Why use trade credits instead of cash?
Maximizing cash flow is a top priority of all businesses, small and large. Using trade dollars, sometimes called trade credits, is an alternative to using cash, which helps businesses conserve cash. You can earn trade by selling available inventory or staff time, and you can spend your earned trade dollars to pay for products and services you need to run your businesses.

How big is barter in the United States?
The International Reciprocal Trade Association estimates that $16 billion worth of products and services were bartered in the United States in 1998. The worldwide barter industry, by some estimates, exchanged as much as $65 billion worth of goods and services.

Is business-to-business barter just another form of auction?
No. In an auction, sellers are unsure what value they will receive for their merchandise. In a barter transaction, the price of the products and services is determined by the seller and must be met by the buyer. Thus, companies realize the full value of the products and services they barter. BarterTrust.com represents a distribution channel that companies can use to increase sales at full value.

Is barter another way for companies to liquidate inventory at fire sale prices?
No. There are businesses whose sole purpose is to relieve companies of distressed inventories by taking ownership of those inventories using various forms of non-cash credits. That is very different from what The Barter Depot does. The Barter Depot Network offers businesses of all sizes a full-value marketplace of thousands of companies eager to spend trade dollars and a non-cash distribution channel into which they can move merchandise, making it available for sale to all the companies that belong to the The Barter Depot Network. The Barter Depot is not a discount channel. We offer businesses a sensible, non-cash option they have never had before for selling merchandise at full value.

How much does a business pay to participate in the Barter Depot?
The Barter Depot charges a nominal registration fee, and a $75 yearly fee cash & trade after your first year and a 10% cash commission on each buy transaction. For a limited time only, The Barter Depot is waiving its initial registration fee, a $395 value!

Who do I contact if I have a customer service question?
You can contact us via email at support or toll-free at (800-409-2209)

How do I know my information is secure?
Our highest priority is protecting your confidential information. To achieve secure data transmission and storage, The Barter Depot uses advanced security systems and practices. These are many of the same state-of-the-art systems and procedures used by other leading financial institutions.

How will I benefit from being a Barter Depot client?
Several ways:
Grow your business and improve your cash flow. You can grow your business by selling available inventory or staff time, and you use your earned trade dollars to pay for items typically bought with cash. Barter both online and offline. Do it yourself online or use our professional trade brokers to trade offline. Seasoned Barter Depot brokers are available to provide assistance when needed. Create a new sales channel and sourcing solution. As a Barter Depot client, you are able to trade with a vast network of small and large businesses -- locally, regionally, and nationwide. Get new customers cost-effectively. Find new suppliers easily. Leverage your investment in inventory and staff.

I purchase everything wholesale. Why would I want to buy products and services through Barter Depot?
Many Barter Depot clients have established business relationships. The Barter Depot doesn't require that you change your relationships. We help you expand your customer and supplier network. Because few businesses can get everything they need wholesale (such as advertising, airline tickets, restaurant meals, or contracting services), The Barter Depot is a great way to conserve cash.

How does The Barter Depot help me conserve cash?
Here's an example. A store may sell a product for $100 cash or 100 trade. The product cost is $50 with the balance of the price covering overhead expenses, which are incurred whether or not the product is sold. The store sells the product for 100 trade, then uses The Barter Depot to buy goods and services with $100 in trade , rather than cash, thereby netting a $50 cash savings.

Will The Barter Depot help me find new business?
Yes. We have thousands of businesses already participating in the The Barter Depot. Your listed products and services will be exposed to all of those prospective buyers. Be sure to keep your listings up-to-date so interested buyers always know what you have to offer. And, once you establish your account, you can speak with a trade broker who can help you develop a plan for getting the most out of the network.

Do I need to pay taxes on my Barter Depot sales?
Yes. Sales made via The Barter Depot are subject to the same tax treatment as cash sales. The Barter Depot recommends that you contact a qualified tax consultant for further advice.

How do I handle The Barter Depot fees? Can it be a tax write-off?
The Barter Depot fees are similar to other expenses incurred in normal business operations. The Barter Depot recommends that you contact a qualified tax consultant for specific advice.

Will I have to worry about accounting and tax reporting issues?
Clients receive a statement of activity each month. At the end of the year, you'll receive a Form 1099B from us to make tax reporting easy. The Barter Depot will also provide a copy of your Form 1099B to the IRS,as required by law.

How does the IRS view barter exchanges like The Barter Depot?
The IRS classifies barter companies as third-party record keepers. Therefore, Barter Depot has the same reporting requirements as banks and stock exchanges. Each year, clients receive a Form 1099B that reports their Barter Depot sales (US $1.00 = 1.00 trade dollar$). A copy of the client's Form 1099B is also sent to the IRS, as required by law.