How to Barter Goods and Services
Bartering is growing in popularity as corporate credit becomes tighter, while others look at it as a challenge they wish to accept. Bartering can be a complex process, and like paying with cash or other currency, comes with its own set of rules. Many individuals and small business have begun the practice of bartering as a way to trade. The following provides a framework for starting the process.
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Instructions
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Figure out what goods or services you might have to trade. Even things you take for granted, others may want. Are you good at fixing cars? Do you have a lot of old books lying around? Find something of value to offer others.
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Research what you've decided to offer for barter to find the monetary value. Monetary value is extremely important in bartering so that each party gets a fair deal. Do not inflate the value of your goods or services or no one will want to barter with you. The old books you have lying around are not the value of the same number of brand-new books.
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Find others to barter goods and services with. Craigslist has an excellent area for bartering with local people and businesses. Swapace.com is another good, international bartering site. When listing your goods or services for barter, be sure to be specific so that all parties involved have a clear understanding of what is being traded.
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Barter. Don't be afraid to ask to trade. You never know what someone may want in exchange for something else. It never hurts to ask, as long as you are respectful and are fully aware of the monetary value of both items or services up for barter. If you are unsure what the other party considers the monetary value for the goods or services they have for barter, ask. Don't be insulting -- usually in bartering, insults come from ignorance of the monetary value of what is to be traded.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider the tax implications of bartering before you decide to trade goods or services. Businesses can deduct costs incurred to perform a task that was bartered. Whether profit is made, in which case taxes would be paid, or profit was not made, in which case a refund may be given due to monetary loss, be sure to understand the tax implications for bartering.
References
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