In deciding whether or not to get involved in barter, counter-trade or offset trade, the first question a business owner must ask is: Do I have something to barter? The answer is yes for most small businesses. If they have excess inventory, they have goods to barter. If they are a service provider with the capacity to handle more clients, they have expertise to barter.
Businesses suitability to barter
For a business to be suitable for barter exchange membership it must have between a 30-percent to 35-percent profit margin on the products or services that it intends to offer. This allows the business to make a sufficient margin to reap the benefits of purchasing goods / services at a large-enough discount to make the idea worth-while.
Individuals suitability to barter
Individuals are uniquely suited to becoming members of a barter exchange as they are capable of offering services often fall into the “ad-hoc personal needs” category. Whilst each product or service may not be of a high-value they can add up to a significant amount for a business owner at the end of each month. They also provide the ability for a member to make acquisitions using trade credits that are not readily available through other retail barter exchanges:
- Lawn-mowing & gardening
- Hair styling / colouring
- Assisting in letter writing, dealing with agencies etc
- Handyman type services
- Book-keeping and other professional services
- Computer support
- Website design
- Housework / cleaning
- Tutoring and teaching – homework, music, arts, fitness, computers
- Workshops on any subject members wish to learn about
- Home exchange for holidays
- Escorting people on errands and appointments
- Shopping or doing errands for people
- Giving time off to people caring for relatives
- Telephoning – for companionship, membership lists, advertising, language practice
- Languages – translation, conversation
- Counselling people in need
- Food – meal preparation, cooking, baked goods
- Rentals of tools and equipment
- Minor auto and bike repairs
- Gift items, household items, handmade items
- Recycled sports equipment, children’s items etc.
- Space – storage, garage, for activities
- Teaching/supervising others who whish to learn what you know
Do you want to know more about the Ormita Commerce Network or become a member, joint venture partner or barter exchange franchise owner? Visit our website at www.ormita.com or www.ormitacorporate.com.