We are interested in information on how to start a barter system in our community. Has anyone out there done anything like this? If so would you share your experience/advice on how to go about it? Do you have any suggestions for research resources? Thanks. Norah and Louise

-- Norah A Johnson (Rockinhorse@knoxy.net), October 28, 2001

Answers

I typed "Barter systems" into Search engine AltaVista and found 150 results.

-- Joe (CactusJoe001@AOL.com), October 28, 2001.

talk to your neighbors , thats how to start , go informal at first then if you get big think about organizing

who bartered hay for my animals in exchange for using a barn to store farm equip, and bartered half a cow for help butchering and packing veggies for help canning and so on

-- Beth Van Stiphout (willosnake@hotmail.com), October 29, 2001.

Maybe you could call a meeting and have everyone list what they would be able to trade. Then you can have them list what they need on a frequent basis. Then either you can match them up, or you can have them look at the list and decide what they will be willing to take in compromise. I would then set down rules, like how the "swaps" should be handled, and if someone renigs..or "forgets" to send a trade, what type of protocol should be implimented. Like, maybe if you have three bad marks, you can not trade unless it is done at the exact time. No saying I'll bring over a pig on Saturday if you give me the grain today. Or whatever. Just come together as a group and figure out what you will all tolerate and what to do in those situations, so people know they will not be ripped off. :o) Good luck.

-- notnow (notnow05@yahoo.com), October 29, 2001.