You want to reward a valued employee with a weekend getaway, or maybe you need some new office furniture-but the budget just doesn’t allow it.
There is another way.
More than 700 companies in Cleveland alone belong to Barter Corp.
“We list what companies have available to barter and market it to other business owners in the network,” says Vice President Doug Dagenais. “Presuming a prospective buyer is not a current cash customer of yours; you don’t have to do business with them on a barter basis if they are. When someone buys from you, you’re paid in barter credits instead of cash. You can use your credits for whatever you want.
“The program operates nationally, and we work with other exchanges. You can buy a hotel room in Jamaica if you want.”
There are no membership fees; the Barter Corp. works on a commission basis.
The organization also sponsors networking opportunities for members. A recent auction/dinner was a fund-raiser for the American Cancer Society.
“Periodically, this conglomeration of business owners enjoys networking,” Dagenais says. “So we put on events. The more they get to know who’s in the system, the more they can buy things they need without using cash.”
Companies of all sizes and genres belong to the group.
“Our membership ranges from companies like ATA Airlines and resorts around the country to manufacturers, office furniture stores, body shops, restaurants and all the way down to the local flower shop.”
Barter Corp. will host a holiday gift show Nov. 20. Member companies will display gift items, and the show will be an opportunity for new companies interested in joining the group to learn more.
For more information, contact Barter Corp in their Westlake office at (440) 835-0550. The group’s Web site is slated to go on-line in December at www.bartercorp.com.