Everyone buys things. Maybe that’s why it gets hard to believe that there are some who don’t actually spend money. How? Well, remember there was bartering before money — like in the Middle Ages, except, of course, now you cannot use beads and metal. Wouldn’t it be an awesome bargain if one could barter six hours of gardening for a rock concert ticket that was going to be wasted anyway due to a last-minute meeting? What a way it is to live – without money, without credit cards, without wastage but with a great deal of happiness, knowing how much a stylish bag or a rock concert ticket costs in real money.

Most often than not we buy on ‘impulse’ and ‘just-in-case’ and a multi-million-dollar industry thrives on it but a bad economic period calls for some good bartering. Like how recently, after 14 swaps, a teenager in America landed a Porsche in a ‘Look Ma, no money’ deal. While most people aren’t as fortunate to swap a phone for a luxury car, there are limitless things that can be bartered online. Before trying sites such as Craiglist.com that have a local presence to0, a good way to start would be by conducting barters with folks, friends, family and co-workers on Social Networking sites.

Form local groups and begin with things like stylish eyeglasses or movie DVDs and gradually move on to silver cutlery and furniture. One can even trade and barter skills, services and knowledge, so exchanging a haircutting session for a horseback riding lesson isn’t such a bad idea. It’s amazing how far a little ingenuity can get you! And then there are other perks – you make new friends, learn something different, help someone or get unbiased advice. Just stay away from that weird aunt who wants a babysitter for her three brats for six weeks in exchange of a worn-out Bottega clutch.

Bartering online can take up a lot of your time but if it’s any consolation, it’s adventuresome and there are creative people who let their imaginations run wild when it comes to putting up a deal. Some even swap houses for affordable vacations. Just make sure to read the fine print. With such great offers, one just wonders why bartering ever went out of fashion? Finally, to add to our wishlist – what if one could barter some insensitive political personage for Johnny Depp or George Clooney... wouldn’t the world be a nicer place to live.

FAIR EXCHANGES

Help with moving furniture... only if you have really, really strong arms.
Pet sitting... do mention the breed, gender and size you are comfortable with. You surely wouldn’t want an over-sized German Shepard who hates being on a leash.
Painting a room... check for allergies first.
Party assistance...it may include anything from ideating and shopping to cooking and post-party dish washing. Make sure you know what’s in the deal.
Watering plants...only if your frown doesn’t kill plants.
Editing formal letters... remember, SMS lingo doesn’t work in the official world.
Airport rides…if you can manage alcohol-free chauffeuring, why not?
One-hour grumble session...be ready to listen to anything without interruptions from your side.
Language lessons…just don’t mix your singulars with plurals.
Exercise partner…will need a lot of commitment, from you.

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