| What exchange is fair exchange? | | | | where you have to pay for it anyway. |
| Good question! And one that can come up | | | | Is the time/$ value of the service being |
| regularly when you are just starting out in | | | | exchanged pretty equal, or will one of you end up |
| business and cash-flow is tight. Exchange often | | | | putting in far more time and effort than the |
| seems the perfect solution to get what you need | | | | other? |
| or want without actually paying for it in hard cash. | | | | Unless this is discussed up front and agreements |
| But does barter work? | | | | reached, this can lead to resentment. Sometimes |
| With goods it's fairly straightforward, there is a | | | | it is the value of the exchange and not the time |
| tangible exchange of goods at an agreed value. | | | | needed to do it that should be considered. For |
| But when it comes to exchanging your goods or | | | | instance it may take three hours to stuff |
| business service for another service, such as | | | | somebody's envelopes in exchange for fifteen |
| marketing, PR, graphic design, massage and so on, | | | | minutes of invaluable legal advice. |
| or a mix of goods and services, there are lots or | | | | When you are offering a service as a barter, |
| traps and pitfalls to be aware of. | | | | make sure the person really wants that service, |
| These tips and questions will help you decide | | | | understands what it is and what commitment |
| whether or not the barter option on offer is one | | | | may be required of them to take it up. |
| to consider. | | | | If they are half-hearted about doing the |
| Is the exchange something you really want? | | | | exchange, it may not work and you and you will |
| I was once offered a beautiful crystal in exchange | | | | both end up feeling frustrated and cheated. |
| for a coaching session. I love crystals, but | | | | Be clear about what the barter does and does |
| unfortunately they don't pay the rent, so the | | | | not include. |
| exchange was not what I needed as a barter at | | | | For instance there may be time and materials |
| that time. | | | | involved. Is the barter for time only, or does it |
| Is the person offering the exchange someone | | | | cover all expenses. |
| you would consider going to for this service if it | | | | Put your barter agreement in writing including a |
| was not an exchange? | | | | dollar value and time limit for each of you to |
| If not, and if you don't have confidence in the | | | | honour the exchange. |
| person, you may be dissatisfied with your end of | | | | This is essential if the barter is not simultaneous |
| the exchange and end up going somewhere else | | | | and your goods or service is being provided first! |