In grid-down scenarios, having the right items to barter can mean the difference between thriving and just surviving.
Why survival bartering?
Now, you might be wondering, why is survival bartering so crucial. Well, imagine a scenario where the power grid goes down, and resources become scarce. In such situations, having valuable items to trade can help you acquire what you need and build strong relationships within your community.
This list may surprise you because we are not talking about food and water here. In a post, grid down situation, yes, food and water will be essential. However, once the dust settles a bit and the hardships start to set in, people will need items they have become dependent on, or things to just help get through the day.
What barter items do I need?
In no particular order, Here is our list of 5 items you should have stocked for bartering in a grid-down situation:
1) Cigarettes
Cigarettes can be highly desired by individuals who are addicted to nicotine. In situations where cigarettes are scarce, people who smoke might be willing to trade valuable resources for them.
In past wartime situations, Cigarettes provided a form of psychological comfort and stress relief, allowing soldiers to take short breaks and momentarily escape from the harsh realities of war.
Obviously there are health concerns with cigarettes but they are widely recognized and understood as a form of currency or trade item and it’s recommended to have cigarettes stored, for later use as a barter item.
2) Alcohol
More specifically, whiskey. People who enjoy alcohol might be willing to trade valuable resources for whiskey, especially in situations of scarcity.
If we are equating grid-down scenarios to Wartime situations, they are often accompanied by high levels of stress, fear, and uncertainty. Whiskey can provide people with a means to temporarily alleviate their stress and unwind, offering an escape from hard situations.
Medicinally, a swig of whiskey could numb pain, soothe a sore throat, or even serve as an antiseptic for wounds.
3) Ammunition
Ammo is a sensitive barter item to consider for a grid-down scenario and there are a lot of factors at play.
In a scenario where law and order may be disrupted, the demand for ammunition could be high among those seeking to defend themselves or their resources.
Ammunition is a practical item that has direct utility for self-defense and hunting, making it an attractive trade item for individuals who possess firearms.
You’ll want to make sure that you have a variety of the most common handgun, rifle, and even shotgun ammo. These calibers include: .380 ACP, 22lr, 9mm, .45 ACP, .223, 5.56×45, 12 Guage, and .308.
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4) Caffeine
In situations where caffeine sources are scarce, individuals might be willing to trade other valuable resources for access to caffeine-containing products.
Caffeine can provide a temporary increase in energy and focus, making it valuable in situations where individuals need to stay awake, alert, and perform tasks.
This is why we think that Caffeine-containing products, such as coffee, tea, and energy drinks, can be considered as potential barter items for a grid-down scenario.
5) Propane Cylinders
Propane cylinders can be a valuable and practical barter item to have for a grid-down scenario due to their versatility and usefulness in various survival situations.
When electricity is gone, people will have to rely on fuel (among other energy sources) for warmth and cooking food.
Most camp stoves will run off propane cylinders or butane cans, both of which would be recommended items to keep in stock.
When things get tough and food gets cold, Individuals without access to propane cylinders might be willing to trade valuable resources for a reliable fuel source that can enhance their quality of life.
Some other things to keep in mind are items that satisfy daily dependencies that people have. Processed foods and sugars, like gum or Chocolate bars, will be worth their weight in gold when they are no longer available to buy.
Stay safe and keep preparing.
