Bartering for Profits

Bartering at the Mentor Consortium

This is an informal Barter Network and no cash is required! Our primary goal is to bring our members new opportunities and/or new business.

What is Barter Exchange?

Simply put, barter is the exchange of goods and services for other goods and services without the use of cash. The system of barter has been used for centuries as a form of commerce and in an economy like ours, almost everyone barters or trades to some extent. For example, babysitting, auto repairs, products, personal services, etc. Typically members of a barter exchange are small businesses and individuals, however, anyone who has a product or service can participate.

Although it is not a criteria, we do encourage our members to trade for items they are currently paying cash for whenever possible. This can add up to hundreds of dollars of savings to an already stretched budget.

No cash exchanges hands. For example. I have an item such as an antique vase I never use, even though it could be considered valuable, its of no value to me if I don’t use it. Therefore, I may be willing to exchange some house cleaning services or office administration with someone who really likes the vase and could put it to good use. Dollar value doesn’t matter rather perceived value is more beneficial.

Benefits of Bartering

One of the greatest advantages of using an informal barter exchange like ours is the concept of developing a loyal network of contacts. Members of a barter exchange will nearly always seek to trade with other members of the exchange before spending cash. Developing this network could lead to other opportunities down the road.

Think of some scenarios where barter can be useful.

	Trade advertising in newpapers, magazines, and internet in exchange for desktop publishing services
	Swap household items for garden tools
	Trade lawn mowing for gutter washing
	Barter dress making for dry cleaning services
	Swap computer training for office administration

In your mind, think of what you can do without, post it, and sit back and see who contacts you. Be creative; have fun!!