I know how to paint–I did our kitchen–but would rather
barter to find someone who can do the rest of the house.
If the world worked on a barter system, how would you fare? Would you have services to barter? Would you be successful, or would you struggle? (Monday’s prompt from The Daily Post.)
I think it would be AWESOME if the world worked on a barter system. Then I could finally create a resumé that really represents what I can do. I feel like I have a wide range of skills in a whole host of areas (and am adding to the list every day), so I think I’d be able to manage quite well in a bartering society. Here’s what I can offer:
- teaching/tutoring (elementary math, science, and social studies; elementary through college level writing; ELL instruction for all ages)
- custom picture framing
- animal care
- creating newsletters/flyers for your business
- travel planning (Give me your travel dates, preferred mode of transport, and the type of activities you enjoy, and I’ll provide an entire itinerary)
- assembling flat-pack furniture (can supply my own Allen wrenches)
- handy(wo)man services (recaulk showers, minor plumbing repairs, install towel bars, hang pictures, program the DVR, etc.)
- cooking (nothing gourmet, but I can follow a recipe)
- house/office cleaning (I even do windows)
- laundry (I can do minor repairs, such as stitching up a hem or sewing on a button, and will even iron under duress)
- painting (interior–walls, ceilings, trim. I warn you, I am not fast, but I’m really type-A, so it’s quality work.)
- tile floor installation (I learned to do this via Google, but I did a damn fine job, if I do say so myself.)
- lawn care (mowing, weed-whacking, weed pulling–I will have a go at trimming the hedges, but do not guarantee results)
- personal shopping
- organizing (It’s much more interesting organizing other people’s stuff than my own)
- spoon carving (*NEW*)
In return, I am seeking someone who can trade:
- painting (Remember I said I’m not fast? I’ve got an entire house that needs painting.)
- carpet cleaning
- hardwood floor installation
- mulch spreading
- patio/deck design and construction
- landscaping
- tree removal
- Thai foot massages
- personal training
What do you think? Would you be willing/able to live in a barter-only society? Know anyone who has studied Thai foot massage?
