No money to pay the bills? Barter baby

Pat Long, Granite Falls MN. — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 16:49:03 GMT

Find me a Dentist or a Doctor who will barter for repairs to their houses and I'll sign up now. These are the services that alot of people just cant get. Also, why not take the trillions of dollars tagged for wall st. and give it directly to legal Americans. Lets see what main st. does with this money instead.

No money to pay the bills? Barter baby

Shiloh, Indiana — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 17:11:51 GMT

This is not a new concept in my community. Spend the day chopping wood at one persons house in return one gets use of the wood splitter and laborers when they need it. We trade homegrown produce for work and vice versa. The people you surround yourself with will have a big impact on how bad an outside stressor affects you (bad economy, natural disaster, terror threat, etc.)We are nurses, factory workers, supervisors- that know at any moment a rug can be pulled out from under us and we won't have a job but by bartering we will still have a means to feed our families.

No money to pay the bills? Barter baby

tunatofu, Washington DC — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 17:46:18 GMT

My experience with bartering is that people tend to overvalue their goods or services - $1000 for editing a grad thesis? I think not (I am a professional editor and dont make that kind of money). Housecleaning (one worker for ONE time for three hours) in exchange for a CAR? Uh, no. Mollymaids charges $75 an hour for a team of 5 workers - to equate that for the price of a used car ($2500) would require QUITE A BIT of housecleaning and more than the one time offered!

No money to pay the bills? Barter baby

CG, Memphis, TN — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 18:29:29 GMT

We barter in our area.... I used to be a professional cake decorator in a bakery, so I am able to offer a service almost any mom can use. I exchange birthday cakes for haircuts, handy man services, computer tech support, and more. I love it!! Cake decorating is a passion of mine, and while I will never make enough to pay the bills (truth be told Duff Goldman is a rare occurence) I can save some much needed cash on extra expenditures that come along.

No money to pay the bills? Barter baby

s, md — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 19:01:53 GMT

I can decorate cakes and have exchanged cakes for all sorts of things. I have even exchanged a wedding cake for firewood. It was for a December wedding, so I'm sure the other person was happy to have a couple hundred dollars extra at Christmas time.

No money to pay the bills? Barter baby

Victoria Lexington, KY — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 19:06:16 GMT

I currently belong to a bartering group. I have been able to get my eyes examined, dental work done, have my hair done and my furnace repaired.

I wish more restaurants were involved. I currently have a large balance that I'm saving against an unexpected emergancy.

No money to pay the bills? Barter baby

Kathy Snyder — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:26:42 GMT

Regarding overvaluing (tunatofu) - a reputable barter exchange network will work very hard to make sure members use everyday selling prices. IMS Barter and Alliance Barter are two that come to mind.

No money to pay the bills? Barter baby

Magdaline Victoria — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 14:07:44 GMT

I have a small business and have belonged to the barter organization you mention in the article for 15 years. I trade my services for everything from my accountant to my dentist. It's wonderful.

No money to pay the bills? Barter baby

Mark Lindeman. Columbus, Ohio — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 14:26:17 GMT

As a Regional Media Broker for IMS, we also help exchange members bring in cash customers by using their trade dollars to advertise with our members of the media that are available on trade.

For example.. ABC company can advertise with one of our media members using their trade dollars. The advertising they received on trade is then published or aired to the general public, bringing cash paying customers into the business.

The first thing people think about cutting out of their budget when there is an economic slowdown is the marketing of their business, products or services. This is the last thing you want to do! Don't ever stop promoting your business, if anything you should increase your marketing, during these times! Research has shown that business that continue or increase their marketing in slow economic times actually end up making more money after the economy becomes strong again.

This is the best time to market your business, and an effective way to do do this without spending cash is using trade!

No money to pay the bills? Barter baby

Mark Leavenworth Oroville California — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 02:57:17 GMT

With so many trained consumers and bureaucrats, every customer over-values their own goods and undervalues the good work of others. As things get more down-to-earth, people will learn to value good for good. With fiat currency, when a lot of money goes out, it has to come back in, so taxes prevent inflation. But there is no good reason to tax barter trades. I can see why articles like this are trying to corral people into a centralized system...imagine the loss of power and control by those who depend on it for their survival when people start to learn to do things for themselves! It seems their parents forgot to tell them that good government is part of the social contract. Power to the People!

