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“Bartering” the Hottest Trend!

How come the best ideas are always the simplest? The dictionary defines bartering as; “to trade by exchanging one commodity for another.” Duh, we can all do this one. With bartering you simply use your own goods or services instead of money or credit cards to get what you want. This practice goes back to ancient times. History can repeat itself. With cash flow becoming increasingly tight individuals and businesses are turning to this age old practice to get what they want or need.

This practice is catching on like hotcakes. In a neighborhood like Beverly this should be an obvious solution for cash strapped families. Let’s say you want your hair highlighted and your hairdresser would like her daughter tutored in math. You are a Math wizard let’s see… you make the exchange, or she is looking for a club chair and you have one you are ready to get rid of. Everyone is happy!

Sites are popping up all over the internet. www.wechicago.net is a place where woman can barter with other women for house cleaning, food shopping, guitar lessons, computer lessons, well you get the idea. Craig’s list/barter lists things to swap as well as services. I saw everything listed from screen doors, dog crates, personal trainers to tattoos. If you’ve got it swap it! Other sites that are becoming popular are; www.friendlyfavor.com, www.swaptree.com , www.favorpals.com , www.u-exchange.com

If you have something you would like to barter here are some rules to keep in mind. Make your listing specific. List exactly what you have or the skill you would like to exchange. Be sure to keep records of your exchange particularly if you exchange a skill. Most importantly start local!

Beverlytoday will help you get started by providing our site to list your exchanges. Just go to the Free Classifieds Page and list your Barter items. Some random ideas… exchange vacation homes, tutor to have your lawn mowed, babysit in exchange for personal training. Your imagination is the limit. Now get out there and BARTER!!

Being Irish Means...(all in fun)