Do any of you "Barter" your way to success?

41 replies
Believe you me, I've bartered!

I've been continually surprised at how much you can get from simple barter.

I've run into many clients who are now dear friends who couldn't afford cartoons or artwork from me as it can be very expensive. So years ago, when I first started out as a professional I would run into people who had things I needed and wanted and I had the talent they needed and wanted.

I've bartered mostly for services, apartments, computers, clothes, etc..

There were years upon years I paid no rent. People would just give me an apartment or house to crash in as I did some art for them. They made out great and I made out great.

Now I see on WF people with things I want and read how there are things they want that I could trade for.

Believe you me, barter can save you a ton of money, headache and in the end you end up with new great friends who appreciate you for not only the quality of the service you trade with them but also your honesty and integrity for keeping your end of the bargain.

Have you ever bartered with someone and both made out great?
#barter #success
  • Profile picture of the author swords
    Yep... I made an audio testimony for William Souza in return for his 'inner circle'. Now I am on my way to PPC like never before. I just got my website propagating right now, but I can only see dollar signs at this point in time.

    How can you lose when you are paying only $0.05 per click to Google for nearly 300,000/mo BROAD search volume? You can't!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2929550].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Joshua Rigley
    Banned
    This reminds me of the story of the guy who traded a paperclip for a house. All he did was barter what he had for something more valuable.

    Barter is a very creative form of funding, something that many people overlook. Don't be afraid to ask, you might be surprised.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2929556].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author EvolBaby
    As I speak I'm working on some barter with other Warriors. Setting up a solid barter base can really save your butt!
    Signature
    Copywriting/Article Writing at $2 per 100 words! Cartoons, Comics, T-Shirt Designs!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2929628].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Joshua Rigley
    Banned
    And that reminds me of something else (lol), Paul Myers made a course about this very subject. Here's his WSO: http://www.warriorforum.com/warrior-...ke-happen.html
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2929637].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author E. Brian Rose
    My brother in law hasn't paid for a plumber, a landscaper, or oil change in years. He is not in the IM business, but he knows how to make simple websites. He's traded web design and hosting for tens of thousands in services over the years. I figure for every $100 in services, he spends ten minutes of time putting together a templated site.
    Signature

    Founder of JVZoo. All around good guy :)

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2929686].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Tina Golden
      I don't barter offline anymore but I barter online quite a bit now. I trade my writing for someone making WP themes for me, for example. I love it and we both get what we need.

      Tina
      Signature
      Discover how to have fabulous, engaging content with
      Fast & Easy Content Creation
      ***Especially if you don't have enough time, money, or just plain HATE writing***
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2929827].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author aizaku
        well then let's Barter now,

        I'm looking to have my VA guest blog on high PR websites or blogs of high popularity (often tweeted),

        I can provide good quality fresh content 500 word articles for your site. all I want in return is 1 to 2 do follow back links to my reputable sites. Im in the baby care, dog care, skin care and natural health treatment niches.

        I'm also looking for people to Guest blog on my blog in the niches I spoke of, I will allow one do follow back link to a reputable site for each unique 500 word article.

        besides offering my services and the services of my talented VA, I also live in Tokyo Japan so if you want something from here, perhaps we can work something out.

        so if any of you are interested in bartering then PM me or e-mail me at aizaku1 AT gmail DOT com

        Thank you
        Signature
        >> 2018 Money Making Method Video Guides [NO OPTIN] <<
        80% Of These Proven Guides Are Free... ]
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2929934].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author EvolBaby
      Originally Posted by E. Brian Rose View Post

      My brother in law hasn't paid for a plumber, a landscaper, or oil change in years. He is not in the IM business, but he knows how to make simple websites. He's traded web design and hosting for tens of thousands in services over the years. I figure for every $100 in services, he spends ten minutes of time putting together a templated site.
      E. Brian Rose, your brother in law knows how to barter!

      Ability, knowledge, talent, and honesty are the key factors of barter. It's what sound and successful businesses are built on. It's nothing more than the oldest form of trade. Both parties need/want, both parties deliver.

