During a disaster, no one wants to be left without certain items. However, there will always be people who did not prepare fully for whatever may come. Even during small hurricanes and power outages, many people still want to know where they can find food or batteries because they didn’t plan ahead. Those people have a week’s notice most of the time and still cannot think about what happens when the power goes out. Therefore, a true survivalist will have extras of some things. They will use those items as bartering supplies.
Why Bartering Supplies are Good
Imagine if an asteroid hits earth or the stock market crashes. Everything will be insane. People will lose their sanity. Rioting, theft, and more could all be a problem. There will be people that do not have enough diapers for their baby, but they may have lighters or extra batteries. To help them, you may say give me a few lighters and batteries and I’ll give you some diapers for your baby. It may even be something more substantial such as food that you have grown in your garden that they want. You can either trade for it or they may attempt to steal it. The possibilities are endless, and you will be doing yourself a favor to have these extras on hand. It may even stop thieves from taking the things you really need for your own survival if you have extras.
Throughout history, people have used bartering as a way to keep themselves going. You can too, if a disaster strikes and you are fully prepared for it.
First Aid Supplies
First aid supplies will be in high demand if something happens in our world. People will want Band-Aids and gauze. Pain relievers, anti-biotic ointments, anti-diarrheal medications, and even condoms can make a big difference in how well you are able to barter with others.
Hygiene Products
Soaps, tooth brushes and paste, hair brushes or combs, and other types of things may seem unimportant to most people at first. However, eventually, people will start to realize that cleanliness could mean survival. When they run out of soaps and other things, you can be waiting for them. Trade them a little soap for some of their vegetables if you can. Diapers and tampons will also be a highly valued item. You will both benefit from the trade, and you will thrive for a little longer.
Other Great Bartering Supplies
These items are not the only things you may want on hand. You can have virtually anything in surplus and someone will want it all. When bad things happen, people will want cigarettes, candies, and all other items that we often take for granted because they are simply a part of our daily life. Livestock that can provide food is also good. Chickens, cows, pigs, rabbits, and more will become a novelty before long and people will come to you in search of it. The more you have, the better off you will be.