Help
Help
  • 1. How does barter work? Contracard Members earn Trade Dollars by selling products, services, travel or advertising on barter to another member. That seller can then purchase a variety of products and services using the Trade Dollars they have earned from sales that were deposited into their Contracard account. For example, if a painter trades $1,000 worth of painting services to a restaurant through Contracard, the painter can now buy $1,000 worth of products or services from any participating member of Contracard, or they may even choose to accumulate more Trade Dollars to make a larger purchase in the future. And, as a member of Contracard, you are empowered to purchase or sell products or services with any members of Contracard or its affiliates.
  • 2. Who can barter? Any business or person that can offer a product or perform a service can apply for an account with Contracard. You must agree to the trading rules and be fair and equitable in your dealings with other Contracard members, just as if they were cash customers. Contracard is simply building a large network of business's, companies and people that understand barter and want to get the numerous benefits it has to offer.
  • 3. What does it cost to get started? There is a one off joining fee of $795.00 and an ongoing monthly charge of $15.00 cash and $15.00 trade to access the nationwide barter network. The $15.00 cash covers accounting, marketing, promotions, and member services. The $15.00 trade is applied to the Contracard Bad Debt Reserve Fund for the protection of members interests. Each time you make a purchase there is a 12% fee (cash). Each time you make a sale, there is no charge.
  • 4. When are the transaction fees processed? Member statements are emailed on the 1st of the month. Fees are electronically processed at the time of purchase to a Member's credit card, debit card, or cheque account on file with Contracard.
  • 5. Why would I want to accept Trade Dollars instead of cash? You're not accepting Trade Dollars instead of cash. You're receiving new trade customers in addition to your cash customers. If you have idle time in your week or your shelves are overstocked, why not accept Trade Dollars? You can spend the new found revenue to offset business expenses, pay employee incentives, or enhance your quality of life. And quite often, trade clients will refer their cash paying friends and family when they enjoy the great service you provide them.
  • 6. Do I have to pay income taxes on the sales I make with Contracard? The trade transacations are treated the same as normal cash sales for the purposes of taxation. The Tax department has a ruling whereby one Trade Dollar is equal to one Australian dollar for the purpose of taxation unless you can prove otherwise.


  • 7. How is bartering through Contracard better than direct bartering? Exchange eliminates the restrictions and downfalls of one-to-one bartering in which each business must want what the other has to offer at the exact same time. With Contracard you are not limited to buy from the member you sell to. You can use your trade dollars to purchase from any member in or the Global Trade Alliance. In addition, Contracard membership brings your company new sales to new customers so that you can use the new found revenue to minimize your cash outlay for everyday business expenses.
  • 8. Why should I pay cash for my products and sell it for Trade Dollars? In every business there is a cash cost of doing business. Bartering is about getting full retail value for your continuing education classes, products or services. If you're in a service industry and have empty appointments, you still have fixed costs of rent, electricity, salaries, etc. You pay these costs whether or not you have customers, so why not bring in trade clients to fill in the empty appointments. After all you can't sell today's empty time tomorrow.

    If you're a retail store that purchased 100 items at $10 each and sold 90 of them for $20 each, you've covered your cash costs and realized a cash profit. Now you have 10 items just sitting on your shelves. You can put them on sale for $10 each in cash and have $20 worth of buying power or make them available for Trade Dollars (full retail, not sale price) and have $200 trade worth of buying power.

    Restaurants have empty tables, hotels have empty rooms, and radio stations have empty time. Just remember, when customers are coming through your doors, they always bring more customers.

  • 9. How can I pay my rent and electricty bill with Contracard? The cash you save by using Contracard can be used to pay for those expenses that might not be payable in Trade Dollars. For example, you can pay for a mechanic, advertising, and dental care all on trade. The cash you save on these expenses can be used to pay for your rent and electricity bill. Or perhaps you can use your Trade Dollars to design a new website that attracts more cash customers. Bartering is a powerful business tool that brings you cash.
  • 10. How should I price my product or service? The price you quote to Contracard members is the same price you would quote to a cash paying client. Using Trade Dollars is simply another method of payment, just like cash or a credit card. Remember that business owners are educated shoppers.
  • 11. What if I need to make a purchase before I have earned enough Trade Dollars? Just like a bank, we encourage businesses to apply for a Contracard line of credit. If you qualify you can begin purchasing immediately. You can also use your line of credit to expand your business or form a new business venture when traditional funding is not available.
  • 12. Does Contracard provide support? Yes. We start by assigning you to a broker that will set up a website 'how to' tour and help you put your first few items into the marketplace. We also have a manual that explains the benefits of bartering and where your business can use trade dollars. Your broker will also check in with you periodically. You can call our office at anytime or email your broker with your questions.
  • 13. Can I sell an item for part cash, part barter? Yes you can sell an item for part cash, part trade. The more trade that you are prepared to accept the more likely you are to get a sale. Full trade is encouraged for all smaller sales to enable you to receive additional business.

  • 14. Who pays for shipping? Sales tax, tipping and shipping is always paid by the buyer in cash. Always get shipping and sales tax up front, before shipping an item.