No money to pay the bills? Barter baby

Dean Cabic, Chicago, Ill. — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:03:26 GMT

Power to the People, indeed. Being able to convert your goods and/or services into another form of currency -which is pretty much what modern day barter is - puts that power into the hands of the people.

No money to pay the bills? Barter baby

Terri Logan Galt, CA — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 00:13:23 GMT

I think this a wonderful idea for a small business, but I also think it would be wonderful for retired and/or seniors to do on a personal level. Would anyone be willing to explain how I might start one in my community?

No money to pay the bills? Barter baby

Larry o'Connell, Columbus, Ohio — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:09:14 GMT

As it states in your article this is not a new idea, however, it has been refined to the point where we do not need to trade directly with another person in order to be successful at bartering. The concept goes back to the caveman but modern technology has elevated it to the point where it is not only easy but extremely effective as well.

No money to pay the bills? Barter baby

Larry O'Connell, Columbus, Ohio — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:10:49 GMT

Please correct prior email to O'Connell

No money to pay the bills? Barter baby

Debbie, Rochester NY — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:32:02 GMT

As a IMS employee, I can say that barter works. Not just because I work here but because I've seen first hand how it has benefited my members. Our job as brokers is so much more than helping our members to buy and sale. You become part of their lives and do whatever you can to meet their needs. However, in order to be a sucessful trader you need to have patience, flexibility and the ability to think outside the box. No, you can't pay your gas & electric, cable or cell phone bill but if you give us a chance we can definitely be a asset to your business. HAPPY TRADING!

No money to pay the bills? Barter baby

Grizelda Sonnenberg 7449 N. Natchez Niles Il 60714 — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 23:12:11 GMT

I love trade !! live,eat ,exercize, get maried,party,
buy cars , jewelry, vacation , buy properties,medicine
clothes,education on trade !! it only makes sense .
grizelda.sonnenberg@imsbarter.com
PIf you are inetrested please call me (847)588-1818 ext 124. (trade broker ) 18 years of experience and loving it !!

No money to pay the bills? Barter baby

Mark W. Bowman CTB — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:51:15 GMT

IMS has been providing phenominal leadership in the barter industry since 1985, and continues to educate and set the standard for ethical and successful business to business trading nationwide. To learn more and become part of a growing success story, contact me at mark.bowman@imsbarter.com - Corporate Headquarters, Milwaukee,WI Mark W. Bowman CTB

No money to pay the bills? Barter baby

sally robinson, newark, NJ — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 19:47:11 GMT

Debbie Lombardi, a certified trader broker and veteran entrepreneur in the barter industry, has announced the official opening of her new venture, Barter Business Unlimited, Inc. (BBU). Within weeks, the new company has attracted hundreds of clients nationwide that are seeking to increase sales, build customer loyalty and tap into new markets while conserving needed cash.

“During these tumultuous economic times, Barter Business Unlimited is helping companies to actually expand sales and conserve cash,” said Lombardi, president and founder of Barter Business Unlimited. “Our trade consultants work with business owners to create new sales, trade inventory and services -- while minimizing cash outlays for everyday business expenses. Barter Business Unlimited helps companies to gain a competitive edge as we are part of a dynamic network of independent trade exchanges that link local businesses with tens of thousands of potential new customers.”

Barter or trade is a powerful tool that represents a solution for companies with available inventory or services. By accepting payment in trade dollars instead of cash, a business maximizes its efficiency by increasing inventory turnover or billable hours. Using the trade dollars earned, that company can purchase goods or services such as for advertising, travel or office improvements without paying cash. "Debbie has the confidence of hundreds of local businesses. I know she will be a great success and I'm happy that Goodwin College is a member," said Mark Sheinberg, president, Goodwin College, East Hartford, Connecticut (www.goodwin.edu).

