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No Money Necessary: Mastering the Modern Art of Online Trading

Barcode with the word trade as concept superimposed on a man's face

The art of bartering is a skill that our ancestors from way back were particularly adept at. It is a skill that has been updated to meet modern demands, meaning that it is very relevant today and is an online activity that is growing rapidly.

Getting to grips with bartering

Now that most of us are buying things and trading online, bartering has also evolved and adapted to our modern custom. Barter’s modern slant reflects how we communicate and trade most of the time these days.

Even so, the concept of Bartering hasn’t changed. It is about having something that somebody else wants and trading it without money. It can be an item or even a skill that somebody is willing to trade and in return offer an equivalent item or skill for the trade.

Buyers and sellers are now brought together through bartering websites and networks. Even if you don’t have any physical items to sell, you might have a skill that someone wants and is willing to barter for.

Different ways to barter

Although the concept is simple, bartering offers a wide variety of options to trade, both online and offline. It allows you to exchange goods and services without spending any money at all, either locally or with someone in a different country.

It should also be remembered that it doesn’t just have to be a swapping scenario. If you have some stuff that you just want to get rid of for the best possible price, you can visit BuyBack Express to find out more on how it works and get an offer for the items you no longer want, turning your unwanted bits into cash.

Local options

There are several ways to hook up with people locally. This works well if you are interested in bartering local services, like home repairs for example.

To give you an idea of the diversity of things you can barter, you can even connect with others via a site like BabysitterExchange.com. Letting you swap babysitting services with other people in your area.

If you are interested in helping to make an environmental contribution, there are also sites like Freecycle Network. They promote the idea of gifting in order to help the environment.

Another local option that could be of interest is to host or attend a clothing-swap party. If you fancy the idea of giving your wardrobe a makeover without hitting the stores, organize a night where you can swap clothes with others.

Bartering even covers our furry friends

As you will no doubt know if you have a pet, the cost of arranging board or care for them when you are away from your home can run into a tidy sum.

Bartering can offer a viable solution, as you can agree to swap pet-sitting duties with a like-minded pet-friendly person.

Trading your pet care duties with a local friend or neighbor is a good move to cut down on expenses. It also helps to know your furry friend is being looked after while you are away.

Look for sites that work as an exchange to put people in touch with other, so that you can swap pet-sitting duties.

Getting started

The possibilities are almost endless when it comes to bartering, but you want to ensure that both sides get a good deal for it work well.

The simple part is working out what it is you want to get and what you have to be able to give in return. This might be items or services that you can offer, like DIY skills for example.

The next part of the equation is to find a trading partner, someone who is willing to do a deal with you. If want what you have to offer and can supply something suitable in return, you have a barter situation. If you can’t find someone to specifically barter with, you can simply sell your unwanted items for cash to a suitable site.

You should also take care to ensure that you protect yourself online. If you are dealing with a reputable site, there should be no issues. You do need to be vigilant about shipping anything of value to a complete stranger if you are going it alone.

Bartering and selling unwanted items around your home, is a great way of generating some extra dollars. Or you could get something you want by swapping your stuff or providing a service.

Chelsea Heath is resourceful when it comes to money. She shares her tips on a variety of personal finance blogs, whether discussing penny trading or the best way to sell, and make a profit, on unwanted items.

 

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