Barter Mag For businesses that connect
Top business and start-up tips Bartercard builds property presence Buy a business on trade
MARIES PIZZA TA K I N G A B I G G E R SLICE OF THE MARKET W I T H BA RT E RC A R D
Issue 7
Issue 7
Reward your staff with
Bartercard vouchers With a wide range of vouchers to choose from, you won’t be short of ways to reward your staff…or yourself…without spending cash. Choose from restaurants, beauty salons, accommodation, health and fitness, and a host of other experiences to make your staff feel valued.
Visit mybc.bartercard.com or call 1300 BARTER (1300 227 837) to find out more.
In this issue
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Published by Bartercard Australia Level 2, 121 Scarborough St Southport Qld 4215 1300 BARTER (1300 227 837) bartercard.com.au
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MESSAGE FROM THE CEO ALTERNATIVE CURRENCY IS QUEEN OF FAST PROPERTY SALES BREAKING INTO INTERNATIONAL WATERS WHAT IS BARTERCARD? 7 SMALL BUSINESS START-UP HACKS HOW TO ESCAPE AN OFFICEBOUND BUSINESS AND REACH $360K IN SALES EXOTIC TREE TRADE THRIVES IN THE WEST
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6 TIPS FOR STARTING UP AN IMPORT VENTURE
TOP TRADING TIPS
PIZZA’S SURPREME ON THE COAST HOW TO GET PUBLISHED IN 8 SIMPLE STEPS BE TEMPTED BY TASMANIA BUCQI: WELCOME TO YOUR REWARDS PROGRAM BUY A BUSINESS ON BARTERCARD
Message from the CEO
In a competitive market, the most successful brands always stay front and centre of their customers’ minds. This is where Bartercard is elevating business every day, and this issue is packed full of creative and successful ways to stand out in the marketplace, attract new customers and boost cash flow through barter. Inside you can read about members who have used Bartercard to break into international markets, escape the 9-5 and use Bartercard to reach over $300K in sales. We also showcase a realtor who’s bought, renovated and sold 12 properties on Bartercard to the tune of $4 million in just under two months. e-Commerce is creating new opportunities in the marketplace everywhere we look, and with the relative low risk of starting an online business, more start-ups are turning overseas to source. We convey six tips for starting an import venture straight from a sourcing company. And if that’s not enough to whet your appetite to trade products, we showcase a famous Gold Coast pizza brand which has recently sold its millionth pizza on Bartercard. Making Bartercard work in your business takes practice and thinking outside the box, and creating sustainable, continual-supply trade deals is what’s achieving ongoing success for members all around the world. Another trading approach to boost cash flow is cash converting – purchasing on barter and selling in the cash economy which you can read about inside. Bartercard has plans to continue adding value to members over the next 12 months on the back of the strategic expansion of its parent company, BPS Technology – and it’s creating new opportunities for SMEs. You might have read about the BPS-SmartTrans deal that enables businesses to sell products into China via Alibaba’s wholesale e-commerce website 1688.com. The recent Free Trade Agreement has increased transparency to create new offshore opportunities, and this deal is helping SMEs access the $US670 billion Chinese e-commerce sector. BPS has also recently launched a partnership with GetCapital that will soon allow Bartercard members to conveniently access real cash finance at competitive market rates. In addition, BPS has recently acquired The Entertainment Book which will strategically support and add value to Bartercard members in the near future – stay posted as we unravel the plans. Around the world Bartercard continues its expansion. Most recently in a record-breaking month of signings, Bartercard USA has opened six new franchises, growing by 50% in eight US states. We’re excited to see what international trading and travel opportunities will come from this growth. We hope you uncover plenty of insight and inspiration from this issue and start to see Bartercard as a tool to take your business further – happy trading!
Best regards,
Clive van Deventer CEO Bartercard Australia
R E A L
Alternative currency is queen of fast property sales IF CASH IS KING TO SEAL A R E A L E S TAT E D E A L , T H E N B A R T E R C A R D ’ S A LT E R N A T I V E C U R R E N C Y T H AT ’ S A C C E L E R AT I N G PROPERTY SALES IS QUEEN. We spoke to Randal Wilson, who’s part of a growing band of realtors, private sellers and developers using Bartercard to maximise cash sales fast. Showing that cash isn’t the only way to land your next investment, Randal, the managing partner of Randal Wilson Project Marketing, has sold 40 properties within Queensland from the Gold Coast to Weipa to the tune of $16 million in just under five months. All 40 contained a minimum 20% trade dollar component in the selling price. While the average time of real estate sitting in the market is relative to price and location, the Brisbane-based realtor said that turning around $16 million in less than five months is an outstanding result.
E STAT E
“The advantage of factoring the cashless component into the asking price is the properties typically sell faster because investors can use trade dollars instead of cash for their required 20 per cent deposit and as a result are more capable and confident to proceed,” said Randal. “Bartercard listings have a minimum 20 per cent barter component in the price tag, and it’s an effective strategy to make the listing-to-sale process more efficient”. Randal and his business partners renovated and sold each property on Bartercard, spending the trade dollars they earned from each sale on building and development expenses for the projects. This approach allowed them to offset up to $200,000 of cash costs each month. “It’s a very positive circle of business,” Randal added. “Most importantly I would not have met these 40 clients without Bartercard. It is highly likely they’ll invest further with our group as opportunities arise.” Using trade dollars for part of the purchase price allows business owners to reduce their cash deposit, bank loan and interest costs, and the advantages are clear in the growth of listings on Bartercard’s property site, launched in February 2016. Bartercard’s Real Estate and Development Specialist, Carl Hassard, said more business owners are selling and investing in real estate via Bartercard, which broke $100 million in listings world-wide in 2015 and currently sits at $145 million. “Australia is presently the hotspot where there are over $100 million in listings, and it’s not just vendors selling property who are coming out on top but investors buying real estate through Bartercard,” he said. Randal added that the Bartercard buyers he’s met are seasoned business owners and experienced investors who made decisions quickly to achieve the fast turnaround he’s experienced. “We see Bartercard as extra business and we only have to pay a success fee to Bartercard when a property is sold which is less speculative than paying advertising costs in the cash market with the expectation to achieve an enquiry,” he said. “We know Bartercard clients are motivated decision makers who are happy to spend their trade dollars to offset cash expenses in their business.” randalwilsonprojectmarketing.com.au Brisbane-based realtor, Randal Wilson, has used Bartercard’s alternative currency to maximise cash sales fast, selling 40 properties within Queensland from the Gold Coast to Weipa to the tune of $16 million in just under five months.
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Breaking into international waters A recent $3 million renovation has given the Equinox a brand new look and feel for locals to enjoy.
