Calgary businesses barter during Alberta's economic downturn

Some Calgary businesses have revertedto theage-old system of bartering in orderto cut costs during this economic downturnbut witha modern upgrade.

"Times are tough right now. I don't have an extra $5,000 kicking around," said locksmithBob Hopkins, owner of RNR Lockworks.

He typically cuts keys for real estate agents when newowners move into a home. But sales have dropped in the past year,stretchinghis finances thin.

"What do you do? You can only put so much on your credit card to keep your company afloat."

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So Hopkins has found a way to trim spendingby bartering. He's a member ofeXmerce a trade system that allows him to exchange goods and services with other businesseswithout using cash.

Membersearn and spend "trade-dollars" to barter with.

"That money that you would've spent, you get to keep in your wallet," said Hopkins.

Business members include locksmiths, fitness clubs and cleaning services. The exchange is based on cost or time, and not the mark-up that a typical consumer would pay.

The Calgary-basedbarteringbusiness has seen membership grow by roughly 160 per cent since last year.

"What's important isa business owner [should] try to identify wherein your business you are currently spending cash, and how is it that you can leverage barter to offset some of those business cash expenses," said eXmerce founder Nelson Liem.

Liem says bartering also helps businesses clear old inventory, and introduces new businesses to each other.

Saving money is the best part of bartering according to Hopkins.

"Every little bit helps that you can keep in your pocket."

Revenue Canada considers barter income equivalent to cash which can be written off as a business expense when filingtax returns.