Demi-Barter

Demi-Barter is a system of trade that involves two individuals or groups bartering for mutually needed resources, but with no fixed price, nor are the items being traded of equal value. In a demi-barter, both parties bring what they can either afford, or have available, and the trade is made regardless if the value of the items being traded is equal, or even closely similar. In some cases, the trade is one sided with only one party providing the other with an item of trade. However, in the end this all balances out as the next trade might be the same, but the trading of goods will go the other way, with the formerly receiving party being the giving party, while the previously giving party offering nothing in exchange. This situation only works in small groups and is based on the concept and understanding that all parties will do their part at some point to ensure the well-being and resource stability of the entire village. Whenever that breaks down, this system crumbles, and is replaced by a traditional barter system. While this method of trade is not often used on Offworld, it is used with great success in the village of Logontown within the series.