[Pawiscoming]

trading stock

I have posted this on a number of boards in the past and with each post it has evolved into this.

Some of the things that would be good trading stock to have on hand when the SHTF may be. Remember do your trading some where other the your home base and make sure you are not followed home.

The list is expanded and explained below it.

Books on herb uses.
Books on how to survive
Booze

Canning jars and lids
Cigarettes
Chickens, Rooster and eggs
Condoms.

Disposable/cloth diapers
Female hygiene products
Kaidangku - crotchless pants like is/was used in China on babies
Diapers
Cloth to make diapers and Diaper covers
Plastic/vinyl/nylon pants
Diaper covers
Baby underpants
Baby/children’s clothing

Harmonicas and other small easy to carry musical things.

Cheep knives -including snap blade knives

Pet supplies, wormers, flea killer, and food

Pure lead

Seed for growing food Grain seeds. Wheat, barley, oats, rye, sunflower and corn. Herb seeds Culinary and medicinal.

Services making candles, milling grain, sawing lumber, repairing tires, pilot, Ect.

Tools for growing food and making shelters

Your knowledge

Wrist rockets. Very cheap now. Very handy later.

The big thing with trading stock is to have things on hand that you can live without and other can not.

So lets look at the list so far and talk about what would and would not make the best trading stock.

Brewing yeast and beer/wine making supplies- If you traded off your Brewing yeast and then others will be able to make there own beer and wine. You would be better off to make the beer and wine and trade it.

Pet supplies, wormers, flea killer, and food.- Dogs and cats are live stock AKA FOOD

Bread yeast- see brewing yeast. It would be best to make the bread and trade it.

Honey- only if you can replace what you trade off. In other words you have bee hives.

Ammo- If trade ammo to others the you could run the risk some day it will be used to take what you have away from you. Trade to get ammo.

Antibiotics. Antibacterial ointment. First aid supplies.- This is something that you may not be able to replace. Only trade it off if the person has something tat you need and can not get an other way.

Condoms- may not be the best time to start a baby they also have other uses.

Herb seeds- Do not trade off the seeds trade off dried herbs that you have grown with the seed then you control the supply.

Grain seeds- Do not trade off the seeds. Make bread and other foods from it and trade it off.

Wrist rockets- How about making sling shots and using them for trade stock.
Salt- only if you can replace it or trade it only for things you can not get any other way.

Chickens & egg.- Trade off the eggs not the chickens. As the numbers of roster that you have starts to increase then you can trade the extras for things that you can not get any other way. But ONLY trade off the rosters that way you control the source of eggs.

Candles. Oil for lanterns. Wick. Wax- Only if you can replace what you are trading off.

Water purification tablets- See Candles

Bleach. Laundry soap.- See Candles
Shampoo.- See Candles

Cigarettes, Booze, drugs & porn- Are all addictive and you can use that addiction to your advantage. This is something none of us need and we cane live with out but there are some that would pass up food for a smoke.

Female hygiene products- there are substitutes for this product that other may not know about. Use there ignorance against them to get a higher price. You could also make reusable products them and trade them off in our disposable society a lot of people will not understand the concept of reusable at least not a first. Here are some links for you all to look at http://www.naturallynhkids.com , http://urban-armor.org/urban-armor/products/index.html and http://lunapads.com/

disposable diapers- You do not need disposable diapers for a baby for that matter you do need diapers at all. And here are some links to back up what I am saying, http://www.natural-wisdom.com/http://www.timl.com/ipt/ , http://www.white-boucke.com/books.html and http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eliminationcommunication/ Also see-Female hygiene products.

Baby underpants - mutable layered training pants and single layered. The single layered meant to cover diapers with a diaper 0-3 months {M} will fit a baby up to 12 M, 6M -12M to 18M and 18M up to 36M

Cloth to make diapers and Diaper covers - materials like wool, cotton duck, vinyl table covers, nylon that is rubberized or has one side fused, mattress covers, upholstery and plastic sheeting

Baby/children’s clothing - A lot of the clothing sold for babies and children is brightly colored, There will be time when the ability to blend into ones surroundings, a person can be wearing the most advance cammo in the world and it will be useless if the baby they are carrying is wearing day glow orange clothing.

