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Date Published : Monday, March 10, 2008
The credit card industry is always on the look out for a new and innovative way to get its services out to customers. First there was the platinum credit card, then the frequent flyer credit card. Now, there is the Bartercard.
Bartercard is a way for consumers and business owners to boost their business and lifestyle. More than 23,000 businesses across Australia have signed up to the scheme since it was launched in 1991, with over 55,000 participating in 12 countries across the globe.
The brainchild of Wayne Sharpe, Andrew Federowsky and Brian Hall, Bartercard is a purely Australian invention. Created on the Gold Coast, it allows businesses of all sizes to exchange goods and services, rather than using cash. In a highly competitive business world, this can be of advantage to a number of firms.
The first Bartercard franchise was opened in Cairns in 1991 and, since then, a succession of franchises have helped spread the word of Bartercard across the nation.
A statement on Bartercard's website suggests how flexible the project is: "During periods when business is typically slower due to a company's goods or service mix, companies can still strengthen their overall financial position by accepting trade credits through barter."
However, the scheme is not only open to businesses. Skilled citizens are allowed to participate, provided they have certificated qualifications to prove their worth.
As an alternative to credit cards, Bartercard is succeeding where many others have tried and failed.
Compare credit card rates.
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