Welcome to Exmerce! Whether you joined to grow your customer base, stretch your cash further, or both — the magic starts with your first barter transaction. If you’re not sure where to begin, you’re in the right place. Here’s everything you need to know to get started with confidence.
Step 1: Find Something You Need
The first step is simple — think about what your business (or you personally) could use right now. Office supplies? Marketing help? A catered lunch for your team? Chances are, there’s an Exmerce member who offers exactly that. You have a few easy ways to find what you’re looking for. Browse the Directory by heading to the member portal and exploring products and services available from fellow members. You can also watch the Hooplas — our e-newsletter regularly features member promotions and special deals, and it’s a great place to discover things you didn’t even know you needed. Still not sure where to start? Just ask your Barter Concierge. They can point you in the right direction and even help facilitate the connection.
Step 2: Reach Out to the Member
Once you’ve found what you’re looking for, it’s time to make contact. If you’re reaching out to a member directly, there’s one important thing to do from the start: introduce yourself as an Exmerce member and let them know you’d like to purchase on barter. This sets the right expectations and ensures the transaction gets recorded correctly. Members are used to this — they’re trained to treat you just like any other client. The only difference is how the payment flows.
Step 3: Complete the Transaction
Once you’ve agreed on the service or product, the transaction works much like any cash purchase — except you’re spending Exmerce dollars instead. Make sure to keep your receipts, as any barter purchases made for your business can be written off as a regular business expense. You can also claim the GST back — GST paid on barter purchases for your business qualifies as an input tax credit, the same as in the cash world.
Step 4: Handle the Invoice
Once the transaction is done, the selling member will invoice you either through their Barter Concierge or directly via the member portal. Either way, you don’t need to do much — just make sure your account has the funds available and the transaction will be recorded automatically. If you ever notice an error, don’t worry. Exmerce is notified of all transaction errors and will follow up within 24 hours with next steps.
Step 5: Check Your Account and Rate Your Experience
After your transaction is complete, log into the member portal to see it reflected in your transaction history. Your monthly statement will also capture all activity for the month, which your bookkeeper or accountant can use for tax reporting. You’ll also receive an automated email asking you to rate the member you transacted with. Your feedback helps maintain the quality of the Exmerce community — and your own rating is visible to all members, so it’s a great way to build your reputation too.
You’re on Your Way
That’s really all there is to it. Your first Exmerce transaction is the hardest one — after that, it becomes second nature. If you have any questions along the way, your Barter Concierge is always just a call or email away. Happy bartering!