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Bartering items which hold value and could be liquidated

Reaper19 - February 13, 2021

Hello,

With people growing more nervous about the economy and potential hyper-inflation not to mention the potential for overall collapse, I’m identifying items which can be bought in large quantities for barter, but could also be re-sold/liquidated for close to the cash value should the economy stabilize or the the national/global outlook improve.   The only items I can identify are guns and ammo.   Most other large quantity prepper items are not going to be able to be easily resold for approx the same value under normal circumstance.   Thoughts?    Thank you.

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  • Comments (15)

    • 4
      Linnet - February 13, 2021

      Rechargeable Batteries. My plan to barter is to set up a small charging station. You bring in your batteries and I charge them for you. If you don’t have any, I’ll sell you some, I have hoards of them.

      I also have a hand crank sewing machine, plenty of thread and fabric with which I can offer clothing repair services.

      Canning lids, rings and the round seals for the glass lid type.

      Soap.

      The first two, really are selling my time by providing a service rather than stockpiling.

      The second two require a monetary outlay but I could use both myself later or sell them on.

    • 6
      Robert LarsonContributor - February 13, 2021

      Well if i’ve learned anything from COVID this year, it’s to stock up toilet paper. I guess people need that. 

      But on a more serious note, i’ve thought about bartering with ammo as that is something that many people will want, but I have some thoughts and concerns with that. Will they then use those guns and ammo to come after me and my preps in the coming days/nights? Will they immediately turn on me and take me out after I hand the guns to them? Will I need that ammo later to defend myself and hunt for food? 

      I think some of the items I may be more willing to barter are things like seeds which I then could grow more of. Maybe some medical supplies if I feel like I have enough. Soap is an important thing that everyone uses from cleaning their bodies or washing clothes and dishes. 

      I think storing some disposable batteries can be valuable. I have rechargeables and ways to recharge them so I won’t need the disposables as much.

    • 6
      Bob - February 13, 2021

      First, spend some more time studying your area. You do not want to have a 20 ft container of cotter pins and learn that the place will have a mandatory relocation program. 

      It’s not an “item” but too often neglected is a “service”.  Those who can repair stuff, to provide health care, …. have strong historical records as being in sturdy positions to go through Hades events, SHTF, … The construction trades, the care-givers, even river boat operators at smaller scale come out better than those just sheltering.

      Recommend get quality advice on dealing with AAE – arms, ammo and equipment – .  There are major implications involving private citizen sales.

    • 7
      RedneckContributor - February 13, 2021

      I don’t see barter as being a practice I’d partake in during the early stages of a crisis.  As a prepper, it is my job to have everything we will need to survive the first year or so.  However, once things settle down, I most certainly see barter taking hold.  I would think it might have more to do with food than any other commodity.  I’ll trade you a bushel of apples for some of your beef cow, for example.  Ammo would be another valuable item… seed another.

      I just don’t prep in a fashion where I’d want or need to resell/liquidate any of my goods.  IMO, trying to determine the good times from the bad times could be tricky.  So you think times are great and sell some of your preps and danged if another unexpected crisis hits.  Oops.  To me, as a prepper, the whole point is to have stuff so that when there is huge demand, I just smile knowing I have plenty.

    • 9
      UbiqueContributor - February 13, 2021

      Hi Reaper19,

      The biggest bartering items I have are my skill sets. They are portable and can’t be used against me. 

      In times of adversity, what you know and what you can do can keep you comfortable. I have known people who live that way on principle. For example an organic farmer, beekeeper and candle maker.

      Perhaps you could make a list of your skills sets – any and everything that you know how to do and think of your talents, knowledge and skills as a way to barter?

      • 3
        Linnet - February 14, 2021

        I’m much the same my skills would, I hope make me a valuable asset.

        My dad was a real countryman and taught his daughters some of his skills. However, I had forgotten just what I am capable of until I read Bill’s list. I can make a snare, ‘crochet’ for want of a better word, a fishing net, I can do a bit a whittling.

        One thing I would like is to teach myself is to make cordage.

      • 7
        UbiqueContributor - February 14, 2021

        Linnet, I did a search for “how to make cordage” and got a many results with video instruction and written. Some even teach how to strip the natural fibres from inside trees to use in making the rope.

        We used to reuse our baler twine and my Dad taught me the ways of braiding good rope for use on the farm. I had forgotten, but perhaps I can locate instructions for that. It was a very rewarding and relaxing craft.

      • 7
        Linnet - February 14, 2021

        I used to make haynets for the horses from Baler twine. I’ll check out utube for cordage making. It would make sense to be able to make the cordage to make something, if you see what I mean.

      • 5
        UbiqueContributor - February 14, 2021

        Yes absolutely, Linnet. I used to make halter ropes for our Jersey cows. We could make the rope in a variety of sizes/thickness.

      • 7
        Robert LarsonContributor - February 14, 2021

        There are some items that are good to know how to make like cordage, containers, and shelters, but nothing that you make will be as good as modern day rope, a stainless steel pot, and a tarp.

        So definitely learn how to make those items in case you can’t buy them, but during time of plenty (now) those survival items are plentiful and cheap and are a good thing to stock up on. 

        I think that would be incredibly cool to learn how to make your own rope. If you find a good YouTube video about it, or make some yourself, i’d love for you to share that with me.

        Just my thoughts…

        -Be Prepared-

    • 4
      Bill Masen - February 13, 2021

      Lithium AA and AAA batteries (current stocks are supoposedly good til 2040

      Alcohol

      Coloidal silver

      Precious metals

      Ammunition

      Reloading gear

      Snares

      Fishing kit

      Fishing nets

      Heritage seeds

      Hand tools

      Solar Panels

      Dry Powdered Anti biotics ( dont activate until water added)

      Sewing and Knitting kit

      Preserved Diesel

      Surgical Tools

      Dental Tools

      Medical Dressings

      Salt

      Pickeling Vinegar

      Mason Jars

      Mason Jar Seals

      Sugar for Jam making

      Pure Honey ( foot, sweetner , anti biotic)

      Bic Lighters

      Bottled / Tins  Butane / Propane

      Berky / Berkfield Filter Candles

      Yeast

      Arrows

      Arrow making supplies

      • 8
        Linnet - February 13, 2021

        Hmmmm, there’s a thing, yeast has given me an idea, sourdough starter. Another one to pop in the ideas box.

      • 7
        Bob - February 13, 2021

        Bill, real good re dental tools.

        Our biggest focus here is dental.  We have a dental trailer but no longer on my land due a new county ordnance although it’s nearby, protected and accessable.  The lab stuff is here less some RX pharma with group member who’s a retired DDS.

        I took 2 emergency field dental courses overseas.  My multitool, not by coincidence is a Leatherman Crunch model.  It’s a vice grip with a couple of other gadgets.

        Flexibility is crucial to us and if a water evac required, we load the dental tools into the inflatable.

      • 6
        Robert LarsonContributor - February 14, 2021

        Great list Bill. I can definitely see those items being very valuable when not available.

    • 1
      lonewolf - August 24, 2021

      Bartering will only be possible after a minor or short term event.

      a long term/permanent event is a different “kettle of fish” and bartering wont be possible OR SAFE for many decades afterwards.

      in a major catastrophe just finding another survivor never mind bartering could be near impossible the death toll could be so great.

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