Business Week, who has been quoted on this website in the past, published a piece about barter in April of 2008, well before the brunt of the economic crash occurred. The article mentions ITEX, IRTA, NATE, and goes on to explain trade exchanges and their use. The tone of the article is one of instruction, where the more recent articles on Business Week and other sites have become increasingly dramatic in their representation of barter as a save-all for modern business. It also mentions the fees associated with belonging to an exchange, which is something we have not seen recently.
WHAT YOU’LL PAY
Some exchanges charge new members up to $800 to join, although others have no advance fees. Most have monthly flat fees of $10 to $30 and, for each completed transaction, collect a cash commission of about 10% to 15%, which is either paid by one party or split between the buyer and seller.
More and more I am hearing from exchange owners who are charging less and less for their services. Is this an industry trend? Or is it a response to economic pressure? Perhaps exchange owners are valuing their service less than they did in the boom years? I’d love to hear what you think about this, and what you are currently charging your members.
