Before money was used, services and goods used to be exchanged by bartering. Swapping websites are now being used in the same way and people can easily and efficiently exchange unwanted goods for those they desire. Computers, cars, household goods, clothing and many other items find new homes in this way without any money at all being exchanged. Registration on such sites is usually free and clear instructions are given on how to use them.
Some of them have been established for a number of years already and have a large number of categories. Others deal more with a particular interest or may be used by those living in a particular area. They all have their own terms and conditions and require acceptance of these before any trading can begin.
A listing is usually easy to post with step by step instructions given. The post has a title, a detailed description of the item and possibly a value. Each member will usually have an account, a dashboard or even a personal store where the listings and offers can be viewed. Sites have built in software allowing images to be uploaded. More than one image can usually be downloaded but the picture size is limited. The member then has the opportunity to list the goods or services they expect in return.
When someone is interested in a swap, a proposal is made. It is up to the person who has listed the item to accept the proposal. When a proposal has been accepted, the users make contact. The other user may be taken to a screen where a delivery address is filled in. The one listing may also be prompted to fill in a delivery address so that the items can be exchanged.
If items are delivered by post, there are usually ways to track progress on the site. The date of sending, method and tracking number are all noted and a user must confirm once the item has been received. Until one of the items has been sent, there is still an option of withdrawing from the swap.
Ratings have been introduced by many of these marketplaces to allow the online community to assess fellow members. Reading ratings can give a good idea of how reliable a user is when it comes to describing items, making proposals and arranging for speedy delivery of goods. Active online communities also mean that seasoned users are available to give new users tips and advice.
Some people may have doubts as to whether bartering like this really works and fear being ripped off by unscrupulous users. Of course some measure of trust is needed and there are opportunities to be dishonest. However, precautions are taken to ensure the safety of users and as long as caution is exercised, most transactions happen without a hitch.
Many people are discovering how useful bartering can be and successfully arrange many swaps online. Those who have plenty of goods they no longer want find this an extremely useful way of disposing of them and getting something desirable in exchange. Present day technology has provided the means of making bartering is efficient as possible and it is always fun to acquire wanted goods without having to spend any money.
Some of them have been established for a number of years already and have a large number of categories. Others deal more with a particular interest or may be used by those living in a particular area. They all have their own terms and conditions and require acceptance of these before any trading can begin.
A listing is usually easy to post with step by step instructions given. The post has a title, a detailed description of the item and possibly a value. Each member will usually have an account, a dashboard or even a personal store where the listings and offers can be viewed. Sites have built in software allowing images to be uploaded. More than one image can usually be downloaded but the picture size is limited. The member then has the opportunity to list the goods or services they expect in return.
When someone is interested in a swap, a proposal is made. It is up to the person who has listed the item to accept the proposal. When a proposal has been accepted, the users make contact. The other user may be taken to a screen where a delivery address is filled in. The one listing may also be prompted to fill in a delivery address so that the items can be exchanged.
If items are delivered by post, there are usually ways to track progress on the site. The date of sending, method and tracking number are all noted and a user must confirm once the item has been received. Until one of the items has been sent, there is still an option of withdrawing from the swap.
Ratings have been introduced by many of these marketplaces to allow the online community to assess fellow members. Reading ratings can give a good idea of how reliable a user is when it comes to describing items, making proposals and arranging for speedy delivery of goods. Active online communities also mean that seasoned users are available to give new users tips and advice.
Some people may have doubts as to whether bartering like this really works and fear being ripped off by unscrupulous users. Of course some measure of trust is needed and there are opportunities to be dishonest. However, precautions are taken to ensure the safety of users and as long as caution is exercised, most transactions happen without a hitch.
Many people are discovering how useful bartering can be and successfully arrange many swaps online. Those who have plenty of goods they no longer want find this an extremely useful way of disposing of them and getting something desirable in exchange. Present day technology has provided the means of making bartering is efficient as possible and it is always fun to acquire wanted goods without having to spend any money.
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