lundi 16 février 2015

Swap Or Trade It For Fun And Profit

By Beryl Dalton


Another man's trash may be another man's treasure, but it's also true that things that are perfectly good may simply no longer be needed. That does't mean that others don't need it just as much as you once did. When you have such an item, swap or trade it for something you need now. This kind of transaction can be a lot more satisfying than discarding or donating still-usable stuff and buying more for cash.

For instance, fresh home-raised eggs are a valuable commodity. Especially if they are allowed free range, hens may produce more eggs than your family needs at certain times of the year. Selling eggs for cash can help pay for the feed that laying hens require, but this 'hen-fruit' can also be used for barter. A dozen free-range eggs are worth up to four dollars a dozen at farmer's markets everywhere.

Maybe you admire a neighbor's perennial borders, full of color from early spring to the end of fall. Think about offering to barter eggs for bulbs, root divisions, or bushes from that garden instead of shopping at the garden center. Use the money you would have spent at the nursery to buy chicken feed.

This way, you save money on ornamental plants, money which you can then spend on chicken feed. You also may get to know neighbors all around, since others may have something you want. Perhaps the guy next door bought his home complete with garden tools galore, and he grows nothing but grass. Swap eggs or anything else under the sun for a rake or a hoe.

People hold designated swap meets, where part of the fun is never knowing what you'll find while trying to unload some item you no longer want. You may see something you don't even need, but you know that a friend would gladly trade for it. This friend just happens to have an unused pottery planter that you've had your eye on. Of course, anything goes at these meets. Some people may be swapping cars or trucks, while others may swap services: 'I'll paint your house if you rewire my garage."

Local classified ad magazines, many of which will publish an ad for free, often have entries that say: will trade for (whatever) in good condition. If you have a whatever on hand, you're golden.

Swapping and trading are great for those who either don't have a lot of discretionary income or who choose not to use money to get things they want. Those on a strict budget may not allow themselves 'mad money', but they can't go wrong trading surplus or out-grown items for things they haven't budgeted for. Shopping is addictive because it's fun, not just for the things acquired. Bartering gives those strapped for cash a way to join in.

People who are good at negotiating may like to barter just for the fun of it. They may start with a few dozen eggs to trade and work up to who knows what before the day is over. This kind of thrill can't be found at the mall or a conventional retail store.




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