while grumbling and complaining (even if you have cases of the stuff stockpiled). There are other items that are known to be desirable that are cheap and you also use them yourself. Matches for example. They are a good item to stockpile. I bought a pile of strike anywhere matches for personal use, although I have far more than I'll ever need. Given that strikeanywhere matches are slowly dissapearing I bought extra when I could buy them cheap on the supermarket. Its also important to understand what was valuble at some point, and why that was. Ligthers during the siege of sarajevo for example. Those where on high demand. They were used for starting fires, but they were also used to move around stairways and corridors when there was no light. Flashlights were used but they werent nearly as popular because batteries were hard to find and very expesnvie (stocking up on cheap AA and AAA makes sense). So it wasnt so much the use of fire, as it was iluminating. Learning from that and bringing it to current times its not crazy to venture that buying bulk cheap LED flashlights could be a great barter item after large disaster in modern times. FerFAL |
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Quoted: Some products and items sure are in high demand during disasters but the idea of setting up some kind of barter town kiosk as the world falls appart around you is laughable. Given how unlikely and how much of a bad ida it is in general, you're far bette of stocking up on things you know you'll be using yourself. During large scale disasters we all know that food is a priority. You eat it anyway and it doesnt look suspicous if you trade a couple of your precious cans of food while grumbling and complaining (even if you have cases of the stuff stockpiled). There are other items that are known to be desirable that are cheap and you also use them yourself. Matches for example. They are a good item to stockpile. I bought a pile of strike anywhere matches for personal use, although I have far more than I'll ever need. Given that strikeanywhere matches are slowly dissapearing I bought extra when I could buy them cheap on the supermarket. Its also important to understand what was valuble at some point, and why that was. Ligthers during the siege of sarajevo for example. Those where on high demand. They were used for starting fires, but they were also used to move around stairways and corridors when there was no light. Flashlights were used but they werent nearly as popular because batteries were hard to find and very expesnvie (stocking up on cheap AA and AAA makes sense). So it wasnt so much the use of fire, as it was iluminating. Learning from that and bringing it to current times its not crazy to venture that buying bulk cheap LED flashlights could be a great barter item after large disaster in modern times. FerFAL Quoted: Quoted: I would say ammo, items to start a fire (lighters, matches,Etc..), food, clean water (clean water supplies), heirloom seeds, how to books, and medical supplies. I would not advertise items for bartering or set up some sort of shop. I would only take a few things that I knew I could go without and trade as needed at some other trade post. Making yourself average or below will reduce the risk other wanting to rob you or come after what you have worked long and hard to acquire. Learning a trade would be best IMO. Being skilled at small engine repair, welding, medical training, electrician, or even horticulture will probably keep you safer in your community and make you an asset worth protecting. These are skills anyone can pick up at a Jr. college for cheap considering the will last you a lifetime and they can be passed down to others. Some products and items sure are in high demand during disasters but the idea of setting up some kind of barter town kiosk as the world falls appart around you is laughable. Given how unlikely and how much of a bad ida it is in general, you're far bette of stocking up on things you know you'll be using yourself. During large scale disasters we all know that food is a priority. You eat it anyway and it doesnt look suspicous if you trade a couple of your precious cans of food while grumbling and complaining (even if you have cases of the stuff stockpiled). There are other items that are known to be desirable that are cheap and you also use them yourself. Matches for example. They are a good item to stockpile. I bought a pile of strike anywhere matches for personal use, although I have far more than I'll ever need. Given that strikeanywhere matches are slowly dissapearing I bought extra when I could buy them cheap on the supermarket. Its also important to understand what was valuble at some point, and why that was. Ligthers during the siege of sarajevo for example. Those where on high demand. They were used for starting fires, but they were also used to move around stairways and corridors when there was no light. Flashlights were used but they werent nearly as popular because batteries were hard to find and very expesnvie (stocking up on cheap AA and AAA makes sense). So it wasnt so much the use of fire, as it was iluminating. Learning from that and bringing it to current times its not crazy to venture that buying bulk cheap LED flashlights could be a great barter item after large disaster in modern times. FerFAL These are not bad for $1.20 http://www.countycomm.com/orngled.html |
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THIS. LAST thing I want is desperate people knowing I have stuff. Stuff that THEY want. Hell, I don't even want folks knowing I exist. Quoted:
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how will you defend these "barter items" THIS. LAST thing I want is desperate people knowing I have stuff. Stuff that THEY want. Hell, I don't even want folks knowing I exist. Big difference I think between say ...a dozen fresh eggs to your neighbor in trade for a bucket of fruit (we do this now) .or a service (welding per say) Vs 1 pint of vodka ...pack of 305 ultra lights ...and 50 rounds of 22 in trade for three chickens..and a rabbit post event. If the event is that bad that your trading goods or skills...there's a gonna be tons of security issues. Barter town ..much? LOL But it doesn't hurt to have extra...and have the skills...not everyday is a post apocalypse wonderland where on the second Saturdays each month...everyone meets at the old drive in to trade goats for booze or bullets for tampons.. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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It's like looking at the face of God... |
