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In Tough Economy, Some
Turn To Bartering |
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| PATTERSON,
CALIFORNIA Years ago, when the economy slowed, local architect Martin
Salmon turned to a modernized version of an ancient system of exchange. The
first time I got involved with barter is when the economy was in trouble
much like it is now back in the early 80s, Salmon said. I used
to barter then because people didnt have any money. Salmon bartered for a variety of services and finds that today with another downturn in the economy bartering comes in handy. When money is tight, people or businesses can trade their own goods and services for those of others. You can use it to get things you might pay money for, Salmon said. You can use it for a variety of professional services and also physical items stuff you need to run a business. The process has become more formal than the days before currency, when bartering was the accepted form of exchange. Rather than trading one-on-one, businesses typically barter via an exchange service. Barter members have an opportunity to purchase goods and services without paying cash, said Patterson resident Dale Torres, president and chief executive officer of the American Barter Exchange. Torres estimates bartering is on a 20 percent upswing because of the struggling economy. He said that most of his companys clients are businesses looking to grow, and they essentially receive an interest-free credit line based on how valuable their service is to the system. American Barter Exchange trades nationwide. Torres has clients from throughout the Central Valley, with a core membership from Fresno to Lodi. The barter business across the country is increasing, Torres said. Locally, we have a lot more people talking to us about barter. Were a full-service barter system, and well find what the client needs. |
For example, a
restaurant owner may barter for cleaning supplies for his restaurant.
Folks may barter fun things, too, such as a vacation. Its really
unlimited what people can do, Torres said. Its a closed system
clients call me, and I set up every trade. I keep a close eye on things,
so if the job goes sour, I can fix it so you dont pay for a job. In the barter system, goods and services are compared against cash prices. Its a real value dollar system everything sells at full retail price gouging is not allowed, Torres said. There are standards in every type of business, and we keep to those standards in pricing. My customers are the best police of that. They call me. One of those customers is retiree Don Saunders, who at one time worked in the bartering business with Torres and has been bartering for nine years. Bartering is really good its done a lot for me, Saunders said. I have had vehicles repaired and bought all kinds of things for Christmas presents. I find that it works for me. Saunders said that in his experience, bartering has been positive for all involved. I havent found it to be the least bit objectionable, he said. Its good all the way around. If a person is in business, he can buy things on trade without spending money. Then he can turn around and sell for cash. You then have working cash. Torres said bartering can be enjoyable and profitable. If you are somebody who thinks outside the box, or if you are a creative person, barter becomes fun for you, Torres said. You are only obligated to barter what you want to barter what meets the needs of your business. I bring you new business that youd never have gotten. What barter really does, it creates a new economy for you. |
