Why I avoid trading services as a freelancer
For seasoned web designers, the offer of barter services is almost routine. Someone will float the idea a few times each year: “I’ll provide my services if you design my website.” On paper, it sounds appealing. In reality, it’s frequently a raw deal for the designer.
I’ve been burned more times than I’d like to admit, where I’ve provided my services and received nothing in return. However, there have been rare instances where such a trade was beneficial. If you’re contemplating such a swap, keep these key points in mind:
- Relevance of the Offered Service: Before jumping into a trade, ask yourself if you genuinely need or desire the service. One of my worst trades was with an acupuncturist, despite fearing needles. To add insult to injury, they proved unreliable in settling the portion of the bill I charged. Will I now trust this individual to perform acupuncture on me? Absolutely not. This was a lesson learned the hard way.
- Potential Business Benefit: If the offered service can enhance your business operations, it might be worth considering. This is especially pertinent for budding web designers. It could be bookkeeping or even cleaning services. Anything that can help you dedicate more time to your work.
- Friendship and Trust: Engaging in service trades with strangers is a gamble. It’s always safer to barter with someone you know and trust.
While these points offer guidance, I recommend being wary of service trades. They can complicate matters with tax implications, and both parties must follow through as expected. A more straightforward approach? Have them hire you for your web design services, and if you need their service, hire them back. This creates an official business transaction, ensuring both parties value and respect the exchange.
If you venture into a service trade, ensure it remains a rare exception, not the rule.
What’s your experience with trading services? Please share with all of us!
RESOURCES: Contently – Freelancer Quandary: When Is It Okay to Barter?
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