Bartering as a way of life
By carpediem17
@carpediem17 (1315)
Singapore
July 22, 2010 9:55pm CST
Besides paying good money to buy goods, there is an increasing global practice (a past practice in fact) of bartering where people find a mutual benefit in exchanging goods and services rather than cash. This also benefits those who are lacking in hard currency to render their goods and services. For e.g., a baker may for a cleaner's services weekly bake two cakes in exchange. No money exchanges hand.
I feel that certain communities may adopt this practice more than others, e.g. agricultural. Some benefits arising from this is being environmental friendly as excesses are moved around (that is, recycling stuff) and the fostering of a community spirit besides use of menial skills. There is definitely limitation to the process such as matching needs for wants immediately but I believe the online network helps in this.
My question is: do you find bartering workable in your community? And would you practise it in some way.
3 responses
@bluemoonpavilion (4658)
• Singapore
23 Jul 10
Boy you do post difficult topics! 
I think bartering is viable for small groups and if members of the group are conscious of the advantages of this, as you said, being environmental friendly and good use of resources.
Nowadays there are some modified versions of this bartering trade, for e.g, the exchange of books at local libraries and some public places. You drop a book you want to donate and can pick up any book you like to read in exchange. There are also some websites where you can list the things you want to give away and list of items you would like to receive in return. I thought these are both brilliant ideas!
Good topic 
I think bartering is viable for small groups and if members of the group are conscious of the advantages of this, as you said, being environmental friendly and good use of resources.
Nowadays there are some modified versions of this bartering trade, for e.g, the exchange of books at local libraries and some public places. You drop a book you want to donate and can pick up any book you like to read in exchange. There are also some websites where you can list the things you want to give away and list of items you would like to receive in return. I thought these are both brilliant ideas!
Good topic 
@bluemoonpavilion (4658)
• Singapore
23 Jul 10
Good quote that was "The taxman has plugged all the loopholes" lol 
I didn't hear about this and think it is ridiculous. I guess once anything becomes institutionalized, all these issues start coming in. It would be good to start from a personal level first.
I didn't hear about this and think it is ridiculous. I guess once anything becomes institutionalized, all these issues start coming in. It would be good to start from a personal level first.
@Madmax73 (280)
• Romania
23 Jul 10
Hmm, in my country i wouldn't think that batering woul work, because people don't like to give thing, they prefer to pay for that object rather than give one of their own for something....i like this ideea it's great , i would love to give something that i don't need anymore and it's still workable for something that i need. maybe i will be the one to improve this kind of trade in my area. cheers
@carpediem17 (1315)
• Singapore
25 Jul 10
thanks Madmax for your comments. I guess there is a need to change mindsets also for bartering to work. Check out some of the online websites and you will realise the many possibilities. cheerio.
@jayrene (2708)
• Philippines
23 Jul 10
when i was a child me and my friends have been doing this thing, it's a common word to us back then "bartering" any kind of things, school supplies, toys etc...
when we moved the place where we lived dont even know about it (the word bartering). and i was not able to continue the practice.
just this year, i've started doing it again, things that i dont use here in my house, i exchange for other things with a few people, things that they dont use that i know i can use here in my house.
i think this is a good idea, and hope that many will do the same thing.
@carpediem17 (1315)
• Singapore
23 Jul 10
Thanks for your response, jayrene. Indeed one can be surprised that one can make some trade out of almost nothing. I think once the idea catches on in one's community, it can spread very quickly.
