Exactly! I think the only people who think it's "unfair" are those who think that you'll be able to undercut them by bartering with someone else, and then they can't command the high prices for their stock that they're used to. (They don't realize that it's a completely different market, anyway.)

One of the main reasons I am really looking at getting into rabbits concerns barter . If the economy takes a bad turn food will be king . BUT , there is another type of barter which could closer mimic the scenarios you have been discussing . That would be "Barter Dollars". In that case there is a set price for something and you pay me or I pay you in "dollars" that we all accept without question PROVIDED both reach an agreement . You will accept no less than $XX for a rabbit . You will give no more than $XX for a sack of carrots . This is the same as going to the store .... except there is NO store .
Bottom line: You have an "extra rabbit and I have an abundance of artichokes . We reach an agreement based on how much each side wants and will give . In these cases we are talking meat rabbits and NOT Grand Champions . Your present day scenarios concern things of value based on a desire (really cool item) and not survival (I REALLY am hungry). Although it could come down to that in a time shorter than we all would like . I'm not saying that Armegeddon is looming on the horizon BUT I will eat regardless . It is a good idea to have a price in mind when bartering for (apples and oranges) a show rabbit for a La Moge vase or a Hummel figurine . Each have a definite value albeit the vase or figurine can be searched out whereas the rabbit has a value to YOU .
We are still in a time where a failed deal is only an inconvenience . With all that being said there is one fact that will withstand the test of time . Barter is a PAIN most of the time . You MUST have what they want and they MUST have what you want . That's why money came about in the first place .

I dont think its unfair.I sometimes ask if people can negotiate the price.

I know for myself that if someone says to me, "what do you think it is worth?" It makes me instantly anxious....I would rather them flat out give me a price, even if it is way too high. At least it is a starting point.... I think bartering is a skill that has gotten rusty for most people. I think it is a great way to get everyone what they want. I give you a bun, you give me a chicken....I give you a load of manure, you give me seeds to plant in my garden...etc. I think you just have to be really clear on what your stuff is worth to YOU and then go from there. JMO...

Actually, the only way they can't tax you on it is if the barter is even--- and in the case of an audit-- you kinda have to be able to prove that the stone wall in your front yard (including the labor) is exactly equal to the fair market value of the broken down jalopy that sat in the back yard for 10 years.Then there is the issue of part cash, part barter arrangements----

I think bartering is perfectly fair. The majority of my rabbits came home through trades because my mom told me I couldn't buy any more. She said nothing about trading.

I don't like to barter with price. I just say "what is the lest you will take?" and leave it at that.
now I LOVE to trade. it is easier to part with something other then cash.

there is a website that was up at one time, that you could exchange stuff on, and earn 'credit' for stuff.
but I forget what it was called.

TW, bartering IS trading...I think you are confusing it with "haggling" where I would say $45 and you would say $20, then I say $40 and you say $25, etc. With a barter, I would give you an item in exchange for another item of equal value from you.

don't worry, that is what is so great about this board! I know I learn something new just about everytime I log in...

Hey, I love to barter... I'm broke, but I have meat rabbits, a garden, and a stockpile of free goods from couponing.
I need electrical work done by a pro... and so a few dressed out rabbits, some veggies, a dozen large garden plants and a load of toiletries will be traded for moving a 220v outlet over 8 feet, installing a new outlet in the bunny shed, and tinkering with the electric fireplace. We're both happy.

I am trading manure to a friend for veggies and herbs. I give her a bag of poopy and she gives me a bag of tomatoes. She has grown some beautiful Romas this year and I almost feel like I'm cheating her. Of course, maybe we can credit the quality of the tomatoes with the quality of the manure going into them.