I grew up with the master barterer. My Dad was a very gifted carpenter. We live in a very poor area. He made a living building houses, but he also did a lot of things for people who had no money, but would give him something instead. One of the best barters he did for me was when I had my first child. He did some work for the Dr. and I didn't get a bill. He also built a whole complex and the local community college, but calling in favors and taking the school truck every Friday afternoon to the local pulp mill and would come back with a load of lumber etc. I guess to summ it all up bartering is a very old survival skill for people when money is tight.