Let’s make a deal
Bartering is back.
At least that's what a spate of activity at online sites suggests. With people in penny-pinching mode, offers to barter for everything from used cars to professional services to weekends at lake homes are booming at web sites like craigslist and U-exchange.com.
Craigslist.com, the online classified site, posted the following item at its blog in April:
As we’ve seen during down economies in the past, growth in usage of the “barter” section of craigslist is accelerating, up more than 100% in the last year alone.
Here's a couple examples of ads posted by Spokane-area residents recently, looking to make a trade:
I'm a biographer. If you've been wanting to get grandma or grandpa's story told for future generations, this is your opportunity. Finished product includes their story on paper and in .mp3 format! Wants a week at the lake….
I am a professional Interior Designer w/ 5+ years experience in healthcare environments (clinics and offices), commercial, and residential design. Currently employed at a studio downtown. I have access to materials, contractors, and can work out getting products at cost. (Wants) Dental Services (cosmetic)- I'm getting married July '09 and dream of smiling for the big day.
USA Today did a story on the trend recently. Here's a clip from that piece.
Barter "absolutely thrives in bad times," says Roger Staiger, a professor at Johns Hopkins University's business school. Last month, a Denver developer asked Staiger for help restructuring a loan. Lacking cash, he gave Staiger a Colorado ski trip, and the developer's wife is designing his Web page.
"This is part of the underground economy that does not contribute to the GDP (gross domestic product), but it absolutely contributes to helping people and fostering trade," he says.
I'm working on a story about this trend for Monday's Everyday Economy page, and am interested in hearing from you if you've ever bartered for something.
Have you bartered for good or services that are more typically paid for with cash? How as your experience?
