| ring has been around literally forever or nearly so. | | | | anywhere, whereas other sites offer local trading. |
| In fact, bartering predates the use of formal | | | | NOCO Hours ( focuses on Northern Colorado, for |
| currency as a measure of exchange for labor or | | | | example. |
| goods. | | | | To find a site local to you, go to your local |
| What is bartering? Simply put, it’s the | | | | newspaper or newspaper's online site(s) and type |
| exchange of goods or services without the use | | | | in "barter." In many cases, one will already be |
| or exchange of formal currency. You may, for | | | | established. If not, do a bit of research if you like |
| example, barter with a friend to mow your lawn | | | | and start your own. |
| in exchange for babysitting her children for two | | | | also offers tips on getting started with bartering |
| hours. Or, in a more formal arrangement, you | | | | online and not only offers listings by country, but |
| may barter with your landlord to do maintenance | | | | also specific to individual states in the United |
| or repairs for other tenants in exchange for a | | | | States. |
| reduction in rent. It remains a useful way to | | | | Google Groups offers specialized Usenet groups |
| exchange goods or services without having to | | | | (many local) offering the barter of a variety of |
| bring money into the equation. | | | | goods and services. has over 600 mailing lists |
| Now, bartering has a new twist. With the advent | | | | available offering a variety of locations, goods, |
| of the Internet, online barter sites are showing up | | | | services and bartering options. If these are not |
| everywhere. Some sites are local, while others | | | | local to you, and this is what you would prefer, |
| have a reach that’s literally worldwide. | | | | you can start your own. |
| In general, these sites allow users to post ads on | | | | Bartering has also made a comeback in the world |
| what they have to offer and what they would | | | | of business with Internet trading. With "direct |
| like in return. Some sites are free, while others | | | | bartering", business owners swap their product(s) |
| charge a user’s fee. Care to Trade, at is | | | | or service(s) directly with their vendors in |
| one example of a goods-exchange site. With Care | | | | exchange for the vendor’s product(s) or |
| to Trade, you can also have items shipped from | | | | service(s). |