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Using a barter network for art promotion
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Have you ever bartered your art? Possibly you have traded your art with another artist, or traded on a one-on-one basis. Besides bartering with an individual, you can also join barter networks.
I used to be in a barter network, and it can work well because you can trade your art with people in the network and let your barter income grow until it's enough to pay for a printer in the barter network to print your business cards, postcards, etc for you, or for advertising. I even paid for car repair through my barter network income. It is a good way to get your name known by local businesses.
Quality barter networks issue a 1099-B tax form for you at the end of the year, so you can report your barter income on your taxes. The letter B behind 1099 stands for Barter.
If you barter, you should not issue discounts, but barter at the full value of your art. The downside of most bartering is that you will not receive any cash for your efforts, and let's face it, cash is king. The network I was in allowed people to specify an amount in cash that would be required for shipping.
Here's what I can tell you from my own experience...
Benefits:
Many barter networks have websites to give you exposure in the network. Usually it's not seen by the general public, but is password-protected and only seen by other members of the barter network. Many networks will have a newsletter and a directory for even more exposure. Many barter members are owners of new businesses. New businesses need art to decorate their offices, waiting rooms, etc. Your art hanging where people can see it could bring you more business.
You should know:
Some barter networks require a large investment to get started with them. I would be very careful, and make sure you have recommendations from people you trust regarding barter networks. Many barter networks issue a generous finder's fee to members who recruit other members, so consider that the person recommending a barter business may have ulterior motives involved.
If a barter network doesn't have very many members, you may barter your artwork for credits and then have difficulty spending the network funds. Make sure there are products and services available in the network that you actually need an use.
As with any time you do business with someone new, you are going to have great experiences and bad experiences. My good experience was using my barter network credits for car repair. The car repair shop was great. I didn't have to pay out cash, and the car repair shop gained me as a customer.
My bad experience was the printer in the network. I had a company print my postcards. The customer service was poor and the printing was sub-par.
Bartering and barter networks aren't for everyone, but it's worth checking into if you need a new avenue to get your art seen.
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