      Doesn't get more complicated than that.

      Maybe we need a barter forum here. That way pros like you can help us newbies or newbies help pros like you. Not only would it save us lots of money but establish who are the stand up people.

      The learning experience from barter is powerful too. Bartering for knowledge and know-how can often be the hallmark of a successful action!
      Signature
      Copywriting/Article Writing at $2 per 100 words! Cartoons, Comics, T-Shirt Designs!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2929956].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Joshua Rigley
        Banned
        Originally Posted by EvolBaby View Post

        E. Brian Rose, your brother in law knows how to barter!

        Ability, knowledge, talent, and honesty are the key factors of barter. It's what sound and successful businesses are built on. It's nothing more than the oldest form of trade. Both parties need/want, both parties deliver.

        Doesn't get more complicated than that.

        Maybe we need a barter forum here. That way pros like you can help us newbies or newbies help pros like you. Not only would it save us lots of money but establish who are the stand up people.

        The learning experience from barter is powerful too. Bartering for knowledge and know-how can often be the hallmark of a successful action!
        You know, that's a pretty good idea. A forum where members can exchange services. I'd like to see that.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2929974].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author EvolBaby
          Originally Posted by Joshua Rigley View Post

          You know, that's a pretty good idea. A forum where members can exchange services. I'd like to see that.
          Thanks Josh!

          If it could work out it would be another opportunity for newbies to cut through the steep learning curve and apply the successful strategies the pros use and allow the pros to know who they can count on for future projects.

          After putting together my first WSO this week I'm burnt but learned so much that the next one will be much easier to do.

          As I grow and show my talents I'll have something to stand on when it comes to such team efforts as bartering because others will be able to see what I can bring to the table.
          Signature
          Copywriting/Article Writing at $2 per 100 words! Cartoons, Comics, T-Shirt Designs!
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2930007].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author Vanessa Reece
            Originally Posted by EvolBaby View Post

            Thanks Josh!

            If it could work out it would be another opportunity for newbies to cut through the steep learning curve and apply the successful strategies the pros use and allow the pros to know who they can count on for future projects.

            After putting together my first WSO this week I'm burnt but learned so much that the next one will be much easier to do.

            As I grow and show my talents I'll have something to stand on when it comes to such team efforts as bartering because others will be able to see what I can bring to the table.
            I like it too but would that not rain on the wanted/offered section? Lots of people post on wanted and offered to find work. Just saying.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2930013].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author Joshua Rigley
              Banned
              Originally Posted by ITS-V View Post

              I like it too but would that not rain on the wanted/offered section? Lots of people post on wanted and offered to find work. Just saying.
              Yes. but those services are usually just for cash. A specific forum where members can trade specific skills...that has big potential.
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2930026].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author Vanessa Reece
                Originally Posted by Joshua Rigley View Post

                Yes. but those services are usually just for cash. A specific forum where members can trade specific skills...that has big potential.
                But who will want a web designer for cash when they may be able to get one if they barter? Sure it's hit and miss because someone may not have the skill you want and vice versa but its worth bearing in mind. Don't get me wrong it's a great idea but I also balancing the pros and cons.
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2930095].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author EvolBaby
              Originally Posted by ITS-V View Post

              I like it too but would that not rain on the wanted/offered section? Lots of people post on wanted and offered to find work. Just saying.
              I don't know. It all depends. I could post my skills on that forum to earn some money to buy some WSOs or other services, however, I could trade with the owner of the WSO instead and get maybe several of their WSOs plus the knowledge and make a new friend. The person you barter with would still have to judge whether your skills are good enough vs those who are charging. That's why often I'll say to a client they have an offer to barter instead of paying me because some clients have awesome goodies like super discounts on computers/electronics, air fare packages, hotel packages.

              I had a client I bartered with who got me six months free hotel service. That saved alot of money. Software, etc.. Discounts via their corporate accounts. I had my corporate accounts and would get stupid discounts to the point I couldn't use them all in a year and that was money and opportunity wasted. I could barter the excess bonuses off.

