Trades

I'm always curious about the opinions of providers on their take of what’s fair when trading services is involved. For the lucky hobbyist that have a talent or the means, are many providers open to the idea of trades for optional forms of payments? For example, what if a hobbyist has major skill in the IT world and can help repair, setup, or even provide computer/phones and setup email/computers/websites...

As a business man I try to tell myself; don't waste time trying to do the things I'm not proficient in. Pay/Trade someone at a fair value and earn income at what your best at to pay for these services. It is a waste of time to try and set something up myself when I can bill for an hour of my services to pay for what I need done. The bonus of a service trade is I’m only out my time, though I do get yours in return. If a provider only has limited skills in computers, why should she spend all day setting up a computer, when you could just spend 30 mins or an hour one a john doe that will could have it done in the same amount of time as your appointment with him?

Most of the ladies tend to shy away from bartering computer services. Too many computer geeks like to add things not to the ladies' benefit. Just little things like spyware, keystroke software, secretly activating the computer's camera, etc ...

I think he was just using the IT world as an example, but your concerns are very valid.

I don't think it is unheard of in the hobby for some type of bartering to be in play, but I think it only comes after many paid sessions and a degree of trust has been built up. I just don't see a provider hooking up with a first time client with payment being some type of service.

Its a bad idea in general for several reasons. I have seen issues arise though when it comes to professional photos being traded for services. Depending on location, amount of photos, etc... a photoshoot can cost 1000 dollars or more. A lady trading services would have to go through several sessions, which could take awhile. Either way it takes the professionalism out of it on both sides. Plus you may get one party or the other have changes in the value of the trade. Its just better for ladies to pay for the service they are looking for, and if the gent wants a session to pay for the session just as any other client would.

I tried bartering services, not for IT or photos, and it did not turn out well at all. It was a learning experience and I will NEVER do it again.

Biggest problem I see with Bartering is the Time vs Time and Money vs Money. Let's say your a mechanic and a provider comes in your shop looking to fix her car. Her bill would be 400 parts and 1 hr labor. Someone suggests about working it out. Her definition maybe is a regular session at 250. Well that still leaves you 150 short, if your putting a value on it.

Now if she says she will pay for the parts at 300 and work the rest out. Now she's offerring a 30 minute session for your 1 hr labor rate of 100. So now you have more time in, than she does.

Either way the person doing the Labor End of the Bartering isn't getting a good deal.

I just pay for the services that I need. I too think that it doesn't even out and someone gets the short end of the stick.

I've bartered for several items that I've wanted or needed. I've gotten an iphone 4, musical instruments (fairly new), and Gift Cards. I would actually barter someone for nice things. You really can't just give or take anything for service, lol. I love a fair trade!

I am a pro commercial photographer and I have done trade for photoshoots, actually have a shoot and session scheduled for tomorrow. I get a kick out of doing the shoots and don't mind that I am getting less than my normal rate in exchange. I always give them an option to pay cash but not one has gone that way. I have gotten paid work out of it also, a couple providers have had me do other shoots for them. One was a little weird...I did a family portrait with her ma and pa, brothers and her kids! It works great for me.....BD

Its a bad idea in general for several reasons. I have seen issues arise though when it comes to professional photos being traded for services. Depending on location, amount of photos, etc... a photoshoot can cost 1000 dollars or more. A lady trading services would have to go through several sessions, which could take awhile. Either way it takes the professionalism out of it on both sides. Plus you may get one party or the other have changes in the value of the trade. Its just better for ladies to pay for the service they are looking for, and if the gent wants a session to pay for the session just as any other client would. Originally Posted by KenMonk

It would get interesting if they did not play well together in the first meeting. Then both having to fight thru it for four more sessions.

It would get interesting if they did not play well together in the first meeting. Then both having to fight thru it for four more sessions. Originally Posted by pyramider

Can you say Cock Fight!!!