Barter Groups
A Barter Group is exactly that, a group that barters! It is similar to a club, where members
exchange goods and services with each other. There are various types of barter groups
people can join, each one slightly different in how that particular group works. One-to-One
groups: They work solely on a straight, single exchange system. A product or service is
simply exchanged for another. This system is the simplest. All it needs is members. A
basic group like this functions well amongst neighbours and small communities. Monthly
meetings are a great opportunity for members to exchange their ‘wares’. Not only can it save
them money, it can also strengthen the community bond. Generally speaking, anyone can
be part of a barter group. The general rule is, if there’s a demand for it, you can barter it!
Sometimes, it can be the only way for someone to access more expensive products and
services.
"special money" groups: Product or services are exchanged for ‘faux money’. Members
can use them to buy what they need from other members of the group. A kind of ‘private
trade network’, or ‘mini economy’. These type of groups need an organizer. Someone to
keep track of each trade, who acts as the contact person or middle-man. They keep the files
in order and arrange the meetings, where the trade actually takes place. A ‘special money
group’ is a good solution for regional barter groups and is the principle of many major barter
exchange systems. Both types of barter group need to create a set of rules. What is
considered as ‘fair trade’ must be agreed beforehand. Preferably, the agreement should be
written. If there is an organiser, it is their job to ensure exchanges are being made as
promised.
Bartering is considered an art by many. There are kinds of ‘accepted rules’ between the
buyer and the seller. It can be like a game, each person testing the other. This is
something that has always appealed to the Chinese and Hong Kong has it’s own selection of
players. Hong Kong, the city that never sleeps. Thousands of vendors selling everything
from, handmade china pots, to, well, just about everything! In such a huge community as
this, they are still local people trading as a ‘one to one’ group. Aren’t those trading in the
‘Hong Kong Dollar’ members of a ‘special money group?’ Barter is a great way to trade, but
it does have disadvantages. Barter Groups are good if the members have everything each
other wants. It isn’t just the buyer that gets all the gains, the seller also has the advantage of
getting business they wouldn’t normally. I guess the truth is, we are long way off a world
without cash.
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