When you hear the word bartering what type of thoughts come to your mind? Do you think of old-fashioned folks paying their bills in chickens? Maybe you imagine trading produce for goods at a store. Well, before you think that bartering is a thing of the past, we should talk about the way bartering works today.
Bartering can be a handy way to get the things you need without having to let go of a chunk of your savings account. Let me explain. I can paint walls in a house like a pro. Years of practice have left me with the ability to tape, paint, and clean up a room in a single afternoon. I can’t, however, draw a figure to save my life. So, last year, when I wanted to decorate one of the kid’s rooms in butterflies and lady bugs, I knew I was going to need help.
One of my girlfriends, on the other hand, is a talented artist. She sketches things in a few minutes that I couldn’t draw if I had all of the time in the world. She was the perfect person to help me with my new project.
I approached her one day and broached the topic of my lack of drawing skills. As we talked, she mentioned that she’d love to paint the living room in her home, but just wasn’t sure she was up to the task. Immediately, a new idea was born. In one short conversation, we agreed to trade skills. I’d paint her living room the color she’d choose, and she’d sketch butterflies and lady bugs onto my daughter’s walls. Neither one of us had to hire help, but we’d still get what we wanted.
See how easily bartering helped in my situation? In these tough economic times, I think bartering is going to become more and more prevalent. While money is tight everywhere, there is certainly no shortage of talents. What would happen if we all used our talents to pay for the things that we need? I’ll tell you: we’d all spend less money without giving up anything new.
What do you have to offer others? I bet you’ll be surprised how many other people would love to have your talents.
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I am bartering with http://www.barterquest.com, it’s an easy way to communicate with other swappers locally and all over the world. I love to trade!
my hubby loves to barter/swap and has noticed this past year that the “opportunities” are more abundant. People are just so much more open to bartering and swapping this year. He’s LOVING it. It’s been such a win-win situation and our son is now learning the art of bartering.
Great Blog & Photo! New blog on the Hx. of Ladybug: http://historyoftheladybug.blogspot.com/
Bartering can make for a great deal for both people. It something we have done a few times with happy results.
bartering on favorpals.com is the way to go now.