Ever since starting my first quasi-businesses as a crafty child, I was drawn towards barter as a fun and satisfying way to share my creations and receive compensation. At the time it was a novelty, but over the years I learned that not only was barter a central form of human exchange of goods and services across for much of our history, it is actually still an important and viable structure for modern humans. For example, when my business was shut down during the COVID pandemic, barter became an important way for me to connect with my community and get some of my needs met.

But could barter be incorporated more formally into the compensation model of my business? This pilot barter program is my exploration of this question.

Who is this for?

Anyone who wishes to book a class or session with me, who values or is curious about engaging in the barter economy, and has something of value to trade (see list below for specific things I’m seeking, and the guidelines for trading).

While this can be a way to off-set some or all of the cost of HeartScapes services, you do not need to have or prove financial hardship in order to participate. This program is separate from our sliding scale pricing model, which applies to most of our classes.

Process for Proposing a Barter:

  1. Review the list of goods and services I’m currently open to trading.  NOTE:  The proposal form includes space to propose a trade item that is not on this list, and you are welcome to do so.

  2. Determine which HeartScapes service you would like to trade for.  Your barter offer can be for all or partial payment of this service. NOTE: When proposing a trade, the HeartScapes service will be valued at it’s actual price, not scholarship prices.

  3. Fill out the Proposed Barter form linked below and on the barter list page.   

  4. I will reply within three days (and not more than one week) with one of the following:

    • Full acceptance of your offer

    • Decline of your offer

    • A modified offer or/and follow-up questions

Current Barter List

Below is a current list of goods and services I am open to trading for. Please read the following notes and disclaimers, and when you are ready to make a barter offer, follow the button below to fill out the offer form.

  • This list is a general guide to specific things I am open to. Because my priorities and needs shift regularly, there is no guarantee that at a given time I will accept a given trade proposed.

  • Your offer should be something you either possess, can lawfully obtain, or that another person is willing to provide on your behalf freely and joyfully.

  • You are welcome to offer goods and services not listed below that you think would be a good and fair trade.

  • I will assess all trade offers according to my current priorities, needs and the specifics of the offer (condition or quality of item, how well the item or service meets my current needs, etc.).

  • I may make a counter-offer, such as for a partial trade, which you can then accept or decline. Once we have an agreement, I’ll send a form on which we’ll both sign our consent to the barter.

  • Use of AirBnb or vacation home

  • Airline miles

  • Concert tickets (try me, my musical taste is broad!)

  • Food—Local whole foods, from your garden, local farms, or select kitchen creations.  Particularly interested in:

    • Honey & maple syrup

    • Fresh veggies/fruit

    • Pastured meat 

    • Nuts

    • Coffee: whole bean, dark roast, organic, fairtrade 

  • Art / Craft / Jewelry making items, particularly:

    • Wood painting panels & small canvases

    • New set of acrylic or liquid water color paints

    • Beads of semiprecious stones, wood, interesting centerpieces

    • Other quality art supplies

  • Whimsical exterior statues for the garden

  • New(ish), sturdy massage table

  • Handmade ceramics

  • Certain types of jewelry (think witchy, magical, natural materials, large earrings, etc)

  • Antique picture frames (small, between 1x2” and 5x7”)

  • Unique collectables from the following fandoms:

    • Star Wars

    • Harry Potter

    • Elfquest

    • Laybrinth

    • Muppets

    • Marvel & Batman

  • Set of good kitchen knives (including steak knives).  Can be used, as long as they’re in good shape

  • Rose bushes, especially unique or interesting varieties, that can be kept in large pots 

  • Antique nautical compass

  • Pair of Ugg boots (or similar brand), simple short or tall style, size 9 or 10, preferred black but open to other colors.  Used ok as long as in good shape.

 

  • Voice/singing lessons

  • Sewing lessons

  • Custom clothing/alterations

  • Massage or other body work

  • Video editing

  • Book formatting 

  • Social media management

  • Professional photography: 

    • Creative/whimsical artistic portraits, 

    • Reiki classes and sessions for marketing, 

    • Family

  • Mid to Large scale garden art and structures, custom builds

  • Home maintenance: 

    • Plumbing, 

    • Electrical, 

    • Painting, 

    • Carpet installation, 

    • Garden projects, 

    • Gutter cleaning, 

    • Carpentry, 

    • Large tree trimming, etc.

  • Other unique services I don’t yet know I need 😊

 
Propose a Trade