Barter 101

Busted-flat? As Janet Joplin sang, “it ain’t nothin’ honey, if it ain’t free.” You can get what you want without paying a nickel if you know how to barter. We should know: the website you’re looking at is partly the result of bartering. Barter isn’t about making some kind of shady deal: it’s a legitimate form of commerce that has been going on since the beginning of time, and is making a strong comeback in the downturn. Do you need a new backyard fence? Tech support? Babysitting? Chances are, there is someone who can provide these services in exchange for something you can offer.

1. Get the word out
First, you have to know what you’ve got and get the word out to your social network. Bartering requires a certain level of trust, so it makes sense to look first in your own communities. Church groups, social clubs, Facebook circles, and neighborhood associations all make great settings for finding a barter partner…