BOTTLING STRAIGHT FROM THE S O U RC E , M A RGA R ET R I V E R N AT U R A L S P R I N G WAT E R H A S G O N E F RO M A S M A L L , LO C A L O P E R AT I O N TO TA K I N G ITS BRAND TO THE COOK ISLANDS T H RO U G H BA RT E RC A R D – T H AT ’S A VA ST ST R ETC H O F WAT E R TO C RO S S!
Margaret River Natural Spring Water founder, Serge Conti today supplies to the Cook Islands.
Serge Conti started the brand from scratch despite the competition, and has used Bartercard to open up new markets and converse almost half a million dollars in cash. Margaret River in WA is known for picturesque coast lines and world-class wines but the region also has its own bottled brand of H2O. Serge launched the brand over 20 years ago when he opened a custom-built factory over the source, and today sells to businesses Australia-wide and in the Cook Islands. He said launching in a saturated market full of global brands was a risk which paid off. “We launched the brand locally and built up shelf-space and support in the region, but naturally we wanted to expand,” he said. The boutique supplier and family-owned business joined Bartercard 11 years ago, initially to break out of the south west and tackle the metropolitan market, where restaurants and accommodation on Bartercard in Perth quickly stocked up on water to offset cash costs.
R E AC H I N G
He said Bartercard built brand exposure in Perth to get the ball rolling interstate. “It’s a very competitive market where brands like Mt Franklin, Cool Ridge and other high-end labels like Santa Vittoria and Fiji have a strong grip,” he said. “A lot of companies stock budget brands, which are imported from big suppliers and come at a lower price point. So I used Bartercard to circumvent the competition by taking cash out of the transaction and accepting a currency alternative that I’ve used to offset almost half a million dollars in my business. Bartercard was a launching pad which helped me build up my customer base in the early stages outside the local market.” Today Serge uses a distributor who has thousands of businesses on the books, but said he continues to use Bartercard to uncover new markets, most recently the Cook Islands.
B R E A K I N G I N TO I N T E R N AT I O N A L WAT E R S “We were recently contacted by Bartercard Tourism on behalf of The Rarotongan Beach Resort and Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa in the Cook Islands who were looking to offset cash costs,” said Serge. “We’ve shipped off four pallets of 15,000 bottles to the Cook Islands already and will continue to supply to these island resorts. There are almost 1,000 resorts and hotels on Bartercard world-wide so there are many opportunities to grow in new areas.”
B O O ST I N G C A S H F LOW Serge uses Bartercard to offset cash costs in his business, shifting the costs of his water filtering system, label design and printing, marketing, mechanical work and accommodation, when business trips inevitably come up, to Bartercard. “I’ve conserved $40,000 in the last three years just by getting labels printed with a Bartercard supplier,” he said.
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TRADING TIPS STRAIGHT FROM THE SOURCE D O T H E G R O U N DWO R K “Bartercard isn’t a Band-Aid solution – yes there are big deals which you can turn around quickly to shift large amounts of stock and offset cash fast, but from experience it’s the ongoing, sustainable supply arrangements which add up and make a difference over time. Invest time in building relationships and setting up the supply agreements for steady success.”
B R E A K I N TO N E W M A R K E T S “Bartercard is a marketplace of 24,000 members world-wide who are looking to offset cash costs, so they will want to use your services over cash suppliers,” said Serge. “This is where you can break into new markets despite the competition. Communicate frequently and openly with your Trade Co-ordinator who can connect you with other business owners and put your brand in front of more consumers.”
TA K E A B R E A K! “Bartercard has offset many business costs – it’s conserved up to $40,000 cash just in label printing! It’s also covered the cost of staying at the Nirwana Bali Resort, essentially swapping bottled water for a welldeserved family break away.”
margaretrivernatural.com.au
“ I ’ V E C O N S E RV E D $ 4 0,0 0 0 I N THE LAST THREE YEARS JUST BY GETTING LABELS PRINTED W I T H A BA RT E RCA R D S U P P L I E R”
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What is Bartercard?
Bartercard is a business network made up of 55,000 cardholders around the world. It is designed to assist businesses to improve cash flow and reduce cash expenses through the use of modern bartering. Gone are the days of swapping a cow for a pig or a chicken for a goat. The power of modern bartering is that you can conserve cash and reduce expenses by using our digital currency, known as a trade dollar, to swap your products or services indirectly with any business within the Bartercard network.
Business start-up
AND HOW DOES IT WORK…
6 B E N E F I T S F O R YO U R B U S I N E S S. . . 1 . M O R E C U STO M E R S Most businesses employ sales people, advertise, reduce prices or offer incentives to gain more customers. By using Bartercard you gain more customers by promoting your business directly to the membership base through the many sales channels and by building relationships at the networking events. It’s like having an extra marketing arm in your business which directly results in increasing your sales opportunities and creating cash referral business. 2 . T H E P OW E R O F B A RT E R C A R D T R A D E DOLLARS When you barter trade using Bartercard you are ultimately buying with your cost of products or services. Therefore, you are buying at the purchasing discount that is inbuilt into your margin. To put simply, if it costs you 35c in the dollar to provide your product or service, then for every $100 trade you spend it really only costs you $35. So you are in fact buying at a 65% discount! By understanding this benefit you may be starting to grasp the power that Bartercard offers businesses. 3. REDUCE CASH EXPENSES The way to maximise your purchasing discount is to look at all the current expenses that you have in your business such as advertising, bookkeeping, legal, printing, graphic design, business lunches and so on. By using the services of business members within the Bartercard network you can pay for these expenses with trade dollars instead of cash.
4 . S E L L S LOW- M OV I N G STO C K For many businesses selling slow-moving stock means discounting, running dealer promotions or sadly writing off the stock. The benefit with Bartercard is you can sell slow-moving or discontinued stock at the normal selling price avoiding the need to reduce your profit margins. You can promote your slow-moving stock to the members on Bartercard’s online facilities, eNewsletter or at a stand at the many trade shows. 5. C A P T U R E LO ST R E V E N U E Most businesses have a certain amount of downtime, be it on certain days or at certain times of the year with the flux of seasonal trends. Bartercard’s goal is to assist you to gain additional customers to utilise business downtime. For example, hairdressers may fill empty spots in their diaries, restaurateurs may fill empty tables, hotels may fill empty rooms, and professionals may fill empty appointments with additional Bartercard customers. By filling downtime you are effectively gaining revenue that you would otherwise have lost or missed out on. 6. I N T E R E ST F R E E L I N E O F C R E D I T Bartercard members receive an interest free line of credit ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 trade dollars which allows them to make purchases immediately upon joining the Bartercard network. This interest-free line of credit allows you to continue to grow your business even during times when your cash flow has slowed down, without incurring crippling interest rates.
