Voiers brings bartering to Madison

Out of the thousands of businesses in the city, there is not one like Susan Voiers’ TN Valley Barter Exchange.

Voiers

The company allows businesses to exchange good or services for other goods or services round-robin style.  For example, if a computer repair business needed plumbing work done, the business could purchase plumbing services from a plumber who is a member.  The plumber now has a credit, much like a prepaid credit card, within the exchange bank.  He can spend that credit with any member.  He could purchase anything from advertising to restaurant gift certificates to legal services without spending out any cash. Voiers’ business is the connection that links these businesses together.  They also keep records of all transactions to ensure members are credited for services and items.

“We bring businesses new customers, we don’t take away from cash sales,” Voiers said. “We take businesses down time, unused space or access inventory and turn them into something usable. We also market business one on one”

Bartering is accepted as legal tender by the IRS. It is only recognized by other trade members to be used as payment. Trade dollars spent for businesses can be claimed as deductions just as if you were exchanging cash.

She said her company is also linked to national networks enabling members to save while traveling or doing business outside the area.   Her exchange is also a member of the International  Reciprocal Trade Association, which was established in 1979, and sets the ethical standards for the industry.

Voiers also has a real-time trading database where business can publicize their services and search for other services. Consultants also work with businesses throughout Madison, Scottsboro, Athens,  Decatur and Huntsville, and can list items for businesses or act as a personal shopper, finding what they need.

Being self-employed for more than 20 years and also working for Southern Living as a sales consultant trainer for 9 years, she said after traveling across the country and seeing small business experience the hard effects of the economy, she wanted a way to help those small businesses and show there are ways to ascertain products and services without having to exchange currency.

“Most of the exchanges are franchises, and I wanted something locally-based,” she said.  “Something that would focus on local business and help them succeed.”

She said more than 400 exchanges exist across the country. She began researching the practice and said she saw a need for one in Madison.

“The company has grown quickly, had a great response,” she said. “Non-profits can also become members.”

Rick Matthews, one of the Exchange’s members, owns Fractional Assets, a company that allows people to own a share of products like boats, airplanes and beach property.

“I would strongly encourage any serious business owner to become a member of this very unique exchange,” Matthews said. “I’m really glad it’s here.”

Matthews, who is moving his business here says his contribution to the barter pool has given him the ability to rent office space, hotel rooms and attorney’s services within the exchange, he said he enjoys barter services without having to pay cash out of pocket.

“Because of her professionalism and her passion for other people and other businesses, I wanted to be involved in the barter ex because it’s more than just organized barter, its’ networking, referrals, it’s a business family,” he said.