Trade Outs or Bartering

[Guest Skibum]

Is "trading out" services for services something that ever happens? Like, if I was an "attorney" (I'm not) who would accept services in lieu of payment, is that something that would ever fly? Or any other services, like car repair, tax preparation, business consultation, etc.? I suppose what I'm really talking about is, is there a barter arrangement that would ever make sense? Has anyone ever tried this in the past with any luck? Or is cash king in this biz? If I could I'd charge for my bedroom skills, but unfortunately there's just not a market for me!

[lewd5050]

It happens. A lady and i are trading services but we've known each other for quite a while and have visied each other many times. It takes a high level of trust on the lady's part. She's become a very close friend.

[Bit Banger]

Cash is King!

Whenever I've exchanged services with the YL of this board, I have presented them with an itemized bill for goods & services, and accepted payment. I may then turn right around and return the funds, sometimes with an addition or a subtraction, for their time. Doing it this way keeps the boundaries clear.

[Guest Skibum]

Thanks Lewd. How did you make it known that you'd trade, if you don't mind me asking? How do you market to providers?

[Guest]

Thanks Lewd. How did you make it known that you'd trade, if you don't mind me asking? How do you market to providers?

I don't think he marketed his service. Clients/providers gain trust after enough time spent together and she probably mentioned to him the need for a particular service that he happened to be qualified to do.

The only things I've ever traded for were plane tickets and designer purses (that I chose). People can use their airline miles for anyone, so it's a sweet deal for both parties. However, because he needed to know my real information to book my flight it was imperative that I trusted him (P411, previous encounters, etc.).

I would never, ever trade services for services, though. I'm not going to have someone work on my car, screw it up, then be stuck with my thumb up my ass 'cause I've already paid for it with my services and the work wasn't guaranteed. Same with taxes, attorneys, personal trainers, ski instructors, plumbers, electricians, you get the point. I'd rather book appointments and use my own money for that stuff then wind up with a loss of time and risk having to have it redone anyway.

[Sphinx]

...and risk having to have it redone anyway.

Usually the service from the provider needed to be redone as well, sometimes within a couple hours..

[badfish]

I have something I think most ladies would want. It's high-end name-brand, luxury merchandise. Valued at around $150-$400. They would like them for themselves, or might make an awesome Xmas gift. If any ladies are interested, PM me and I'll give the details.

[Guest Skibum]

Bit, that's a smart arrangement. It does keep things above board, assuming you report the "sale" as income. Do not comment on that!

Mona, thank you for your insight. I see exactly where you're coming from. It makes sense when seeing it from your perspective. I'm sure not everyone, myself included, would try to screw someone like you mentioned. But, how would you know that without getting a referral or some background on the person, which is probably not worth the time and effort. I have to admit, though, that I enjoy a thumb up my ass! But not like that!

[Bit Banger]

... she probably mentioned to him the need for a particular service that he happened to be qualified to do. ...

^This^ how it was done in my case.

She knew I did XYZ, she needed some XYZ done, and asked me for an estimate. I provided an estimate; she approved the project. When I delivered XYZ, we concluded the paperwork and adjourned to the bedroom. We were both satisfied customers.

[lola]

website development, plumbing, architecture, auto repair,cpa for establishing 501c3 status (twice). all worked out well.. oh and technology equipment.

however, in his defense, i just this moment finished ordering not 1 but 4 pairs of shoes online.

Edited December 20, 2012 by boink36
Deleted quote.

[TheOlderGentleman]

I've traded copywriting for websites, website creation, financial/business consulting, and similar services to a few providers. Usually it occurs when a gal will ask me what I do, and I'll tell her a couple of the hats. (I am a multi-hatted person.) Sometimes she gets excited and says "ooh, I need a website/someone to show me how to keep the books/advice on x,y,z business issue, would you trade!?!"

If I have a positive vibe from the person, I'll say sure; if not so much, I'll say that it's simpler to keep things on a cash basis. I always offer to do it on a cash basis, and about 20% of the time that's what happens. The other 80% of the time it's barter. My hourly rate is usually about the same as hers, so we often just swap time straight up; I only charge for my working time, not for time spent talking with her about how she wants a site to be, etc.

The only difficulties I've ever run into have come when it's a provider who just hates the idea of paying in any way for any goods or service; the gals who shoplift from Walmart with $600 in their pocket and will spend an afternoon scheming to trick a guy out of $200, passing up $800 in bookings in the same period of time. Such are fortunately rare, and at this late date I am pretty good about picking up on it long before any kind of business relationship is formulated.

Usually it's just good business, and good for all concerned.

