For those anticipating a complete breakdown of the economy, “bartering” is something that should be planned. Before diving into the list I’ll mention a couple things that generally stir up controversy.
First – the bartering of firearms and ammunition generally creates a huge argument. Why? The thought behind this is you’ll trade a firearm and/or ammunition and the recipient will turn it around and use it to take all your stuff. Sure – it’s possible. It’s also possible that the trade could be conducted safely and with minimal risk.
Second – the bartering of food creates almost as much craziness and the previous. Some people scoff at the idea of bartering food as they believe that you’re trading away your very salvation. I totally disagree as you would not and should not conduct the trade unless there were sufficient stores of food which to do so safely.
Third – discussions on silver and gold as barter items create enemies as opinions from most fall on either end of the YES/NO spectrum. I’m avoiding that here – and would appreciate it if you would as well.
On to the list:
Top 12 Barter Items To Stock Up On Now
1. SPAM – Available in numerous flavorings and packed with valuable protein. There is little doubt it would be highly desired in any kind of a food shortage. It is pre-packaged in smaller, tradable quantities.
2. Toilet Paper – explanation not needed.
3. Candles – Candles provide those in need with light, fire, and warmth. While very inexpensive now the demand and corresponding value in more desperate times will rise dramatically.
4. Alcohol – While some may find the inclusion of drinkable alcohol morally wrong it remains a fact that a shortage of supply will increase its value.
5. Flashlight & Batteries – Grid down the night will be…well…very dark. There are very inexpensive LED flashlights that run on a single AA alkaline battery. Perfect for bartering.
6. Matches – Matches packed in 32 count boxes will be worth their weight in gold. Small in size these boxes may be a form of currency at some point.
7. First Aid Supplies – Triple antibiotic ointment, band-aids, antibiotics, etc. will be very valuable. Purchasing multiples of small general purpose first aid kits would be an excellent pre-packaged barter item. Cough/multi-symptom flu medicine during seasonal sickness times extremely valuable.
8. Cordage – A variety of cordage from twine to rope would be beneficial. If I had to choose one type it would be para-cord due to its cost and strength.
9. Bar Soap – Bar soap goes a long way and does a great job cleaning the body. Extremely inexpensive combined with a great shelf life soap is a fantastic barter item.
10. Feminine Hygiene Products – ’nuff said.
11. Water Filters – Individual water filters such as the LifeStraw and Sawyer Mini Water Filter will be extremely valuable should clean running water cease. Larger family-size filters such as the Big Berkey and the LifeStraw Family.
12. Hard Candy – Something so simple will have high demand on the barter market. What an incredible treat to have – or get for someone you love – when it is no longer manufactured.
While this list suggests these 12 items as high-value bartering tools they are not alone. There are countless valuable items that could take the place of any of those listed above.
What other items would you suggest?
If we are down to bartering, TS has truly HTF. That said, those are good ideas. Off top of my head, might add duct tape.
I think it won’t be items but skills that will be worth more, sure the booze, hygienic items and bullets will be popular but I’m just amazed how few people can do basic carpentry or repairs.
So then it stands to reason, based on that comment, that basic tools should be on the list too.
I can think of a few things that might come in handy as barter items in a grid-down/SHTF scenario, but I think one that is far and away something that most people don’t think about is: books. Not only books for general entertainment and knowledge, but also how-to type books and historical reference books (i.e. the type of books that teach you how things were done to survive in a bygone era).
Every time I pass the load of board games, etc. in the attic, I think I need to get rid of those with just my husband and me here…then I think, nope. May come in handy if disaster happens.
Cards are also a great form of entertainment as are dice. I have over 50 books on a shelf I keep full also.
Have rules for card games and dice games printed and ready for use.
OOps–that’s over 150 books, not 50.
I read a lot and give those away and re-stock at yard sales and flea markets.
But parents need to stock children’s books…there will be a need and maybe a community library established…see–I made myself a job there!!!
Books and clothing. People will need sturdy jeans (not those lycra-blend things filling the market these days) and socks, and eventually someone will realize that the children still need to be educated.
Yes, I keep my supply of text books. Only a teacher needs a copy, students can follow easily.
It’s not that I think alcohol is “morally” wrong, it isn’t. The problem with alcohol is that you’ll be dealing with people who are desperate to get their “fix”. That would put you in a dangerous situation.
There are plenty of barter items that don’t have this liability.
I’ve heard this this before and I completely disagree. People say the same about ammo. Is a starving person any more or less dangerous than someone who wants some wine with dinner or simply enjoys the taste of a few beers or a sip of booze? If someone is going to try to jack you for what you have, they are going to try. Period. You have to be cognizant of the situation and be prepared. Someone may also be prepared to give you WAY more in trade than they should for that “fix”.
