Do you know where the term “salary” comes from? It derives from the Latin for salt, “sal” and the word “pecuniary” (relating to money) is from the Latin for cattle “pecus” because in ancient societies both of these items were used in payment for services and had a role as official currency. Otherwise, goods and services were simply exchanged – so a farmer would grow too much corn in order to be able to give some to the fisherman in return for his surplus catch. This system of barter is particularly useful in hard times, for example being significantly revived in the Great Depression and during WWII rationing. So what better time to get back into barter than in car crash 2020?!
New community venture, Swap Shop is only taking us back to the late 1970s though, and the fun, Noel Edmonds and Keith Chegwin system of exchange. On this online platform, trades are made by small, local businesses and charities that might be lacking in salt, cattle or pound coins, and would instead like to swap a service for another that they need. So for example, a new restaurant needs a logo designing and in return can offer dinner for two, or a professional tennis coach who needs a little admin help will give tennis lessons to their new assistant.
Follow @leicsswapshop on Twitter to keep up to date with new exchanges and if you have any questions on the suitability of your swap, or want to know more about how it all works, please email [email protected]
