Sunday 12 April 2015

Facilitating Globalization Through Barter Exchange Sites

By Joanna Walsh


Bartering, a system of exchanging property for property, is a trading method that has remained relevant even though its roots exists in early civilization. Even though times have changed, the need for this type of exchange is still great. Through barter exchange sites people can engage in this historic practice while living in a technology centered world.

The need to trade existed long before the invention of currency or money. Bartering was invented as a means of facilitating trade without necessitating the use of money. Even though society has grown immensely since early times, and innovative concepts such as money and currency have materialized, there still exists a need for people to exchange items with others. Websites that facilitate trading are there to meet this need.

There is little limit on the types of things that may be traded on these sites. As long as legal parameters are met, traders are free to trade in goods and services of varying degrees of sizes and values. This is why the items featured on the platforms may range from seemingly minute things such as buttons and more impressive things such as vehicles or buildings. Virtual platforms that facilitate the exchanging of properties or services restore the power of trading to the hands of the traders since it is the traders who determine which items they will put up for trading and which items they will accept as being worth the trade.

They key to establishing grounds for a good deal is consensus. Both parties must agree mutually that the items being exchanged are equal in value. Without this key feature, which incidentally is the same for face to face transactions of this nature, a deal cannot be made.

Sometimes a trader might find the process a lengthy one. This tend to happen more often when the item being put up for trade is not very valuable or not really in high demand. For those who have a very valuable or unique item, the process might be more rewarding. This is so as the trader who is in possession of a rare precious item will receive many offers for trading and will be able to pick from a wider variety of options.

Political and geographical boundaries are broken down through these sites. Depending on the restrictions and rules of jurisdictions in which they live, people from all over the world are able to use these platforms to do business. Very few states or jurisdictions have regulations that restrict the use of these virtual platforms because the trend around the world is to move towards the creation of a global business community.

Since traders on these platforms are doing business with people who live in other countries, or in remote areas of their own countries sometimes, the need for delivery arrangements is a factor that must be considered. Depending on the platform being used, traders may find that the delivery arrangements are covered when the deal is made or that they will have to make arrangements for the delivery to be made.

Online bartering is a very real, current and practical solution to a need that originated in early times and has not changed much since. These websites fulfill a modern need for a timeless business activity. This is why their relevance to today's world cannot be disputed.




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