Bartercard has 24,000 members world-wide across almost every industry imaginable. We would love the opportunity to help you achieve your business and lifestyle goals contact us on 1300 BARTER (1300 227 837) or visit bartercard.com.au.
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7 small business start-up hacks Business start-up
S P E A K T O A N Y E S TA B L I S H E D B U S I N E S S OW N E R A N D YO U ’ L L F I N D T H E R E A R E MANY THINGS THEY WISH THEY’D KNOWN AT S TA R T- U P ! I F YO U ’ R E I N S TA R T- U P S TAG E O R T H I N K I N G O F L AU N C H I N G A BUSINESS, THERE’S A NUMBER OF TIPS TO RU N N I NG A S UCC E S S F U L V E N T U R E I N T H E E A R L Y D AY S , W H E N C O M P E T I T I O N I S R I F E A N D E V E RY D O L L A R C O U N T S. PAGE
S O H E R E A R E S E V E N S TA R T- U P H A C K S W H IC H COU L D G I V E YOU R BUSI N E S S A BOOST INTO THE MARKETPLACE. Image courtesy of RawPixel
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C H O O S E YO U R T I M I N G W I S E LY
You might have the brightest idea in the world, but unless the timing is right to launch it into the market, chances are it won’t stick. One of the bigger and most recent start-up success stories showing that timing is everything is Airbnb. Investors initially rejected the concept because they couldn’t see it working. But because Airbnb arrived at the peak of recession when households were craving the extra income, the market was more open minded about opening up their houses to strangers than first thought. Airbnb is most certainly a lesson in start-up take-off! Similarly, Bartercard started in the midst of one of the worst recessions when businesses were looking for solutions to cash shortages. Bartercard was born out of the idea that going back to basics and utilising a closed group of businesses to conduct cashless transactions would help rebuild small and medium-sized businesses in Australia. It was able to position itself as a global brand assisting businesses worldwide to boost cash flow, attract new customers and retain a competitive edge in a declining market. While timing is everything, understanding your market inside out and knowing what your customers want is just as crucial. Research your market before you launch into it, and talk to consumers to see what they like and dislike about your start-up concept.
PLAN TO DO WELL Brilliant ideas are only as good as your execution, so it’s vital to have a sound business plan in place which should include goals and objectives, and developed practical strategies to achieve them. Ensure you keep your plan handy and treat it like a work in progress. Constantly refer to it to keep you on track and make alternations where necessary.
Image courtesy of RawPixel
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Image courtest of RawPixel
One person doesn’t have all the skills required to run a successful business, so you’ll need to build up complementary expertise. You might be the expert in creating a new product, but that doesn’t mean you have the expertise to market it or to stay on top of finances. Get other experts on board, either in-house or through outsourcing areas like marketing and accounting to specialists.
A LWAY S S H O W U P
You might already have a steady supply of clients you are reaching out to online, but nothing beats face-to-face, and it’s especially important to put yourself out there when you’re initially building a brand. Communicating in person is critical in building rapport and trust, and creating more meaningful conversations. So RSVP to events, ask to meet clients for a coffee instead of a teleconference and always show up!
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USE T EC H NOLO GY TO YO U R A DVA N TAG E Today a business without a digital presence is virtually non-existent. So harness the technology which will give you maximum reach in brand exposure, stretch your finances the furthest and make every day processes the most efficient at the lowest cost – it will certainly pay off in the early days when every dollar counts. Every successful business today is jumping on cloud computing which can save time on tasks such as bookkeeping and push the cost of software and licences down. The cloud allows you to work from anywhere you can access the internet and enables you to collaborate with others and keep critical business data secure. Many cloud applications also come with free trials, which means you can try a few suppliers to see what best suits your business needs.
K N O W W H E R E YO U S TA N D F I N A N C I A L LY
Having a realistic picture of your finances is critical to keeping track of your business, knowing where to invest and importantly, when to pack up. Failure is a big part of business and knowing when you’ve reached your financial threshold can help you make informed decisions, weather the storm and get out relatively unscathed. Business owners can often get so caught up in running the show and growing their enterprise that they simply leave financial matters to others without oversight. A wise business owner will always understand their finances inside out.
D O N ’ T FO RG E T ABOUT IT SECURITY!
It’s a dry topic, but being online isn’t without risk, and it’s important to take security into consideration. Losing all your precious data or failing to protect your customers’ privacy can have disastrous consequences. Doing regular data backups and using firewalls, encryption and anti-virus software can help to keep your data safe and secure. Bartercard has a range of members who can keep your IT security covered without the cash cost.
A DV I C E F RO M SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEURS Considering that nine out of ten new businesses fail in the first couple of years of operation, it’s worth listening to the advice of successful leaders who’ve conquered start-up. •
Sara Blakely, inventor of Spanx Shapewear said it’s important not be afraid of failure • Marcia Kilgore, founder of Bliss Spa and FitFlop advises get everything in writing - this can frequently get overlooked in all the excitement of starting out • Jim Koch, founder of Boston Beer Company said if you want a viable business, ensure your product either costs less or is better than that of your competitors • Andy Sheats, creator of health insurance finder health.com.au advises using downtime to selfevaluate and plan ahead. Lastly, the king of entrepreneurs, Richard Branson, said it’s important to be a leader who inspires others, rather than someone who calls themselves the boss. So, if you have staff, give your people the freedom to be autonomous and creative, make yourself visible and always give the best of yourself in business.
S O U N D S L I K E W I S E A DV I C E !
Image courtest of RawPixel
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E- C O M M E RC E
How to escape an office-bound business and reach $360,000 in sales
Heidi Yi recently reached her 580th transaction on Bartercard’s online trading platform MYBC and has coincidentally broken $600,000 in sales and spending on Bartercard combined. We spoke to the Sydney-based cosmetics entrepreneur about her online business Heidi Yi Cosmetics, and asked what other businesses can do to boost online sales.
H OW H AV E YO U B U I LT A N O N L I N E B U S I N E S S , A N D H OW H A S B A RT E R C A R D H E L P E D YO U TO D O I T ? I joined Bartercard shortly after I started my cosmetics business which really kick-started sales. I attend nine Bartercard trade shows around Australia each year which gives me the opportunity to meet people face-to-face. I move a lot of volume at these events – at one Melbourne Trade Show I sold $6,500 of cosmetics in just three hours! I also attend a lot of networking events both in and out of Bartercard including wedding expos and luncheons, which have really helped build my business up. When you have an online business, getting out and meeting people is really important.
W H AT ’ S T H E A DVA N TAG E O F S E L L I N G O N M Y B C ? I’d say selling your products incredibly quickly and gaining great brand exposure. Fifty per cent of my Bartercard customers are men who buy cosmetics for their family and or workplace. I also find many customers order $100-$200 worth of cosmetics at a time to use as gifts as a value-add for their customers. Bartercard gave me a platform to grow my business when I first launched in the market - I joined eight years ago and 30 percent of my customers today are Bartercard members.
