The Bartering system is not so ancient anymore!
If you have encountered yourself in a situation where you had to swap a specific product for another, consider yourself to have bartered! A system that dates back from 6000BC; the bartering system has been reportedly introduced by a tribe in Mesopotamia (an ancient region that lies between Tigris and Euphrates Rivers in modern day Iraq) then later been adopted by the Phoenicians (people who lived in city-states on the Mediterranean coast). Similarly, to any other system, the bartering structure developed and advanced throughout its practice. This system was used as a form of survival means, for those who had rich farmlands, as they bartered their crops for either crafts, salt, clothes, and other goods.
Though the system may sound or be deemed as being ancient, it is however one of the greatest methodologies that can be used to save money. In the current day and age the money system is what “makes the world go round”, but, the system has aided many small businesses and individuals to attain their aspired resources in return for bartered free labour.
The system also has its advantages and disadvantages. The legitimacy and honesty from bartering parties has always been a burning issue, for example, when bartering food for a service, a question that can be asked, could be – how well will the other party deliver their service? The trust element will always be a hanging cloud on involved parties.
Though, on the positive side of the system- is the level of flexibility. Participating parties do not have to barter or exchange with tangible products but one can be able to render a service in return of any product/ materialistic item. Bartering is undoubtedly one route that people who are in possession of unwanted items may use to exchange for goods that may be of importance and good use for them. It is known that in the corporate field, bartering is also a common method that can be used. Many businesses barter services and goods for advertising spaces and marketing services. Bartering is thus no longer ancient, it still continues to serve its purpose.