One of the results of the current credit crunch is that bartering, the direct exchange of goods and services among and between providers and producers, is on the rise. To get in on the transactions, you can join the company of many others in “Big Business” and barter via online communities, through corporate barter companies and through one-on-one negotiations. This can be especially beneficial when you have product that does not move or becomes out-dated. Instead of scrapping the inventory, using distribution channels to sell it at deep discounts or writing it down to sell to liquidators, you can barter your inventory for trade credits or product exchanges—at either wholesale prices or book value.
If you have a company that offers services, you can also take advantage of the barter boom. To do so, just join a trade exchange to begin participation in multi-lateral or one-on-one exchanges.
Barter exchanges and clubs got started in the 1970’s and have grown in number to over 500 professional associations. That means you should have an exchange near your place of business. One of the key benefits of such exchanges is that their accounting methods are very simple. When you perform a service, you earn trade dollars that are equivalent to cash dollars. You can then simply redeem your dollars among any of the participating exchange members.
Bartering is a time-proven method to acquire what you need without the exchange of currency. Additionally, the barter system allows you to develop strong business relationships and to enhance the value of your community.
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