Frequently Asked Questions

Exmerce is an innovative tool that can help your business conserve cash, generate new business, and turn excess, idle inventory into the products and services it needs to grow. The barter industry accounts for one quarter of the world’s volume of business every year and is growing at a rate of 15% per year. 

Exmerce eliminates the restrictions of one-to-one bartering in which each business must want what the other has to offer at the exact same time. Exmerce offers a community of more than 400 businesses, making it easier to find what you want quickly. An Exmerce Trade Broker works with you directly to bring your company new sales and increased market share, help you find what you need for your business, and shows you ways to minimize cash outlay for everyday business or personal expenses.

Book a call with our team or sign up online. We’ll guide you through onboarding, help you list your offerings, and connect you with other members to start bartering right away.

Transaction and modest monthly fees cover accounting, marketing, promotions, and member services. For a full overview of available memberships visit our membership page.

Exmerce uses a multi-directional barter system. That means you don’t have to trade directly — you earn Exmerce Dollars from one member and can spend them with another.

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Not at all. That’s one of the biggest advantages of Exmerce. You’re not limited to direct swaps — you earn and spend freely within the network.

Prices quoted to Exmerce members are the same as prices quoted to cash-paying customers. Exmerce allows you to purchase products and services at your own cost of goods. Business owners are educated shoppers. Exmerce is simply another method of payment, just like cash or credit card.

A huge variety of products and services — from printing, photography, and marketing to spa services, business coaching, auto repair, restaurants, and more. Our team helps you find what fits your needs.

1 Exmerce Dollar = $1 CAD. Members are expected to trade at regular retail pricing, just like they would with cash customers.

We’re here to help. Our team actively supports you in finding valuable ways to spend your Exmerce Dollars, and we’re constantly adding new members to expand your options.

Yes and no, some members allow blended payments. It’s always up to the seller, and we can help you structure those types of deals.

• Increased sales from a new customer base
• Improved cashflow
• Opportunity to trade excess inventory or downtime
• Access to a supportive business network
• Tools and support to grow your business

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Yes! We host multiple types of events that are all excellent opportunities for our members to connect with other members as well as with the larger Alberta entrepreneurship community. Check out our event calendar for upcoming dates!

We offer flexible membership options based on your business size and needs. Typically, there is a one-time setup fee, a monthly membership fee, and a small transaction fee on each trade. Your account manager will walk you through the best fit.

Yes. Barter income is treated like cash income and must be reported accordingly. We provide reports to make accounting and tax filing easier.

Revenue Canada accepts barter as a legitimate method of payment. Revenue Canada recognizes Exmerce as a third party record keeper for barter transactions. Revenue Canada requires that all barter transactions be reported on your business returns. Exmerce will issue monthly statements to reflect these transactions. For accounting purposes, barter income should be treated like cash.

The Federal Government of Canada accepts bartering as a legitimate business practice. Barter exchanges like Exmerce are recognized as third-party record keepers, similar to banks. The Barter Income Tax Act of 1982 formalized this recognition.

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There are no tax advantages or disadvantages. Exmerce income is treated the same as cash income. It should be considered a marketing tool rather than a tax tool. Cash purchases that are normally tax deductible as business expenses are also tax deductible as trade purchases.

Yes. While there are no unique tax benefits or drawbacks, you must treat Exmerce income as you would regular cash income. This means:

• All barter transactions must be reported on your business returns.
• Sales tax (if applicable) must be collected and remitted to the Canadian government in cash.
• You can use Exmerce transactions in conjunction with the Input Tax Credit (ITC) system.

For more detailed information, consult the Canada Revenue Agency website (cra-arc.gc.ca)

Similar to a bank, we encourage businesses to apply for an Exmerce line of credit. If you qualify you can begin purchasing immediately. You can also use your Exmerce line of credit to enhance expansion or a new business venture when traditional funding is not available.