Swapsies
I’ve decided to try an experiment with my business model. This could result in my living in penury, or it could result in my having an ace time doing brilliant things and singing with glee at every opportunity.
Here’s the idea: as well as carrying on as I do, working for money, I’m prepared to discuss working for goods and services instead (or as well). If you do something I want – and there’s a list below, which I’ll update from time to time – and I do what you want (web writing, project management, website build, online strategy consultancy such as helping you put together an online marketing plan or doing search optimisation and advertising for you) then let’s do swaps. It’s cheaper for you, I get something I want, and best of all I get to really understand your products when I work on them. It’s also good for small and start-up businesses which may have stock or time available but not the capital.
It also becomes a great way to start relationships. When you’re impressed with my work you’ll recommend me to people, and I’ll do the same to you.
Here are the rules (for there have to be some):
- You brief me and I quote for the work, and when you have my quote we can start to discuss what you could offer as a non-cash alternative. For example, if I quote £500 and you offer a service which normally retails for around that amount you could offer me that instead. Whether what you offer normally costs exactly that amount, more or less is entirely up to you; that’s haggling. But if you offer me something which I could get having done the work for money anyway, well; I might not go for it, because money will always win. We do, however, need to agree a financial equivalent cost.
- You can offer me part money, part barter. Money exchanges will, of course, inlcude VAT and need to be paid within normal payment terms.
- Paid work takes precedence. In most cases this won’t be an issue, but should I get over busy then it may have to be considered. Sorry, but I do have to pay the rent and eat. Unless you offer me food for a month. Anyway, I’ll include barter and financial timescales in my quotes if there’s likely to be a difference. As I said before, money always wins, I’m afraid – I have to meet basic living costs.
- I’d much prefer the barter to be something you normally offer as a good or service – if you bake cakes as a hobby I’m less likely to take your offer of a cake a week for a month than if you’re a cake retailer. Mmm, cake.
- Vouchers are acceptable.
- If you fail to make good on your part of the barter within 30 days of completion or when a service is booked (“making good” could just involve providing vouchers) but I complete the work, then I’ll ask for the financial payment agreed instead. If this isn’t paid in 30 days, normal debt collection and charging interest will start. Having said all that, it’s all about trust.
- Er… that’s about it for rules, and they’re more guidelines to cover our backs. If you have requirements, let’s talk.
So – what do I want? Well, make me an offer, although these are the sorts of things I’m interested in. Bear in mind that some of these things could be for two people as well – I have friends and family who may be interested, but I won’t be re-selling:
- Motorbike lessons/CBT training: anything which will start me on the road to being able to ride a motorbike. A motorbike would be a bit ace too. I’m a dreamer.
- Computer equipment/consumables: A drawer full of printer cartridges which would last me a good while, for example. Or a new laptop.
- Office services/space: more an ongoing thing, but if you want me on some kind of retainer (x days per month or similar) in exchange for semi-permanent office space, use of meeting rooms, that kind of thing: well, let’s talk. Likewise services such as admin, bookkeeping etc.
- Stuff: a new bike, new saucepans, running kit, gadgets and gizmos; what do you make or sell? Do you think I might like it?
- Business cards: printing, that is; I have design.
- A holiday: yeah, long shot. Worth a go, though. Somewhere hot.
So that’s the idea. Who wants to be first to try it? Contact me and we can arrange something.