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May 15, 2009 2:57 pm US/Central
Bartering Popular In Rough Economic Times
FORT WORTH (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
When times are tight people still go shopping. But instead of paying with cash or credit cards, more and more consumers are getting what they need through bartering.
"It's worked out wonderful for us," said Dwight Crocker or Big Frog Bounce Houses.
He's been trading his inflatable products on web sites like
MerchanTrade.com and
Craigslist.org for more than a year.
In exchange for a day of fun, the father of eight from Arlington gets a lot of necessities for his family and his business.
"Pest control, web work, advertising, sign work," he listed. "Someone came out and fixed a computer one time. I've had car repairs done."
Trade and barter websites are seeing a significant increase in business.
UExchange.com says its traffic jumped nearly 150 percent in January and February as compared to the same time last year.
Marylee Stenstrom is downsizing her Dallas home. Instead of selling her household items, she posted everything from her sofa to her Scottish tea set on Craigslist for trade.
"I do certainly need moving help, yard help, cleaning. I have to get those things done. And whatever I don't barter away, I'll try to sell later," said Stenstrom.
Several other bartering websites have become popular with people looking to save money.
Babysitterexchange.com connects people who want to swap babysitting hours with people in their communities.
Care.com helps people looking for caretaker services from babysitting to senior-care needs.
Barterplanet.com has listings for goods, services and even knowledge.
Swapstyle.com bills itself as "an online fashion party."
Swapthing.com says it lets you "swap the things you have for the things you want."
Swaptrade.com provides trading services for music, books, movies and video games.
Zwaggle.com helps parents trade their kids' old stuff for new.
Before going to barter with a company, the Better Business Bureau says check the company's background with the bureau first.
Ask for references when dealing with an individual and have both parties sing a contract stating details of the trade.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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