When urban homesteading it is nearly impossible to grow or raise everything you will want or need. However, there is typically an abundance of fruits and veggies you do grow. This allows for a very beneficial relationship between friends and family.
Bartering is one of my favorite things to do. I find the bantering back and forth quite exciting. However, a whole new excitment is added when I am bartering with something I raised, grew, or harvested from my own little farm.
The whole act of bartering, to some, may seem like a greedy grab to unfairly take someone elses items for the least amout you can. This is only in part true. Of course you want to get the best trade you can, but this does not make you greedy. If you remember, you are not bartering by yourself. You and your barter buddy have to agree on a deal that both find reasonable. No one is forced to make a deal they don't want.
On the other hand, bartering can be quite beneficial to both parties. I have several people I barter with on a regular basis. Some I provide with fresh goat milk, some with veggies, and some with good ole manual labor.
A good example of bartering working out for both parties went on all last summer. My neighbor worked for a grass cutting company owned by his family. When he would finish mowing his yard he would come over and cut my front yard. In return we would give him home made bread and fresh eggs. He didn't mind cutting my front yard, and I had eggs to spare! It was like a match made in heaven!
Do yourself a favor... barter!
No comments:
Post a Comment