Posted on: January 18, 2010
http://blog.skills2barter.com/skills2barter/2010/01/the-first-time-i-ever.html

The first time I ever thought about bartering I was sitting out on my patio on a sunny day after a number of incredibly hot sunny days, as I sat sweltering, it came to me… somewhere there had to be a construction company that needed a web site who would be willing to trade me for a deck cover…

I had just bought my house and a deck cover wasn’t high on the list of priorities based on that it’s an older house and plumbing and something strange called ‘knob and tube’ wiring had quickly taken all of my resources and immediate attention. I had been using a funky tent shade thingy like you take camping or you might see at a farmers market which worked fairly well. I was waiting patiently until the funds for a deck cover would either somehow magically appear or I saved up enough to consider it. But as fate would have it, during my parent’s 50th wedding anniversary party on the back lawn we were caught in a freak wind-storm and the tent structure blew up over the top of the house and was never seen again… I am sure it’s now in Oz or some unknown alternate universe. There were no casualties, well unless you count all the food… I am 3 years later still finding the shiny gold confetti ‘50’s’ in my lawn and gardens — as are all my neighbors and the munchkins I am sure.

First, I researched prices and companies just like I was ready to purchase – it seemed like a ‘sign’ when I found out that the value of a deck cover was almost exactly what I charged for a small business website. Ureaka! This could work… So, I started calling and emailing all of the construction/awning/handy man/roofing/awning companies in my area. This process took about 4 months, yes, seriously. I told them straight up what I wanted to do and if they were interested I sent them my portfolio and they came over to do a quote. Eventually I did find the right match and now enjoy my deck cover immensely!

Now I barter everything from crowns for my teeth to accupuncture – it’s a great way to get things done without having funds available or when you have better things to do with your money. It’s a win/win for both parties so when my business partner brought up the idea a few years later I was totally onboard and skills2barter was born.