How to Barter Services Online

The Internet has made it possible for people all over the world, from all walks of life, to connect with one another. Websites, blogs, and discussion boards often have visitors and contributors from many different countries. All of these people have different skills and interests.

Those who provide services such as writing, web design, graphic design, and virtual assistance are able to provide those services to people regardless of their locations, thanks to the Internet. These service providers can also barter with one another, saving both parties money.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• An Internet connection
• A service to barter

1. Become active in forums and social networking sites that could attract people who provide the kinds of services you need. If you are a contributing member of the community, you have a better chance of connecting with someone who might be interested in bartering.

2. Get the word out that you are interested in swapping services. Add notes to profile pages and blog entries that you are willing to barter your services, and specify what services you have a need for.

3. Place ads on websites such as Craigslist, both in the Gigs and the Services sections. Be as specific as possible when describing the services you provide and the services you are in need of.

4. Respond to ads from those who offer the services you need, or those who need the services you offer. They may or may not be interested in bartering, but it never hurts to ask.

5. When you find a potential bartering partner, ask for references and samples of his work. Knowing that he does quality work is important, even if you are not paying cash for it. Be prepared to provide the same things to him.

6. Set up terms for the delivery of the services. If the services are of high value, have a contract drawn up specifying exactly what each party is to do.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have a product-based business, you may be able to barter as well. You could even trade services for products or vice versa.
• Some business networking sites have bartering groups. These are great places to find people who are interested in swapping services.
• Make sure that the things you’re bartering are of similar value. The idea is to save money, but if you are providing services of a much higher value than those you are receiving, you are essentially losing money.

Resources

• Craigslist

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on 5/18/2008 this is a WONDERFUL article! I never knew this existed? Great!