If you’re a little short on cash these days, you’re not alone. Many women are working with decreased income or are just trying to spend less and save more. Whatever the case, we have the answer. Actually, it’s nothing new; the strategy has been around ever since one cavewoman admired another cavewoman’s mammoth wrap and suggested swapping her saber-toothed necklace for it. It’s called barter: trading your goods or services for someone else’s without using cash. In many cases it’s a smoother and more satisfying way to do business—that is, if you know the rules.
Take inventory. Note what you own that you don’t really need—clothes, collectibles, cars, furniture, music, art…really anything that’s in good condition and semivaluable. But don’t stop here. Think objectively about the skills you have that other people might trade for. Maybe you have a knack for interior design or figuring taxes. Even if you draw a blank, you still have your time, which can be used for babysitting, dog walking, or helping someone move. In many respects, time is the greatest asset because no one has enough of it.
Establish a fair market value. Don’t guess at what Grandma’s Fabergé egg is worth or what the going rate is for doing a 1040—research it. Websites such as eBay make it easy to price products, and establishing hourly rates for services is as simple as calling a professional in the field and asking what she charges.
Prioritize what you need. Notice that we used the word need and not the word want. Irresponsible consumption is what got us into this economic predicament in the first place. Try to put more emphasis on services rather than goods. What would it take, for instance, to have your neighbor come over three mornings per week to watch the kids while you exercise? Concentrate on things that enhance life rather than just fill it up.
Broach the subject. For some reason, many women are afraid to barter. Get over it! The worst that can happen is you’ll get turned down. No one will regard you as desperate or poor. Rather, you’ll earn a reputation for being creative and resourceful—imagine that.
Barter online. When you get really good, take it to the Internet. Sites such as craigslist.org allow bartering—just be careful about who you’re dealing with. If you’re bartering stuff, meet in a public place to make the exchange. If you’re bartering services, ask for references or examples of work done.
Haggle. As a general rule, never accept a first offer. Always ask for a little more or give a bit less. That’s the fun of it!
Make it official. Even if you’re just bartering with a neighbor, once the deal is finalized, shoot them an e-mail outlining the specifics of the agreement. If something goes awry, at least you’ll have a record.
Be honest. Our friends at the IRS politely point out that bartered goods and services must be declared as noncash exchanges on form 1099-B.
Comments from Members
a would love free samples
I'm thrilled about receiving all the coupons & samples from Vocalpoint. I love to try new products but sometimes am afraid to buy them at the store for the fear of not knowing how they will work or taste. That's why getting samples or coupons helps avoid the fears of not knowing. Thanks Vocalpoint for everything!!!
We have always done things for our neighbors and they do things for us too. One neighbor is a handyman and when he does something for us,I make bread or dessert and take to his family. We swap things out with friends and neighbors and have done this for years.
I'm looking forward to the savings coming my way!!!!!!!!
saving money these days is so important!
The economy the way it is we would all love free samples.
samples and coupons are a perfect way to help ease the financial burdens of todays economy! Thank you vocal point for providing this for us!
That is the best way to get a deal these days of economic troubles. I am trying to budget, but end up short.
Craigslist is an amazing site with wonderful opportunities in tight budget situations, or even those times when you wanna splurge on something but not have to come out of pocket all crazy! I got a slightly used 3 swing and a slide "playground" for $60. My husband was able to get rims for his car for an old amp that was just sitting in the closet unused. What's one man's unused things is another man's necesity. Dig up some of those stuff and post it, someone might have something you might want as well. Craigslist.org
I use coupons every month. I saved over $40 last month on groceries and drugstore items using coupons. I would rather see an increase in coupons and an increase in the discount of the coupon than a discount of that item. I look forward to the Sunday paper. It's like a treasure hunting game to see if I can find what I want for the cheapest price. My husband is amazed and proud of me. We are both disabled and on SSD, and we are on a strict budget. Every little bit counts.
i just dont have any money for anything here but i do love the free samples in the mail thanks so much and i wish we coould test those dreyer sheets for free.
I help my family save money by using coupons every time I shop. I have save as much as $150.00 to $200.00 each time I shop. I try to clip and find all the coupons my family needs from various internet sites and with instore coupons. I usually have a coupon for just about every item in my basket. It also helps that my teenage son works for a grocery store chain that allows anyone in his family to use his 5% employee discount. 5% is pretty good when you see it come off the end total. It also helps alot to recieve feebies and coupons fron Vocal Point.
I like the bartering idea and I think it's something that could save my family a lot of money. I currently use coupons to save and appreciate free samples.
Bartering is something I was taught growing up. Always ask a bit more than you actually will take as this leaves some bartering room and when settled, both parties are happy with the deal.Freda
Bring on the coupons!!! I like to take and use the coupons when shopping and when I
have coupons I'm not going to use I place them on the shelves along where the item is for someone else to take advantage to save a few dollars.We all need to look out for each other, this is what will make the world a better place.Share & share alike!!!!!!!!
~~~Nancy~~~
I stock up on samples and coupons....I have save thousands over the years this way.,,, I haven't bough deoderant or tampons or pads in years because I have stock pile from all the samples (granted i had 19 months to save up tampons and pads because of pregnancy and breast feeding for that long I didn't need them).
But coupons i save so much with, but if I can't use them i share them with friends or if close to expiring I put them on the products they are for on the shelfs in the store for others to use.
Sites like this help. I also swap coupons with friends. I just wish I lived closer to better stores that had more sales. On average, I save about $50 every two weeks. I also search out garage sales for the next season of clothes for my kids. We also try to be frugal about trips. When we have to see a specialist in the city, we make a day of it and plan all of our outing around that.
I use coupons on as much as I can, and try to shop the loss leaders at my local store for fresh produce and meats. Keeping an eye out for the specials on meats and veggies that are close to their sell-by date has also come in very handy. I just need to be sure to use it for dinner or freeze immediately. I've had some luck with bargaining. Saved a lot of money on my new lawnmower when the old one died.
what? you have to claim bartering? I'm ashamed, that's news to me and seems a little silly as no money is being exchanged. I have a trade that I have started bartering for other goods or services. Love it. And up until now thought I was doing everything on the up and up.
Jacqueline,You mentioned that you use coupons you print out. Do you ever come across stores that will not accept them? The reason I ask is because my mother has had problems with stores and restaurants telling her that internet coupons can be copied. They will not accept them. I am afraid t try because of her experience, i just use the coupons fron the paper and the mail.
The free samples make the buying decision a whole lot easier. Hate to buy a full-price product and then not like it; money wasted. Have out-of-work (due to economy) kids with 2 kids and one on the way so any way we can help them is a real plus! Thanks for the samples and the coupons!
I have a website dedicated to saving money (Marie's Saving Site). This is very useful information. I am always searching for tips to pass on. I also found a website where you can exchange items. It is called SwapMamas. They have local chapters, but most of the swapping takes place online. Great resource in these tough times.
I love trying new products! I'm rather happy to try the sample first. Sometimes I find a product I would like to try, but am afraid to buy it for fear of not knowing how they taste or work.Thanks Vocalpoint for all the samples and info!
i make about $170 month extra money on http://www.whynotworksmarterthanharder.com
I work full-time, actually 53.6hrs a week, but i make about $170 a month at http://www.whynotworksmarterthanharder.com
