From: ‘The Best Items to Use For Barter in a Post-Collapse World’
http://www.backdoorsurvival.com/41-items-to-barter/
There are a lot of different opinions as to what items will be best for barter in a post-collapse world where the underground economy may be the only viable economy for the passing of goods and services. That said, consider this a starting point as you begin to acquire goods for barter.
In no particular order, consider accumulating some of the following items for barter purposes. And keep in mind that in a post-collapse world, the items do not necessarily have to be new, but simply serviceable.
- Water purification supplies including purification tabs and filters
- Hand tools including hatchets, saws, machetes and general fix-it tools
- Fire making supplies, including lighters, matches, flint fire steel
- Sanitary supplies including toilet paper, feminine products and diapers
- Disposable razors and razor blades
- Fuel, any and all kinds (gas, diesel, propane, kerosene)
- Prescription drugs, painkillers, and antibiotics
- First aid remedies such as cough syrup, cortisone cream, boil-ese, calamine lotion and topical pain relievers
- Spirits such as bourbon, rum, gin, and vodka
- Coffee and tea (instant coffee is okay)
- Solar battery charger and rechargeable batteries
- Standard Batteries
- Reading glasses
- Paracord
- Bags, including large garbage bags as well as smaller zip-close bags
- Plastic sheeting
- Duct tape
- Tie Wraps
- Heavy plastic sheets and tarps
- Toiletries including toothpaste, dental floss soaps, shampoo (tip: save those small sized toiletries that are provided by hotels and motels)
- Condoms
- Latex or Nitrile gloves in a variety of sizes
- Hard candy
- Fishing supplies
- Knives of various types including fixed blades, kitchen knives, and box cutters.
- Condiments and Spices
- Paperback books on a variety of subjects
- Tobacco and cigarette rolling supplies
- Amusements such as playing cards, crossword puzzle books, Sudoku
- Pencils & paper
- Pepper spray
- Garden seeds
- Flashlights
- Vinegar and baking soda to use in DIY cleaning supplies
- Empty spray bottles and squirt bottles
- Hand pumps for both air and liquids
- Mylar blankets and tents
- Hand warmers
- Sewing and mending supplies
- Knitting or crochet needles and Yarn
One thing you will notice that I have not included firearms or ammo and for good reason. In a post-collapse society, you might not know your barter partners well and may run the risk that they will use these items against you so that they can steal the rest of you stuff. One person’s opinion, anyway.