Frequently Asked Questions

As you explore how Bartering fits into your businesses goals and strategic planning, look over these common questions that many of our new members have. We think you will agree that our answers are straight forward and no nonsense.

 

What is Barter?

Barter is the oldest form of commerce. In its simplest form, it is the exchanging of a product or service for another product or service without currency changing hands. In fact, barter was the first form of commerce prior to the introduction of money. The only requirement was to barter with someone who wanted your goods and offered something you needed.The computer, and more recently the Internet, has transformed barter from a community of retailers trading goods between each other to businesses of all types and sizes bartered over $25 billion dollars worth of products and services last year. It is estimated that over 250,000 businesses use organized barter in the U.S.

 

What is a Barter Exchange?

While some barter is transacted directly between companies, most utilize a barter company or trade exchange. The advantage of a barter exchange is the use of barter currency that a seller receives when goods are sold. This barter currency can then be used to purchase goods and services from any of the other businesses in the exchange. Barter exchanges are legal third-party record keepers that record and facilitate transactions between businesses in the exchange. The exchange provides clients with monthly statements that reflect all trade purchases and sales.

 

What is A to Z Barter's role?

A to Z Barter's role is to provide the infrastructure, the computer network and the administrative role of the exchange. The company co-ordinates the trading activities between members and maintains the sophisticated computer system required to register very transaction. To facilitate trading between clients, A to Z Barter brokers "connect" members together, providing advice and assisting with trading.

 

Why does A to Z charge money? Why not barter?

We do barter for everything we can. However, just like your own business, cash is still required as the main source of keeping our doors open. Bartering is not meant to replace the cash a business needs. Bartering is a way to supplement it.

 

Are there any tax advantages to bartering?

Contrary to popular belief, barter carries no inherent tax advantages. The IRS regards barter exchanges as the same as cash deals. It's taxed just like income. One barter dollar is equal to one U.S. dollar. Bartering is not a tax tool; it should be considered a marketing tool. A to Z Barter complies with all IRS requirements by issuing a 1099B form to your company at the end of the year. We will report all the sale transactions you have conducted on the exchange. A barter purchase should be viewed the same as a cash purchase. Cash purchases that are tax deductible as a business expense are usually tax deductible when bartered.

 

How should I price my products and services?

All products and services are to be priced the same as your cash sale.

 

Can I join the exchange if I am not a business?

No, A to Z Barter is only for business-to-business transactions.

 

Who do I contact if I have more questions?

Email your questions to customerservice@atozbarterusa.com.

 

How do I join A to Z Barter?

It's very easy to join A to Z Barter. Just fill out the easy and simple online application form. We don't ask for payment of the one time membership fee until we establish your account.Once you have submitted your on-line application or faxed or mailed your application form, we will contact you directly. An A to Z representative will either complete the transaction via phone; or we will send a representative to visit you for a personal consultation.Once you have received your membership number you can start trading.

 

What fees does A to Z Barter charge?

A to Z Barter does not charge any monthly fees. A to Z Barter charges a transaction fee on each trade transaction of 5% to buy and 5% to sell.

 

What Can Be Bartered?

There is no limit to the ways you can use you're A to Z Barter dollars for you business needs.


Products and services such as:

Advertising and Media
     Print and online advertising

Business & Professional Services
     Coping services, Photographers, Interior Decorators, Web site development and design.

Construction
     Electric, Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, Telecommunications Cabling & Wiring

Entertainment, Recreation, Food and Dining
     Reward your employees and customers; conduct business meals on A to Z Barter dollars Personal products can be purchased as a great way to improve the quality of your personal life.

Health Care
     Dental, Medical and Orthodontics

Legal and Financial Services
     Attorneys, CPA, Book keeping, Tax Return Preparation

Personal Services
     Beauty Salons; Florist, Health Clubs

Real Estate
     Appraiser, Architects, Home Inspectors, Landscapers

Transportation and Travel
     Freight and Trucking, Limousine services, business travel

And if you don't see what you need, ask you Trade Coordinator to assist you.