Since we are spacial challenged a fair amount of our produce is either bartered or gleaned for. Our most successful method to establish local contacts is that old stand by a hand written index card.
Quick and to the point our card states what we need & what we have to offer. Repair of antiques, yard work, house cleaning, for gleaning rights. Fair trades in potted plants. Instruction in old time skills such as spinning. Apple pressing in exchange for a share of apples.
Handing out our cards have often given us an opportunity to start a dialogue with someone about the concepts of simple living in an urban setting. Chance to make a new friend.
I originally got this idea from my Mom who would always hand a notebook sized piece of paper to the person holding a tag sale. The paper had columns of items listed that Mom was interested in buying such as boys size 6 pants or yellow patterned drapes 78" long. Often that spurred the person to send a family member into the house to retrieve the items which of course had never been considered before. She also use to leave her contact info in case they ever came across those drapes.
~~ pelenaka ~~
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Thank you pelenaka! I am totally ignorant in this area and appreciate the help. Great tips!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful, simple idea. An important step away from "buy new, buy now". I will work on coming up with my own note card lists.
ReplyDeleteWe thought of going high tech & printng out biz style cards but making barter cards handwritten is more personal.
ReplyDeleteTHe concept can be sub divided into personal items like clothing, homesteading such as canning equipment, garden, produce, and even building materials.
Really it's endless when you think about it.