Strapped for cash? Why not barter? Bartering is a way for people to trade goods for services (and vice versa) without cash. The International Reciprocal Trade Association estimates that $12 billion non-cash transactions happened in 2010. But, what can bartering do for you? The sky is the limit when it comes to bartering, from maintenance services to children's clothing. Just keep in mind that the IRS still demands you pay taxes on all non-cast transactions.