“I am happy to see Debbie back in the barter industry. I’ve had the pleasure of doing business with her and she is dynamic trade broker. Through Barter Business Unlimited, she offers a great service to businesses of all types and sizes. Especially during tougher economic times, barter is a great way to increase your business and improve your productivity,” said John J. Leone, Jr., president/CEO, Greater Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Bristol, Connecticut (www.bristol-chamber.org).

Lombardi has been a barter industry leader for more than 25 years and has become one of the top business consultants about barter and business management resources. She is the former president of the National Association of Trade Exchanges and a member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, a global network of more than 6,600 business owners in 38 countries. “It’s great to see Debbie doing what she does best. I wish I had half the energy level she has,” said James Varano, owner, Black-eyed Sally’s BBQ & Blues, Hartford, Connecticut (www.blackeyedsallys.com).

According to the International Reciprocal Trade Association, more than 470,000 companies in the United States actively participate in barter resulting in more than $12 billion in annual sales. More than 65 percent of the corporations listed in the New York Stock Exchange are using barter to reduce surplus inventory, bolster sales and ensure that production facilities run at near capacity. “Debbie is a true innovator and has a wealth of knowledge about our industry. It’s exciting to see her back along with her valuable ideas about customer service and expanding the role of barter in our economy today,” said Tom McDowell, executive director, National Association of Trade Exchanges, Mentor, Ohio (www.nate.org).

Ed Silverstein, owner, Shear Success, Newington, Connecticut (www.shearsuccess.com) said, “I am extremely happy to be working with Debbie and the BBU staff. I have been using barter for more than 16 years and have been able to make improvements to my hair salon, such as having walls painted and flooring installed. I’ve also been able to take an Alaskan cruise, go whitewater rafting and go with my wife on a hot-air balloon ride by using the barter network.”

With offices based in Bristol, Connecticut, Barter Business Unlimited, Inc., is a proud member of the Universal Currency, Greater Bristol Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Trade Executives and the International Reciprocal Trade Association. To hear more about the barter industry and BBU, visit www.blogtalkradio.com/bartertoday. Linkedin.com and Facebook users can also join barter industry user groups. For more information about Barter Business Unlimited, visit www.bbubarter.com.

No money to pay the bills? Barter baby

Tom McDowell — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 05:40:06 GMT

I'm a huge advocate of barter and have been for decades, but really... Sally, Wow!

Did you get paid by Debbie with whatever it was barter company? Your post was longer (and way more boring 'cos it was all hype!) than the really good article you were suppost to comment on.

I really find it rather naive for people to do so much self-promotion.

No money to pay the bills? Barter baby

Judy Metelski, Ferederick Maryland — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 02:47:05 GMT

I bartered a pair of only-worn-twice Seven for All Mankind jeams to my hairdresser for a cut and color.

No money to pay the bills? Barter baby

Tim — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 09:46:02 GMT

If you live in the First Coast of Florida
First Coast Barter is Great

www.firstcoastbarter.com

No money to pay the bills? Barter baby

angelo, glendale, ca — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 01:43:33 GMT

honestly, i love the idea of barter, especially during these hard times, we need an alternative. there is this cool website called FavorPals (www.favorpals.org) and it is a safe and secure site completely dedicated to bartering. craftsmen, artists, laborers, professionals—in fact anyone with skills or goods to trade can swap for the services or items they need with anyone in the Favorpals community, and because of the wide reach of the Web, users can make an exchange with someone around the corner or even a continent away. Favorpals is meaningful especially when a swap or "favor exchange" crosses the divide between people from different walks of life. Favorpals is as much a social movement as it is an alternative economy. i have used it several times and it is very easy to use.

No money to pay the bills? Barter baby

Dawn Maturen, Saginaw, MI — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 14:20:45 GMT

This article was great! I am a housewife whose husband works for General Motors and I am starting a bartering community based in Michigan. What we are interested in doing her in Michigan, because we have such large population of retirees, laid off workers, college students, etc. is encourage people to exchange teaching their skills as well as just possessions and your typical services. People accross the board can benefit from the experiences and education of others. Bartering can be a profitable tool in so many ways, as have been previously listed. Using it to promote the sharing of ideas and education could make up for some of the failings of our government, corporations and unions alike and spark a new exciting collaborative innovation in Michigan. We hope so!