Here's an article that talks about the benefits of bartering -- of trading something you do/own for something you want/need. For example:
- A New York attorney offering to prepare a simple will and healthcare proxy in exchange for the services of an experienced floor sander or painter.
- A San Francisco parent interested in trading two sets of luggage for beer or wine for her son's baptism party.
- A painter in San Francisco willing to proffer his services for a Harley.
I don't really do much (any? I can't think of anything I barter) bartering, but I love the idea of it.
How about you? Any barterers out there?
I prepare my sister-in-law's tax return in exchange she cuts my hair. I'm probably getting the better of the deal since right now her return is pretty simple.
I've actually heard quite a few stories of trading tax returns for "X" in my time. Of course, I doubt anyone that barters actually fills out the 1099-B and files it with the IRS.
Posted by: Kevin | June 13, 2008 at 12:49 PM
I don't barter, but I think the concept is very good. This is similar to the old "barn raisings in the past".
Posted by: "Mo" Money | June 13, 2008 at 01:04 PM
I fixed a families computer a few times in exchange for a wonderful weekend at their beach house on the beach front on what turned out to be last weekends heat wave in the northeast. I made out pretty well and decided send the family a box of quality steaks and filet mignon. ::thumbsup::
Posted by: Dangger | June 13, 2008 at 01:22 PM
Did anyone else stumble over the "beer or wine for my son's baptism party?"
Different strokes for different folks, I guess...
Posted by: Trent D. | June 13, 2008 at 01:41 PM
I don't think the alcohol for the baptism party was out of line. We served champagne punch at my nephew's baptism last month. Only for the adults, obviously.
Posted by: AL | June 13, 2008 at 02:39 PM
There's a concept out there called "Time Banking" which lets people volunteer their talents and when someone takes them up on it, the volunteer gets hours in their Time Bank equal to the hours they worked and the other person pays with hours from their Time Bank. Everyone's time is worth the same (an hour is an hour) so the IRS doesn't care. And that way you don't have to find someone to specifically trade what they have for what you have. You can find out more at http://www.timebank.com/
Posted by: Cindy Morus, Your Money Mender | June 14, 2008 at 04:36 PM
My wife did an exchange with a masseuse: an hour of massage for a couple of hours of cleaning the masseuse's home. I think my wife got the better end of the deal. She finds many kinds of cleaning relaxing (the kinds that don't involve trying to get a kid to do it), so she got to relax twice...
I don't do much formal barter, but I do a lot of helping friends, family, and neighbors: finishing basements, putting in grass, helping move, etc. I've found that when I'm helpful, others tend to reciprocate when I need help. Besides, I get to learn and practice new skills on someone else's home! :)
This kind of barter has been invaluable for finishing my basement. I've had four different people over helping, partly because I'm willing to help them at no charge when they need it.
Posted by: Jared | June 15, 2008 at 02:00 AM