              So it's not that you're blocking someone, it's that you're doing what is done all the time in business. With barter you win out and the client wins out because they get to still write all that stuff off. I only barter for business needs. You barter for personal stuff and you still have to claim it as income.

              Unless! Here's the kicker, unless the trade is LOWER than what you normally would charge and you get to write off the loss.
              Signature
              Copywriting/Article Writing at $2 per 100 words! Cartoons, Comics, T-Shirt Designs!
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2931712].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author JennSpencerIM
    I've bartered with small businesses...got their services for 50% off or more and in exchange, I did some filming of their biz and put it up all over the internet with optimized keywords, etc....both of us were very happy about it!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2929910].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Vanessa Reece
    I barter - but I'm much more aware now than I used to be doing it. As long as everyone gets what they want and wins it's all good.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2929972].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author EvolBaby
      Originally Posted by ITS-V View Post

      I barter - but I'm much more aware now than I used to be doing it. As long as everyone gets what they want and wins it's all good.
      V, as a consultant you should be able to command much barter! Knowledge is gold in IM as I'm sure you know full well.

      Sometimes just one bit of advice can turn a person's life around.
      Signature
      Copywriting/Article Writing at $2 per 100 words! Cartoons, Comics, T-Shirt Designs!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2930010].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author John Atkins
    Bartering is great, especially if you don't have a lot
    of money to pay for stuff.

    Normally I pay for services now but in the past
    I used to barter a lot, and it sure did help me
    get where I am now.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2930022].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author paulie888
    Originally Posted by EvolBaby View Post

    Believe you me, I've bartered!

    I've been continually surprised at how much you can get from simple barter.

    I've run into many clients who are now dear friends who couldn't afford cartoons or artwork from me as it can be very expensive. So years ago, when I first started out as a professional I would run into people who had things I needed and wanted and I had the talent they needed and wanted.

    I've bartered mostly for services, apartments, computers, clothes, etc..

    There were years upon years I paid no rent. People would just give me an apartment or house to crash in as I did some art for them. They made out great and I made out great.

    Now I see on WF people with things I want and read how there are things they want that I could trade for.

    Believe you me, barter can save you a ton of money, headache and in the end you end up with new great friends who appreciate you for not only the quality of the service you trade with them but also your honesty and integrity for keeping your end of the bargain.

    Have you ever bartered with someone and both made out great?
    Greg, I've not personally done it myself, but I've heard some great stories about what some marketers have accomplished.

    You can pick up some really great deals, especially if you're into offline marketing. For example, Chris Negro had posted a thread in here earlier about how he was able to get a complete wedding package (including professional photos and a limo!) worth $10,000 just by doing some website/SEO work for the wedding planner...and guess how much he paid his outsourcing team to do this for him? $300!

    Paul
    Signature
    >>> Features Jason Fladlien, John S. Rhodes, Justin Brooke, Sean I. Mitchell, Reed Floren and Brad Gosse! <<<
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2930375].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author JohnKS
    I have not yet, but think it is a great idea.
    It's a great way for people with opposite skill sets to trade services.

    So many areas involved in internet marketing that it is hard to be a master of all.
    I agree that there should be a forum/section for something like this.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2930404].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author EvolBaby
    Here's an example. Paulie888 is a very knowledgeable man, honorable, and helpful. He has products I find interesting as do many of you. One day Paulie888 might say he needs one of my skills and how much do I charge? I would offer him pay or barter for some WSOs, programs, or even coaching!

