|
How
does barter work?
Barter is simply the exchange of goods and services without the use of
money. People have been doing it informally for thousands of
years...but today, this type of transaction has turned into a
sophisticated business practice. Locally Barter Systems, Inc. has been
bringing companies together since 1976.
When you join Barter
Systems, Inc., you have the opportunity to trade your services or
products with those of more than 1,500 BSI clients. Let's say you own a
landscaping business and you need a lawyer to help you incorporate.
You'll look in the BSI directory or call your BSI trade broker to find
a lawyer in your area. You'll meet directly with the lawyer to discuss
your needs, just as you would if this were a cash transaction.
So, now you're ready to
hire the lawyer. What happens next? You need a lawyer...but the lawyer
probably doesn't need landscaping.
That's where BSI comes in.
You don't trade directly with the lawyer; instead you pay for the
transaction with trade dollars. You may have earned your trade dollars
by upgrading the landscaping of a local restaurant...or by landscaping
the home of a local business owner.
Essentially, BSI acts as a
clearinghouse, keeping track of transactions and helping you link up
with businesses that have something you want, or that need your
services. When you make a sale, you call for an authorization and
complete a sales invoice. You submit this to BSI, along with a small
cash service fee, and your trade account will be immediately credited
for the amount of the sale.
Put barter to work for
your company! It's a simple, effective way to expand your business
horizons.
What
can I spend my trade dollars on?
BSI members provide a broad range of products and services. Exactly
what's being traded can vary throughout the year as many members barter
only during their slow seasons. The Trading Room will give you an
overview of businesses which are actively trading. Click here for a
list of trade categories.
What
if my product or service is too popular?
I've heard that businesses like mine can be flooded with trades.
You decide when and how to barter. You can trade just on certain days
or products. You can limit trading to a set amount per month, or you
can choose to trade only during your slow seasons. With BSI, you're in
charge!
Do
I have to trade all the time?
The benefits of trading are realized when selling and purchasing are
conducted on a continuous basis. But, there may be certain periods,
when you may wish to hold off with accepting any new business. This is
accomplished by placing your account in a hold status. You can resume
trading at any time thereafter.
If
there are other businesses that I would like to see enter the system,
what should I do?
Just contact the BSI office with the names and telephone numbers of
each referral. We ask that you first give them a brief overview of BSI,
and mention that a representative from the company will be contacting
them shortly. Just like the cash economy, supply and demand determines
how active an account will be. BSI is continuously marketing your
company's product or service, with the idea of generating as much
business as you care to receive. Once they become clients, you receive
a minimum of $25 cash credit to your account.
Can
I expect to receive trade business immediately upon becoming a member?
Not unlike the cash economy, the barter marketplace is a product of
supply and demand within the group of participating companies. The more
your specialty satisfies individual company needs, the greater will be
the traffic flow.
|
