NEWS...from Rent My Stuff Network
- Don't buy, Barter Instead
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Don't buy, barter instead |
| Originally re-posted by Administrator on: Friday, November 21, 2008 |
FORT MYERS: Savvy consumers across Southwest Florida are changing their old buying habits for new bartering tactics.
It’s an age-old consumer tradition that’s making a fast and furious comeback as the cost of living continues to climb.
D. Stalfiere began bartering after she was recently laid off from her Regional Manager position at headquarters in Fort Myers.
“It just popped up in front of me and I was like, I never thought about it,” she said.
Stalfiere has a storage unit full of old collectibles and a closet full of clothing and handbags that she’s willing to barter in exchange for a personal trainer.
Stalfiere says with bartering, there are no limits.
“I’ve seen boats, houses, cars, anything you can think of. I haven’t seen people yet, but you never know,” she says.
A popular place to find a bartering match is at RentMyStuff Network at www.rentmystuff.blogspot.com
In fact, the number of online bartering postings at the site has signifignantly increased from June 2007 to October 2008, according to RentMyStuff Network.
J. DeSimone, of Fort Myers, has turned bartering into a full-time job. He has 12 online postings where he’s advertising his handyman skills for everything from a gold chain to eyeglasses.
“I don’t have health insurance,” he said. “Last time I bought eye glasses, they were something like $300.”
For the past several months, bartering has enabled him to eat and drink for free at Smoothie Central in Fort Myers. In exchange, he’s replaced the toilet and worked on other repairs there.
“You’d have to pay someone a couple hundred bucks to do things. Yea, it’s definitely worth it,” said cafe owner Tracy R.
But before you open the door to bartering with a complete stranger, there are some things you should know.
Stacey Payne, crime prevention coordinator for the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, advises would-be swappers to:
• Meet your potential bartering partner in a neutral place like a coffee shop or parking lot.
• If you are bartering repair or contract work, make sure the other party is licensed & insured.
• Draw up a simple contract that spells out what each party is willing to do, include a time table and what, if any supplies need to be purchased.
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