tips
trading posting searching
offer a trade
Don't be afraid to start with an offer! Even if they haven't listed it, someone might find they want your product or service! And remember, if it's a service trade, break it down by estimating cost per hour. This helps others know it's a fair trade. Being proactive is key. In the initial contact e-mail introduce yourself and give some background information on who you are, what you have to offer, and why you are interested in trading. Others may be sending emails with offers at the same time. You want yours to be the most convincing! Increase your responses. Send an email with all the information (a description of your offer, a picture, or a website) and end with a question that requests a “yes” or “no” answer. Online bartering is similar to online dating--if you haven't heard back after a week or two, give it one more try, then assume that they are not interested or have already made the trade. Have fun and be creative! And don't be discouraged if you get declined. The perfect trade might be just around the corner! Need some inspiration? Click here to learn how one guy used a single red paperclip to barter his way into owning a house! accepting a trade
Listen to your gut! Just because someone offers, doesn't mean you have to accept. And just because someone's skills seem like the perfect match, doesn't mean they are. Don't be afraid to ask for references, examples of previous work, or a resume. Someone might have a hidden skill on their resume that appeals to you! And if someone requests a resume from you, remember that barter resumes can be very casual; a bulleted list of a person's work, hobbies, experience & certifications/education is sufficient. Test out the relationship. In a trade involving a longer time commitment, take time to get to know one another. You can even request a “test meeting” to spend an hour with the other person. Be clear right away about your expectations. And if a test meeting is used, make sure both parties understand. In this way, if something doesn't feel right, it's still early enough that neither side will be inconvenienced if the other backs out. good communication
It starts by getting to know each other. Ask questions through email and exchange photos and/or references. If things feel right, set up a phone conversation. The final piece of a good trade is a verbal or written contract between the two bartering parties with the specifics of the exchange and the time frame it will be completed. If trading services, be sure to keep a log of dates and times spent working on the trade. Be honest, fair, and communicate openly. Keep in mind, people have the same concerns you do. But if something “feels funny” then it's most likely for a good reason. Don't be afraid to cancel the deal, politely. It's okay to change your mind before the e-handshake. If you don't feel comfortable with a certain situation, or if you feel that the other party is doing something illegitimately, tell the person as soon as possible that you are no longer interested. But if you've already done your research and have made an agreement with them, think of it as an “e-handshake.” You can't change your mind just because someone else has offered you something better. Keep in constant communication until the trade has completed. The bartering system is a delicate relationship based on trust. If something comes up and there is a delay on finishing your side of the deal, give a quick heads up to your exchanger.
the description
The first sentence is the most important. Give details and excitement! Include specific information describing what you have to offer. Tell everything you think others might want to know about your offering. Think about the type of questions you would want answered. Include details like size, color, features, condition, experience, and retail value. Think up keywords and use bulleted lists. Be honest and remember, everyone loves a good story. the picture
You will get more hits if you attach a picture, period. Most people won't even look at a listing unless there is a photo attached. And since you only get one shot, you better make it good. Proper lighting, centered subject, in focus, no background distractions. the website
Everyone has a website, blog, or profile. And definitely post your website if you are bartering a service. This adds instant credibility, and others can get a taste of your style and personality. Of course, if you feel privacy is an issue, you can always wait until initial contact is made.
“nothing is showing up on my detail search”
experiment with different search words
we are all unique. people can use many different words to describe one item. play around with words and combinations using no more than 3 words at a time. “i'm still not getting any results”
minimize punctuation
only use punctuation in your search if you expect it to be in the item title or description for which you're searching. examples: t-shirt, N-Sync and Dr. Doolittle. “i don't get enough results on my search”
use general words to expand a search
for example, a search for Massage will provide more results that a search for Thai Massage. “i think i'm getting all the results i can get...”
play with the letter “s” for more results
for example, you'll get two different lists of items when you search for lemon and lemons. Try searching with and without the final “s” “i get too many results on my detail search”
use specific words to narrow a search
for example, a search for White Shirt will return fewer, more-targeted listings than a search for Shirt. or, for even more targeted results: Buttoned White Shirt. “i'm getting a list of unrelated results”
minimize using and, or, and the
searches for and, or, and the are just like other words. use and, or, and the only if you're searching for items containing these words, such as Diana Ross and the Supremes or Truth or Dare. “i don't really know what to search for”
consider browsing
if you're not searching for something specific, browse through the category listing pages to see what's out there!
