Goods traded with no cash exchange

Posted By: The Daily Times
Written By: Andrew Ostroski • Staff Writer • April 27, 2009

SELBYVILLE -- The ads on the World Wide Web are showing up with more regularity: "Will build steps for dental work," "Will provide flooring help for transmission install," and even the simple, "Will work for food."

In the midst of a recession, where unemployment is on the rise and money is in short supply, the age-old practice of bartering has been making a comeback. Services and goods are being traded with regularity, with no cash exchanging hands.

Tim Dale knows that all too well. Besides having knowledge of computers, he is also the owner of Scooter Daddys, a scooter repair business based in Rehoboth Beach. He's hoping to trade his expertise for some assistance with Web design.

"The reason I started doing this is because a lot of people don't have the cash right now. They also don't always have the means to sell something, so they can't come up with the cash," he said. "I'm willing to work with people on pretty much anything and so far, so good."

The practice of corporate bartering is also on the rise, according to Jennifer Rogers, a trade broker with Atlantic Barter, a Delaware-based company that serves as a middle man for businesses to barter their services.

"We recruit members, and they exchange goods and services among other members of our network," she said. "We've taken the risk out of bartering."

Rogers said the company has seen an increase in its membership over the past several years as bartering becomes more popular. The businesses that exchange services have been varied, she said.

"We have everything from small hair salons to large $5 million-per-year-roofing companies," she said.

Private citizens who have been searching for a good trade still have the old standbys of the World Wide Web and classified ads to find what they're looking for.

Tanya Verderamo, a Selbyville resident, who owns Your Favorite Things, a collectibles and home accessories store, is searching for someone to make repairs to her home in exchange for her merchandise.

"I don't have the money to pay for the labor," she said. "My store's closing, and I thought I could kill two birds with one stone."

In addition to trying to sell off everything in her store, she's offered her services as a babysitter. She's posted her advertisements on the online community network Craigslist, where she said she has already received feedback.

"I got a hit on it the very next day," she said. "I've had a couple of people who have been interested."

While bartering has been increasing in popularity, people like Rogers, who are knowledgeable in the field, say interested parties should tread carefully when making a deal.

"You incur a lot of risk as an individual," she said. "You'd need to find out whether the other party is reputable and whether or not they'll fulfill their (end of the bargain)."

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