W H AT D O YO U S P E N D YO U R T R A D E D O L L A R S O N ? I used Bartercard to purchase an investment property, using 20 per cent in trade dollars. This is effectively cash converting because I will eventually convert that 20 per cent into cash when I sell it in the cash market – it’s a win-win!
HEIDI’S TIPS FOR SELLING ONLINE 1. I have a lot of repeat business on MYBC because of our fast response and fast shipping policy. I always dispatch within 24 hours of payment. 2. I exhibit at Bartercard trade shows in five or six cities each year. I attend many Bartercard networking events and build strong relationships with Trade Co-ordinators around Australia, so they know the brand and promote it to members in the region when I have large volumes to sell. If I have large quantities to sell, I flick an email to my Trade Co-ordinator asking them to place an ad in the e-trader to local members, for pick up only, or nationally when I have larger quantities to sell. 3. Paying the extra T$5.95 to get your listing featured on MYBC is priceless. You can list 10 of the same item and get it featured once which will take your listing to the top of the search in MYBC. 4. Variety is key and will boost sales - I always have at least five listings on MYBC at any point in time which lets me see what’s selling fastest.
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C A S H
Exotic tree trade thrives in the west PAGE
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One of Australia’s most iconic native trees, the grasstree is thriving in Bartercard and adding appeal to local business without the costly price tag. Its seller has captured the essence of trading to a tee, brokering deals which is keeping cash in the pockets of business owners, including over $100,000 in his own. Mike Johnson, the owner of Margaret River Grasstrees in Busselton WA, was a director of nine companies in Perth’s construction industry before a sea change took him to the Margaret River where he turned his focus to the ancient Australian flora. Already familiar with grass trees from construction clearing and contra deals commonplace in the industry, Mike turned to nature to start his next venture and joined Bartercard to take his business further. Older grasstrees can sell for thousands of dollars, and Mike recently started dealing in Australian boabs too, valued at up to $60,000 each. “Grasstrees start at $200 and the sky’s the limit,” said Mike. “We have one tree dated at 2,000 years old which we recently declined a $20,000 cash offer for. Businesses love the trees and buy them on Bartercard paying with their products and services instead of cash. It keeps cash in the bank and enhances the exterior look of their business.” While Mike said the trade in native plants seems lucrative, like any business there are many expenses. “I offer a specialty service that includes excavating, planting and nurturing the tree over a year to ensure it survives, which all adds up,” he said.
I find a lot of gardening and specialty equipment on Bartercard – all it takes is a few phone calls. There’s a member who has flatbed trucks just waiting to be used. So whenever the owner has spare capacity, he transports trees and I pay him in trade dollars. Bartercard is extra business you wouldn’t have, on top of cash sales.” Many of Mike’s clients are wineries which buy grasstrees and boabs to enhance their estates. “I’ve supplied to two or three wineries, totalling approximately $20,000 worth of trees,” he said. The estates cover the cost of the trees in wine sales through Bartercard which leaves cash in their pocket. He also encourages businesses to cash convert. He recently finalised an agreement with a winery that sells his grasstrees on their premises. When they sell a tree for cash, they pay him in trade dollars. Although Busselton is on the western side of the continent, Mike said he can’t wait to pick up business from the east coast. “Just let me know how many trees you want!”
“Bartercard lets me earn trade dollars which I can spend to offset thousands of dollars in business expenses, and I‘m always looking for
margaretrivergrasstrees.com
new trading opportunities.
M I K E H A S U S E D B A RT E RC A R D T O C O N S E RV E OV E R $ 1 0 0,0 0 0 CASH IN JUST 12 MONTHS, USING THE TRADE DOLLARS HE EARNS FROM TREE SALES TO OFFSET BUSINESS COSTS RANGING F RO M C R A N E - L I F T I N G B OA B T R E E S T O B U Y I N G A T RU C K .
I M P O RT I N G
Sourcing expert Lindy Chen
6 tips for starting up an import venture IMPORTING IS A GROWING INDUSTRY WHICH MORE AND MORE S TA R T- U P S A R E T U R N I N G T O .
WE LIST SIX IMPORTING TIPS FROM
SOURCING EXPERT LINDY CHEN, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF CHINA DIRECT SOURCING, TO BOOST THE SUCCESS OF YOUR VENTURE.
It’s no new concept, but e-commerce has opened up opportunities to enter new markets and today virtually anyone can start a business in the digital space without the restrictions or expense of a bricks and mortar shop. Setting up an e-commerce site is relatively cheap and easy, whether you decide to outsource or choose a DYI option like Word Press to create a customised site. Given the relative low risk of starting an online business, more start-ups are turning overseas to source products which have a point of difference at a lower cost. In this way businesses are not only keeping costs down, but further reducing expenses by selling online without the overhead cost of a shop front, and passing these savings onto their customers. The result is staying competitive in the marketplace. So, if you want to take the step to start importing, these six tips from Lindy’s company China Direct Sourcing can land your brand in the global marketplace.
1 . C H E C K W H AT TA X E S A N D TA R I F F S YO U ’ R E U P F O R Australia currently has a number of free trade agreements with different countries which allow products to be imported with little to no tariff and vice versa. China, Japan and Korea all have a free trade agreement in place with Australia, which supports trade. For other countries, use the Australian Trade and Investment Commission website (austrade.gov.au) to check if taxes and tariffs for shipping into Australia apply.
2 . C H E C K I F YO U R P RO D U C T I S ‘ I M P O R T A B L E ’ Australian government policies are supportive of international trade but expect certain regulations which have been put in place to protect Australian consumers, the environment and certain economic sectors. Products that are deemed hazardous to health and to the environment, or harmful to local industries are covered by certain restrictions – if your product isn’t harmful and doesn’t contain toxic materials it should be ok to import – but double check first at the Australian Trade and Investment Commission website (austrade.gov.au).
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3 . F I N D R E P U TA B L E SUPPLIERS OR A RELIABLE CONDUIT Many importers find their suppliers online and liaise directly in the digital space, but unless you are sourcing from a sophisticated exporter like China, most businesses in less developed countries don’t have a website, or won’t have options like joining a list of exporters such as Alibaba or Made in China. Just because they’re not tech savvy or located in parts of the world where technology hasn’t hit as hard, doesn’t mean the quality is compromised. Sourcing from the internet can also limit your options (and there’s risk attached to trusting a brand new supplier solely off the claims on its website.) This is where sourcing trips are advantageous. Finding the right supplier can also be a hard task and might take several factory visits, countless samples and prototypes. If you’re the type of business owner who doesn’t leave anything to chance, your best option is to seek an importing assistant who speaks English and has direct connections on the ground. Check the assistant, or the import assistance firm you pick is competent and has ethical practices. Look for online reviews, ask someone who’s already done business with them, or if you already have a contact in the country, ask if they can help you find assistance.
