Chapter 17, Problem 1P

To determine

To explain:

The difficulties that an economics professor might feel while purchasing a new car under a barter system.

Explanation of Solution

There is a huge deficiency in the barter trade system. It creates hindrance in a proper or justified trade between the participants of the transaction. Lack of common medium of exchange like money, is one of the prominent hindrances in the barter system of trade. Apart from that, the unavailability of knowledge of the trade regarding different products or services to traders also creates non-accurate pricing decisions.

Lack of common unit to standardize product or service and justifiable standard unit to measure them under different scenario is also the reason behind the lack of popularity of the barter trade system.

To buy a car in a barter system, an economics professor may need such a trading partner who is willing to have economics lectures or economic advices in exchange of a car. This type of search can be very difficult and a lot of time of the professor can be wasted. Wastage of costs can also be an issue in locating this kind of partner. Thus, an economics professor can feel difficulties while purchasing a new car in a barter system.

Economics Concept Introduction

Barter System:

In trade, a barter system refers to the exchange of good and services without the use of common currency. The party directly exchanges goods and services with other goods and services.The coincidence of need is necessary in this situation.