    The point is, your experience and quality products and services are worth a great deal to those seeking that experience and production. I for one could see the value of bartering with a known professional as it gets me farther up the road saving me far more money, headache, and time.
    Signature
    Copywriting/Article Writing at $2 per 100 words! Cartoons, Comics, T-Shirt Designs!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2931731].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Silas Hart
    I've paid for simple tasks by using my products. Usually site maintenance by given them some of my items.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2932075].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author AdmiralGloom
    I wish I could Barter my soul for a forever successful ebusiness
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2932588].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Joshua Rigley
      Banned
      Originally Posted by AdmiralGloom View Post

      I wish I could Barter my soul for a forever successful ebusiness
      Eh, I wouldn't. That wouldn't be needed either. Just barter for things you need (like traffic) to make your business successful.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2933056].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author cindybidar
    Yup, I've traded writing services for website graphics, books, and coaching. I also once rewrote some help files for a software developer in exchange for a license to use his product.

    Haven't done much offline bartering, but I may have to keep my eyes open for opportunities there as well.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2933161].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author PLRgirl
      Hi all,

      Hmmmm....this thread was an eye-opener for me!

      I never thought about bartering for goodies and neat deals in the virtual world.....that sounds pretty cool.

      Reading about everyone's bartering experiences has me intrigued and I intend to barter (just for the fun of it) at the first available opportunity!
      Signature
      *LIMITED EDITION* Niche PLR ARTICLE PACKS - SEO'd Perfectly - GRAB THEM NOW!!!

      Full Spin-Syntax Versions Per Pack @ Incredible Rates

      PM me for more details or Skype me - It's PLR that's QUALITY + QUANTITY - Hurry!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2933313].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Keeslover
    We get free daycare for our two dogs in exchange for writing their monthly newsletter.

    If you don't ask, you don't get...but if you do ask, you might be surprised at what you get.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2933315].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author davidjames42973
      Bartering is an extremely important thing to learn when it comes to business. In July I bartered a 9 bedroom house in Sonoma to stay a week in. It was one of the best vacations my wife and I had...
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2933335].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author EvolBaby
        Originally Posted by davidjames42973 View Post

        Bartering is an extremely important thing to learn when it comes to business. In July I bartered a 9 bedroom house in Sonoma to stay a week in. It was one of the best vacations my wife and I had...
        Now that's what I'm talking about!

        See, people ask me daily about doing a comic book or children's book for them and they pass out when they hear the prices. It's very expensive and something you can't get some hack to do as they'll end up getting you sued, put out a crummy product or just walk away with your money.

        It costs tens of thousands of dollars for me to fully put together and illustrate books so most people can't afford it. Far too many things to take into consideration that experience and talent demand regarding remuneration. So let's say I wanted to chill out in some sunny place for a year or two. I would trade with a client who had real estate there. Lots of people have summer/winter homes, excess real estate they don't use that's located in great places and you cut a deal. Everyone wins out.

        I have a pal who is a music teacher and master guitarist. We trade alot! He even wrote me a theme song for one of my websites.

        When bartering, my suggestion is to look at your bottom line. Rent/mortgage, insurance, the basics you need money for and barter based on those. If it's business barter, barter for things directly needed for business like tools, techniques, services. You get to learn and save a fortune at the same time.
        Signature
        Copywriting/Article Writing at $2 per 100 words! Cartoons, Comics, T-Shirt Designs!
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2933493].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author AndrewCavanagh
          I did a lot of bartering when I was starting out.

          Part of the reason was I simply couldn't afford to buy anything because I was so broke.

          But I was also aware that any time I did a barter deal I was building a relationship with someone who could potentially hire me for a paid job in the future or give me high quality referrals.

          A few of those early barter deals I did led to multi thousand dollar deals.

          Kindest regards,
          Andrew Cavanagh
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2933724].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author EvolBaby
            Originally Posted by AndrewCavanagh View Post

            I did a lot of bartering when I was starting out.

            Part of the reason was I simply couldn't afford to buy anything because I was so broke.

            But I was also aware that any time I did a barter deal I was building a relationship with someone who could potentially hire me for a paid job in the future or give me high quality referrals.

            A few of those early barter deals I did led to multi thousand dollar deals.

