Trade or Barter
Obviously when you're trading, you're not necessarily getting something for free. However, a trade is a good way to get rid of an unwanted item and gain a wanted item at the same time.
A skilled trader could also sell unwanted items and then buy wanted items and indirectly trade at a net cost of $0.
For example, I wanted to refurnish my apartment. I had two living-room-style couches, a small entertainment center, 2 sets of stereo speakers, a small media center, a mini-fridge, 2 TVs, a microwave, and a new set of Corningware Dishes. Each of these items was either collected while in high school or received as a wedding gift. I sold all of these items on Craigslist for $335
By finding deals on Craigslist I was able to buy a flat screen TV, nicer stereo speakers, a bigger entertainment center and an L-shaped sectional couch all for $325. This price even included paying people for their moving services since I didn't have a truck.
My net difference was a surplus of $10. ($335 -$325 = $10) Meaning I was indirectly able to trade all of my unwanted items, for items that I did want, and I even made $10. And all of the items I received were better, nicer, more functional and/or more suitable for me than the ones I sold.
Take trading a step further and its actually possible to get quite a bit for free. This requires a skilled trader with careful planning and research.
Here is an example: I was able to get 3 different video game consoles, controllers, accessories and games all for free by buying video game "sets" and "lots" on eBay. The consoles that I received were Xbox, Nintendo 64 and Super Nintendo. (This was during the first generation Xbox, PS2 and Nintendo Gamecube era.) Then, after buying the lot, I'd keep what I wanted, sometimes only a game at a time, and sell the lot over again for the same price. My net cost was $0 and I got the game (or item) that I wanted for free. Of course there is risk involved; there was no guarantee that I could resell the lot for the same price. But by paying attention to the market, I was able to make some pretty good guesses. It also helped to know the peak selling times of day on eBay.
I could see this strategy working with other items, like DVDs, CDs, and Books. Other resources besides Craigslist and eBay are listed below.
Websites that offer trading services or social networking for people who like to trade:
Many Classified Ads Websites have a barter or trade section.
Find "groups" on places like Facebook, Google, etc. for people who like to trade.
tradeaway.com
u-exchange.com/home
swapathome.com
swap-online.com
swaptreasures.com
uiswap.com
switchplanet.com/ (not tested)
goswap.org (not tested)
zunafish.com (not tested)
Trade Services:
favorpals.com
Trade your cell phone or contract. Get out of an existing contract for free:
celltradeusa.com (not tested)
Trade Movies, Books, Music & Video Games:
goozex.com
swaptree.com
switchgames.com
titletrader.com - sited by businessweek.com, gain points for sending in your books, DVDs, etc. Use them to get free media. Shipping fees apply.
swapsimple.com
whatsonmybookshelf.com
bookcrossing.com - book exchange with a "hide and seek" twist.
bookmooch.com - book exchange
paperbackswap.com - paperback swap
Swap Kids Toys and Baby Stuff
totsswapshop.com
kizoodle.com
handmedowns.com
Trade Clothing & Make-up
dignswap.com
swapstyle.com
makeupalley.com/swap
Local Trading:
transitbayareaclassifieds.com - San Francisco Bay Area (not tested)
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