Although many businesses are now short of cash and unable obtain the necessary loans due to the economic downturn, that does not mean they have stopped operating. Bartering is a fundamental financial system that allows people to trade goods and services for cash. Many businesses have turned this method of financing their operations.
Bartering is now a more attractive option than the earlier systems that were used to sustain businesses during the economic downturn of the early 1980s. With the advent of networking sites like eBay or Craigslist, bartering is accessible to virtually everyone – and businesses are taking notice.
“I took barter from a casual asset to an integral part of my business, and it did save the company from bankruptcy,”Stan Thomas, Magellan Transit Media “Now I work barter into the equation as much as possible. If it were not for barter, we wouldn’t be here today.”
Bartering not only allows businesses to lower operating costs but also serves as a marketing tool and a way to clear excess inventory. Even businesses are finding new customers through their existing networks.
“The businesses in our network use barter to continue operating even when cash is tight,”Don Mardak is the CEO of International Monetary Systems.www.imsbarter.com), the single largest barter network in the United States. “Our customers can get rid of excess inventory, find advertising and make valuable connections through our services.”
Barter trade dollars are available for any purpose. “I’ve used my trade dollars for computer equipment, telephones, a fireplace surround, landscaping at home, gift baskets for the holidays, t-shirts, caps, screen printing, barbeque grills, gifts for clients and vacation packages. I’ve also used IMS trade dollars to pay for travel and accommodations at catering conventions and to purchase vehicles,”Gary Cole, Blue Duck Catering, Inc. “What were initially all trade transactions later brought in, through word of mouth, cash customers.”
Learn more about the barter system by visiting www.imsbarter.com.