4. DON’T SETTLE It’s your business so don’t settle on anything less than you would expect as a customer. Be specific on what boxes you want ticked, from quality to costs and working conditions in the factory, and decide your non-negotiables before entering into any discussions.
5. DON’T GET LOST I N T R A N S L AT I O N Understanding the culture where you are sourcing from is important and can impact business. For example, the Chinese culture, where there is more emphasis on indirect communication, has different ways of negotiating and being sensitive to cultural differences can lead to better long-term business dealings. There is where having an assistant or using an importing company is advantageous.
ChinaDirect Sourcing is an Australian-based product sourcing company that offers end-to-end import assistance to find, negotiate and facilitate delivery of products from China – equaling utmost convenience! Their band of consultants are experts in trade and investments in China and Australia to ensure you find what you need, and import products safely and securely. Best of all, they’re available on Bartercard. chinadirectsourcing.com.au
E X P O RT I NG TO CHINA On the flipside, more and more Australian brands are entering the Chinese market on the back of China’s Free Trade Agreement which was implemented to protect Australian suppliers and Chinese consumers. Australian suppliers now have more control over their sales distribution in China’s rapidly growing $US670 e-commerce sector. Bartercard’s parent company, BPS Technology, has leveraged off the new agreement to finalise a deal which allows businesses to sell and distribute products into China via Alibaba’s cash wholesale e-commerce website 1688.com. Australian nutritional food brand Morlife was the first business to come onboard in 2016 – expect to see more brands entering this space.
6 . C L A S S I F Y You must classify any products you import. Your classification will be included in your declaration to the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service. They also cover permits, duties and quarantine or treatment of the products being imported – visit the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Border Protection website to check the full requirements, or seek advice from an importing assistant.
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Top trading tips YOUR DOSE OF CREATIVE AND R OA D -T E S T E D T R A D I N G T I P S FROM A FEW OF BARTERCARD’S TOP TRADERS
R I S I N G TO T H E TO P W I T H B A RT E R C A R D Whether you like your bread savoury, sweet, crusty, classic or artisanal, Bakers Delight has been baking it since 1980. One franchisee of the popular bread brand has created a partnership with Bartercard to maximise sales. “We need to make a high volume of sales every day to stay viable. Bartercard has helped me grow my customer base and sell excess products, leaving me with less bread wasted at the end of each day,” said Ryan Kirkham, owner of Bakers Delight franchises in Kawana and Maroochydore, Queensland. “Bartercard really fits in with our ‘baked fresh daily’ approach. On average our sales have jumped by approximately $40,000 per year with Bartercard – that’s a lot of loaves!
B U Y I N G A B LO C K O F L A N D WITH THE PRESS OF A B U T TO N B A RT E R C A R D L A N D S ELECTRICAL BUSINESS ITS B I G G E ST C A S H J O B In a competitive male-orientated industry, Sharyn Watson is crushing stereotypes as the only female operator of an electrical business on the Gold Coast. She recently landed her biggest cash job when a Bartercard contract led to a referral at a resort on the Gold Coast to undertake electrical repair work after severe hail damage hit hard. “It is our biggest cash job to date and now we have a continual supply agreement to maintain the resort’s electricals and air-conditioning,” said Sharyn. Sharyn said the three most important things to customers is showing up, cleaning up and following up which the company sticks to rain, hail or shine, and is their biggest point of difference. She uses Bartercard to cash convert, spending $25,000 for light fittings in Bartercard trade dollars and selling them for $25,000 cash. In exchange for Bartercard trade dollars, Sharyn has prepaid out her office telephones and internet for two years, a big cash saving in her pocket. She is also building a house and conserving $50,000 in cash by using trade dollars to pay for trades. Sharyn’s tip is to treat Bartercard customers just like cash-paying clientele. “Putting Bartercard and cash clients into different categories can come at a cost,” she said. “Always treat clients equally and the results will speak for themselves.”
Sean Levy, the owner of Sub Zero Vending and distributor of vending machines nationally recently purchased a block of land through Bartercard’s trading platform MYBC with the press of a button on his smartphone. “The land is in Townsville and was selling at a distress rate of $15,000,” said Sean. “My Trade Co-ordinator told me about the deal which was listed on MYBC, where you can trade 24/7. I bought the property on full trade and then hired a lawyer on Bartercard to complete all the paperwork.”
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C O U R A N C OV E S P L A S H E S O U T Couran Cove Island Resort is a piece of paradise on the Gold Coast which has used one small card to turn empty rooms into cash. Asserting that one of the biggest challenges in any resort is filling room nights, Couran Cove director, Lachlan McIntosh said he’s used Bartercard to maximise bookings and revenue. “Couran Cove has 350 rooms and whether they’re filled or empty we still have the fixed expenses of running a resort,” he said. “Bartercard helps us fill those empty rooms at undiscounted rates paid in an alternative currency of trade dollars. We then use those trade dollars to purchase wine through Bartercard which we sell to visitors for cash – so suddenly an empty room becomes $200 in revenue.”
C A S H L E S S U B E R I N V E ST M E N T Here’s a smart trading tip to keep up your sleeve. One Bartercard member has capitalised on Uber, the ride sharing service which has swept Australia. The business owner bought a car on Bartercard’s online trading platform MYBC, listed it on Gumtree as an Uber rental vehicle for a set cash amount per week and the car is paying for itself – not a bad extra revenue stream!
Want more tips like these? Subscribe to the Bartercard blog which is packed full of free business insight, expertise and ideas to grow your cash flow, customer base and your brand each week – visit blog.bartercard.com.au and complete your details.
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Pizza’s supreme on the coast A popular Gold Coast pizza brand is seeking a bigger slice of the market with plans to expand nation-wide.
Maries Pizza is a home-grown success story. Founded on the Gold Coast in 1981, the company has grown to seven stores covering most areas of the Gold Coast. The brand was founded when Marie and Ted Sherman moved their five children from Bathurst to the Gold Coast in search of warmer weather. The first store in Palm Beach soon became a hangout for local surfers and residents, and a legendary pizzeria was born.
S A L E S
THE SECRET TO SUCCESS Maries Pizza CEO, Kate Biglands said the brand’s secrets are customer loyalty developed over the past three decades, and its ability to adapt and remain proactive. “We were one of the first take away outlets to introduce home delivery as an option on the Gold Coast,” said Kate. “We had a much smaller competition base at the start but the number of outlets in takeaway food has exploded over the years. She said the biggest challenge for most businesses is to remain competitive and profitable when costs are rising and margins are being squeezed. “Our strategy in this environment is to stand firm and not compromise quality in the pursuit of profit; even though the competition is fierce in delivering price points under $5 per pizza.”
