Saturday 21 February 2015

Go Online And Swap Stuff

By Olivia Cross


Do you have clothes, books and more cluttering up your closets while you struggle to make ends meet? The concept of bartering has been embraced by people all over the globe. With the ability the internet has to bring traders together, a whole rash of bartering sites and communities have sprung up. Swap stuff you do not want for items or services you do want and save money.

On some of the larger websites, people can post all kinds of items and offer many different services too. There are also niche websites dedicated to exchanging particular items like books or clothing whilst others offer only services such as pet sitting or baby sitting. Some websites only serve a particular area and people can meet up with one another more easily.

There are some safety risks involved in swapping but most of these websites have strict rules to protect users. Swapping less costly items usually involves shipping or posting. It is obviously more risky when it comes to more expensive items like cars and certain precautions need to be taken.

When arranging an exchange, it is preferable to do so in person. This is why swapping with someone local is better. Arrange to meet the person at a coffee shop and take someone with you as an extra precaution. You will be able to seal the deal after each person has examined the items to make sure both parties are happy.

Many people are addicted to sites like those swapping clothing. They provide a way for them to indulge a desire for new clothes without having to part with any cash at all. Some of these sites even offer exchange of accessories and cosmetics. For parents with children who grow out of clothing so quickly, websites provide a way for them to connect with other parents in the same predicament and exchange clothing that still has plenty of wear. Book lovers can easily exchange books in the same way and video games are another popular item for exchange.

The timing of when you post items for swapping often makes a difference. Swapping Christmas decorations, for example, is obviously better in the period just before Christmas. A beautiful prom dress is highly likely to be swapped successfully just before prom.

Membership of many of the websites is free. Some use a points system whereby you receive points and then spend them on what you want. On some websites, members do not even have to come into contact with each other at all to set up swaps as this is arranged for them. Some communities are closed and require another member to recommend someone. Many are open to all and the more members the better.

For those who are cash strapped but possess many unwanted goods, this is the perfect solution. They can easily replace the goods they do not want with those they do want without parting with any money at all. The popularity of such sites is growing all the time, indicating just how many people appreciate bartering.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment