Time was, in the country, the local doc was as likely to get paid with a couple of chickens as a couple of dollars. Doctors these days wont stand for that, of course, but while some people have moved completely away from barter and stayed there, others have embraced it wholeheartedly.

Today I worked on a barter deal with a web designer to do search engine optimization on my web site in exchange for some articles. I HATE doing SEO, and I LOVE writing articles. This person needs articles written and is good at SEO. Its a good match.

Later in the day I put together a mailing designed to entice a massage therapist into bartering for my coaching services. I have a lot of pain in my back and shoulders, and a massage would do me good, but I really cant afford monthly massages. If this works out, I will work an extra three hours a month in exchange for massages, hopefully every two weeks.

Barter isnt for everyone or every situation, but it does have some advantages for the home-based business. You can usually get something you need, you can save your cash for other things, which you also need, and you get a customer whos willing to give you referrals and testimonials.

How do you know if you should barter? If you have a skill or product people want, if you have the time or extra product to spare, and if you are willing to put in the effort looking for people to barter with, it might be a good idea for you.

Where do you find people to barter with? Check Google for barter directories and barter sites. Many Work at Home Mom sites have barter sections. If you dont find what youre looking for, go find someone who does or has what you need, and offer a barter deal. Sometimes theyll go for it, sometimes not. My SEO deal came through a barter site. My massage therapy plan is strictly my own. But Im betting out of 60 massage therapists in my city, one will be interested.

If you dont have time or extra product, or if youre uncomfortable trading your products or services for other peoples, then barter might not be right for you at this time. Keep it in mind for the future, though.

If you can get it, barters a good deal. You often get more than you could afford to buy or would put money into, and you expand your business as well.