Who Uses Barter

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Barter

Barter is the exchange of one product or service for another product or service of equal value without the use of cash.

Who Uses Barter?

According to the International Reciprocal Trade Association (IRTA) an estimated 500,000 businesses in the United States will participate in barter this year. The number of businesses engaged in barter is increasing every day as technology improves, the number of exchanges increase and more businesses discover the value of bartering. While 65% of Fortune 500 companies increase their income through barter, our research shows that less than 1% of small and minority owned businesses are actively engaged in barter.

What Can You Barter?

Businesses can barter for practically anything they need for their business, or to enhance your personal life. Radio advertising, printing, graphic design, business plans, dental services, tools, furniture, golf lessons, plumbing, lawn services, concert or theater tickets, the list of possibilities is endless!

Is Barter Trade Credit The Same As Cash?

"Yes"...and no. Yes, because the trade exchange that is issuing the credit to you when you sell within its network is giving you a form of currency called a trade credit. In the U.S. each trade credit is equal to one U.S. dollar. You should be able to spend your trade credit just like it was cash, but also get all the additional benefits of being a part of the barter exchange group. "No"...because a traded credit is not issued by any government like a national currency is. It is instead backed by the strength of the exchange that issues it.

Fact Vs. Myth

MYTH: If I sell to a busines.

s that sells a product I can't use, my barter currency is wasted.

FACT: Barter is not a one for one exchange. You sell what you have, buy what you need. You accumulate barter currency (retail dollar value) from any network member. Thousands of like-minded businesses buy and sell every conceivable product and service on barter, not cash. In fact, most of America's Fortune 500 companies utilize barter.

MYTH: Barter can't pay employees...or can it?

FACT: Reward employees with a barter paid vacation! Send them to a ballgame, the theater, out to dinner or give them a gift certificate. Motivate without using precious cash.

MYTH: I am a service business. All I have is my time.

FACT: Barter is perfect for a service business. When you aren't working, your time is un-billable. Turn downtime into barter dollar credits.