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Shoes and medical supplies are universal and valuable to me so I have no issue having them. Cigarettes are not at all and though I GREATLY ENJOY my bourbon, I will survive without it. Someone wanting medical supplies, shoes, etc maybe equally desperate and willing to do something dumb, but the difference is you trade for a pair of shoes and medical essentials and that person is not immediately or shortly there after- desperate for a re-supply. Quoted:
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People seem to often say "cigarettes, booze" and similar items. Now-I agree these would be valuable to people when shit gets bad, however my personal opinion, I don't really want to do business with folks who are seeking such items. No-this is not some holy roller judgement issue, I just suspect that if people are trading for smokes and booze, then they are either set and good to go (unlikely) or desperate. I don't want to let a desperate person know I have what they want. I would much rather have "extras" of stuff I use since I don't smoke, like TP, medical supplies, socks, personal items, etc. I agree that having more of stuff you need (and others will need) is probably better than gambling on barter items. On the other hand, why do you think someone who would like a smoke will be any more desperate than someone who has no shoes or is in need of medical supplies? Shoes and medical supplies are universal and valuable to me so I have no issue having them. Cigarettes are not at all and though I GREATLY ENJOY my bourbon, I will survive without it. Someone wanting medical supplies, shoes, etc maybe equally desperate and willing to do something dumb, but the difference is you trade for a pair of shoes and medical essentials and that person is not immediately or shortly there after- desperate for a re-supply. I'm in agreement 100% about stocking the stuff you need. I disagree that trading alcohol or cigarettes is somehow more dangerous than trading food, medicine, or other supplies. A bottle of booze or a pack of smokes will last a lot longer than an MRE and depending on the situation, the same might apply to medical supplies. I was able to quit smoking easily. Weaning myself off of food and water has been a lot more difficult. 
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Stuff...
Matches, ferro rods, lighters, batteries, cheap flash lights, sail needles, p38 can openers, minor first aid supplies, tape, glue. I don't keep any of that stuff in any serious quantity, but enough for myself, and some extra to trade should any disaster go longer then the average person it prepped for. I think its important to note that all the stuff I have a bit extra of is all stuff I will also use on my own, should I never encounter a SHTF scenario that would have me trading. I have my basics covered, so while trading or barter isn't my plan, I think of it as an option. Another important thing is skill. I can sharpen blades with a stone and a strop, I can sharpen axes, I can fix small motors, and large motors if I have the parts, I can do electrical work, plumbing work, I can do limited fabrication and construction. I know how to change a tire with a hammer and a few pry bars. I can cob together electronics if they are salvageable. I can do minor gunsmith, and repair. I can reload bullets I can hunt, and fish, I can butcher an animal in the field, I can also tan its hide. Skills are # 1. Stuff is #2. Just my 2c. |
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It's also a matter of granularity and portability. You could trade a single cigarette for something, or 5, or a pack, or a carton. You can't really split up a pair of shoes. That being said, I agree that stocking up on items *solely* for trade isn't as good a strategy as buying lots of stuff you already use. Regarding my condom example, I actually use non-lubricated condoms, so if I order a gross, it's not like they will go to waste as long as I don't expose them to temperature extremes. I'll trade a Prepper's Dozen, which is 11 - it started out as a dozen, but one gets used in the negotiation process. Quoted:
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People seem to often say "cigarettes, booze" and similar items. Now-I agree these would be valuable to people when shit gets bad, however my personal opinion, I don't really want to do business with folks who are seeking such items. No-this is not some holy roller judgement issue, I just suspect that if people are trading for smokes and booze, then they are either set and good to go (unlikely) or desperate. I don't want to let a desperate person know I have what they want. I would much rather have "extras" of stuff I use since I don't smoke, like TP, medical supplies, socks, personal items, etc. I agree that having more of stuff you need (and others will need) is probably better than gambling on barter items. On the other hand, why do you think someone who would like a smoke will be any more desperate than someone who has no shoes or is in need of medical supplies? It's also a matter of granularity and portability. You could trade a single cigarette for something, or 5, or a pack, or a carton. You can't really split up a pair of shoes. That being said, I agree that stocking up on items *solely* for trade isn't as good a strategy as buying lots of stuff you already use. Regarding my condom example, I actually use non-lubricated condoms, so if I order a gross, it's not like they will go to waste as long as I don't expose them to temperature extremes. I'll trade a Prepper's Dozen, which is 11 - it started out as a dozen, but one gets used in the negotiation process. I saw what you did there and I hope it wasn't to a male... 
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lighters
razors smokes booze cordage safey pins cheap knives gold silver needles / thread Consider items that are renewable. For example, lots of people will have a knife. Being able to sharpen it takes just a little skill and a few diamond stones that will last forever. How about a solar charger to charge up AA batteries? Solar energy is free past the initial set. Fixing shoes is another example. Having the ability to fill lighters from a larger rank gives you another advantage. |