Bartercard

[TVRfix]

Has anyone joined Bartercard? We can't decided if it is a good thing to join or just a franchised rip off?
Any info/comments on whether it is worth the 1k joining fee would be much appreciated.

Many Thanks

[Carpie]

Am I right in thinking that it's a service where, if you're an accountant and you want a new plasma TV, instead of paying the bloke that owns the local TV shop, you can do £300 worth of accounting for him? Or is that too simplistic?

Interesting concept, something I'd look into, but £1000 to get in on the scheme seems a bit steep.

Plus I'd have to say to people "Can you do some plumbing for me? I'll give you 200 polo shirts."

edit: Ok I read the website a bit more and understand now. It could work but it would have to have the majority of small businesses aboard, which would mean a joining fee of far less than £1000, maybe a monthly payment of £20-30?

Edited by Carpie on Wednesday 8th October 16:58

[chris.mapey]

I was offered a job with them a few years ago - they run the scheme in the South East on a "direct sales" basis, and the joining fee pays the commissions to the sales chap & the management, also the sales chap gets a % of your future transactions as well (they charge a merchant fee for processing a trade as well)

In the end I decided not to take up their kind offer

I would advocate caution as the taxation obligations are often mis represented by the sales chap, and what value is it going to add to your business (ie what can you redeem / offer and will it increase your revenue...)

Chris

[carsarecool]

I joined,total waste of time for me, just come out of it.

PM me and I'll fill you in if you want more info.

Cheers

[Mrs Trackside]

chris.mapey said:

I was offered a job with them a few years ago - they run the scheme in the South East on a "direct sales" basis, and the joining fee pays the commissions to the sales chap & the management, also the sales chap gets a % of your future transactions as well (they charge a merchant fee for processing a trade as well)

In the end I decided not to take up their kind offer

I would advocate caution as the taxation obligations are often mis represented by the sales chap, and what value is it going to add to your business (ie what can you redeem / offer and will it increase your revenue...)

Chris

I've done books for two companies that used Bartercard, and it's a pain in the bum to administer.

There is admin fee for each transaction, so the services you provide to trade against are not free at all, plus the companies I did the books for didn't get their moneys worth. One hired a limosine for the Christmas party, simply because he wanted to use his points up.

In my opinion, it's not worth the hassle it causes.

[TVRfix]

Thanks for the replies so far. I think you have all confirmed my initial thought! Any further info would be appreciated.

Cheers