DJsDetails
New member
So I first got into bartering when I had a long-time client of mine say he just couldn't afford my services anymore. He introduced me to a bartering company that he's turned his company to, with the market being the way it is, and said that he could continue using me if I'd join. He just needed to find a way to conserve his cash. I figured I didn't want to lose that $400/mo. between his two vehicles, they had printers on the bartering network, so if anything I could just get all my printing done on this bartering thing. No harm done right?
So I've been a member of an undisclosed organization, an international bartering company that has franchises in a lot of big cities, for about 6 months now and I have to say I've been pretty pleased with what it has done for my company. I was leery at first just because it was so unfamiliar and I know that there are a lot of gimmicks out there. I'd say it paid off. I've since picked up an extra $4,000 in trade dollars and it has covered majority of my business expenses. I would not have had this so its not like all my cash is now turning into trade dollars that have a limited use. It's simply been a way to fill my downtime and stay productive. All my uniforms, vinyl work for my truck, vehicle wraps, biz cards, flyers, advertising in publications/billboards/radio/etc., and even detailing supplies. On top of all this for my business, I've taken a vacation to St. Pete beach, found a lift kit for my truck, vehicle maintenance if I wanted, new tires, looking at getting a fence installed around my backyard, and the list goes on with things I could do.
Drawbacks; I lose out on my product and gas for mobile service. $20 at most. Most members tip in cash so I don't see this as a big deal. I also find myself traveling further than my normal range for some services but this can be compensated into the price. Any normal client would expect to pay more when you're traveling an extra 20 miles lets say. That's understandable. This is down time anyways so at least I'm staying busy.
My point is, for any of you detailers out there just trying to get a little further with this market with the way it is, maybe look into a bartering network in your area. These are not direct 1-to-1 barters. For example, I do a detail for one member that sells pest control supplies. I don't have to buy his product. I can take my T$'s (trade dollars) to another member and spend it on my advertising instead. This has given me the opportunity to up my cash sales even more. Right now I'm paying my own way through college and cash is very tight. I WOULD NOT SPEND $400 CASH on a 6 month advertising package when I'm scraping pennies to pay my tuition. I did however spend that much in T$'s and have made $300 cash back now in only a month. This is just an example of how barter has worked for me. I hope this helps someone out there.
So I've been a member of an undisclosed organization, an international bartering company that has franchises in a lot of big cities, for about 6 months now and I have to say I've been pretty pleased with what it has done for my company. I was leery at first just because it was so unfamiliar and I know that there are a lot of gimmicks out there. I'd say it paid off. I've since picked up an extra $4,000 in trade dollars and it has covered majority of my business expenses. I would not have had this so its not like all my cash is now turning into trade dollars that have a limited use. It's simply been a way to fill my downtime and stay productive. All my uniforms, vinyl work for my truck, vehicle wraps, biz cards, flyers, advertising in publications/billboards/radio/etc., and even detailing supplies. On top of all this for my business, I've taken a vacation to St. Pete beach, found a lift kit for my truck, vehicle maintenance if I wanted, new tires, looking at getting a fence installed around my backyard, and the list goes on with things I could do.
Drawbacks; I lose out on my product and gas for mobile service. $20 at most. Most members tip in cash so I don't see this as a big deal. I also find myself traveling further than my normal range for some services but this can be compensated into the price. Any normal client would expect to pay more when you're traveling an extra 20 miles lets say. That's understandable. This is down time anyways so at least I'm staying busy.
My point is, for any of you detailers out there just trying to get a little further with this market with the way it is, maybe look into a bartering network in your area. These are not direct 1-to-1 barters. For example, I do a detail for one member that sells pest control supplies. I don't have to buy his product. I can take my T$'s (trade dollars) to another member and spend it on my advertising instead. This has given me the opportunity to up my cash sales even more. Right now I'm paying my own way through college and cash is very tight. I WOULD NOT SPEND $400 CASH on a 6 month advertising package when I'm scraping pennies to pay my tuition. I did however spend that much in T$'s and have made $300 cash back now in only a month. This is just an example of how barter has worked for me. I hope this helps someone out there.
