Thursday 12 February 2015

Make A Profit When You 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 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.

To take this example further: you may have a neighbor with a garden full of perennials, the showplace of the neighborhood. Instead of going to the garden center and buying potted plants or bulbs, knock on the neighbor's door and see if it might be possible to barter a dozen fresh eggs for a few iris roots, a volunteer foxglove, or half an overgrown clump of daffodils. The neighbor may suggest other plants you would love to take home, as well as offering planting advice.

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.

There are designated 'swap meets' where people trade everything from cars and trucks to clothing. These can be really fun, since you never know what you'll find. People also exchange services, like house painting, lawn mowing, or carpentry. The whole idea of getting away from boring old money is intriguing.

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.

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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