Bartering Goods and Services
- Morgan Hunter
- Apr 11
- 3 min read
You are reading Part 5 of the Heretica Six-Part Prepping Series. This series covers the critical foundations every individual needs to survive the collapse of traditional systems. The full series includes:
This post covers what goods and skills will actually hold value when the money system collapses and cash becomes just colored paper. You’ll learn what to stockpile for barter, what practical skills can make you indispensable, and how to navigate trade carefully and quietly when trust becomes currency.
Introduction
When the system collapses, your paper money won't mean much—except maybe as fire starter. In a barter economy, survival belongs to those who hold value in their hands or skills in their heads.
Bartering Basics: Understand what goods and services will matter when official systems fail.
Scaling: Stockpile items in small quantities and learn skills that can’t be mass-produced.
Top Goods to Barter
Water Purification Supplies
Water filters, purification tablets, bleach (small bottles)
DIY water purification instructions (printed or memorized)
2. Food and Staples
Rice, beans, flour, sugar, salt (small bags or portions)
Shelf-stable proteins (canned meats, peanut butter, jerky)
Garden seeds (non-GMO heirloom seeds preferred)
3. Medicine and First Aid
Over-the-counter meds (pain relievers, antihistamines, cold meds)
Bandages, antiseptics, antibiotic ointment
Vitamins and electrolyte powder packs
4. Hygiene and Sanitation
Soap bars, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products
Toilet paper, wet wipes
Hand sanitizer
5. Tools and Supplies
Multi-tools, knives, duct tape
Sewing kits, fishing gear, basic repair tools
Batteries (especially AA and AAA)
6. Fuel and Energy
Lighters, matches, fire starters
Propane canisters, small solar lights
Power banks for charging devices
7. Comfort and Mental Health Items
Coffee, tea, chocolate, alcohol (small bottles)
Tobacco (if legal and safe to store)
Books, playing cards, simple games
8. Clothing and Warmth
Wool socks, gloves, hats
Thermal underwear
Blankets and tarps
9. Security Items
Pepper spray
Whistles, personal alarms
Spare locks and keys
10. Baby and Pet Supplies
Diapers, formula, baby wipes
Pet food (especially for dogs and cats)
Services You Can Barter
1 Medical and Health Care Skills
First aid, trauma care, herbal medicine making
Basic dentistry (tooth pulling, temporary fillings)
Midwifery (childbirth support)
Mental health support (basic counseling)
2. Mechanical, Electrical, and Repair Skills
Small engine repair (generators, mowers, bikes, sewing machines)
Hand tool repair and sharpening
Electrical repairs (solar setups, batteries, lighting)
Bicycle maintenance
3. Food Production and Preparation
Gardening (vegetable growing, seed saving)
Food preservation (canning, fermenting, dehydrating)
Wild edible plant identification and foraging
Butchering animals and meat preservation
Baking bread without electric ovens
4. Textiles and Clothing
Sewing, mending, and clothing repair
Quilting and blanket making
Leatherworking (shoes, belts, gear repairs)
Knitting and crocheting
5. Construction and Shelter Building
Carpentry (basic and advanced)
Masonry (stonework, building ovens, fortifications)
Roof repair
Building and maintaining wood stoves
6. Security and Protection
Guard duty and patrol shifts
Defensive fortifications advice (gates, barriers)
Self-defense instruction
Dog training for protection
7. Animal Husbandry
Raising chickens, goats, rabbits
Veterinary basics for livestock
Milking, shearing, grooming
8. Teaching and Literacy
Teaching basic literacy and numeracy
Teaching survival skills to kids and adults
Organizing small local school groups
9. Communications
HAM radio operation and repair
Creating simple signal systems (flags, flares, signs)
10. Crafting and Toolmaking
Blacksmithing (even basic repairs like nails, hinges, knives)
Primitive tool making (bows, arrows, fishing gear)
Basic pottery (for water storage and cooking)
11. Other Valuable Knowledge
Soap making
Candle making
Water collection and purification techniques
Tanning hides and leather production
Brewing and alcohol distillation
Bartering Mindset
Only barter what you can afford to lose.
Always trade small first to build trust.
Value knowledge—teaching a skill may be worth more than handing over a supply.
Barter quietly; don't broadcast what you have.
Reality Check: Cash dies when trust dies. In the world that's coming, real value can't be printed—it must be held, carried, or lived. Prepare now. Share this post with someone you trust.
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