Forget buying, how about bartering?
A Guelph-based start-up, G-SWAP Trading Network, is going old school, connecting businesses and organizations that barter and swap their products and services.
While G-SWAP is online, there will be a get-together on Monday, Dec. 3, at the Red Brick Cafe in Downtown Guelph where 30 people from 23 local businesses and one charity partner (Hope House) signed up with G-SWAP can get to know each other and maybe make some deals.
“G-SWAP brings members together online and in-person to swap items of equal value and trade using trade dollars,” says Ramik Akhund, who started the business with partner Shasta Carr-Harris in June.
“The purpose is to help local businesses stimulate the local economy,” Akhund said.
“Every business has excess inventory that gets sold at a discount or goes wasted, or if it’s a service business, everyone has a down time. Our service lets people trade and barter things, creating a new client base for themselves.”
G-SWAP also helps market the member businesses.
Right now there is no fee to join G-SWAP but once they hit 50 members (they’re at 35 right now, Akhund says) there will be a small monthly cost.
He said those signed up include tech companies, web designers and accountants.
While most are services, Akhund said there is a farmer signed up.
People barter based on the value of the service they are offering.
The open house is open to the public.
More details can be found at www.g-swaptrading.com.
