Why People Like To Swap Or Trade It

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.

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.

You may be able to find an established 'swap meet' in your area. People come to these informal gatherings to trade everything from cars and trucks to homemade crafts, garden produce, and yes, fresh eggs. The fun here is never knowing what you may find. People also trade services. You may be able to offer that perfectly good dishwasher your wife changed out because of the color in exchange for a set of new snow tires.

You can often find classified ads that offer an item for sale or trade for an item the seller is looking for. Look forfree ad magazines; these make it really easy to offer items and tell people what you're hoping to find. It's a great way to get exposure for items you want to barter without having to pay for the advertising.

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.