Anyone barter?

[Sherry]

It's always nice to get cash, but sometimes I barter for services or products.  I only agree to it if it's equal in value to my hourly rate and it's something I would use anyway.

Here's a few things I've gotten through barter. 

*Free daycare for a week.  I've done this exchange twice.
*Dunkin Donuts coffee and 2 huge tubs of Baskin Robbins ice cream.  (Unfortunately for me, I went on my all organics kick soon after receiving the ice cream.  I ended up giving it away to family.)
*19 free days at the flea market.  (not sure if this was a good trade, because I'm always busy weekends and still haven't used these days.  Plus it's far away and scorching hot everyday lately... what was I thinking!  )


Some things I've been offered but they didn't end up booking.

*free movie tickets
*free tickets to a water park

[littleprecious]

What a great idea, I never thought of doing so. I would prefer money unless it's something I am very very interested

[Party Picassos Facepainting]

It's not exactly bartering, but I am giving the Kids' Museum 3 hours during Arts Week in August.
They sent me a pass for two adults and two kids. They are also tacking on my two sons to my
list and a free parking pass. Parking at Navy Pier is pricy, so I would only do this if parking was free.

But it's a good way to give my cards out and meet loads of potential clients. It also looks good on the
resume. Aaaaand if they need a paid face painter in the future, I stand a better chance at being called!

[Alison]

Never.  I Never Barter.  I have real bills to pay.  House Taxes, Health Insurance, Phone Bill, Car Maintenance.  Dentist.  The Gym.  MY Personal Trainer.   Electricity.  Heat.  Waterbill.  {Phone Bill.  Plumber.  Food (my Own Choice of the way I Want to eat)......

I look at Barter as the 'client' trying to get something for nothing.  As though the 'client' is saying "hey, I want whatever I can get, but I don't want to Pay you, I don't want to give You my money because there are I have a lot of other things to buy."

Several years ago, though, I did once take a Barter.  I got paid something like $100 plus a 'free massage' at Equinox Fitness Club.  I figured it was a good idea because it was for the day after I'd be flying back from a long trip.  I still remember the Loooong hour of a nothing 'This is a massage?' that I got.  It was all I could do to lay there.  I didn't want to insult the therapist by criticizing, because I certainly wouldn't have wanted My performance to be criticized.  So like, I was stuck with whatever I got. 

As far as Free Advertising?  Like, you gotta be kididng  I get 'free advertising' every time I Work a Paying gig.