I was recently supprised when I advertized needing help repairing my pressure washer in exchange for some minor web design. Instead of receiving an offer to repair my pressure washer, I received a offer to do the pressure washing in exchange for re-designing the company’s website. I took a look at what they had already, setup and appointment for them to check out my project (our driveway) and then asked some simple questions. Here’s some tips to help you successfully safely barter:
1: Find out their basic expectations up front, ask some questions about the services they want.
2: Check them out, if this is a company check out their website, google their email address some times that will turn up some helpfull information.
3: Be private, meet in a public place if possible and or outside if the work will be done outside. If you need work done inside, get straight to the point don’t fiddle around in the doorway. You want to avoid having someone get familar with your home and items inside.
4: Find a babysitter, if you have kids. I would recommend getting someone to watch them while your talking over the details of what you want or they want. Again, safety, safety, safety.. Of course if you are married or have a friend that can watch the kids it’s better than paying for it.
5:(bonus) If possible suggest services that are already part of what you do, use, or are familar with. For me I suggested using the <a href=”http://hostek.com”>Affordable Web Hosting</a> from the company I work for.
I met with the pressurer washing oklahoma guy, and we discussed my needs and then his, outside by my van. We were both happy with the agreement.