Bartering is Back in Capiz

 

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become risky to go to malls because many people go inside for their purchases and leisure. Some also struggle with their finances because of a temporary work stoppage or even termination.

 

Due to these hard times and the risk of simply going out in public, an ancient form of trade and has been reborn: bartering.

 

The exchange of goods for another, bartering involves two parties seeking to exchange goods but also discussing details on a suitable exchange of commodities before.

 

Unlike in the past wherein our ancestors would have to wait for people from other parts of the world to trade, the other party can now be just a Facebook message and comment away.

 

Two Facebook groups that helped the rebirth in our locality, namely: the Roxas Barter Community and the Capisnon Exchange (Barter Community).

 

In less than a week, the Roxas Barter Community already has 2,700 members while the Capisnon Exchange (Barter Community) has garnered over 500 members.

 

Below are the rules for the Roxas Barter Community:

 

1. Post the item/s you want to barter with brief explanation or description. You can also post its estimated worth.

2. Other members can offer an item and you can choose which one you like from the ones offered.

3. All offers should be on the comment section to allow others to counter offer. Reserve the PM for closed deals to discuss meet up details.

4. Once the choice has been made the barter is now deemed completed. Both parties must agree by saying “DEAL”!

 

Other Important Rules:

1. Be kind and treat everyone with respect.

2. Admins have the right to kick out or reject anyone in violation of the community rules.

3. Strictly no minors allowed. Each member shall be responsible and consenting adults dealing with one another in good faith. It is presumed that all ones bartering possess full ownership and right of disposal of the goods.

4. No harmful, unlawful, expired, indecent or unlicensed items please.

5. We encourage food, ingredients, edibles, toiletries, toys, books, pre-loved clothes and shoes, furniture, tools, cooking and baking utensils, school supplies and the like.

6. Let’s keep the group fun, dynamic, useful and inspiring in this time of pandemic.

 

The page admin will not be liable or responsible for transactions between parties in this page. No fees shall be collected for posting or participation in the page.

 

Meanwhile, for the Capisnon Exchange (Barter Community)

1. This is a place where our medium of exchange is items. No cash allowed. Strictly no buying or selling in this group.

2. Just post the item you want to exchange with anyone. With brief explanation or description. You can also post estimated worth.

3. Then other members can offer an item and you can choose which one you like from the ones offered.

4. The offers can go on in the thread until the one who posted selects from the thread by replying to the choice.

5. Once the choice has been made the barter is now deemed completed. Both parties must agree by saying “DEAL”!

6. We encourage food, ingredients, edibles, beauty products or toiletries. No harmful, unlawful, expired, indecent or unlicensed items please. Please report any post which are suspicious and unlawful or any misrepresentations.

7. Then, you may use delivery service or other arrangements as you have agreed. Please keep numbers, delivery addresses and other personal information secure. Discuss delivery arrangements in private messages.

8. Let’s keep the group fun, dynamic, useful and inspiring in this time of pandemic.

9. Strictly no minors allowed. Each member shall be responsible and consenting adults dealing with one another in good faith. It is presumed that all the one bartering possess full ownership and right of disposal of the items being bartered.

10. Once exchange is complete, please edit your post and indicate Barter Completed, Done, Completed or Closed.

 

Per profiles, these groups were inspired by other Facebook groups of the same kind in Iloilo and Bacolod.

 

Despite the pandemic, this only shows us not only our resourcefulness—but most importantly our resilience.

 

Despite all the challenges, life goes on. Amazing!