BOOSTING BUSINESS O N BA RT E RCA R D A Bartercard member since 2006, Maries Pizza now attributes 5% to 10% of its turnover to Bartercard sales. It recently used Bartercard to pay local contractor, Watmar Electrical to install lighting and a switchboard in one of its stores. Print costs for advertising material, shop cleaning, tilers and shop fitters are also paid for in trade. Kate said the move to Bartercard started as an experiment to increase customers. “The Bartercard system does what it promises and will attract additional customers,” said Kate. “The key to success is management and a willingness to adapt your usual spending habits to complement a different system. There are Facebook communities, websites and networking opportunities. There’s a lot of potential to connect with like-minded people who are all members of a community interested in doing business.” Kate said adjusting to Bartercard trade required nothing more than setting up a new bank account, while in-store accounts are much the same. “It was quite easy to incorporate and similar in theory to other income receiving systems.”
A BIGGER SLICE OF THE MARKET Maries Pizza recently celebrated its millionth pizza sold on Bartercard, although Kate admits bartering is made easier with such a popular commodity. “We are very lucky to sell a product that, when done well, sells itself!” she said. “We have many loyal customers who have been purchasing from us for years, not to mention decades. Pizza is so easy to share and much cheaper than a lot of other takeaway options.” What sort of businesses are looking for pizza on Bartercard? According to Kate, service oriented industries, property developers, accommodation providers, investment companies, trades people and training providers are all lining up for what Maries Pizza delivers. The secret is in the company’s niche market. “Dominos is a marketing machine owned by foreign interests with a massive investment in technology,” said Kate. “We don’t compare ourselves with them. We have a much more personal attachment to what we do. Our roots are family based, we are Aussie and proud of it and we have grown up on the Gold Coast alongside the business. Our customers will happily support a local brand if it’s quality.” Kate said Bartercard helps her business conserve cash and increases people’s standard of living. Her advice is simple: “Before you spend anything, whether it’s business or personal, you must ask yourself “Can I use trade dollars to make this purchase?” If so, look through the directory on MYBC or contact your Trade Coordinator and ask for assistance. It’s that easy.” Now that Maries Pizza reigns supreme on the Gold Coast, the company has its sights set further afield. “We have plans for expansion not only to Brisbane, but Australia-wide,” said Kate. “Opportunities are being considered and it’s only a matter of time before this becomes a reality.” mariespizza.com.au
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G E T T I N G
P U B L I S H E D
How to get published in 8 simple steps Three-time best-selling co-author William de Ora shares his success in using Bartercard to publish books and, how almost any Bartercard member can do the same without the cash expense. We spent five minutes chatting to the author to find out that becoming a leading authority in your field is easier than you think.
Apart from positioning you as a market leader, William said the advantage of sharing your knowledge in print is attracting the right clients for the right reasons, and using a powerful marketing tool called personal and business branding which is completely unique. “A book is a platform to not only convey expertise, which every business owner already has, but also your brand which is what sets you apart in the market, creating a powerful lead generating tool,” he said. “Bartercard gives business owners more access to leveraging their personal brand to build credibility. It has members who can assist you write, publish and promote your book. Most members just don’t consider writing a book as part of their marketing strategy.” He said the reason why most business owners are reluctant is because they don’t know where to start, and convince themselves there aren’t enough hours in a day. William challenges this thinking, and encourages members to utilise the untapped resources in Bartercard to make writing a book achievable. William’s book The Invisible Branson, inspired by one of the most successful entrepreneurs on the planet today (Sir Richard Branson), is about marketing yourself and your business. William said every business has two brands – the business and the owner, as is the case for Richard Branson and Virgin. “Invisible Branson inspires you to become the face of your business and its best ambassador, and there’s no better way to achieve this than becoming a published author,” said William.
To set you on the right track to writing a book, William shares the following eight steps: Step 1 Decide on a topic, idea, title and subtitle Step 2 Create the chapter names Step 3 Write 10 bullet points for each chapter Step 4 Record yourself speaking on those bullet points Step 5 Get a ghostwriter to transcribe the recordings and write each chapter Step 6 When your ghostwriter completes the manuscript, get it edited by another writer Step 7 Source a graphic designer to design the cover and typesetting Step 8 Ask your graphic designer to prepare a print-ready file for your printer
William assures all business owners that writing a book is no different to creating a brochure or website, just on a bigger scale. “You might feel overwhelmed about how to become a published author, or the time it might take, but really it’s easier than you think,” said William. “Especially if you’re a member of Bartercard as there are members including ghost writers, graphic designers, typesetters and printers all willing to help you.”
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B U I L D I N G W E A LT H T H ROUG H P RO P E RT Y INVESTMENT The other arm of William’s split venture is assisting clients to build a property investment portfolio on Bartercard, which allows access to the market at a lower price point. “After working with business owners for more than 30 years, one of the most common contentions I hear is how long they can stay in business,” he said. “When times get tough; when costs, taxes and competition increases; when there’s too much red tape; and not to mention the ongoing market changes, they begin to question everything.” William said this is an opportunity to explore other ways to generate money and set themselves up for retirement. “For the past 20 years, I’ve used Bartercard to access services to keep my expenses low. It’s an established support network with a dedicated Trade Co-ordinator who can find what you need, when you need it. Bartercard is essentially an extra invaluable resource in business. But another advantage of the cashless system is property investment which allows business owners to enter the market using their products and services instead of cash, and gives access to specialists like accountants, conveyancers, and lawyers when you do invest.” William highly recommends his clients work with an accountant who specialises in property. “You need to have an accountant who can assist you to analyse all your property purchases, including all ongoing expenses and how to set up an investment option so there are minimal out-of-pocket
Bartercard’s real estate site currently houses more than $145 million in listings world-wide, including $100 million in Australia where investors can use trade dollars as their deposit, earned from the extra business they attract through Bartercard. Visit bartercardproperty.com
expenses,” he said. As a business and investment property consultant available on Bartercard, William can discuss how to create a portfolio with seven to ten investment properties by the time you’re ready to retire. So, if you’re ready to go further than just running your business reactively, consider these business and investment tips to strengthen your brand, and create an investment property portfolio.
PAGE William, with business partner Louise Woodbury, is the co-founder of Quantum Dynamics, one of Australia’s leading business consultancies, and bestselling co-author of The Invisible Entrepreneur, The Invisible Branson and The Invisible Partnership. Enquiries or want to work with William? Call 0414 834 733 or email william@ipna.com.au
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Want a walk on the wild side? B E T E M P T E D B Y TA S M A N I A
Tropical beaches in Queensland may be an Australian holiday mecca, but to experience a truly unique and invigorating destination on your next break, how about heading south? Tasmania is a land of pristine wilderness, atmospheric villages, history and heritage. And it boasts some of the country’s finest wineries, cafés and restaurants. So if you want to take a walk on the wild side, Tasmania has it all.
