Here are some of the major rules for barter in Asia and Africa (and sometimes, the American Prison System.)

Never Ever barter anything new.
Anything new was stolen. Even if you bought it and have the receipt, to the local authorities, it is stolen, will be taken from you, and you will be very lucky to escape with your life.
Jails are not punishment, jails are holding places until your stuff is divided, ransomes raised, and you are executed.

Never Ever barter weapons or ammunition.
Weapons are earned, presented, or taken, and ammunition is purchased like a man. Barter is the pastime of feeble old men and women. A man buys outright or takes what he wants.
(Common sense really, never trade off something that can be used against you.)

Never Ever barter anything heavy enough that you can't run with it.

Never Ever offer money to even up or seal a barter. Grave insult.

Never Ever barter something you only have one of. It means you are poor, and can not afford protection, so you will be robbed, and probably killed.

Barter takes place in the center of market, and is high entertainment for all. Do not confuse trade and price haggleing on the edge of market with barter. All prices are negotiable, so money exchanges for goods and services are simple common trade for commodities.
Barter is the superbowl of village market life.

Anyone with a block of wood and a machette (cutlass) is an Authority Figure. Do what he says, or loose a hand or foot.

Pay the Market Chief whatever they want as tax. If you don't know how to spot the Market Chief, don't offer barter. It's not worth your life.

Barter excess supplies, like lighter fluid, canned food, batteries. Never trade for anything that can be altered, faked, diluted, and make sure you also include the cantainer it is in, in the deal.
I've seen barter in chickens for fuel, and when accord was reached, and the chickens handed over, the fuel was poured on the girls hands, because she didn't include the can in the deal.

A pint of Diesel fuel floating on 20 liters of water is a good barter, for one of the parties involved. It is expected that both parties are going to do what we call cheating.

Generally, if you have excess goods offer them for sale at a reasonable price from a location that is easily defended. Buy needed supplies from people doing the same. Never offer food or shelter for labor. Pay them after the labor is complete, and let them buy their own food and shelter.