Bartercard

We find that every time a Bartercard member provides a service or product of great quality to another member, the satisfied customer is likely to recommend the business to other people they know in the cash economy. Therefore, by simply providing great service and products to Bartercard members, you'll be in a position to gain referrals to new cash customers.
1. Treat every Bartercard customer the same as you would a cash customer. Understand that every Bartercard customer is a business owner, staff member, family member or friend of a business owner. Therefore, every Bartercard customer has an extensive network of suppliers, customers, family and friends who, if you simply supply great customer service to, may refer your business to everyone they deal with!
2. Ask Bartercard members to refer your business.
Example pitches
"I'm not looking for any type of customer; I'm looking for customers like you? Would you be able to introduce me to any of your contacts?"
"I make no apology for the fact that referrals are an important part of my business and I was curious whether you knew of anyone that it would be good for me to get in touch with?"
"Here's a list of businesses that we'd like to work with. Do you have any contacts at these Companies?" You're one of the strongest advocates we have, are you able to recommend us to anyone?".

Wages are often one of the largest bills a business has and with recent increases in costs of living, you may have staff looking for a pay rise. Lets look at an example - Most Bartercard staff are paid 10% of their wages and 20% of their bonus in Trade pounds. It is setup when people are first employed.Could you use Trade pounds to reward key staff in your business to keep them motivated? Bartercard has two tools to help you achieve this:Staff Accounts are a totally separate account in their own right, the difference is that only the parent account can put funds into them.
Gift certificates - are a way of giving your staff a one off Trade pounds payment or bonus - e.g. at Christmas time you might give each of your staff a T£500 bonus. If you did this with your staff, how much cash could it save your business?
Bartercard is a multi functional tool for your business and can be applied in many different ways. The key is to work with your Account manger and to give them as much notice as possible about your requirements.

The key thing here is balancing the demand for your product or service, with your businesses ability to use Trade Pounds. Your ability to spend Trade Pounds is directly related to your willingness to change suppliers in order to save cash. Another key is to work with your account manager, their job is to make Bartercard an effective tool for your business.
'On Bartercard we purchase Lanson Champagne, Brands Hatch motor racing, tickets to Africa Africa at the O2, laptops, cameras, Ascot days out. I call my trade coordinator for unique purchases!' Margaret, Blue River Cafe, Essex www.blue-river.co.uk
'I really got stuck into Bartercard, especially during the recession. I make sure I always know what products are available.'
Paul Daly, Roadtrip Bar, restaurant and jukejoint www.roadtripbar.com