Saturday, September 4, 2010
Bartering
This week I bartered out! What a great way to keep our OOP (out of pocket) expenses low. We have bartered out FREE hair cuts, FREE make-up, FREE babysitting, FREE chiropractic and FREE car repairs. My husband even bartered out with a friend this year that needed help laying tile in his basement (to speed up the project). My husband helped him for two days finish the tile project in exchange for him (an experienced, general contractor) spending a day helping my husband with putting in a new stairway off our two story sun porch. With more and more people keeping a close eye on their bank accounts we have found this to be a great alternative to spending. I would recommend having clear expectations up front. Have a limit or time frame to work with in. Possibly even a "test" period if this will be an ongoing barter or trade. After the day, week or month "test period" reevaluate if anything needs to be adjusted to make it fair. Bartering not only has allowed us to keep our OOP expenses to a minimum but we have built some great friendships along the way.
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That is great! You really have a great grasp on the bartering system! My Dad has been bartering for things ever since I have been a little girl. I am so glad because it has taught me so much and helped me as an adult. You don't have to have money to get nice things, just think of a fair trade for everyone so it stays win win on both sides and wow, the possibilities.
ReplyDeleteI would like to share a great bartering site with you that my family uses. www.tradeaway.com. it is nice because listings are free and you can add several pictures of your items. I have had to pay if I wanted to upgrade a listing but it is minimal, anyway our family loves it so I hope you check it out.
Kelly