by michelle w. on July 8, 2013

If the world worked on a barter system, how would you fare? Would you have services to barter? Would you be successful, or would you struggle?

I thought today’s Daily Prompt was an interesting one. I actually think the world might do better with a barter system. You have something I want, I have a skill or something else that you would be willing to trade said item for. Sounds good to me. I think everyone has something to barter with. Whether it’s a skill they have, some knowledge, or a particular item. You know how to cook? Cook someone a meal for what you want. You know how to sew, knit, crochet? Make something for what you want. You know how to write excellent emails, letters, business letters? Barter your services for something that business has to offer.

The question was how I would fare if we had a barter system. I think I would fare rather well. I’ve done bartering in the past a few times and so I do have a little experience with the bartering system on a small-scale.

I have several things I’m rather good at. I can cook. I’m a really good cook and have learned in the past to cook with very few ingredients. When you don’t have much money, you learn real fast. I’m kind of like the show “Chopped” on the food network. Give me a few ingredients and I’ll cook you a meal. Just give me a bit more time than the cooks on Chopped get. 😉

I know how to type (I mean really type, as I was a secretary in my past life once) I can type 60 wpm or faster if my hands are doing ok. So I can get those letters and emails out rather quickly. I’m a good painter. I can paint you a picture to hang on your wall.

I have done painting for people for other items before. They didn’t have the money to buy what I painted, but they had something else I wanted, so we exchanged services. It worked out well for us. I’ve done this several times.

I have grown my own food and have bartered with friends and neighbors for various services or items. We have even had a small garden where several of us went in on it and we took turns weeding and watering and mulching for a share in the bounty. This can work really well if there are several of your neighbors who don’t have time for full-time garden but can spare a few hours a week.

I like bartering. You have something I need, I have something you want, we deal and it’s done without exchanging any money. Yup, I like this a lot.

Anyone wants to barter with me? Just let me know!