"But I Have Nothing To Barter"

Oh Yes You Do...

Everyone has something they can offer. It can be an item they no longer use, a skill or a service. A skill can be helping someone's child learn how to throw that curveball or teaching the neighbour down the street how to use her new digital camera.

It can also be offering a talent you have such as providing music or art lessons. A service could be anything from marketing to plumbing.

Other Creative Ideas?

In My Opinion

If I hear “Better Than eBay” one more time…

Everyday, more and more websites are seeking the attention of consumers with catchy one liners like “Just Like eBay” or “Bigger Than eBay.” Well guess what, it’s been done. If people want “Just Like eBay” they’ll go to eBay.

Is it not eBay’s originality that made them such a success?

These websites need to carve a niche of their own and concentrate on a distinct vision. Perhaps more focus could be given on their uniqueness, what makes them stand out from others and why people should use their services. All of this can be achieved without using another company’s name as comparison or to gain exposure.

Barb Di Renzo
www.u-exchange.com

Barter Terms You May Come Across

So you've decided to start bartering and now you'd like to learn the lingo. Two terms you might run across are "the boot" and the "horse trader".

The boot is something you throw in to make a trade equal for both parties. Let's say you are trading for a $1000 computer and are willing to do some renovations for it. The renovations are only worth $800. How do you make the trade equal so both parties have a fair trade? Throw in that extra TV you never use or even cash to even the trade. "I'll do the reno work for you and throw in a 28" TV or $200 cash to boot". Done deal!

A horse trader is someone who has a real knack for setting up deals with three people or more. For example you have a mechanic, a radio station and a website designer. The mechanic is looking to run $2000 worth of radio ads, letting customers know he is opening another garage on the otherside of town. The radio station wants someone to update their website and add some new features. Website guy is great with computers but has never been very good with cars and he knows his transmission is slipping, better get it fixed soon.

A horse trader can look at what people are offering and what they want in return, putting a deal forward to solve all their needs. Being a horse trader is a real art and if you ever find someone who has the gift, be sure to keep them updated on your wants and needs. The horse trader could be the mechanic, ad guy at the radio station or the website designer. Whoever puts the deal together is the horse trader.

If there are any other terms you are unsure of, ask us here.

Hurricane Katrina Home Offer

We would like to make people aware of an option we have added to U-Exchange.com. Days ago we added banners to the site for people that wish to donate to the Red Cross but felt there was more that we could do. In the coming weeks the victims of Hurricane Katrina will need more stable lodging arrangements. As we already have the site set up for hosting families for vacations, we thought it would be easy to arrange for people that would like to become hosts for evacuees of this tragedy.

People that would like to host families can go to Katrina Home Offer if they wish to open their homes to these victims. Please post "Katrina Home Offer" in the first line of the What I Have to Offer field on the Post Your Trade page.

All people hosting may list their contact information in that field if they wish. That way, people looking for accomodations will not have to sign up to contact you.

Share your home exchange experiences with us!

Do you have advice for others that may be new to home exchange? You may have a funny story to tell or questions to ask. Share your thoughts with us.

Questions and Answers

If you have any concerns or questions about our service, ask us here!