Bartering (Have --> Want)

It is extremely important to realize the value of maintaining a personal barter store. In an economic collapse, where the dollar will be nearly worthless, a number of non-monetary goods will be more valuable than a fistful of dollars (also read about the end times). It's also important to realize that it's unrealistic to be able to store enough of every item to account for every scenario for an extended period of time. Having something of value to others can get stuff that is of value to you. Additionally, it can become a useful "Plan-B" skill in case of Job Loss. Some people think that bartering is complicated. Come on, it was an economic system that was created without the use of modern technology. How hard can it be? Take a closer look at how the system works and understand that it is just as challenging as any other form of trade. Utilizing the process the right way will ensure a profit. Here are some tricks of the trade that will definitely be useful in this field.

Rules of Bartering:

Body Language Bartering:

Body Language is usually entirely subconscious, but with a little bit of effort you can work to make your body language say what you want and learn to read the body language of others. The primary goal behind altering your own body language and paying attention your opponent’s body language is to help develop a rapport with them. You want the other person to like you a bit more so they will offer you a better deal or concede more than they otherwise would. The goal, however, is not to necessarily become friends with them, since this is still a business transaction.

Eye Contact is the first step in improving the message your body is sending to those around you. People tend to instinctively know when someone is being ‘fake’ simply by looking into their eyes. Why is this? Because no matter what a person is saying they are usually not thinking about what their eyes are portraying. When someone who likes you looks at you, they will be fully engaged and looking into your eyes. Their eyes will crinkle in an authentic way and their eyebrows may quirk when you say something amusing. Someone who is bored with what you are saying or who distrusts you will often have eyes that are still. When you look at your bartering partner try to visualize them as someone you do like, want to help, and who has the ability to help you. While they may be an opponent in a game that has significant stakes, try your best to consider them a friendly opponent.

Smiling can go a long way toward easing tension in a negotiation. Make the effort to smile when you meet the person and to smile throughout the bartering session. It puts people at ease and a positive outlook will make the entire experience more pleasant. Just make sure that you’re not faking your smile. Most people can sniff out when your smile is fake. Something will just seem off about you, your eyes and nose won’t crinkle the correct way. If it helps, remember that if this goes successfully, you will walk away from the table with something you need or want for less than you were willing to pay for it.

Posture: Some people are seen as aggressive simply because of the way they naturally stand. A man who is standing straight, feet slightly spread, and with their arms crossed or at their hips will appear to be threatening even if only on a subconscious level. Be aware of your posture and what it is saying to those around you. If a person feels threatened they will keep their guard up which is bad for negotiations. Keep your hands in a neutral position such as in your pockets, slouch a bit or lean against an object, and tilt your head slightly when listening. Think of yourself as a friendly professor rather than as a prize fighter and watch how your posture changes and the effect it has on those around you.

Mirroring: People are attracted to those they with whom they feel a connection. One way to build an instant connection is to assume a similar posture and even match breaths but this can take awhile to master and may look fake or feel awkward until one becomes quite good at it. Instead, use words and phrases your opponent favors and match your tone and tempo to what they are using (as long as they are already calm).

Flinch: The very first offer that is made should incite a slight negative reaction from you. Decide what feels most comfortable for you and then perfect it. This may be a slight raising of the eyebrows, a crinkled nose, a little gasp, or a slight frown. Often this will be enough to have your opponent backtrack or make a counteroffer. If not you may want to follow up with a simple statement that while the item is certainly worth the amount being asked it simply is not something you can offer. Alternatively, if you are selling an item or service you could respond by saying that while you would like to see them leave with the item you couldn’t possibly agree to something that wouldn’t be fair for both parties.

Stare: If there is an obvious flaw in the item you are bartering for be sure to stare at it. You don’t need to mention it all, simply look at it intently or glance at it often until the seller is aware that you have noticed it and offers an explanation. Typically this will be followed by a reduction in the asking price without you ever having to say anything negative about the item being offered.

Pupils will dilate and nostrils will usually flare when a person sees something that affects them emotionally. Remember this if you will be bartering for something that has an emotional impact on you and consider wearing sunglasses to conceal the fact from your opponent. Alternatively, be sure to pay attention to these subtle signs when discussing your own offerings to determine the interest level of your opponent.

Uniforms often have a powerful impact on people even if they don’t realize it. If you are a member of a group or profession that is associated with a specific type of uniform and you have the opportunity to wear it to a bartering session, do so. The uniforms of law enforcement officers, medical professionals, firefighters, and individuals in the military may positively impact people’s perception of you. Many people want to thank individuals for their service, so give them the opportunity to express their gratitude with a discounted price. Just think about how many restaurants businesses and organizations offer discounts for uniformed officers and military.

Walk Away: This is quite possibly the most powerful tool in your arsenal of body language tools; the ability to walk away. If the price is too high tell your opponent that while you would love to be able to take the item home the price is simply more than you are willing to pay. Tell them you are going to have to look for an alternative and ask if they’d be willing to match a lower price if you find it. This will tell you if there is any flexibility in their price and will allow you to return later if you need to. However, if you do walk away be sure you are willing to lose the opportunity to obtain the item from the seller as the next person they speak to may not be quite as well versed in the art of negotiation and snatch it up at the asking price without a second thought.

Reference: Barter & Negotiations - How to Get What You Need in Desperate Times
Also Read: Body Language in Survival Companionship and Self-Defense.