| Many freelance writers and small business owners | | | | of money you save from using bartering services. |
| can benefit from using a bartering service like | | | | It really is a win-win situation. |
| Premier Barter located in AZ. This is a great way | | | | Working with a bartering service is a great idea |
| to exchange services and network at the same | | | | no matter how tough the economy is. In times of |
| time. Not only will you receive what you need, but | | | | economic unrest, small business owners do their |
| you'll meet great people and possible clients. | | | | best to cut costs wherever they can. Bartering |
| Bartering is nothing new. People have been | | | | can help defer costs like advertising and |
| bartering for centuries. Due to the current | | | | marketing which take up most of a business's |
| economic conditions, bartering services have been | | | | budget in addition to payroll costs. |
| receiving a tremendous amount of attention. | | | | If you use a bartering service you must report it |
| Some services charge a monthly fee while others | | | | on your taxes. The form to use is the 1099-B. |
| charge a flat fee or commission. The fee you pay | | | | Consult your CPA if you're not sure how to |
| will pay for itself because you'll save time and | | | | report bartering services on your taxes. It's |
| money on the services that you need. | | | | better to be safe than sorry when it comes to |
| "Bartering occurs when you exchange goods or | | | | the IRS. |
| services without exchanging money. An example | | | | Research bartering companies before you select |
| of bartering is a plumber doing repair work for a | | | | one. Attend networking events because you'll find |
| dentist in exchange for dental services. The fair | | | | at least one or two representatives from the |
| market value of goods and services received in | | | | local bartering company. Schedule a time to meet |
| exchange for goods or services you provide | | | | with someone from the company because you'll |
| must be included in income in the year received." | | | | gain a better understanding of bartering services. |
| Visit the IRS for more information on bartering. | | | | Getting the facts before you sign up will save you |
| Benefits of bartering | | | | time and money in the long run. |
| 1. Networking opportunity. You meet other small | | | | Bartering for goods and services can help put |
| business owners from different industries and | | | | your small business on the map. Once you |
| develop relationships with them. Eventually, they | | | | establish a rapport with other business owners, |
| can become paying clients. | | | | you can grow your business. Word-of-mouth |
| 2. Exchange of goods and services. If you're a | | | | advertising still works. Remember, a person |
| small business in need of advertising services, you | | | | knows at least five or more people. Not only will |
| can exchange your products and or services and | | | | you receive great services and or products, you'll |
| receive the advertising and marketing services | | | | receive referrals as well. It's another win-win |
| that you need for your business. | | | | situation! |
| 3. Save money. You'd be surprised at the amount | | | | |