Who should barter?

In deciding whether or not to get involved in barter, counter-trade or offset trade, the first question a business owner must ask is: Do I have something to barter? The answer is yes for most small businesses. If they have excess inventory, they have goods to barter. If they are a service provider with the capacity to handle more clients, they have expertise to barter.

Businesses suitability to barter

For a business to be suitable for barter exchange membership it must have between a 30-percent to 35-percent profit margin on the products or services that it intends to offer. This allows the business to make a sufficient margin to reap the benefits of purchasing goods / services at a large-enough discount to make the idea worth-while.

Individuals suitability to barter

Individuals are uniquely suited to becoming members of a barter exchange as they are capable of offering services often fall into the “ad-hoc personal needs” category. Whilst each product or service may not be of a high-value they can add up to a significant amount for a business owner at the end of each month. They also provide the ability for a member to make acquisitions using trade credits that are not readily available through other retail barter exchanges:

  • Lawn-mowing & gardening
  • Hair styling / colouring
  • Assisting in letter writing, dealing with agencies etc
  • Handyman type services
  • Book-keeping and other professional services
  • Computer support
  • Website design
  • Housework / cleaning
  • Tutoring and teaching – homework, music, arts, fitness, computers
  • Workshops on any subject members wish to learn about
  • Home exchange for holidays
  • Escorting people on errands and appointments
  • Shopping or doing errands for people
  • Giving time off to people caring for relatives
  • Telephoning – for companionship, membership lists, advertising, language practice
  • Languages – translation, conversation
  • Counselling people in need
  • Food – meal preparation, cooking, baked goods
  • Rentals of tools and equipment
  • Minor auto and bike repairs
  • Gift items, household items, handmade items
  • Recycled sports equipment, children’s items etc.
  • Space – storage, garage, for activities
  • Teaching/supervising others who whish to learn what you know

Do you want to know more about the Ormita Commerce Network or become a member, joint venture partner or barter exchange franchise owner?  Visit our website at www.ormita.com or www.ormitacorporate.com.

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