One of the benefits of being an independent contractor is the ability to be a bit unconventional. I love having freedom and flexibility when working with clients and making my own business decisions. Its just me…not an entire firm.
One of those freedoms is the ability to barter (you know, trading one service or produce for another, where little or no money changes hands). Lately, it has come in mighty handy for folks. Seems when the economy struggles, bartering becomes more prevalent.
In the past few months, I’ve had two very good experiences with bartering. the first came when Charlie’s East Coast Gourmet needed a few little fixins on their blog.
In exchange for some nips here and a few tucks there, I enjoyed the best lobster tail and clam chowder a few short evenings later (and everything was still chilled in the cooler when it arrived at my door). If you’re looking for some tasty, fresh seafood, check out Charlie’s East Coast Gourmet (and they have great gift baskets too!)
Another great bartering opportunity came a few weeks ago when Brandy from the Sew Cute Shop contacted me about a blog design.
She asked if I was interested in doing some work for trade. So we worked out the details and in exchange for this:
I got this:
(A one of a kind Woman’s Auty Top)
and this:
(The Frenchy Shoulder Bag)
How cute are those? Brandy has so many fun and creative items in her shop…you really need to visit her blog and Etsy shop.
I think its important to keep a few things in mind when bartering:
1. Only barter for something you and the other person really need or want. Otherwise, its not a fair trade. Don’t agree to barter out of pressure.
2. Speaking of fair, make sure both parties are treated fairly based on product cost, service time, etc. Sometimes a little extra cash needs to be added to one side to make things even.
3. Be specific about what will be traded, on paper if needed. And checking references with past clients is totally acceptable.
4. Keep records (including those for the IRS). After all, even if its not cash, its still income.
A few great resources to check out are:
I’m already onto my next barter agreement and look forward to more opportunities in the future. Now if only See’s Candy wanted to trade…
My parents owned a pizza parlor while I was growing up. We would trade food items
It is awesome that you are willing to barter. Someday when I have something worth bartering for or when I have just plain cash and some idea of what I want to do with my blog, I’ll have to see if we can work something out, because I love your ideas.