An online trading post is bringing barter back in vogue. Whether SwapSity’s popularity is due to economic woes making budgets tighter, or enviro-conscious shoppers preferring to swap instead of buying, it’s putting a modern spin on an old practice. The website went live this week, filling needs for people in Ontario and BC that had something to offer.
How Does Online Barter Work?
For those who have never seen a trading post, and only have some experience in using Craigslist in searching for free items, SwapSity may need some explaining. Potential swappers create an online list of what they hope to give away, and create a wish of what they would like to receive in exchange – whether it’s goods or a service. There is also an option for the swappers to finalize an unequal exchange with cash. The more items or skills a poster offers to trade, the more possibilities for exchange can take place.
Similar to Craigslist, one can view potential swappers’ offers and talents anonymously, and only if interested can respond via email to a promising looking post. At that point, the potential traders can communicate directly via email. While the site is currently for those who are living in BC and Ontario, the Toronto-based founder, Marta Nowinska says it has plans for expanding to other provinces in the near future.
Advantages and Disadvantages to Bartering
One swapper bartered kitchen renovations for a 2000 Hyundai and another swapped for a vacation in cottage country. The possibilities for exchange appear to be limited only by the users’ imagination: anything from objects found around the home can be exchanged for services, such as handyman skills or babysitting.
By trading, many swappers are diverting goods from potential landfills, by giving them to someone who has use for it. Those who exchange services for other services usually save money – assuming the job is done well.
A potential disadvantage may lie in trading unseen goods, or swapping for shoddy workmanship. Those contemplating using SwapSity – or any bartering method - should not be shy in asking for references, or photos of previous work. Though a photograph may be worth a thousand words, reserve the right to negate the agreement if the item doesn’t fit the description.
While bartering may be an old trade, (pardon the pun) the practice of swapping online saves everyone time. As more phones are available with email access, it is possible to arrange a trade while waiting for the bus, or view an offer while at work. Online agreements reduce carbon footprints by preventing items from being driven unnecessarily to a venue where people may not choose to swap. SwapSity makes the effort to show that going green can be fun, and fast.
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Naomi Szeben - Six-time Editor's Choice Award winner Naomi Szeben puts life into "green and simple living" articles for Suite 101.com. She graduated ...
