Trade goods that you don't have

[pkveazey]

We all are aware that enough for us still isn't enough. There are a lot of things that are trade goods even though we don't use them. OK, I don't care for Alcohol beverages but a lot of other people do want it. I smoke but a lot of others don't. Those are just two things that are very tradeable during SHTF. I have several bottles of Beer and Wine that I will never use but I won't throw them out because one day they may have trade value. Hmmmm...., I'm not the only person left on Earth who smokes. I have hoarded away smokes and also a Cigarette making machine. Right now, a carton of Cigarettes costs over $50. What happens when you can't get any?  Hmmmm..... Those items will be in high demand. We all know that announcing numbers on the internet is a stupid idea but I have been slowly building up my Cigarette supply. Right now I have enough smokes to last for quite awhile but I'm still going to add more for trading. I think its a good idea to build up an extra supply of items that we personally might not need but others will pay dearly to get. I'm not going to try to come up with a list of good trade items but I think with a little thought, you can come up with things that others will want or need. I will add this: Lots of disposable razors for shaving faces and legs, lots of Body wash and shampoo, lots of cigarette lighters, several hundred extra AA and AAA batteries. Since I have a generator and a Solar system, I can offer free charging to my neighbors. Free charging will cost me nothing but will create some good will in my immediate neighborhood. I have no idea what good Cell Phones will be if nobody has any money to pay their Cell Phone bill. However there will be a lot of small items that people will need to recharge. Last night the ON/OFF switch on one of my rechargeable LED flashlights crapped out on me so I ordered 4 more. I don't need 4 more. I just need one to replace the old one but its is an item everyone will want and need so the other 3 will be for my future use or for trading. Yep, I'm a skinflint and I hunted for a super deal on them and I found really good ones at $10 for a pair and they take the 18650 rechargeable Lithium battery that I have a bunch of. Things are getting really close to going all to Hell so it would be wise to consider extra trade goods.

[JohnyMac]

Really good thread start PKv.

You know there was a lot of despair out there when the supply of ammo and then the price shot up to add insult to injury. I suggested that folks focus should change to barter items.

Good friends our ours do not smoke however, when you go into their basement they have vacuum sealed, oh Lord, a shitton of cartons of cigs. Maybe as much as 50-cartons or so. The cartons are a mix but mostly generic cigs that they buy when they go on sale at a local "smoke shop".

Batteries like you write PKv, are another great item to prep with. Now while the standard sizes of AA, AAA, C, and D are good to collect, do not forget those flat disk batteries used for hearing aides, CR123, 9-volt (Just think when that dang smoke alarm will not shut up), EoTech type optics, etc. will be worth a mint if there is a shortage.

Remember, if you need a new saw blade for your circular saw, buy two. If you buy a new oil filter for your tractor, buy 2. If you need a pound of star screws, buy double. 

Lets keep this thread rolling.

[Jackalope]

    Instead of acquiring trade goods, why not learn a skill that could be useful?  For instance, build or buy a still and learn how to use it.  Learn blacksmithing skills, how to repair items, like eye glasses.  Medical and herbal knowledge will be very valuable.  Trade items can be stolen or destroyed.  Knowledge can be hidden and dispensed when convenient and safe.

[pkveazey]

Offering services is also a valid option. I plan to offer some trade items for HOURS OF SERVICE to people like Plumbers, Electricians, Heating and Cooling, Auto Mechanics. When all else fails, I can Teach or go out Busking because I'm a retired Professional Musician. I didn't mention it but I also keep a pretty good supply of medical supplies on hand.