Cheep knives- I have been buying cheep snap off to sharpen knives for .33c each and putting them back. I do not see them as a weapon that can be used against me to get what I have.

Tools for growing food and making shelters- If you do not have a forge get or make one then you can make tools.

Seed for growing food- only trade off seeds for things that you can not get any other way. and never trade off grain seeds. You would be better off to trade off the food you grow then you would the seeds to grow it.

Pure lead- Pure lead dose not make very good bullets unless they are for muzzleloaders. Also see- Cheep knives

Your knowledge and Books on how to survive- If you can make paper you can write your own books to trade off. You could also teach classes for a price.

Any thing you know how to make that would be useful like black powder, weapons and tools- This is why you need a forge.

 

[Jerry D Young]

Same here. Old post with new additions.

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 make trades in neutral areas or a designated barter/trade meeting. Make sure you aren’t followed back home.


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)

1.0 oz gold coins
0.1 oz gold coins
40 count rolls silver quarters
50 count rolls silver dimes
blank barter slips

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

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

1 pound boxes sugar
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

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

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
P-38/P-51 can openers

1-b propane cylinders
10-lb bags charcoal briquettes

solar 12-volt battery chargers
solar AAA, AA, C, D, 9-volt battery charger
rechargeable batteries 20 each AAA, AA, C, D, 9-volt


#10 cans heirloom seeds

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, water purifier


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

ammunition reloader’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 - Shopsmith Mark V 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
paper 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
Farmer
Farm hand
Farrier
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
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

 

[Pawiscoming]

The thing is we are going to teach the survivors how to trade before they can trade with us. I can see it know “I do not care what That X-box and stack of game disks cost new I am not going to trade you 100 Lbs of food for it.”

 

[Pixelguy]

And when the economy is not devolved into this kind of barter, what will you do with all of this stock?

Same here. Old post with new additions.

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 make trades in neutral areas or a designated barter/trade meeting. Make sure you aren’t followed back home.


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)

1.0 oz gold coins
0.1 oz gold coins
40 count rolls silver quarters
50 count rolls silver dimes
blank barter slips

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

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

1 pound boxes sugar
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

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

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
P-38/P-51 can openers

1-b propane cylinders
10-lb bags charcoal briquettes

solar 12-volt battery chargers
solar AAA, AA, C, D, 9-volt battery charger
rechargeable batteries 20 each AAA, AA, C, D, 9-volt


#10 cans heirloom seeds

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, water purifier


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

ammunition reloader’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 - Shopsmith Mark V 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
paper 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
Farmer
Farm hand
Farrier
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
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

 

[Jerry D Young]

Just keep the hardware items. Rotate out and resupply the consumables myself, through my friends and family, or food banks.

 

[Pawiscoming]

I do not know about JDY’s stuff but my trade goods do not eat anything. Most of it is thing that I or someone else could use now if need be and I do use some of on a regular basis since not all of my trade goods are in the form of consumables. Just like all aspects of prepping having trade stock if a gamble I may go bust or I may hit the jackpot. When I acquire trade goods I do not pay a lot for them, most of what I have put back one can not even buy new now days. I had to go out of town the other day and I spent less then $5.00 on trade goods I bought a NIB Apple-mate 2 apple parer, corer and slicer, 3 pair of baby under pants and new alcohol burner without the lid {I have one with a lid the is almost burned out inside.} So let me ask you this, TS has HTF and you have found a bunch of apple trees. But you have to get them preserved fast what of yours will you give me to rent {I am not going to sell it to I can make more money them yes I have 3}the apple machine? If you have never used one it can prep an apple in less 3 seconds for canning. How about this it is the paw and you have a baby that is crapping all over the place I will trade you 5 pair of baby under pants, 6 cloth diapers, 2 diaper covers and 2 pee pads for 2 30 round steel AK mags? I do not have trade goods because I have everything, I have it because I do not have every thing, think about it. Just like JDY I do not have everything on my list.


JDY have you ever noticed that across the net on this kind of post it always comes down to you and me?

 

[Cool Hand]

Thinking ahead...oddball barter items?

I am looking for ideas to improve my ability to barter with folks as their services are needed. I am attempting to get more specific than gold, silver, platinum, etc.

