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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Trading for All, May 27, 2010
This review is from: The Art of Barter: How to Trade for Almost Anything (Paperback)
"The Art of Barter" is about exploring the opportunities and possibilities that each and every one of us possesses to improve our lives through barter. Whether in good or not optimal economic times, barter has the power to create trades without (or with less) cash than would otherwise be needed, thus generating not only the benefit of an acquired good or service, but also an enhanced relationship that goes with the territory, as the authors emphasize. Before reading this book, I was aware of barter but didn't think of it as something I could implement in my life. Shera and Karen provide many tips, pointers, and resources for individuals - each chapter has success stories and trading tips, and the reader can take quizzes to flesh out their own assets to barter. It was eye opening and very encouraging. Once you have a starting point, the book includes online resources to make the leap to actual trading easier. The authors also show how kids can get involved with barter, how businesses can use it to improve their bottom line, and how it can be used to give to charity. They share both the (numerous) pros and the cons of barter. Regarding style, the book is a fast-paced and engaging read. The layout and organization make relevant information easy to find. Also, I enjoyed the imagery, such as, "Nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs, she mustered up her courage and made the call."(p. 30) Nerves or not, that call turned out to be very productive and the deal was made. Finally, I like that the authors look at the social aspects of barter. At the end of the day, besides being an exchange, barter is "a social interaction" (p. 45), and the authors stress the importance of principled bartering. As they say, "This is more about making a match than beating the best bargain out of an adversary." (p. 45)
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Thinking outside the box, May 7, 2010
This review is from: The Art of Barter: How to Trade for Almost Anything (Paperback)
I love that this book teaches people to think out side the box when it comes to acquiring goods and services. As a small business man this book gives the pointers that will have me trading like a pro. During these uncertain economic times I think this this book is even more relevant for people to read. I love the idea of creating "new" currencies that help people have more buying power without necessarily dipping into their pocket book. The book has some excellent resources that are both online and grass roots organizations that people can participate in. Whether you are small business person or a family on a tight budget, this is a great read. Lastly, I really like that Karen & Shera discuss the upsides AND downsides of bartering as I feel that helps ground this topic a little and gives people realistic expectations. Great job...I highly recommend this book... dK
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
If you want to learn more about barter and trading, this book is a great place to start, October 20, 2010
This review is from: The Art of Barter: How to Trade for Almost Anything (Paperback)
For many people, finances are tight these days. In fact, that may be quite the understatement. People are having difficulties paying for things they want, and not only luxuries or non-essentials, but basics to survive. "The Art of Barter: How to Trade for Almost Anything" by Karen S. Hoffman and Shera D. Dalin offers a solution for many people's financial woes. No, the book does not share the secret of making a million dollars or become rich quick, but rather provides worksheets, checklists, real-world examples, and success stories regarding how you can create win-win barter opportunities to enjoy a better lifestyle with what you have. The book is easy to read and it's basically a handbook on how to barter. After a short introduction, the authors explain the benefits of barter and what it can do for you. The next chapter focuses on the bartering opportunities that may be lurking around your home. From there, the authors explain how to trade like a pro and then discuss trading in the fast lane. (enrolling in a trade exchange) Chapter five discusses the upsides and downsides of barter. I'm glad they pointed out some of the downsides. The next chapter has information on topics such as vacation swaps, temporary homes, and swapping houses. I would caution anyone doing this to seek legal advice beyond the mention of taxes included in this book. Which brings me to chapter seven, barter, taxes and you. The authors provide a couple of pages, but depending on the amount and level of bartering you do, you may want to discuss this with a tax professional. Next come chapters on charity expanding with barter, barter for kids, (no, you won't be trading your kids off, even if you really want to, the chapter provides opportunities for kids to barter.) Next they discuss leveraging the power of barter and creating a new small business through barter, and then they follow with a chapter on barter as a career. They conclude with a chapter on barter for your health, and then finally include a list of resources which contain a sample barter agreement and sample trade tracking worksheet. I think this is a good book to open people's eyes to the possibilities and opportunities that barter may provide. Many people do very well for themselves through trading for goods and services. "The Art of Barter" shows you how you can enter this area and succeed at trading for yourself. For those short on money, this book may be especially useful. If you want to learn more about barter and trading, this book is a great place to start. Reviewed by Alain Burrese, J.D., author of the Tough Guy Wisdom series.
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