Sugar and salt, spices, canning supplies, heirloom seeds, razors, combs, brushes, dental floss, toothpaste, etc.
I also thought if the power grid is down and no refrigeration is available that individual packets of ketchup, mustard, relish, and mayonnaise would be good. You wouldn’t need to open a big container of something that would go bad without refrigeration.
Good idea Ben.
Great idea Ben Thanks.Lightning
for a couple of years now I have been bartering my Produce and Skills .. Trading one thing of value for another is about perception of value. For instance I woudl not give you a nickle for a set of Nike Airs, but in some areas you can get killed for them. Several things there about values. What I am saying is that it’s an acquired skill. While you don’t want to cheat anyone, you don’t want to give anymore than you absolutely must to complete the transaction. Learning how to trade/barter is of good value.
i started in a local group that posted that they would have a blanket trading party (goes by many names). The idea is that you all bring things to trade for and with. Everyone sits around a spread blanket in a circle or something. You could as easily sit around the fire. The organizer starts but putting out an item they wish to trade with.
Usually a story goes along with the item, or a describing how it was used, or acquired. If it is a food how it tastes and what is in it. If seeds then what they look like, how they grow etc. You get the idea. When a trade is made or after some time and no offers, you move around the circle to next person and item. Guns, canning supplies, anything at all.
you get little chunks of education. Some ethnic and cultural learning as well as history. All kinds of things. if you are relaxing, the more relaxed you get the more gets shared sometimes.. so be careful 🙂
The skill is developed in the story and how to gradually reveal value. As well learning how to say no to offers the first or second time. And maybe coming back to it after a while. It really gets fun with multiple offers for the same item. Trade fairly and do not get offended and seo else’s ideas of value of your precious items, and you’ll have fun.
advice.. take everything .. don’t bring it all out at once.. keep some stuff in the car as a rabbit out of a hat. there are side deals, get together late deals for stuff like farm equipment or animals. And honestly watch your personal security as well. as you relax be careful not to over share… You’d be amazed at what you learn.
The idea is that barter isn’t all about stuff, but the skill to trade as well.
Just a thought.. for those upcoming fall firepit gatherings.
GG58
eazy additional listing item – plastic sheeting – everything and anything made from plastic sheeting ….
if you can’t afford anything else – start saving those freebie poly retail check out bags – literally a million freaking uses …
Tarps—-a must when the roof leaks. Zillion uses and great reusable item to have and trade.
Coffee and Tea! I know my wife would trade me for some sweet tea when she hasn’t had any for a day or two!
A true list of barter items would be… everything. As an example, even electrical/electronic stuff after an EMP that is trash to most people, would still be valuable to the person who has solar, hydro, generator, or some other power available. An underappreciated item is cookware. I’ve read several accounts of people who lived off in the wilderness, away from all civilization, for 30 to 40 years and the thing that brought them back was that their pots and pans wore through. I guess the best advice is not to throw anything out, at least as much as possible. Junk is still raw materials.
Cigarettes/cigars,lighters,knifes,axes,saws,hammers,nails,salt,pepper,
The list could go on forever.
Salt and fats/oils…one may be able to grow herbs/spices to add flavor to plain tasting food but the body’s need for salt and fats is unappreciated in this day and age. Even with optimal functioning body, mind and spirit, living in an unaccustomed way will tax one beyond imagination. Just one of those three things dragging you down will quickly unravel the hardest working and able individual.
tools-especially gardening tools and medical supplies . Lightning
Exc. advice joyce. .I would add vitamins and minerals. Lightning
I have read that our Native American brothers and sisters had the good common sense
to refrain from any fighting in the areas where they collected salt and minerals.They knew everyone needed these to survive. How wise !!! Lightning
Read the book “Alas Babylon”
I have. Great book thought of it with the evacuation of Florida. One of the things I remembered the most was not to get stuff that will have to be refrigerated.
COFFEE. SUGAR.
Cigarettes. Smokers will trade anything for a pack.
Very true Mary.
you talk about skills vaguely. I have found that having tools and the skills to use them combined with bartering the use of other peoples materials or “scraps” is very valuable. they have the materials but don’t have the skills or imagination to use them to create windmills, water pumps, wood gassifiers, generators etc. a resourceful person can use other peoples materials to make some thing they need in exchange for more materials to make something else for self use or barter. the more tools (self made or otherwise) the better
Ammo? The “NUMBER 1” bartering commodity throughout history… And somehow you completely missed it! :/
Did I miss it Survival Dan? Might want to review the entire article.