What I am thinking is to entice someone with something that 50 other people don't have but will enable the person to be in a better position because he did business with me.

Meaning that I will have future priority over the masses.

A prime example or two:

Doctors - what trade items could I buy now that they would have a very difficult time procuring post shtf? What would be most important to them that most maybe would not think of?

The same could go for:
Dentists
Farmers
Tree Cutters
Coal Diggers
Herbalists
Chemists
Fisherman
Reloaders
ETC.

Just looking for ideas that I could get cheaply that would put me ahead of the pack barter wise. I already have the ability to provide a number of services, just looking for goods now.

Thanks

 

[GJCO]

Salt like in JERICO

 

[Matchking Man]

What will you trade for my ex-wife? She's 4'11" 280lbs with and eye patch and is comfortable in a jock strap. With that guarding your BOL she's gotta be worth something.

 

[Cool Hand]

What will you trade for my ex-wife? She's 4'11" 280lbs with and eye patch and is comfortable in a jock strap. With that guarding your BOL she's gotta be worth something.

As long as she's got a spiked collar and can rustle her own grub, then I will give you two rotten 'maters and a pickle in trade.

 

[Matchking Man]

Too much I'll throw in her mother to make the trade fair.

 

[Cool Hand]

Too much I'll throw in her mother to make the trade fair.

Don't pawn your mistakes on me man....I am looking to survive not feed a pack of hyenas.....lol

 

[Matchking Man]

LOL had to try

 

[Matchking Man]

Home brewed beer and distilled spirits.

 

[Tinfoil Hat]

I have a few odd things:

Everclear
Spices, herbs, and any form of caffeine you can store long term.
Needles, pins, safety pins, etc. If it's small and easily lost or broken but incredibly useful... it will run out in time.
Simple hand tools.
Chain, rope, bungie cords, ratchet straps.
Paired wheels. Think of all the folks looking for more efficiency than a travois.
Sharpening stones.
Razor blades.
Tarps (bulkier than I would want to store for trade, but you may have more room).

 

[Gunner65]

Not sure if these are "odd" but A few items/ things that a lot of people don’t think about for barter items are a lot of:

Food Items… You could go to the dollar store and stock up at a dollar each
Salt
Pepper
Crushed Red Pepper
Garlic powder
Minced onions
Parsley
Olive Oil
Vinegar
Basil

General… All of these items are multi-purpose, just not for fishing
Fishing Line
Steel Leader (Tyger Leader in 100 foot length, you can “tie” Tyger leader also)
Hooks
Swivels
Sun Block
Snap-lites
Netting
Whistle
Compass
Scented power bait (Fishing & land trapping)
Sharpening stone
Good pocket knife
Small binoculars (10 to 20 dollar models)
Water filter (Think what you could get for a good Katadyn system)


These may seem like stuff you may have for yourself already but these are items that if you had a little extra room would be worth a little extra items. Most of these are not “BIG” items that take a lot of space. it would be well worth it to stock up on these for trading/bartering for something you may need from someone else…

Just my two cents… There are more items but this was just a start to get you thinking in this direction…

 

[Jerry D Young]

My thoughts on the subject.

General use: scales to weigh out items, measuring containers to measure out items, small & medium cloth bags, reusable containers (return for deposit)

Doctors: sterile gloves, sterile masks, sterilizing solution

Dentists: same as doctors

Farmers: seeds

Tree cutters: chain saw chains and chain sharpeners, 2-cycle oil

Coal diggers: headlamps, batteries, battery chargers

Herbalists: glass bottles/jars (clear & opaque brown)
glass jar lids (clear & opaque brown) w/rubber gaskets
plastic jar lids
wax lid liners (for long term storage)(may substitute plastic wrap)
glass bottle stoppers
rubber bottle stoppers
Zip lock bags
cotton drawstring storage bags
net/mesh storage bags
string w/threading needle
ceramic bowls w/lids
wooden bowls/boxes w/lids
fresh water (distilled) to make infusions, teas, & pastes
beeswax to make salves (also has healing properties)
vegetable shortening or lard to make ointments & salves
vegetable oil to make plasters
mineral oil
dry clay dust to make plasters
gentle oil to make lotions
pure grain alcohol to make extracts
Rosemary oleoresin (used as an preservative)
empty gelatin capsules
cheese cloth
glass bottles/jars (clear & opaque brown)
glass jar lids (clear & opaque brown) w/rubber gaskets
plastic jar lids
wax lid liners (for long term storage)(may substitute plastic wrap)
glass bottle stoppers
rubber bottle stoppers
glass bottles (clear & opaque brown) w/eye dropper tops
ceramic bowls w/lids
wooden bowls w/lids
dusting socks w/storage boxes
mesh/net storage bags
cotton drawstring storage bags


Chemists: ?

