Bartering Basics

Bartering Basics: What Will Really Have Value When Cash Fails?

Why Bartering Matters When the System Breaks

Most Americans have never lived without cash or credit cards. We swipe, tap, and move on without thinking. But history proves how fragile money can be. In post-WWII Germany, cash lost much of its meaning. Cigarettes, coffee, and food became the real currencies. And in today’s globalized and debt-driven economy, it doesn’t take much imagination to see how the dollar could lose value during a prolonged crisis.

To put it bluntly:  cash doesn't taste very good and isn't very nutritious.

For preppers in the Great Plains, this isn’t some abstract exercise. We already know how weather, supply chain issues, and economic downturns can hit home hard. If a long-term disruption forces us into a barter economy, the question is simple: what will really have value? Preparing now means more than stockpiling goods—it’s about stocking the right goods.

This article reviews historical lessons and offers practical guidance for what to keep on hand. From food to medicine to comfort items, your choices today may one day mean survival—or leverage—in tomorrow’s barter economy.

Lessons from History: What People Actually Traded

We don’t have to guess about barter priorities. History shows clear patterns. In post-WWII Europe, as well as during economic collapses in Argentina and Venezuela, some items consistently topped the list:

• Food staples like rice, beans, flour, and canned goods
• Alcohol and tobacco—used as comfort items and trade currency
• Medicines and vitamins—difficult to replace once supply lines break
• Warm clothing and blankets—critical in colder climates

History reminds us that people trade for both survival and morale. It’s not always about calories—it’s about comfort, familiarity, and even dignity in hard times.

High-Value Items for the Great Plains Prepper

Here in the Midwest, we face unique conditions. Long winters, hot summers, and vast distances mean that what works in a coastal city might not work here. Consider stocking items that fit our realities:

• Food and drink: Coffee, powdered milk, honey, hard candy, and spices.
• Medical needs: Basic over-the-counter pain relievers, multivitamins, and first-aid supplies.
• Practical items: Soap, toilet paper, matches, and batteries.

A prepper I know in Nebraska once told me, “If you want to trade something in January, it’s not silver coins—it’s socks and hot drinks.” That kind of regional wisdom matters more than any list written from afar.

What Not to Count On

Some items sound great in theory but often fail in practice. Precious metals, for instance, have long-term value but are harder to use in immediate barter situations. Similarly, high-value electronics may lose all worth in a grid-down scenario.

Another pitfall is stocking goods nobody in your community wants. For example, storing exotic foods or expensive liquor might not trade as well in rural Kansas as they would in a big city. Focus on practicality, not novelty.

Building a Barter Strategy

Stockpiling isn’t enough—you need a plan. Think about:

1. Diversity: Don’t just store one category. Mix food, medicine, and comfort goods.
2. Storage: Keep items shelf-stable and safe from moisture, pests, and spoilage.
3. Ethics: Trading essentials can be risky. Consider safety and fairness in every exchange.

Bartering works best when you build trust with neighbors and local networks. Relationships may prove just as valuable as the goods themselves.

Top 10 Barter Items to Stock

• Coffee & tea
• Honey & sugar
• Canned goods & dry staples
• Multivitamins & first-aid supplies
• Soap, toothpaste & hygiene items
• Toilet paper & paper goods
• Batteries & matches
• Warm socks & gloves
• Alcohol & tobacco
• Basic tools (knives, hand saws, cordage)

Conclusion

When cash fails, value doesn’t disappear—it just shifts. For the prepper on the Great Plains, that shift will favor food, medicine, and practical necessities. Comfort items like coffee or tobacco may carry unexpected weight. The lesson is simple: prepare not only for your family’s needs but also for what others will need and want. When crisis comes, you’ll have options—and options mean power.