A SAVVY shopper has revealed how she saves thousands of pounds a year by bartering online for other people’s second-hand stuff. 

In what she calls a ‘modern day swap shop’, care worker Lara McLarnon has exchanged everything from a packet of wet wipes to a banana for big money items like a patio set and a beautiful cast iron fire surround.

“I love this lifestyle,” Lara, 39, says. 

“It's partly due to being on a lower income, this helps my money stretch further in a fun and pleasing way – but also it’s the most ethical and conscious consumer choice I can make."

Lara is part of the Brilliant Bartering Glasgow group on Facebook and keeps an eye out for the bargains that fellow members post. 

People will share items they want to get rid of and then fellow barterers will reply offering something in exchange before the owner chooses a ‘winner.’

READ MORE EXCUSIVE STORIES

I’m a ‘low waste mom’ – I never use toilet paper, there’s nothing gross about it

My mum dressed up in her actual 70s outfits to rival Daisy Jones & The Six

Among Lara’s favourite steals are a huge Pink Panther plush toy, swapped for a packet of wet wipes and a vintage patio table and chairs, which she got in exchange for a bunch of bananas. 

She also bagged herself a bike, which she secured in a trade off for five home cooked dinners. 

As well as that she scored herself six lots of bamboo screening, which can retail for as much as £50 a roll, swapped for four tins of canned tomatoes. 

“Tinned tomatoes seem to be a popular form of currency,” Lara explains. 

Most read in Fabulous

“But it’s rarely like for like value. There’s just many things people don’t want to see end up in landfill, so they’re happy to give it away for a swap. 

“Thousands and thousands of people are signing up, especially since the COVID pandemic. 

“It’s fantastic for families on a budget, both as a means of acquiring and getting rid of things.”

The number of these groups, mostly local to particular areas, is steadily growing online. 

Some are for general second-hand goods, some are more specific, with groups devoted solely to things like pet food and baby clothes.  

As well as items, Lara explains you can swap ‘skills’ as well. 

“I’ve known people who have received language lessons in exchange for a bit of decorating,” she says. 

“Plus there’s a lot of people helping other people, it’s been so uplifting. 

“There are folk who put up posts asking for help in providing furniture for people who can’t afford it. So rather than going to the tip, the items can go to those who are genuinely in need.”  

Lara says that 90 percent of everything she owns comes from bartering, charity shops, flea markets and car boot sales. 

“All of my furniture, most of my books and all my clothing, except socks, underwear and two pairs of trainers are second hand,” she says. 

“Same with all my entertainment, homewares. I can't imagine any other way to shop, and have used charity shops since my teens. 

“I’ve estimated I’ve saved tens of thousands over the years. I love what I do for a living but social care doesn’t pay well, and it helps me stretch my wage further.”

But there are some things Lara won’t be bartering for. 

“I don’t go for high tech stuff, I wouldn’t risk swapping things for phones or computers,” she says. 

Read More on The Sun

I was left speechless by my landlords bizarre rent request

Inside the UK’s ‘WORST’ Greggs with overflowing bins – but customers still love it

“I don’t know what would happen to people’s data in those situations so I try and avoid that. My mobile phone is one of the few things I didn’t get second hand.  

“I don’t own a TV either. I have a second hand hi-fi system that’s a few decades old now, but it plays my second-hand CDs nice and clearly  – and that’s all I need.”    

Source: Read Full Article