Bartering Boards: Trade Your Way to Bargains

Bartering boards are the perfect place to find what you’re looking for without spending cash. Here’s what you need to know to make a successful trade:

How does it work?

Bartering boards are very easy to navigate. Start by setting up an account with the bartering site that you’ve chosen (usually free), and then simply post the items that you have for trade along with a list of items that you’re willing to trade for. This could be gift cards, other items, stamps, PayPal money, etc.

Some barterers like to set a price for each item on their list, while others prefer to wait and negotiate with interested parties. Choose whichever method works best for you.

Looking for a specific item or items? Bartering boards are a great place to put out the word. Just post an “In search of” or “Wish list” message, and others will respond if they have what you are looking for.

How do you complete a transaction?

When someone is interested in an item that you have posted, they’ll either post a response to your message or send you a private message to work out the details. This is the time to decide how the postage will be handled, what will be traded, and any other specifics of the trade.

Then, once all of the details are settled, simply swap mailing addresses and send out your trade.

Is there any follow up?

Most bartering sites have an area for feedback. This is the place to let other barterers know how your trade went. Did everything go smoothly? Did the other party misrepresent the traded item? Share the details, whether good or bad.

What does all the bartering lingo mean?

If you’re visiting a bartering board for the first time, all of the lingo may make you feel a bit out of place; but fear not, this can be learned quickly. Here’s a list of common bartering board shorthands:

FSOT= For sale or trade
ISO= In search of
IDSO= In desperate search of
WL= Wish list
WT= Will Trade
NWT= New with tags
NWOT= New without tags
NIB= New in box

Where do I find a bartering board?

There are lots of bartering boards on the web, some specific to a region or city and others that are open to the Internet community at large. If you’re looking for a couple of good sites to start out with consider the following:

Mommysavers.com
Frugalvillage.com

Both of these communities have active bartering boards, and are easy to navigate.

Ready . . . set . . . barter

Bartering is a great way to get what you want without spending cash. Dig through your closets, basements and cupboards and see what you can offer for trade.

~Erin Huffstetler

Erin Huffstetler is a freelance writer specializing in frugal living tips and tricks. Her work has appeared in numerous print and electronic publications including Family Circle, Guideposts For Kids and Pregnancy. As the stay-at-home mom of two young kids, Erin is always looking for new ways to live better for less.