By Joanna Walsh


One of the earliest economic activities is the exchanging of goods and services for other goods and services. This was, and still is, known as bartering. Those who wish to engage in the historic practice in this modern technology centered world have an opportunity to do so through the use of barter exchange sites.

Bartering started because of a situation in which people wanted to have the goods or services others possessed and were willing to give up some of what they had for this. This is a need that still exists today and this is why bartering is still relevant. Virtual bartering platforms allow people to trade the items they no longer need or have in excess, for other items that they desire to have.

There is little limit on the types of things that may be traded on these sites. As long as legal parameters are met, traders are free to trade in goods and services of varying degrees of sizes and values. This is why the items featured on the platforms may range from seemingly minute things such as buttons and more impressive things such as vehicles or buildings. Virtual platforms that facilitate the exchanging of properties or services restore the power of trading to the hands of the traders since it is the traders who determine which items they will put up for trading and which items they will accept as being worth the trade.

Mutual agreement on the value of the items to be exchanged is an important factor in any face to face trading deal. The same is true for online ones. In order for the barter to be successful, the two parties must accept the products being received as being worthwhile replacements for those that they will hand over.

Users of these sites may find that it takes a lot of bargaining to arrive at an agreement with another trader. This is especially true when the item being traded is not very unique or not in high demand. For those who are in possession of a highly demanded, the bartering process may be a little easier. This is so since they can demand more for their item as the value increases with its rarity.

Political and geographical boundaries are broken down through these sites. Depending on the restrictions and rules of jurisdictions in which they live, people from all over the world are able to use these platforms to do business. Very few states or jurisdictions have regulations that restrict the use of these virtual platforms because the trend around the world is to move towards the creation of a global business community.

Since people use these platforms to trade with others in different locations the issue of delivery has to be a concern. Smart traders ensure that delivery concerns are addressed in the agreement before accepting a deal. Sometimes, depending on the type of website being used, the delivery will automatically be dealt with during the bargaining process.

With these virtual trading platforms, people are able to engage in bartering practices and the fact that their reach extends beyond physical restrictions makes them even more proficient in maintaining the relevance of this historic practice. The websites also play a significant role in the establishment of many multicultural international business relationships. There is no doubting their relevance and significance in today's increasingly globalized and technology centered world.




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