{photo by Jason D Great. Early morning bartering in Indonesia.}
Ah bartering. It's one of the oldest payment methods in the book, a way to trade services and goods with one another without the use of money.
Although it may not be standard practice to trade a flock of chickens for a year's worth of shoe cobbling any longer, bartering is still a great asset for use in our modern economy, especially when that economy happens to be in the tanker.
As a creative community, we surely all have goods and services to offer. Participating in a trade that's mutually beneficial may bring you the supplies you've been after or the new stack of business cards you've desperately needed, while also helping you to build connections within your community, all without spending any money.
How can bartering help your business?
The next best thing to making money is not spending any. Bartering opens opportunities for you to still grow your business while not worrying about spending money you may not have.
For instance, you could trade the goods you make to a web-designer friend who'll help you update your site. Or find a photographer who's happy to accept goods in exchange for taking rocking product photos for you. Perhaps you can trade for the supplies you need to create your items, thereby cutting down your expenses. You might even be able to exchange your goods towards ad space on your favorite blog! (I know Indiefixx Jen was just asking for trades the other day, and I've accepted some trades towards ads on Modish in the past!)
Think of ways you can leverage what you have to offer with what those around you may need, and in return, you can find some help to whip your biz into shape. You'll also be making connections with people along the way that can lead to referrals and more paid work down the road!
What do you have to offer?
Do you have drawer full of jewelry supplies you'll never use because you've moved on to making handbags? Fabric to de-stash? A certain soap scent you're not selling any longer? Maybe even items from an old line that didn't sell or goods you've received back from a consignment store recently?
Think of the tangible goods you may have that could be beneficial for others, and what you might like to get back in return that could help you in your business.
Can you make really awesome graphics? Or write a killer press release? Take great product photos? Draw your little socks off?
Graphic design, illustration, writing and other creative skills and services are in high demand in the bartering bracket!
Five Rules of the Trade:
- For bartering to work, it needs to be mutually beneficial- the trade should be equal on both ends so both parties can walk away happy, feeling it was a fair deal. Be open with communication and make sure you both know the terms of the trade up front.
- Stick to your community of peers, people you've worked with before or people who announce themselves as open to trade (like in the swap/trade specific sites listed below). Don't approach strangers willy nilly who don't know you from Adam, as your offer most likely won't be well received.
- Bartering is a system based on trust. Another reason to trade within the community of friends and peers you're already familiar with. You don't want to get burned!
- Don't trade anything you're uncomfortable with and by the same token, don't expect anyone else to give away the farm. We're talking about trading supplies to have a logo made, or trading the necklace you made for some pillow covers you really want but can't afford right now. No one should offer or be expected to barter their trade secrets, list of media contacts, supplier information or other truly invaluable items.
- If you get approached to trade and don't feel it would be beneficial for you, don't be afraid to decline. Say no politely or that you're not interested at this time.
Tricks of the Trade:
Aside from dealing with friends and comrades directly, you can offer what you have to trade and see what others are looking for in places like these:
- The Switchboards' Barter is Better forum- trade with fellow indie business women
- Craftster's Organized Craft Swap forum- swap your handmade goods & supplies with other craftsters
- Search for "trade" in the etsy forums- lots of results!
- Etsy traders blog- list of etsy shops who are openly willing to trade
- Swap-bot- organize a swap, participate in a swap, have fun and get stuff for free!
Trading Kindness:
Above all, remember that we're all in need of a little extra support these days. Trading a hello, a kind comment or some words of encouragement can also go a long way when it comes to getting through this economic slump, and building connections that can help your business succeed.
What do you think of trading? If you've ever participated in a trade, what did you give and what did you receive back? Do you think trading can be beneficial for your business?
I'd love to hear your stories and thoughts on trading in the comments below!
