Business owners can also use barter dollars as incentives and benefits for employees. A growing number of small businesses that can t afford a health plan, for example, are arranging trades with doctors who are exchange members to provide services to employees. When you become a member, the barter exchange advertises your product or service to other members. After making the introductions, though, the exchange usually bows out. Negotiating details of the deal is your responsibility, just as if money were changing hands.
Most exchanges use a credit-debit system to keep track of both sides of a trade.
Generally, if you are not satisfied with what you have bought, you have to work it out on your own, just as you would if it were a cash sale. But some barter exchanges will try to mediate disputes as a last resort. Bartering conserves cash, but it isn t free. That last cost is sometimes split between the buyer and seller. In most cases fees are paid in cash, but some exchanges accept barter dollars for part of the amount due.