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Stacyc625
member
Why did we stop bartering as a society?
Stacyc625
member
Bartering is the BEST thing EVER.
Do any of you barter?-
I went for a prenatal massage this evening and after my massage I started talking to the therapist and one thing led to another and we left with a business arrangement that I would prepare her quarterly taxes and file her income tax return for her business and in return she would give me two massages a quarter and a 200.00 gift certificate for massages in April (when I do her return).
I came home and my DH said I should have gone into sales- because I always find a way to barter/sell my services. I also have bartered accounting services for deep house cleaning once a month- in return I do the owner's monthly payroll. easy peasy.
Think about- just about ANYTHING can be bartered-- its very simple- childcare. ~ we trade childcare services with another couple. Makes for a cheap and guiltfree date night. And I also barter dinner one night a week. (just started doing this) with a neighbor. One night a week- I make a double batch of dinner- and another night she will make double and we just swap- so each week we get one 'cook free' night of dinner. And nothing tastes better than a dinner that someone else cooks. Even if it isn't my favorite food or what not- if someone else does the work- yum. lol.
Just food for thought- very easy and simple ways to barter for free things/services.
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Re: Why did we stop bartering as a society?
Probably because most people hate to be salespeople! LOL!
I am so NOT a salesperson.
I do an entree exchange with other moms in my Mom's club, and I get 4 meals each month. That does help out.......
I agree! ?My neighbor is in marketing and she prepares marketing materials for a landscaper and in return he does her yard. ?Her landscaping is the envy of the neighborhood! ?Her husband did some IT work for a home remodeler and he did a lot of work in their house. ?They do it all the time. ?
I also agree if someone else cooks dinner it tastes better!?
?
I would love to barter babysitting services while cleaning! Like a couple of other moms could come over and have a playdate but watch DD while I clean my kitchen and bathroom and then I could do the same for them later in the week. I have thought of this many times as I am trying to sweep/mop super quick after DD goes to sleep!
Btw, awesome job on the massages!! that is a GREAT way to get in some extras!!
As a society we went to a system of exchange using currency because it takes away the problem of having to find someone with whom you can make a direct trade. What if the butcher doesn't need his taxes prepared? No food for you! LOL
I've only ever bartered once. I was talking to the woman who was altering my wedding dress about lawn care since she'd just bought a house. I'd just sold my house since I was moving in with DH. I ended up trading my reel lawnmower for half of my wedding dress alterations.
I never bartered any of my former job skills since most individuals don't have the need for a SQL Server database or snazzy Crystal reports!
don't sell yourself short Mainely- Crystal reports are HOT!
probably because i have nothing really to barter---child care probably but really we don't go out much since it costs money. the food thing--but we did a food exchange for moms group--got 4 meals! totally awesome
that being said i'm having a garage sale and i like to barter there-but more to get things out of my house--so i cut deals.
and probably because we are a society that likes things in writing and there is a trust issue involved too that has also gone away
I am impressed. You are a smart lady! I have a friend like you. She has a MILLION friends and network-y people that she knows. She is always getting deals and trades for things. Everyone knows her and she knows everyone in our home town.
I am like some of the other posters, not a sales person and I hate asking for things so even though I may have something of value to offer in return, I rarely ask. I love all the barters/trades you have setup, I wish I could do some of those myself!
You have a gift!
I never thought of dinner-trading as bartering. lol We have a group of friends that comes over every Thursday evening. Each week, a different person takes turns making dinner (most of the time, I just give them a spare key so they can come do the prep early, if I'm not home). I LOVE that we get to try new things, but I don't have to do all of the work!
I work for the Renaissance Festival, and my boss is the BEST at bartering for things. We are forever trading tickets to the Festival for costumes, props, etc. He even managed to arrange a deal with a local historical mansion to let us use the house in exchange for a fundraising performance. I'd love to do more bartering, but I have a LOT to learn about how to make it work.
Congrats to you for your great deals!