offer a tradeDon't be afraid to start with an offer! Even if they haven't listed it, someone might find they want your product or service! And remember, if it's a service trade, break it down by estimating cost per hour. This helps others know it's a fair trade. Being proactive is key. In the initial contact e-mail introduce yourself and give some background information on who you are, what you have to offer, and why you are interested in trading. Others may be sending emails with offers at the same time. You want yours to be the most convincing! Increase your responses. Send an email with all the information (a description of your offer, a picture, or a website) and end with a question that requests a “yes” or “no” answer. Online bartering is similar to online dating--if you haven't heard back after a week or two, give it one more try, then assume that they are not interested or have already made the trade. Have fun and be creative! And don't be discouraged if you get declined. The perfect trade might be just around the corner! Need some inspiration? Click here to learn how one guy used a single red paperclip to barter his way into owning a house! accepting a trade
Listen to your gut! Just because someone offers, doesn't mean you have to accept. And just because someone's skills seem like the perfect match, doesn't mean they are. Don't be afraid to ask for references, examples of previous work, or a resume. Someone might have a hidden skill on their resume that appeals to you! And if someone requests a resume from you, remember that barter resumes can be very casual; a bulleted list of a person's work, hobbies, experience & certifications/education is sufficient. Test out the relationship. In a trade involving a longer time commitment, take time to get to know one another. You can even request a “test meeting” to spend an hour with the other person. Be clear right away about your expectations. And if a test meeting is used, make sure both parties understand. In this way, if something doesn't feel right, it's still early enough that neither side will be inconvenienced if the other backs out. good communication
It starts by getting to know each other. Ask questions through email and exchange photos and/or references. If things feel right, set up a phone conversation. The final piece of a good trade is a verbal or written contract between the two bartering parties with the specifics of the exchange and the time frame it will be completed. If trading services, be sure to keep a log of dates and times spent working on the trade. Be honest, fair, and communicate openly. Keep in mind, people have the same concerns you do. But if something “feels funny” then it's most likely for a good reason. Don't be afraid to cancel the deal, politely. It's okay to change your mind before the e-handshake. If you don't feel comfortable with a certain situation, or if you feel that the other party is doing something illegitimately, tell the person as soon as possible that you are no longer interested. But if you've already done your research and have made an agreement with them, think of it as an “e-handshake.” You can't change your mind just because someone else has offered you something better. Keep in constant communication until the trade has completed. The bartering system is a delicate relationship based on trust. If something comes up and there is a delay on finishing your side of the deal, give a quick heads up to your exchanger.
the descriptionThe first sentence is the most important. Give details and excitement! Include specific information describing what you have to offer. Tell everything you think others might want to know about your offering. Think about the type of questions you would want answered. Include details like size, color, features, condition, experience, and retail value. Think up keywords and use bulleted lists. Be honest and remember, everyone loves a good story. the picture
You will get more hits if you attach a picture, period. Most people won't even look at a listing unless there is a photo attached. And since you only get one shot, you better make it good. Proper lighting, centered subject, in focus, no background distractions. the website
Everyone has a website, blog, or profile. And definitely post your website if you are bartering a service. This adds instant credibility, and others can get a taste of your style and personality. Of course, if you feel privacy is an issue, you can always wait until initial contact is made.
“nothing is showing up on my detail search”experiment with different search words
we are all unique. people can use many different words to describe one item. play around with words and combinations using no more than 3 words at a time. “i'm still not getting any results”
minimize punctuation
only use punctuation in your search if you expect it to be in the item title or description for which you're searching. examples: t-shirt, N-Sync and Dr. Doolittle. “i don't get enough results on my search”
use general words to expand a search
for example, a search for Massage will provide more results that a search for Thai Massage. “i think i'm getting all the results i can get...”
play with the letter “s” for more results
for example, you'll get two different lists of items when you search for lemon and lemons. Try searching with and without the final “s” “i get too many results on my detail search”
use specific words to narrow a search
for example, a search for White Shirt will return fewer, more-targeted listings than a search for Shirt. or, for even more targeted results: Buttoned White Shirt. “i'm getting a list of unrelated results”
minimize using and, or, and the
searches for and, or, and the are just like other words. use and, or, and the only if you're searching for items containing these words, such as Diana Ross and the Supremes or Truth or Dare. “i don't really know what to search for”
consider browsing
if you're not searching for something specific, browse through the category listing pages to see what's out there!
