How to Start a Bartering Business

Barter your way to savings.

Bartering is the trading of products and services without the exchange of cash. It's an age-old system of giving and receiving. People use bartering to save money and to exchange useful products. Businesses also barter among themselves. Bartering businesses cover a variety of functions. Starting a bartering business can be profitable, especially if your area does not have one.

Instructions

1. Determine what type of goods to swap. For example, you can exchange clothing, furniture, baby items or toys. When bartering products, make sure the items are clean and usable. Goods may also be exchanged with services such as repairs, entertainment, gardening, child care and tutoring.

2. Start small. In the beginning, working out of your home is ideal. As your business grows, secure a commercial area where meetings and transactions can occur. Apply for a business license. Buy a computer or upgrade the one you have with the database software, a fax machine or an all-in-one printer. Purchase stationery for marketing campaigns and correspondence.

3. Determine whether your membership will be monthly, annually or free. Set the deposit or annual fee for membership. Draw up rules and regulations for your business. Establish how members will contact each other and how often meetings will take place.

4. Recruit family, friends and acquaintances for membership. Find other people who are interested in bartering. Post fliers in hospitals, grocery stores, consignment shops and flea markets to attract an interested crowd. Advertise on the internet. Design a website with your business model, mission statement and contact information.

References

• "UExchange": Bartering
• "IRS: Bartering