by R.J. Shie

Created on: October 13, 2008   Last Updated: October 20, 2008

Bartering for fun and profit

About ten years ago, my husband and I were knee deep in debt; we had four young children and no time for ourselves. So I decided to take matters into my own hands. I called the manager of the nicest hotel in town. I explained to him that I clean houses for a living and told him that I was interested in trading cleaning for a night in his hotel with dinner. He said he would love that, he gave me as a gift to his wife. I cleaned house for them I think it was three or four times. We agreed on a dollar for dollar exchange. When I thought that I had enough credit, I called the manager to make arrangements. I was careful to make sure that there was not an important football game that weekend! Then I called some friends and told them that if they would keep the kids for the weekend, I would return the favor. After that I called my husbands boss to make sure that he would not need him for the weekend. I packed for us and when my husband (Ed) came home, I told him that he was being kidnapped and that he needed only to shower and change.

When he got in the car, it was so fun because he kept trying to guess where we were going, of course how could he since you would not expect to stay in a hotel right in your own town. But the best part was when we got there and found out that the manager gave us the presidential suite at the regular rate! We were on the top floor and had a living room; kitchen, two bedrooms and we also had three balconies, a big screen TV and a hot tub. We had enough credit for dinner and drinks as well as breakfast in the room the next morning. It was a wonderful escape and Ed was very pleased.

There is no possible way that I could have done this with cash. I didn't mind doing a little work for it as it is what I already do for a living. I have since then sought opportunity to barter whenever and where ever I can. Time has passed and I have learned that many people, not just friends are interested in bartering. I have exchanged cleaning for dentistry, for gourmet foods and for restaurant trips. I traded with a seamstress two years ago when my daughter got married. I paid for the supplies and she made the bridesmaid dresses. They were so beautiful and they were designer. My daughter and her bridal party were delighted.

Bartering is a lot of fun. All you need is a little imagination to get most anything that you want.

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