When the check arrives at the Patpong Thai restaurant in Chingford, England, Reg Burrows usually pays with plastic. But Burrows, the owner of an industrial-storage-supply firm, doesn't pull out Visa or American Express. He pulls out Bartercard. As a member of the Bartercard trading network, Burrows receives "trade pounds" instead of cash whenever his firm, Global Equipment Trading, works for fellow Bartercard clients. He can then spend that credit at any of the 75,000 member businesses around the world, including Patpong Thai, where he frequently entertains clients. So far this year, Burrows has exchanged around $410,000 in goods and services, helping to offset expenses and keep cash available for other outgoings. "Using barter we've purchased everything from air-conditioning units, computers and desks, to lorries, forklifts and security gates," he says. "It's a phenomenal tool that can enhance almost any company."As businesses battle to get through the recession, more and more are turning to third-party-exchange networks like Bartercard. According to the International Reciprocal Trade Association, the industry trade body, more than 400,000 businesses transacted $10 billion globally in 2008 -- and officials expect trade volume to grow by 15% in 2009. Bartercard, the world's largest exchange network, is leading the charge. So far this year trades through its network are worth more than $2 billion, up by 20% over 2008. Founded in Australia in 1991, when the country was mired in recession, the firm now does business in nine countries -- including New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates -- and boasts clients as diverse as advertising firms, electricians, hotels, paper suppliers, restaurants, translators and even zoos.
Sent from my BlackBerry®
powered by Sinyal Kuat INDOSAT
No comments:
Post a Comment