            Kindest regards,
            Andrew Cavanagh
            Andrew, you are so spot on! That's why I asked about barter because when done right it always leads to success in abundance!
            Signature
            Copywriting/Article Writing at $2 per 100 words! Cartoons, Comics, T-Shirt Designs!
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2938092].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author John Durham
              Originally Posted by EvolBaby View Post

              Andrew, you are so spot on! That's why I asked about barter because when done right it always leads to success in abundance!

              I bartered a website with an attorney once to retain his services... turned out to be a really good deal for both of us, and I ended up winning a child custody case..
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2938142].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author EvolBaby
                Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

                I bartered a website with an attorney once to retain his services... turned out to be a really good deal for both of us, and I ended up winning a child custody case..
                Dude, I am attorney barter MASTER! Been doing that for 30 years. Come from a large attorney family and they hipped me to that when I was a kid! If I told you which and how many lawyers I've got favors due from you would fall out of your chair.
                Signature
                Copywriting/Article Writing at $2 per 100 words! Cartoons, Comics, T-Shirt Designs!
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2959213].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author PLRgirl
      Originally Posted by Keeslover View Post

      We get free daycare for our two dogs in exchange for writing their monthly newsletter.

      If you don't ask, you don't get...but if you do ask, you might be surprised at what you get.
      So true!

      Guess you'd never know if you've never tried it.....

      Let's see.....what all can I barter away......

      Signature
      *LIMITED EDITION* Niche PLR ARTICLE PACKS - SEO'd Perfectly - GRAB THEM NOW!!!

      Full Spin-Syntax Versions Per Pack @ Incredible Rates

      PM me for more details or Skype me - It's PLR that's QUALITY + QUANTITY - Hurry!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2933412].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author .
    I did something similar... but we went with my wife and the kids to lovely Fiji in exchange for some SEO work
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2933341].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author chrisnegro
    Bartering is a great client acquisition strategy. My sig below sheds some light on a nice story about how I bartered my entire wedding.

    Bartering Rocks !

    Chris Negro
    Signature

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3002957].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author xInd
    I think bartering is basically human nature. I mean, if every single human bartered with all other humans, offering what they had to provide, and asking for what they needed, well I don't think there'd be much left to argue about or compete over other than the next discoveries and great accomplishments / achievements...
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3003118].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author paulie888
    It'd be great if a Bartering category was created in this forum for people to openly offer and exchange their services/products for that of others. I feel that in many cases, it's much more advantageous for both parties involved, since there are always items/services that one needs in IM, and bartering for them would eliminate the need for cash (and this is the giant elephant in the room that keeps so many businesses and entrepreneurs from moving forward).

    Paul
    Signature
    >>> Features Jason Fladlien, John S. Rhodes, Justin Brooke, Sean I. Mitchell, Reed Floren and Brad Gosse! <<<
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3003275].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Brad Gosse
    I still barter to this day when I can afford to just pay. I would rather trade my time for a new walk in closet (currently in the works) than pay out of pocket.

    Barter is good because.

    It frees us from taxes
    It frees us from bank fees etc.
    It's often easier to sell someone on a trade than paying you.

    Years ago I had a client who wanted a website built and my team was free. He had no cash but offered me a Rolex Daytona watch instead. I sold the watch to a friend for $7,000 and my cost for labor was less than $1000.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3003827].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author rushindo
      Originally Posted by Brad Gosse View Post

      I still barter to this day when I can afford to just pay. I would rather trade my time for a new walk in closet (currently in the works) than pay out of pocket.

      Barter is good because.

      It frees us from taxes
      It frees us from bank fees etc.
      It's often easier to sell someone on a trade than paying you.

      Years ago I had a client who wanted a website built and my team was free. He had no cash but offered me a Rolex Daytona watch instead. I sold the watch to a friend for $7,000 and my cost for labor was less than $1000.
      I know the last reply in this thread was 4 months ago, but just in case someone reads this, you ARE required by law in most states in the U.S. to pay taxes on bartered goods or services received.

      Tax Topics - Topic 420 Bartering Income
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3708792].message }}

Trending Topics