Hi there!

I was curious if anyone had a client barter for services?

This was presented to me when he couldn't pay his bill. He gave me a gift certificate to a 5 star restaurant that his friend managed. I am guessing no outlay of cash for my ex-client. (By the way, he went under and I never received his balance due me. That is a topic for another day!)

Has this happened to you in the past? and...

Have you sought out a particular client in order to barter for services/product (car repairs/service; clothing boutique; retail store; direct sales - Mary Kay; Tastefully Simple, etc.)?

Or, is this an area where I should stear clear?

Thanks for your input!
Lisa

I have a barter client, a small start up magazine in my area. They really needed someone to create their blog and write a blog post once a week. My payment is a good sized ad in the magazine every month, my name is listed in the magazine as their virtual assistant and I get the by-line on all of the blog posts I write. We did it all very professionally, signing a one year contract with all the details spelled out. I've found it to be a mutually beneficial situation.
I would not, however, except a barter that hadn't been worked out in advance, nor one that wasn't written up in my contract. Also, be sure that the barter is a fair one. It should be of at least equal value to what it would be costing the client if they were paying.

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~Tina Marie Hilton of Clerical Advantage
& founder of VA Survival School

I agree with Tina that any bartering should be agreed upon up front. I haven't ever had this problem because my clients pay before services are rendered, so that may be something that you want to look into.

On a side note, Tina, that is a fantastic barter! Have you received any clients from the advertising?

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April Sullivan
The REVA Academy

I too have done bartering and have the agreement in place before any work was completed on both ends. It has worked well for both parties but I have chosen carefully and it was after much discussion and getting to know the other party involved. For example: I bartered with my plumber, when he came to quote we started talking about my business and how he got started in his. He noted that he would like to be on the web but does not know where to begin and everyone quoted money that was too expensive for his budget. Hence, I got plumbing and he got a web presence.

If carefully though out it can be a great asset and marketing tool, especially in this economy. I am sure that every person I bartered with has given referrals as have I. Weigh the "whats in it for me" aspect and if the other party can hold to their end and you will have a win-win.

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Lee Drozak

Originally Posted by Balancing Act

I agree with Tina that any bartering should be agreed upon up front. I haven't ever had this problem because my clients pay before services are rendered, so that may be something that you want to look into. On a side note, Tina, that is a fantastic barter! Have you received any clients from the advertising?

April,
No clients directly yet, but I've had new networking opportunities offered to me because they saw my ad. Being new to the area, that has been a huge help in getting to know other business owners here. I have no doubt that eventually it will result in clients though.

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~Tina Marie Hilton of Clerical Advantage
& founder of VA Survival School

I barter with a local NP for Women Entrepreneurs. I did a contract just like I would with any client, with my services spelled out and what I get in return (membership) and lunch once a month lol.

I did a 50/50 with an artist I knew, she taught classes so she used 50% of my fee toward art classes... THAT was great!! I would have spent the money some where else anyway..

BUT, I dont think barterin is something that should 'just come up' because a client cant afford you. This all needs to be spelled out up front..

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www.sageva.com
Shelley Halpain,

I completely agree that bartering can be a highly beneficial arrangement for both parties as long as the terms are spelled out and agreed upon up front (as has been mentioned). I currently barter with several other professionals that have skillsets in areas that are definitely not strong suits of mine and vice versa, so it works out well.

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Tammi Metzler ~ The Write Associate
Free call: "How to Write Email Subject Lines That Grab Attention!"

I love bartering, but I would not do it unless it was agreed upon beforehand. I have a bookkeeper that helps with my accounting that I do a barter with and we both love the arrangement.

On the other hand, if you have a client that can't afford to pay you, and they are about to go under, I guess taking what you can get at that point is a good option.

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It is so important that you know how to answer the phone professionally.

Bartering is great if there is a mutually beneficial arrangement in place. My first bartering arrangement was established with my personal trainer. I manage her social media profiles and assist with event planning and some other tasks as they arise. In return I get personal training for free and I can attend as many classes as I want for free! The best part is I get great experience for my portfolio, I use her as a professional reference/client and I get a great workout!

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Shannon R. Baker
SAVVE Support Solutions

I love the bartering idea, but I agree that it needs to be put in writing. I met the owner of a digital signage company at a Speed Networking Event, and he expressed interest in bartering my services for advertising. When I followed up, he said he did not have need for my services, but still wanted to offer me an ad spot. This company is on the up-and-up, so I am still willing to work with them, because I am hoping the ad will bring in clients. It may have been that he thought he had work for me at the time, but later realized he didn’t—people make mistakes. I learned from this, though—have a contract ready before I follow up on anything like this next time.
I would love advice and opinions about this.

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Coline Walther | The Virtual Virtuoso LLC