I've always declined the "barter" requests; however, I wonder if I'm missing out on something. Has anyone had good or bad experiences? Is it better for the guys to explain a purchase from a store rather than a cash withdrawal at the atm?
For the ladies, do you have a list of items you will accept or do you take things you wouldn't necessarily go out and buy but happy to have? Does it cut into your time with your cash paying clients or do you think it brings you biz you wouldn't otherwise have? Is it always an even trade or do you require the item bartered be valued higher than the donation?
I've had such a variety of things offered... everything from a massage to a guy travelling out from out of town who brought a 60" tv with him to barter (wasn't sure it wasn't coming off the wall of the hotel room). The most common barter request is photography or website design (no thanks due to security issues). The weirdest request was for $200 worth of postage stamps (I really don't mail that many letters).