I don't usually barter with my cleaning service but sometimes it pays off.

A friend of mine who used to be a auto mechanic did some repairs on my car a few months ago and I got the better deal since most shops get $60 an hour. He did just over four hours work and so did I. I saved well over $100. His wife who is expecting their third child really liked my work and since she has no time to clean has asked me to start today with a bi-weekly schedule.

It was a win win deal.

I barter too. I barter for office space, hair salon gift certificates to give as incentives to the girls, and two-hour massage gift certificates for incentives and gifts for the girls. I hope to find a way to barter on advertising as well. For some of the homeowners that have businesses, we trade advertising.

It works!

Torrey

I read that bartering was taxable and must be reported. You guys up to date with that? I don't know the details, but sounds like typical IRS crap.

Yeah, I'm all over it!

Wouldn't want to cheat the govt out of a few dollars to build more bombs with....

quote:

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Originally posted by Joel Daniel

I read that bartering was taxable and must be reported. You guys up to date with that? I don't know the details, but sounds like typical IRS crap.

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You know, that's got to be the BIGGEST bunch of b.s. I've ever heard! Taxcuts on barters? Gimme a break! I'm sorry, but this country is in sad, sad shape. Please, everyone, VOTE the crazy folks who came up with this out of office. Does anyone know who supported this legislation? Do you have the details?

Joel is right its been that way for a long time.

what we did in the past when we barter for radio advertizement.
they gave us a bill for a certian amount, stamped paid on it.
then I sent them a bill for the exact same amount stamped paid.

when i did the invoice for them I also put in my books payment recieved as if I recieved the money.
then when I recieved there invoice I marked it on my books
as a invoice I paid. so all your doing is saying you collected a certian amount, then paid out the same amount.

I have been doing a Radio Station in exchange for advertising and i send them a monthly invoice noting exchange for advertising. They send me the invoice with the air times and amounts exchanged.

Sounds like i may have to try looking into this so i don't get into trouble is that what i am understanding from these post?

We barter my kids school tuition, hair salon gift certs also.  It is somethiing I would like to do more of in the future.  This can generate business where there would not normally be an opportunity.

Bartering is a great idea, but unfortunately I haven't spent much thought on it.  How cool that you guys are bartering for offices and school tuition and things...I gotta get on this.  My question is, how do you bring up the bartering idea without sounding cheap?  I don't know if that's the right way to put it, I just don't want people to think I'm trying to get something for nothing, or cheaper even...How is the positive response percentage wise when you bring up the bartering idea to different businesses?

We barter for our office rent, my accountant, and for half page colored ads in 3 yellow pages. The yellow page ads were a score because I contacted the company to place the ad and little did I know that my client owes the place!  On all of my barters, it was suggested by the other person. I've never brought it up.

MightyTidyinOmaha:

Bartering is a great idea, but unfortunately I haven't spent much thought on it.  How cool that you guys are bartering for offices and school tuition and things...I gotta get on this.  My question is, how do you bring up the bartering idea without sounding cheap?  I don't know if that's the right way to put it, I just don't want people to think I'm trying to get something for nothing, or cheaper even...How is the positive response percentage wise when you bring up the bartering idea to different businesses?

Amber,

Your services have a dollar value, and even more value when you put it into terms of how it positively affects the business or home that you are bartering with.  For instance, it will save them time and effort and increase productivity.  SELL your value!

I work with a few businesses with bartering and they were EAGER to jump on the opportunity.  It's worth a try...and a great way to learn how to "sell" yourself in the process.

Be creative too.  You can trade gift certificates with businesses.  Those can be given to anyone or used for your own benefit.  I love doing that too!

I hope that helps....

Torrey