Barter. That's what only the ultra-business savvy do, right? Wrong! While bartering may involve a little stepping out of your comfort zone, I think you'll find it's a very frugal way of life! It can also help build your networks as well as your confidence.
I was recently reflecting on how I have been able to barter for services over the past few months and thought I'd share my thoughts with you.
Tip #1: assess what YOU can barter. Consider what skills or services you could offer that would be of value. Do you know basic car repair? Perhaps you sew? Do you cut hair? Maybe you speak a second language and could tutor? I've found you don't need super technical skills to be able to barter. If you can cook a meal, provide childcare, or are up for manual labor, you can barter. As for me, I tend to barter for writing services (such as web content or resumes) or advertising on my blog.
Tip #2: consider what services you need that you could barter for. A friend of mine has had GREAT success bartering her graphic design skills for landscaping services. She uses Craigslist to make the connections. We recently had a furnace that needed about $100 in repair work. I was able to exchange my writing services and got the work we needed with no out-of-pocket! It was a great money-saver, and my friend got something she needed in return. (Plus, we had those friends over and enjoyed a fun dinner with them in the process.) In many cases, YOU will have to take the initiative. Be specific with what you're proposing, and be open minded to a counter proposal.
Tip #3: expand your ideas on what you can barter or swap! My friend Susan and I have sometimes swapped childcare. Last month, I swapped clothes with a bunch of ladies at the church. I'm also gearing up to swap freezer meals. No service or item is too ordinary! A great place to start is with like-minded, frugal-focused friends. Get together and discuss your current needs. See if you can't pool together to help one another out.
Tip #4: make sure the exchange leaves both parties happy. In order to do this, you'll need to be honest…and do your best to make sure the recipient of your swap is also happy. I recently was in the process of swapping writing services with a friend and wasn't feeling entirely right about what I was receiving in return. I didn't want to make her feel bad…and yet, I knew I needed to be honest. I'm glad I did! She was only too happy to make sure I had something that was meaningful to me and in the end, we came up with something perfect.
Have you ever bartered for something? Was it a good experience or not? Any advice you'd like to add?
Photo credit Rob Owen-Wahl
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
My husband owns a pest control company here in the area, we’ve only swapped for vehicle repair but since he also does all his own advertising we’ve bartered with that too, it’s been GREAT for our business and theirs!!! If anyone is looking for a trade let me know
Hmmm. Natalie, you gave me a great idea! If there are folks out there in the greater Tacoma/Fed Way/Seattle area looking to barter or open to barter their services…feel free to make yourself known! Leave a comment!!
I’ll barter for childcare! You watch mine, I’ll watch yours!
Kris J.’s mom (good family friends of mine) has had a bartering business for years…she’d be a great resource-I ask her all kinds of stuff.
I barter stuff I get for free….I’ve just traded a little electrical work for some bags of dog food and razors…that was fun!