Now, swap pre-loved dresses for face masks in Dubai

What if you could get a few bags of rice in return for a guitar? How about a tricycle in return for baking ingredients, or boxes of gloves for indoor plants?
A new online community has cropped up in Dubai - and it's taking us all the way back to the good ol' days when bartering used to be a way of life.
Amicable Barter Community in Dubai (ABCD) was founded by Filipino HR professional and life coach Lou Olvido-Parroco and her husband Cesar Rocky Parroco on May 22. Within 48 hours, the group had already gained over 1,000 members.
"To some, this may just be another online platform to make value of items they sifted out after decluttering - but, to others, especially to those who are financially tight after losing a job, the group can be a channel where they can obtain rice or grocery items to feed their family by bartering a favourite watch, bag or any other item in their possession," explained Lou. 
"Through this platform, people can meet their needs without losing their sense of dignity, because they do not need to beg - just barter."
Putting together a bartering community is not really a novel idea, according to Lou, who noted there are several such communities in existence around the world.
However, the suggestion to initiate an online fraternity in the UAE came after she organised a live bartering programme on Facebook in April. 
"I offered to trade some of my favourite branded items - including three Louis Vuitton bags, one limited-edition Burberry bag and one Van Cleef & Arpels accessory - in exchange for sacks of rice to be sent to needy families in the Philippines who were severely affected by the sudden lockdown," she said.
When the initiative garnered a lot of support and saw more than "700 families in the Philippines" receive rice supplies, the idea to begin a local bartering community was born.
So far, the Facebook group has seen several deals managed successfully - including a pink guitar bartered for five bags of 5kg rice, a wall décor hanging in exchange for a basket of fruits, a Juicy Couture summer dress for groceries, and even a bottle of pickled papaya for a can of cooked meat.
Group rules ask members to barter fairly and smartly - but also kindly. Lou explained, "We encourage members to be kind in their dealings so that they focus on value - not price. A fair trade, therefore, does not need to be between items of equal price; they can simply give items they no longer want in exchange for something they need."
In this season of Covid-19, there are natural concerns when it comes to exchanging items with strangers. Lou said members are constantly reminded to exercise due diligence and follow strict safety protocols in every transaction, including wearing face masks, maintaining social distancing, washing their hands thoroughly, and disinfecting any items they receive thoroughly.
Currently, majority of the members on the group are Filipino, but the group administrators are hoping to see its audience grow into a more diverse base going forward.
"We reckon getting ourselves acquainted with a bartering system is becoming a necessity now, more than just a trend.  People shouldn't wait for a serious disaster to strike and sweep all their cash away before considering the benefits of a barter system."
Not only will you be able to save money by trading things you need with things you already have, bartering is also a great way to encourage philosophies of reusing and recycling, said Lou.
And who knows? You may even make a new friend in the process.
karen@khaleejtimes.com
 

• Dubai

Karen Ann Monsy

Karen Ann Monsy is Associate Editor, overseeing digital operations in the newsroom. She sees the world through headlines and SEO keywords - and loves building people and teams.

karen@khaleejtimes.com