You need something but don't have the money? You've got valuables that you don't want to pawn for less value than it's worth? The community of Bartering/Trading/Swapping is a great way to get through the recession without having to pay out-of-pocket for the things you need.
I recall a story not too long ago about an individual named Kyle MacDonald starting a swap chain with something as small as one red paper clip. He ended up with a House 14 trades later! (
Read about it here) Now, not all trades can be successful as that, but you can trade just about anything these days. Swap services (need a handyman or some dentistry work? How about babysitting?) or goods of all sorts (tv, house, toolbox, clothes, whatever you have). It's definitely a great way to get what you need without having to pay (and it's even a form of recycling...yay for GREEN) in these hard times. I found a great article about how to get started the smart way called
7 Keys to Smart Bartering by Emily Brandon at USnews.com. There are some great tips on bartering and swapping, including watching out for taxing on bartered goods.
Here are a few sites online that Deal with Trading/Swapping/Bartering:
BarterBee- uses a point system to "buy" music, movies, and games...I guess you earn points whenever you use the site...FREE membership, you just pay for shipping on your items
BarterBucks- uses "trade dollars" as a currency....you also need a credit card to sign up. I think they have membership fees, but I couldn't find out more. If anyone has joined this community, I would love some feedback...either positive or negative.
BarterQuest- Free membership, just pay for shipping. Has a matching system, or you can browse their categories.
Best House Swap- Free membership...Post your listing on their bulletin board, find a match, and they draw up contracts and everything needed to make the new house YOURS. Premium membership is available for $29.95 for additional benefits.
Online House Trading- Uses a search based matching system to find the house you want. There is a fee of $29.95 to use the service. They do have a 7-day FREE trial in case you'd like to check it out before you buy.
Swap Thing- FREE membership. List your items, search for an item. Any cash transactions, including shipping, are negotiated between swappers, and easily allocated through your PayPal account.
HomeExchange- Featured in the comedy "The Holiday" with Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet. Home Exchange is the vacation alternative where people swap houses for a short time. There is a membership fee of $99.95 for a one year unlimited Membership...if you don't make an exchange in that year, they give you a second year FREE.
CouchSurfing- I just had to add this one....much like HomeExchange, instead complete strangers offer their "couch" to other complete strangers to stay for a day or more. It's a great way to go on vacation without having to pay high hotel bills...plus you kind of have a local to show you around town! They have safety features (like verification and references) to make the couch surfing safe for everyone. Best of all, the service is FREE!
If you have any success stories, feedback on any of the above swapping sites, or know of any more great swapping communities, please feel free to leave me a comment or two. ;)
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