Bartering Makes a Comeback

An ancient custom is making a comeback in this tough economy: bartering. More people are exchanging goods and services to get what they need, rather than exchanging cash. It can save you money and may lead to new business.

By: | WSPA-TV
Published: May 13, 2009

Mechanic shop Converse Motors is just getting off the ground. Said co-owner David Root, "We're a new business, money is very tight."

So Root barters services to get what he needs. He and his business partner, Redbrick Development, are renovating the old Converse Mill into environmentally friendly offices. He asked green renovator Brian Williamson, of Structure and Space Inc., to barter.

Said Root, "What we've done is asked him if he would trade some services on his vehicles, like tune-ups, and if he would in tern help us in coming up with plans."

Said Williamson, "They can't quite pay yet, so they're going to use some of my expertise."

And Root has accepted two rain barrels from MII Energy, that will save him money on water, in exchange for oil changes. Said Randy Pitts with MII Energy, "It saves money. No matter where you take it, you're going to pay money to get your oil changed."

Root says not everyone he asks to barter always likes the idea. And some have to think about it. Said Pitts, "Once you think about it a little bit, what you can trade and what you can get back, it kind of makes sense."

He says bartering not only saves money, it usually leads to new business relationships. Said Root, "I can't put a dollar price on it, but we have more people coming through our doors now through referrals."

Root says bartering keeps business flowing, even when money is not.

How do you get started bartering? Many people list their services for barter on www.craigslist.com. Or just approach a business you want to barter with and ask.