I’d been thinking about writing a post about bartering. I actually had a draft started on the topic but I was thinking of waiting until summer to publish it because that’s when I do most of my bartering. This week the topic was mentioned twice that I noticed at Free Money Finance and at Weakonomics. Then, a bread customer of mine asked me if I’d be willing to barter with them a few days ago.
Ok, twist my arm … I’ll write about bartering. In case you’re new to the idea – bartering is basically trading/exchanging goods or services, leaving money out of the equation altogether. I love bartering. It’s a win-win.
Up to this point you may have dismissed the idea thinking you don’t have anything to barter. Oh sure, there’s the usual bartering of babysitting (which I love) or garden produce but there’s a lot more you can barter than that. Here are some examples in my life:
- While I was growing up my mom bartered babysitting for free haircuts/styles with a friend of hers.
- I have a couple friends that barter auto detailing for web design.
- I barter my bread for produce & fresh berries in the summer and one of my customers just offered to barter fresh eggs. I also bartered several loaves for a ring from a silversmith once!
Those are a few examples from my life. Here are a few more things to consider bartering:
- Tax preparation/Accounting
- Lawn care/ Landscaping
- Massages
- Nail/Hair Care
- Carpentry/Handyman Repairs
- Editing/Proofreading (I do this one – any takers?)
- Pies (at holidays)
- Plumbing/Electrical Work
- IT/Computer Support
- Vacations/Time Shares
- Auto Repair (Please! People like me could use it!)
- Interior Design
- Graphic Design
- Art Work
- Bookkeeping
- Catering
- Tutoring
- Cleaning/Housework
- Shoveling/Plowing Snow
- Piano Tuning (I could use this one too)
- Music Lessons
- Text Books
- Use Of Your Car (if you’re brave & have great insurance)
- Sewing/Alterations
My point is that you can barter almost anything that you can make or do well. It won’t happen unless you make the offer though. I think most people are willing to they just don’t think of it.
Have you ever bartered anything? If not, would you be interested in trying it?
Why I do what I do ~ My daughter has decided her favorite color is red. It’s her first favorite color ever. I’ve tested it over and over and true to her word, for a few months now she has consistently prefered red things and never wavered in her answer to the question, “What’s your favorite color?” It’s red every time.
photo credit: nola.agent
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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m not sure I would call the kind of trading we do bartering.
Just the other day my husband, who is very good with computers, helped a friend with a computer problem. Then our friend, who works for the water department, came and helped us with a water leak.
The difference is that either side would have helped the other without expecting anything in return. Do you call that bartering?
Amanda’s last blog post..Provoke Your Kids – To Laughter
@Amanda – I would call that bartering. You would have returned the favor eventually wouldn’t you? I think bartering is great when done among friends!
I have never thought much about bartering, but it is such a great idea. Do you have any tips for starting this up with people you don’t know?
Kate’s last blog post..Wedding Save-the-Dates
@Kate -The thing about bartering is that someone has to offer a service that you need in order for it to work and it’s tough to know that without knowing the person. Bartering usually begins with people you are familiar with, like co-workers. Maybe there’s someone that you or your husband works with that does something you need and you could offer to do alterations for them in exchange.
I love this post! My husband and I always barter! For our latest barter a friend of ours cut down a tree that was in danger of falling on our home in exchange for a jar of homemade crystallized ginger!
Amanda
Hey Nicki! Thanks for the love on my post about bartering!
the weakonomist’s last blog post..Fair Tax: The Pros and Cons
a great site to do all your bartering is http://www.favorpals.com. it’s wonderful.