Fishermen: hook sharpeners, fishing line, fishing nets

Reloaders: Reloading powders, primers, lead

 

[survivalistmomma]

Barter items

I was trying to think of things a doctor or anyone could use for trade, if he traded with me first for his services.

You might want to consider essential oils. You can buy them bulk and buy the small brown bottles to distribute them in. They are sometimes sold by the same companies. Make labels on your printer now, or use medical tape and a fine point sharpie later.

Clove oil works great for temporary numbing of the gums. Very proven... goggle it.

Tea Tree oil is a proven fungicide and is very refreshing and tingly when added in tiny amounts to foot baths, tooth powder, shampoos etc. *Never use any essential oil full strength* There are a variety of things that can be used as topical antibiotics, but for a fungicide, this is awesome.

Peppermint oil can be used to make candies for stomach upset, etc.

******
Vacuum pack cough drops, vitamin C drops... to keep moisture out so wrapper don't stick.

****

I have bought Breathe Easy tea. (Got mine at Meijers) This really helps ease asthmatic type allergy symptoms. (Also vacuum packing my teas.)

Mother's milk tea worked for me when I was nursing my babies. Maybe it is psychological, but if it works that way what does it matter. This would be something to have in a small amount, but valuable if needed.

Cayenne pepper to be mixed later with honey and lemon for a sore throat gargle...

(Study up on it and try these most popular remedies yourself.)

Dental floss can be used to stitch cuts, repair boot stitching, oh.... and floss teeth. : Packs of a variety of needles.

Toothbrushes. Imagine not having one of those for a while. What a luxury it would be to have one again.

Saddle soap and leather conditioner for boots, shoes, belts, holsters, tack, jackets... you name it. Also get boot laces.

Fishing hooks and line are cheap and compact to store... great if you will be bugging out near a coast, lake or river.

Super glue can save the day. My dad often uses it on cuts instead of going for stitches. I don't know how safe that is, but he is still alive.

Cheap multi packs of lighters from the dollar store with transparent cases, so they can see how much is in them. These can be used for sooo much, even a field sterilization of a needle if necessary. I am going haywire with these. If SHTF never happens, this is one thing I will use or be able to get my money back on anyway.

Tubes a store brand "K-Y Jelly." Useful in births, human or livestock. I can think of a bunch of other uses...

A HIV/AIDS/STD Prevention Specialist wrote in on another board and said condoms usually have an expiration date of 5 years after they are packaged. The trick is getting them "fresh" so you have the 5 years. If i can find a case dated right I plan to vacuum pack these in smaller quantities. They said Walgreen's and Fred Meyer have 36 pks for 50- 64 cents each. I will donate them to our county health department if the dates get within a year. They give them out free.

A box of sterile gloves would be so valuable, but watch for dates on these and storage conditions. Size is an issue.

I doubt you have to worry much about what other people "thought of" because most people won't have much of anything they can't produce themselves. Remember that whoever you are bartering with, will also be bartering with others. So even if they can't use 20 toothbrushes or lighters themselves, these are great pocket size items that will "trade well" for them. So what can you think of that people can not produce themselves but would be useful to just about anyone.

 

[lanahi]

I keep finding manual hand grain grinders cheap at yard sales. I buy most of them. I can trade for something good with one of those, I think.
Matches.
Needle and thread.
Duct tape.

BTW, survivalistmomma, even hospitals use super glue quite often now.

 

[whiskyrebellion]

a couple cartons of cigarettes could end up being worth a pretty penny in some situations. a guy goes a few days without a cig he might just give you something of superior value, survival wise.