Money is often cited as being invented to overcome barter's shortcomings. But is it the most efficient form of exchange under all circumstances?
The answer is often no in the world of geopolitics. Last i heard, Iran was swapping rice with Thailand for Oil.
Thailand on Monday said it planned to barter rice for oil with Iran in the clearest example to date of how the triple financial, fuel and food crisis is reshaping global trade as countries struggle with high commodity prices and a lack of credit.
When the unit-of-account is undesirable, or in short supply, then you see more of this. also, if you happen to be the right people, with the right combo trade, it's pretty easy todo the swap.
On the micro-level, I wonder if priceless things are difficult to sell, but could be easy to exchange for something else of value. Have you ever had something you didnt want, didnt want to sell, but thought it still has value? perhaps swapcove.com is right for you!
I also wonder if the effect of turning your selling experience into a buying experience has large positive psychological effects. and perhaps exchanging stuff for stuff is twice as efficient as selling from some, and buying from others.
This san francisco start-up is exploring the question of how big this monetary exchange market failure is for people better served as swappers. If/when they find success, I'm sure the tale will be told about how they served the underserved pez-dispenser swap market, and grew from there. I wish them luck.
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