Wineglass Bay
W I L D, WO N D E R F U L W I L D E R N E S S Tasmania’s untouched wilderness is one of its most magnetic features. There are 20 national parks and reserves protecting close to 40 per cent of the island flora and fauna. In the west of the state, six of these national parks (comprising approximately 1.4 million acres) are world heritage listed. Tasmania is the perfect destination if you’re looking to escape and explore serene lakes, cascading waterfalls and some of the world’s most beautiful waterways. Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is one of Tasmania’s finest. It’s a vast area of ancient rainforest, glacial lakes and abundant wildlife, and visitors on a day trek to Dove Lake can soak up its spectacular views of the eponymous peak. Freycinet National Park along the east coast is another star attraction, with the perfectly formed Wineglass Bay renowned worldwide for its spectacular white sand beach.
T R AV E L
H O B A RT A N D T H E S O U T H Hobart may be small in size compared to the other capital cities, but it’s full of places to explore. This historic city has preserved its heritage beautifully, with stunning sandstone architecture lining Salamanca Place, a bustling promenade of galleries, local designers and award-winning restaurants. Pay a visit to the waterfront, where the iconic Sydney to Hobart yacht race finishes, or make the trip to the top of Mt Wellington to see the long-reaching views over the city. Cultural treats include the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery and the truly unique privately run MONA (museum of old and new art), a world-renowned subterranean museum where you can savour local flavours at the onsite restaurant, cellar door and micro-brewery. From Hobart you can also take day trips to the picturesque Huon Valley and Bruny Island.
Hobart
L AU N C E STO N A N D T H E TA M A R VA L L E Y Launceston, in the north, is where colonial and Victorian homes sit alongside beautiful parks and buzzing cafés. Just minutes away is Cataract Gorge, a unique natural attraction with a serene swimming area, kiosk and a chairlift across the Tamar River. From Launceston, you can also explore the Tamar Valley, a cold-climate wine region that stretches north to the Bass Strait. The valley is home to rustic cellar doors, berry farms and specialist food producers, so stock up on cider, cheese, olives and truffles, then take your pick of pretty picnic spots!
Sunset in Launceston
G E T T I N G TO K N OW TA S M A N I A
Cradle Mountain
Tasmania is one of Australia’s most compact states, making it a breeze to get around. One of the best options is to hire a car, however there are also a number of tour and transport options available. You can fly to Launceston or Hobart from most state capitals, or travel by ferry between Melbourne and Devonport. The Spirit of Tasmania is a good option for road trips, as you can take your car on board. Explore Tasmania and you’ll discover an eclectic range of things to see, from wonderfully preserved relics like the Brickendon Convict Village and Richmond Bridge to windswept lighthouses, alpaca mills, stimulating regional museums, English-style hedgelined rural lanes, craggy peaks and mighty rivers. You can opt for a food and wine weekend, an arts affair or a trek to some of Tassie’s most remote and beautiful destinations. So if you’re ready to plan your next getaway to one of Australia’s most diverse destinations, these are just a few of Bartercard’s top picks for places to stay and things to do using your trade dollars.
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TA SMANIAN ACCOMMODATION AND ATTRACTIONS ON BARTERCARD H AW L E Y H O U S E , H AW L E Y B E AC H
C R A D L E C OA ST TO U R S , U LV E R STO N E
Want to stay somewhere special? The beautiful Hawley House is a historic property east of Devonport. The individually appointed rooms feature wonderful views and there’s even a quirky rooftop bath so you can (literally) soak up the striking surrounds. Enjoy locally-sourced produce in their onsite restaurant. From Hawley House you can explore the north-east region, or discover local wineries, antiques, crafts and museums. hawleyhousetas.com (book ahead on Bartercard)
Tasmania’s north-west wilderness is a spectacular region best discovered with a tour. Cradle Coast Tours can whisk you to stunning Cradle Mountain or the coast, escort you through the isolated Tarkine rainforest, show you unique natural formations including The Nut, and introduce you to the best gourmet selections at the Tamar Valley Food and Wine Tour. cradlecoasttours.com.au
F R E YC I N E T WAT E R S , S WA N S E A Freycinet Waters is a friendly bed and breakfast located in the seaside town of Swansea on the east coast. Guests can choose from Waterview rooms or the Spa room and be treated to full English breakfast daily, or opt for the upstairs Waterview Apartment with a kitchen which is selfcontained. Centrally located, it’s the perfect choice if you’re planning to explore Freycinet National Park or visit nearby Maria Island. freycinetwaters.com.au
P L AT Y P U S PA R K C O U N T RY R E T R E AT, B R I D P O RT Located in the north-east, Platypus Park Country Retreat is a relaxed destination that’s ideal if you’re looking to self-cater. This picturesque 40-acre property has one, two and three-bedroom cottages and it’s just a short distance from beaches, a golf course and trout fishing streams. The friendly and welcoming hosts will make you feel at home as soon as you arrive. platypuspark.com.au
Z O O D O O Z O O, RICHMOND Located close to Hobart, this family favourite is a great option if you want to discover wildlife without heading too far off the beaten track. Hop on Zoodoo’s safari bus for the chance to feed zebras, camels and ostriches, find farmyard favourites and book one of the zoo’s encounter experiences to meet meerkats, marmosets and our favourite, the Tassie Devil. zoodoo.com.au
TA S M A N I A I S B R E AT H TA K I N G LY B E AU T I F U L , S E R E N E A N D S P E C TAC U L A R – M A K I N G I T T H E PERFECT ESCAPE FROM THE MAINLAND!
T EC H N O LO GY
Welcome to your rewards program When it comes to winning customer loyalty, the consumer landscape is a jungle where every business is grappling for its slice of the market. Which is why almost every one has a rewards program in place – but it’s no longer a ten-punch card that’s keeping customers coming back. Reward programs are becoming more strategic and sophisticated to stand out in a saturated market, combining digital and in-store interaction through apps to really speak to customers. So if you’re a business that doesn’t have a rewards (or referral) program, you’re missing out on a big slice of your market!
Enter bucqi bucqi is breaking new ground as a mobile wallet + rewards app in one that’s earning customers bigger rewards and business owners more loyalty. For businesses, bucqi lets you reward your customers using trade dollars instead of cash, and lets them make everyday cash transactions with the scan of a smartphone - their credit or debit card is pre-loaded into the bucqi app and they simply scan a QR code to pay and to earn or redeem rewards.
