How to Barter with Friends and Neighbors
Original photo by Tom Rumble on Unsplash.
1. Assess needs and possessions.
You should always begin the bartering process before you’re in desperate need of an item. For example, don’t seek out butter in the middle of baking a cake. Survey what you think you may need in the near future, then take stock of what you have to trade.
2. Monitor supply chain using news reports.
During a viral outbreak, items like toilet paper and cleaning products, while available in the supply chain, may be hoarded or panic-bought, which can make them appear scarce. Other items, like yeast and surgical masks, actually may be difficult to find due to manufacturing or shipping delays. Do not trade something of high value, like a surgical mask, for something that is likely to be readily available in a few days, like paper towels.
3. Buy in bulk.
Buying in bulk is often cheaper than buying individual items and will give you more to trade.
4. Do not appear desperate.
Bartering is a process of negotiation, and it can take time. If you appear desperate (for flour, coffee, or toilet paper) people may take advantage.
5. Use effective bartering language.
Say “Hey, does anyone happen to have….?” rather than “Help! I really need…..”
6. Include pickup or delivery.
You can sweeten any offer to buy or sell (while also maintaining social distance) by offering to drop off an item you have, or pick up an item you need.
7. Offer to share the results.
If you need flour, offer to share the bread you’re baking with anyone who’s willing to trade. Alternatively, when you are able to go shopping, offer to pick up items for friends and neighbors.
8. Use your skills.
If you have a specific skill (carpentry, plumbing, car repair) you can offer a future service in exchange for a needed item.
9. Use the Web.
Sites like nextdoor.com (to communicate with neighbors you may not know personally) and Olio.com (for sharing surplus food) are helpful for locating and offering items or services. You can also create groups on Google or use social media to build smaller, closed circles of friends and neighbors for fast communication. Another site, mycoop.com, is specifically target at apartment dwellers who may not know one another.
10. Stay cool and calm.
Avoid developing a reputation as a hard bargainer, stickler for detail, or cheapskate. The barter should be (or at least appear to be) a friendly exchange, not an aggressive winner-take-all face off. Remember, we’re all in this together!