New Era of Barter

Dustin · Posted: Fri Aug 20, 2004 1:20 pm Post subject: New Era of Barter

We have been hearing differing plans of what so and so plans to do, where to build, what plants to grow, et cetera et cetera. My question for everyone is, what goods to people plan to have to barter?

I recognize that the economy is going to come crashing down and money is going to be worthless from hyper-inflation (similar to Russia after the collapse of the Soviet Union), however I see still the value in having goods available to trade for other goods either too PITA to make or unavailable. I think it should be apart of anyone's or any community’s plan to have trade-ables ready for the future.

1. Silver and Gold. Money use to be based off these two precious metals for their inherit value. Examine the history of these two, thier exchange rates rise and fall with inflation. Since the dawn of time, one ounce of gold has always purchased around 400 loafs of bread, its value has remained constant through depressions, recessions, booms and war. While money will be worthless in about 20 years or so, these two will remain very very valuable trade items. For an individual, buying up once coins of silver will be very affordable and convenient. I would not buy only gold, because gold is so valuable, it will be like having a 1,000 dollar bill to buy tic-tacs. Silver is of much lower value, so it would be more convenient to trade on barter markets. As the amount being invested in metals grows, gold should be included but in smaller quantities.

2. Food. This is the obvious trade item, so I will not focus too much on this one.

3. Tobacco. Tobacco is very intensive to grow, can’t be eaten, and is destroyed in its use. However, I'm sure that there will still be addicts in the future unable to get their fixes. The value will surely skyrocket and be very easy to trade. Bonus, they come sealed and can stay good for a very very long time while not opened. Buy it up now and store it away from everyone, even if you are not a smoker.

4. Matches, how many people do you know, know how to use flint and steel? I doubt there will be many Zippos around in the future because they too run off hydrocarbons.

5. Hard Alcohols. Very portable, easily stored, doesn’t go bad too quickly. I’m sure there will be people distilling their own moonshine, but imagine what people would be willing to trade for the Real McCoy.

6. Tools. The people who got the richest in the 1850's in California and Nevada never looked for gold or silver, they were the ones who sold the shovels and pick-axes.

What else should be on people's barter list? We need to get a list going so everyone knows what to stock up on to trade.

Pops · Posted: Fri Aug 20, 2004 2:29 pm Post subject:

If you had a source of pulpwood and could produce TP, you would be the master of the kingdom!

Seriously, any valuable skill is an asset that will provide dividends for a lifetime, imo. No amount of stocking up today will help when and if things get really bad years down the road, unless what you stock up on are quality tools required by your particular skill.
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Dustin · Posted: Fri Aug 20, 2004 2:47 pm Post subject:

I seriously doubt anyone will have everything they need in the case everything goes to poo. A valueable skill is definately best, no doubt that. However, I think it would be wise to have some things set aside as a rainy-day fund. Im not talking stocking-up like hoarding seveal thousand cartons of cigarettes in your basement, but having several hundred dollars worth of valueable items to barter in case, and proboly will, need them at some point.

Pops · Posted: Fri Aug 20, 2004 4:00 pm Post subject:

I know what you are getting at Dustin, I’m not arguing – much, Smile

.

The main problem I see with this type of storage is that it’s so hard to predict the progress or even the inevitability of a massive crash.

This is from the Food Storage Articles on the downloads page, the top ten of the…

100 ITEMS TO DISAPPEAR FIRST
· 1. Generators (Good ones cost dearly. Gas storage, risky. Noisy...target of thieves; maintenance ect.)
· 2. Water Filters/Purifiers
· 3. Portable Toilets
· 4. Seasoned Firewood. Wood takes about 6 - 12 months to become dried, for home uses.
· 5. Lamp Oil, Wicks, Lamps (First Choice: Buy CLEAR oil. If scarce, stockpile ANY!)
· 6. Coleman Fuel. Impossible to stockpile too much.
· 7. Guns, Ammunition, Pepper Spray, Knives, Clubs, Bats & Slingshots.
· 8. Hand-can openers, & hand egg beaters, whisks.
· 9. Honey/Syrups/white, brown sugar
· 10. Rice - Beans - Wheat

No's 2, 3, 5, some of 7 & 8 could be purchased wholesale and stored. But for example, if 10-20 years hence, I have a gross of lanterns in the basement and there are wide spread and frequent blackouts and oil of some type to burn, I’m good, otoh, if there is no affordable oil of any type to burn but there has been a massive wind power effort made and electricity is cheaper than ever; I’m stuck.

Same goes for wheat, it can easily last more than 20 years properly stored – and is a great thing to have as your own food store, but for trade – what if folks decide to quit eating much meat and grain becomes abundant and cheap?

Anyway that’s my $.02 (if its worth that).
Wink

_________________
Make a plan and work it:

Metronome · Posted: Fri Aug 20, 2004 6:30 pm Post subject:

I agree, Barter trade will play a great role in the post-oil ages.

Dustin, thank you for clearing that subject up. Smile

For some reason, I doubt any precious metals such as silver and gold will be valuable for ages upon ages... Confused

-May all beings find Happiness[/i]

born2respawn · Posted: Sat Aug 21, 2004 4:58 am Post subject: Re: New Era of Barter

RIPSmithianEconomics · Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2004 8:34 am Post subject:

A post so good it makes my skin all proprioceptive.
_________________
There'll be war, there'll be peace
But one day all things shall cease
All the iron turned to rust
All the proud men turned to dust
So all things time will mend
So this song will end

RIPSmithianEconomics · Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2004 8:37 am Post subject:

Just to point out, medicine and hand-powered tools will also be in demand. I can see most useful synthetic substances (nylons, paper, steel etc.) would be hugely valuable. Steel in particular, as it is impossible to make at home.
_________________
There'll be war, there'll be peace
But one day all things shall cease
All the iron turned to rust
All the proud men turned to dust
So all things time will mend
So this song will end

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