Before money existed, goods and services were exchanged by bartering. This fell away and money exchanged hands instead. However, bartering has been reintroduced as the internet has provided a way for people to connect with one another for this purpose. Many websites, both large and small, are catering for people who want to exchange goods and services and it is even possible to do some house or car swapping. People all over the world swap stuff every day.
On some of the larger websites, people can post all kinds of items and offer many different services too. There are also niche websites dedicated to exchanging particular items like books or clothing whilst others offer only services such as pet sitting or baby sitting. Some websites only serve a particular area and people can meet up with one another more easily.
All trades are carefully monitored by reputable websites and rules and regulations are put in place to protect both parties. When swapping expensive items, particular care needs to be taken and shipping such items off to somebody without having seen what they are exchanging is asking for trouble. Inexpensive items can be posted or shipped without too much risk.
Exchanging goods in person is always a good idea as it offers the opportunity to both parties to see the goods. When arranging to meet someone it is preferable to arrange a meeting somewhere like a coffee shop. Taking a friend along makes the whole procedure even safer.
Many people are addicted to sites like those swapping clothing. They provide a way for them to indulge a desire for new clothes without having to part with any cash at all. Some of these sites even offer exchange of accessories and cosmetics. For parents with children who grow out of clothing so quickly, websites provide a way for them to connect with other parents in the same predicament and exchange clothing that still has plenty of wear. Book lovers can easily exchange books in the same way and video games are another popular item for exchange.
Timing your swaps carefully can make a difference as some items are bound to go better at certain times of the year. Cash in by swapping old Halloween costumes just before Halloween or old Christmas decorations a few weeks before Christmas. A prom dress will be very popular before prom.
Some of the niche websites have very loyal communities. Sometimes new members have to be recommended before they can join. Larger websites usually offer free membership and the more people who join the better. There are different rules and regulations and ways of operating. Some use a points system, for example, whereby members receive points for goods posted and can use these to get items they want. On some websites, users do not relate to one another at all and swapping is arranged for them.
For those who are cash strapped but possess many unwanted goods, this is the perfect solution. They can easily replace the goods they do not want with those they do want without parting with any money at all. The popularity of such sites is growing all the time, indicating just how many people appreciate bartering.
On some of the larger websites, people can post all kinds of items and offer many different services too. There are also niche websites dedicated to exchanging particular items like books or clothing whilst others offer only services such as pet sitting or baby sitting. Some websites only serve a particular area and people can meet up with one another more easily.
All trades are carefully monitored by reputable websites and rules and regulations are put in place to protect both parties. When swapping expensive items, particular care needs to be taken and shipping such items off to somebody without having seen what they are exchanging is asking for trouble. Inexpensive items can be posted or shipped without too much risk.
Exchanging goods in person is always a good idea as it offers the opportunity to both parties to see the goods. When arranging to meet someone it is preferable to arrange a meeting somewhere like a coffee shop. Taking a friend along makes the whole procedure even safer.
Many people are addicted to sites like those swapping clothing. They provide a way for them to indulge a desire for new clothes without having to part with any cash at all. Some of these sites even offer exchange of accessories and cosmetics. For parents with children who grow out of clothing so quickly, websites provide a way for them to connect with other parents in the same predicament and exchange clothing that still has plenty of wear. Book lovers can easily exchange books in the same way and video games are another popular item for exchange.
Timing your swaps carefully can make a difference as some items are bound to go better at certain times of the year. Cash in by swapping old Halloween costumes just before Halloween or old Christmas decorations a few weeks before Christmas. A prom dress will be very popular before prom.
Some of the niche websites have very loyal communities. Sometimes new members have to be recommended before they can join. Larger websites usually offer free membership and the more people who join the better. There are different rules and regulations and ways of operating. Some use a points system, for example, whereby members receive points for goods posted and can use these to get items they want. On some websites, users do not relate to one another at all and swapping is arranged for them.
For those who are cash strapped but possess many unwanted goods, this is the perfect solution. They can easily replace the goods they do not want with those they do want without parting with any money at all. The popularity of such sites is growing all the time, indicating just how many people appreciate bartering.
