Anybody else have success with Bartering?

**DJsDetails** · 10-20-2010, 02:39 AM

So I first got into bartering when I had a long-time client of mine say he just couldn`t afford my services anymore. He introduced me to a bartering company that he`s turned his company to, with the market being the way it is, and said that he could continue using me if I`d join. He just needed to find a way to conserve his cash. I figured I didn`t want to lose that $400/mo. between his two vehicles, they had printers on the bartering network, so if anything I could just get all my printing done on this bartering thing. No harm done right?
So I`ve been a member of an undisclosed organization, an international bartering company that has franchises in a lot of big cities, for about 6 months now and I have to say I`ve been pretty pleased with what it has done for my company. I was leery at first just because it was so unfamiliar and I know that there are a lot of gimmicks out there. I`d say it paid off. I`ve since picked up an extra $4,000 in trade dollars and it has covered majority of my business expenses. I would not have had this so its not like all my cash is now turning into trade dollars that have a limited use. It`s simply been a way to fill my downtime and stay productive. All my uniforms, vinyl work for my truck, vehicle wraps, biz cards, flyers, advertising in publications/billboards/radio/etc., and even detailing supplies. On top of all this for my business, I`ve taken a vacation to St. Pete beach, found a lift kit for my truck, vehicle maintenance if I wanted, new tires, looking at getting a fence installed around my backyard, and the list goes on with things I could do.
Drawbacks; I lose out on my product and gas for mobile service. $20 at most. Most members tip in cash so I don`t see this as a big deal. I also find myself traveling further than my normal range for some services but this can be compensated into the price. Any normal client would expect to pay more when you`re traveling an extra 20 miles lets say. That`s understandable. This is down time anyways so at least I`m staying busy.

My point is, for any of you detailers out there just trying to get a little further with this market with the way it is, maybe look into a bartering network in your area. These are not direct 1-to-1 barters. For example, I do a detail for one member that sells pest control supplies. I don`t have to buy his product. I can take my T$`s (trade dollars) to another member and spend it on my advertising instead. This has given me the opportunity to up my cash sales even more. Right now I`m paying my own way through college and cash is very tight. I WOULD NOT SPEND $400 CASH on a 6 month advertising package when I`m scraping pennies to pay my tuition. I did however spend that much in T$`s and have made $300 cash back now in only a month. This is just an example of how barter has worked for me. I hope this helps someone out there.

**Jngrbrdman** · 10-20-2010, 03:09 PM

I`ve traded detailing services for other services or products before. I trained a dealership detail staff for two days in exchange for brakes and tires on my Corolla this summer. I`ve traded detailing for PDR work in the past as well. I don`t know that I`d ever be a part of any professional bartering group though. I just barter as needed when the service seems to be a fit.

**C. Charles Hahn** · 10-20-2010, 03:46 PM

I tried a bartering agreement once, and I`d never do it again. I got screwed when the other guy never finished the job he was supposed to do for me, and I had to spend out of pocket to complete it myself. As it worked out he got a $150 detail done for the equivalent of about $50

**DSPlati** · 10-20-2010, 09:21 PM

Bartering? I have never really heard of that, I will look into it. Although, I have been doing networking groups. Kinda sounds almost the same as bartering, as far as independent business owners getting together (once per week) and discuss what they do and what they try to sale for the week. Its like a huge refferral base... I can go on and on talking about it. But that has helped me and my partner get started a couple months ago. I trade with alot of different business` for service that I may need, plus I partner with them and provide discounts to my clients when they need (oil changes, resturants, golf, etc...) I have connected with different companies and partnered up to bring more business to both me and these other companies and its working great.
Hope that made alittle sence.

**DJsDetails** · 10-20-2010, 10:15 PM

I like the convenience of being able to trade with other members of the bartering network versus having to trade directly. I have a trade account online that works just like my personal banking accounts. All transactions are posted, I can browse other members, and most importantly, I can do as much or as little work for trade as I please. I`m not forced into it. I just complete trade details whenever my cash sales are low. Then I just reinvest those trade dollars into the business in order to build my cash sales.

OCD I understand where you`re coming from. That would suck putting yourself out there just to be taken advantage of. That`s why I definitely appreciate this bartering being managed by a 3rd party you could call them. Members can`t be taken advantage of by other members when you do decide to Trade directly with another member. That`s what my particular trade company is there for; an undisclosed organization. They regulate all accounts. If you complete a detail for someone, you`re getting you`re $150 as you said regardless of what amount of work he completes for you. If he only does $50 of services, that`s all he`s getting. That way you can`t be burned.

**paintjobpro22** · 10-20-2010, 11:49 PM

I`m a college student as well. Thanks for the knowledge, ima definately look in to that...It`s funny you bring it up, earlier this week I was talking to somebody about a legit bartering system; Something other than craigslist that would set everything up... Are there any fees?

**Scott P** · 10-21-2010, 07:33 AM

Originally Posted by paintjobpro22

I`m a college student as well. Thanks for the knowledge, ima definately look in to that...It`s funny you bring it up, earlier this week I was talking to somebody about a legit bartering system; Something other than craigslist that would set everything up... Are there any fees?

He listed the company`s name several times. I`m sure it would be a lot quicker and easier if you researched it for yourself to even see if it is in your area.

**DJsDetails** · 10-21-2010, 05:58 PM

My particular trade company charged $100 up front and then for attending a "Trade University" they pay you T$500 (trade dollars) just to learn how to use their network. It`s worth it to me because with that T$500 I got all my vinyl work done, banners, cards, and uniforms, and I made more than that $100 back very quickly.

There`s no fees on sales, but there is a 12% fee for purchases. BUT... all of my sales as a detailer, they mandate an 18% cash tip. That pays for the fees and then some. Just check the details of a company near you. There are several big name barter companies across the U.S. PM me your location if you want

**Billp** · 06-20-2012, 06:13 PM

I use to be part owner in a Barter business here in the US and in England.We bartered for everything from planes,cars,resorts,entire inventors, food , plumbers,electrians, darn near everything. It would be great for a detailer or any service type person smaller investment. Most hard goods set a limit on how many trade units they will except per month so you need alot of members for it to work properly.