[2Big]

[Flanker]

Is "trading out" services for services something that ever happens? Like, if I was an "attorney" (I'm not) who would accept services in lieu of payment, is that something that would ever fly? Or any other services, like car repair, tax preparation, business consultation, etc.? I suppose what I'm really talking about is, is there a barter arrangement that would ever make sense? Has anyone ever tried this in the past with any luck? Or is cash king in this biz? If I could I'd charge for my bedroom skills, but unfortunately there's just not a market for me!

It happens a lot more often than you might think. I have been asked a number of times for tradeouts for my services. I cannot do that very often, especially not big items, as I have to account for office time and services to partners. While it is flattering, I don't feel right about it because I feel the wonderful lady is with me because she feels she owes me, and that doesn't make me feel too good. I would prefer a freebie so I can think we are making love, or, just the regular exchange so I know all is fair.

[Jez UaBriain]

The op is correct, this is a mainly cash paid business. However, bartering for a exchange of services can work fine. I've picked up a nice little Smith and Wesson plus two boxes of ammo, extra composite grips to go with the pearl hand grips. And a sweet little top-line cordura pack to keep it all nice and cozy. I also have traded my services for photography with two different photographers. It is best I think to meet a provider first on a cash pay basis at least once. Then sometimes a deal can be maid during "pillow talk".

[defendingbluelines-5503]

I have traded "man skills" for her time and companionship several times. Always it has been her idea and it was always with providers I had seen several times before.

They became aware of my particular skill set (everything from hanging a pot rack to auto repairs to moving and lifting heavy items into storage) and asked if I could help them out. I of course said "absolutely". I would then take care of their needs and they would take care of mine. Quite simple.

But not advertised at all.

[Guest]

I believe that there is a forum on SoWet for bartering.

The only time that I bartered my services for somebody else's services it ended up badly. I will not do that again, but that is just me. There is probably an escort out there that needs something and would be willing to trade services with you. You would probably just have to ask but don't be surprised if many say no. Good luck!

[Scarlett Desire]

I have traded "man skills" for her time and companionship several times. Always it has been her idea and it was always with providers I had seen several times before.

They became aware of my particular skill set (everything from hanging a pot rack to auto repairs to moving and lifting heavy items into storage) and asked if I could help them out. I of course said "absolutely". I would then take care of their needs and they would take care of mine. Quite simple.

But not advertised at all.

^^^^^THIS! I think you can look at all of the "success in bartering/trading" and find one thing in common with all of them... SHE asked. SHE brought it up/offered the trade. I think most women see a man who offers a trade (especially before he's seen her) as a cheapskate and wont want anything to do with him... also just sounds scummy. BUT, by all means, slip in what you do in pillow talk. "so, i do xyz, so if you ever need anything like that done, just let me know!" i think might work well, it's leaving it open for her to say, "yeah, that would be great!, maybe we could trade?" or, it would at least let her know your services are available without making you look like a scumbag. Also, be prepared to show proof of your work... I had a guy try to get me to trade for a tattoo, but he wouldn't even send me a link to a website/portfolio or tell me what studio he worked at. i had to decline, it's easy to see what you're getting with me, I need to know what I may be getting in return. Also, watch advertising... Girls will sometimes let you know if there's something they need done! (I know Mona has posted links to some of those purses she wants, I think others have posted about the airline miles, I even posted about car repairs a while back...) Keep your eyes open, be prepared to pay cash, and know that this is a TRUST issue as much as anything. She has to trust you, especially as a lot of these things require you learning her real identity. And now, I've rambled enough. Good luck.

[Doug28]

The only two times my services were offered or requested were from providers that I liked.

Both times I told them that I didn't want anything in exchange.

One insisted on barter and became uncomfortable and never followed through and the other insisted on paying.

I think barter is a very real possibility but only through the regular course of doing business. You don't solicit it.

[Guest Skibum]

What great advice, thank you everyone for sharing your thoughts! I completely understand about the trust issues. In my profession we have a rigorous code of ethics that must be followed. Failure to follow the guidelines can result in revocation of our license. I know we can get bumped for habitual intemperance, but I'm not aware of any restrictions on bartering for services, legal or otherwise. I doubt I'll live long enough to see the provision of sex for money or services legalized, but comprehending the rationale behind that is beyond reason and logic. Where are the damages to society or to the individuals or parties involved? The older I get, the more pissed off things like this make me!

[Velvet Valentine]

The only time that I bartered my services for somebody else's services it ended up badly. I will not do that again, but that is just me. There is probably an escort out there that needs something and would be willing to trade services with you. You would probably just have to ask but don't be surprised if many say no. Good luck!

Well said...It should be on the providers suggestion, not your's. Every time some guy emails me wants to do a trade, giftcards, tattoos, legal services, car work, etc... It's a real turn off. It's a fast way to get MOST good provider to run in the other direction.