Every time a customer uses the bucqi app to make a transaction in your business, they either earn 20% of the transaction back in rewards called ‘bucqs’ (which have a real dollar value and are funded by your trade dollars) or they can use their ‘bucqs’ to cover 20% of the transaction. Offering bigger rewards keep more customers coming back.
Every bucq you earn = 1 dollar So every time you spend 1 bucq, you save $1!
T EC H N O LO GY
A new class of rewards Get more bang for your bucq with bucqi!
bucqi ha launche s on the G d Coast a old is comin nd g new are to as soon.
For customers, bucqi is a mobile wallet and rewards app in one which gives you more bang for your bucq at the places you love. Earn bigger rewards at over 200 businesses on the Gold Coast, where you simply scan a QR code to pay, and instantly earn 20% back off every transaction to spend where you want*. Where else can you find rewards like that? You can use your bucqs at any bucqi business, saving you money when you spend!
Leave cash and cards at home and start earning instant bucqi $ rewards for every $ you spend download the bucqi app or visit bucqi.com.au.
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Buy a business on Bartercard! Showing just how many great ways there are to spend trade dollars, one Bartercard member got his start in a new business with a franchise purchased on Bartercard. When Sydney businessman, Claude Spinelli left the restaurant industry, he started looking for his next venture. He had successfully used Bartercard while managing his restaurant, and wanted to use his trade dollars and Bartercard interest-free line of credit to make the most of his capital. As a part-time DJ, he was attracted to a Sydney-based audio visual franchise called Light Sound that was advertised for sale on Bartercard. After purchasing the franchise, he moved the business to Wollongong and rebranded it to Pro Sound and Lighting. He’s since used Bartercard to maximise cash flow, attract new customers and minimise expenses - a triple boost to his new business.
R E D U C I N G B U S I N E S S C O ST S Claude said purchasing a business on Bartercard and using trade dollars to partly or fully cover the cost (he paid used trade dollars to cover 80 per cent of the peripheral costs) can assist business owners to reduce their cash borrowings from the bank, reduce interest and invest more money into their venture. “Using Bartercard to purchase my business was a no-brainer,” said Claude. “It was the right fit and meant I didn’t need to take out a bank loan for working capital which relieved a lot of stress in start-up. It allowed me to focus on building a client base without having to worry about cash flow.”
T H E M A N Y WAY S TO U S E B A RT E R C A R D
To maximise cash flow and reduce waste in his current business, Claude trades stock that he has accumulated or discontinued. “Bartercard is business you wouldn’t have in the cash world,” he points out. “For example, a member may ring me looking for a data projector. I explain to that customer that I don’t sell brand new projectors, but that I do have ex-rentals which I replace every 12 months.” He said he also wins a lot of installation contracts by having Bartercard. “Schools, churches and nightclubs may ring when they’re doing a refurbish and have a lot of stage lighting and speakers that they want to upgrade. I’ll provide a quote, and it might be $10,000. But then I take all their pre-used equipment and deduct $2,000 from the bill. I sell all this equipment on Bartercard’s trading website MYBC.” Claude admits that his outgoing and friendly personality makes Bartercard a natural fit, just like his business. “I’m easy-going, I’m very streetwise and I think I’m a good negotiator,” he laughs. “Ever since I was a kid I’ve worked in retail – Harvey Norman, Retravision – plus I love trading; I’m the go-to-guy in my family whenever anyone’s looking for a deal. My wife doesn’t pay cash for her haircuts and nail treatments – I cut her credit card in half and gave her a Bartercard instead. If she wants to go out to dinner, we find a restaurant on Bartercard and go there.” He added that before he pays cash, he always looks at options on Bartercard first. “Why use cash or credit when you can pay with your products or services instead?”
Claude’s expertise in hospitality gave him experience in using Bartercard to boost customers. Yet, Claude believes that many members have yet to discover what they can do with the card. “Bartercard is a great fit in the restaurant industry,” he said. “Members would book during slower periods which would fill the restaurant. I would always seat Bartercard customers near the windows and at the front of the restaurant so it looked full in quiet times – and a crowd attracts a crowd. “If I go to a restaurant on a Thursday night and ask how business is and they say it’s tough, I point out that if they have empty tables they could be filling them up through Bartercard.”
Claude used trade dollars instead of cash to cover 80 per cent of his start up business purchases.
prosoundlighting.com.au
W H AT B A R T E R C A R D M E M B E R S A R E S AY I N G IN OUR 25TH YEAR
YEARS
I’ve bought 10 properties each with a trade dollar component over my 13 year membership in Bartercard, all for rental investment. Having purchased with trade and now selling for full cash, I will see the full benefit of converting my trade asset to cash. As a willing purchaser, I’ve benefited from being able to purchase the properties with a no-interest loan facility from Bartercard, at proper market valuation. This would not be possible if I stretched myself and jumped through the hoops of bank loans. The main benefits of buying property on Bartercard are access to an interest-free loan and cash-conversion at sale.
E F S ST R AT E G I C We recently saved $14,000 on a store relocation and fit out using Bartercard. We offset the cost of moving, new flooring, painting, electrical work, plumbing and security systems all by
Bartercard has reduced my cash expenses and introduced me to a whole
using trade dollars. We’ll use the cash we’ve saved to add a new
new market of customers. I’ve saved approximately half a million dollars in cash
espresso bar to the shop next, though we do have the option to
by exchanging products and services within a network of 24,000 businesses. I
cover the cost using trade dollars too. Bartercard has supported
recommend Bartercard to business owners because it’s like a business within a
our vision and provided an additional channel of advertising,
business. It’s a tool to attract new customers, fill down time, offset expenses and
leading to more referrals and a higher-end customer experience.
increase revenue. Bartercard lets you earn trade dollars which you can spend at thousands of other businesses to conserve cash and increase profits.
C O F F E E M AC H I N E S P E C I A L I ST S U N LOV E R S O L A R
Bartercard has enabled me to grow my business profile, market and brand exposure. It makes trading simple and
I’ve been a Bartercard member for more than 10 years which has helped
straight forward which is a real boost in business, especially in a
save me almost half a million dollars in cash. I’ve used trade dollars to cover the
challenging economy. Bartercard is a global-based exchange with
cost of printing, signage, uniforms, advertising, hospitality and a range of other
very large database of members which allows more options to
expenses. It’s also covered lifestyle costs like accommodation on holidays and
trade.
dining out at restaurants, making it even more convenient! Since joining I’ve used Bartercard to strengthen my business and attract new customers. I work
S I G N AT U R E C O N S U LTA N T S
in a competitive market and the additional exposure which Bartercard creates frequently leads to new referrals in the cash market.
PA R A D I S E S E C U R I T Y
130 0 B A RT E R ( 1 3 0 0 2 2 7 837 ) B A RT E R C A R D.C O M . AU