Bartering Communities

You need help to cut down some trees, and you know that Jack down the street has a chainsaw and could do the job, but... you don’t have any extra money to pay Jack. Then you remember that Jack loves your fresh free-range chicken eggs, so you set out to strike a deal. You offer Jack a dozen eggs for a week for three months if he will take care of your trees. It’s a deal!! Sally bakes the best bread in town and regularly trades her bread for babysitting hours with a nearby neighbor so that she can go to the store each week for supplies. Both of these transactions are examples of bartering, an ancient practice that is making a strong comeback these days.

Bartering is Back

Everywhere across our country, there are people who are rediscovering the amazing tool of bartering. Bartering is not a new concept but to many, a new idea. Bartering began way back in 6000 BC when goods and services including food, tea and weapons were traded. Bartering became highly successful as more and more goods, and services were introduced. Europeans had things that Americans did not have or did not have the money to purchase. Bartering was used extensively during the Great Depression when money was scarce. Bartering is being seen today, by many, as the new way to do business in light of a stressful economy.

There are several large, online barter companies in operation today as well as many citywide groups. If you want to create a more intimate group, consider forming a community barter group. Community barter groups not only help residents get goods and services that they need, but they also allow people to get to know each other. With our rush, rush culture we rarely take time to get to know our neighbors. You would be astounded at the degree of talent that is right down your street.

How to Set Up A Community Barter System

The best way to begin is to conduct a door-to-door survey to see who is interested, what goods or services they may have to offer and what they need. Of course, this information will change over time, but it provides a good place to start. The next step involves signing up member site and creating a  “Barter Board”. Most people find that the Internet is the best way to create a place where members can post both their needs and what they have to offer. There are also a number of barter software programs, which make the job of management easier. You may charge a small membership fee in order to keep the site running and manage all of the exchanges.  Some barter systems even set up their own system of local currency that members can use to trade for goods and services.

Do Your Research

It is best to do some research on existing community barter systems before presenting a model to your community. Bartering is an excellent way to keep money, goods and services in the local economy while getting to know your neighbors better!

About the Author: Susan Patterson is an advocate of local living. She writes for a number of sites dedicated to simpler living including Environmental Data Resources, Inc.

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