Is the barter system making a comeback?
How many times have you heard someone say, “I wish we could just go back to a barter system…?”
Well, it seems that wish is now being granted.
Today, CNN reported that while consumer spending is down, people are still getting what they want through good old fashioned bartering. Businesses and even individuals are regularly swapping services and products–online.
Imagine the possibilities! I could post a local advertisement at MyNC.com Classifieds to trade my dishwasher for your stove. A gym manager could offer to swap a membership in return for a new laptop for her business on a website like U-exchange. Students can swap books and CD’s on sites like Swaptree.
In this economy, we’re likely to try anything to get what we need to maintain our quality of like. While I don’t actually know anyone who is trying any of these bartering methods, I wonder how easy or how difficult it could be?
To learn more about this growing practice CNN recommend’s visiting the International Reciprocal Trade Association.
It’s certainly something to think about and maybe even consider…wanna trade?
If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment or subscribe to the feed and get future articles delivered to your feed reader or email.
Comments
It is amazing to see the interest this story is finally generating. Our young people should be aware of how difficult these people lives are. And although their lives and opportunities are limited, some how they come up on top of it all. They definitely make the best of a bad situation and sereve as positive examples to others.
bartering is making a huge comeback, particularly online bartering. the site to use is http://www.favorpals.com. i really like it and i have used it with success.
OTHER REASONS TO BARTER
Save Cash
Realise full market value for non-recoverable, non-recyclable, limited commodities or otherwise unsold stock or time.
Access interest free credit and repay borrowings with new sales.
Increase Your Asset Base
Buy at a discount of up to 90%.
Invest in other businesses without the need for cash.
Increase Your Financial Liquidity
Convert existing bad debts to assets.
Pay existing creditors from new sales.
Convert equity from slow moving inventory or unsold appointment time.
Attract New Cash Paying Customers
Access innovative ways to new cash contract tenders.
Build Your Brand
Build a community network around your brand.
Expand distribution channels and market reach.
Align your business with charities and community enterprises.
Gain repeat business and take customers away from the competition.
Improve your social standing, customer and staff loyalty.
Create local business opportunities within your community.
Retain Staff and Customers
Create customer loyalty programmes.
Provide staff incentives.
Implement a staff donation/giving programme.
Pay for client entertainment.
Become More Efficient
Substitute imports with higher quality, locally provided goods or services at wholesale price.
Decrease wastage and develop new consumer habits.
Get more out of your employees with employee rewards and buying programmes
Take overstocked, last season or end-of-line items off-market while earning full retail value.
Check out the Ormita Commerce Network at http://www.ormita.com we use them successfully to offset trade (a little different to barter – because you know what you will get in advance which you dont always know with a barter exchange network… )
Subscribe to RSS
Although they have these things called Libraries that fulfill this need, I’ve used http://www.paperbackswap.com/index.php a lot to “get rid” of books I don’t necessarily want to read again and get books that I do want to read (without having to worry about Library fines or silly Hardback prices!)
You post your books that you have available and when someone asks for your book, you mail it to them (postage is on your dime) and receive 1 credit to then ask someone for one of THEIR books (which they will mail you on THEIR dime). When you first sign up, you automatically get 2 credits to start! I’ve been using it for a year and I really like it.