Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Why People Like To Swap Or Trade It

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 example, you may have more eggs from your free-running hens than your family can use. You like selling eggs for money, because chicken feed costs a lot these days. However, you can also trade those eggs - which command up to four dollars a dozen at farmer's markets - for something you would otherwise shell out cash for.

Say you have a neighbor with a thumb so green that people slow down driving by to admire her perennials and bulbs. Go knock on the door and see if you can exchange eggs for root divisions, bulbs, or cuttings. You may get free planting advice and make a new friend as well.

You may get other benefits, too - like free planting advice or a better acquaintance with your neighbor. Once word gets out, other neighbors might be willing to trade garden produce, fruit from their trees, or unwanted items from their garages for your fresh eggs. Pretty soon, the whole community may be into swapping and bartering.

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."

You can also find opportunities for trading in local classified ads. People often advertise something for sale and also indicate that they are willing to trade their item for something else they want. Perhaps you have the very thing they're looking for.

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.

For people on fixed incomes, those who prefer retirement to getting a paycheck, or those who just like swapping and trading, this kind of transaction is great. You may even get more than the actual retail value for something you have when you exchange it for something that is valuable to you. This 'down-home' kind of face-to-face bargaining is hard to find in this modern day and age.




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