The example of Canadian Kyle Mac Donald perfectly illustrates the power of barter and its impact on a society in search of a new style of consumption. His story is unbelievable, he started by bartering a red paper clip, and over the course of the barter, he ended up getting a piece of land on which to build his house.
One learns through its history that barter often allows you to obtain much more than what you are looking for. It is a mode of consumption that puts human beings at the centre of negotiations.
This trend of barter is very present in travel and also invites itself into everyday life. We have analysed for you the actors and companies in this new niche of tourism and lifestyle.
The model is particularly collaborative, since people who love animals are put in contact with each other. A scoring system makes it possible to validate the selected profiles and to reassure the owner of the house and the dog.
We all know AirbnB, the essential holiday rental site, this successful model has opened up mentalities and now direct relations between individuals have become very common.
Here are a few examples of companies that are relying on a collaborative economy linked to barter to develop an accommodation offer.
In short, home exchange or home stay offers a real life experience and an exchange of culture. The human and relational aspects make the difference with more traditional accommodation solutions.
Kidygo puts parents of children in touch with “KidySitters” (people qualified to accompany children by train, plane or bus). To become a KidySitter, you must meet the selection criteria and take out a subscription which costs €9.90/month, with no obligation. The parents are responsible for the KidSitter’s ticket (totally or partially).
WWOOF (The World-Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) is a global network of organic farms. In exchange for room and board, travellers come to lend a hand to the farmers and thus exchange know-how and knowledge.
Woofing is another way of travelling that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the daily life of the farm and meet the locals. Like the voluntary work, this barter system puts human exchanges at the heart of its structure.
Another important value, beyond human exchange, which is expressed through barter, is respect for the environment, especially when it comes to the barter of products. In fact, we participate in a gentler and more conscious mode of consumption, we exchange products we no longer want instead of throwing them away, we favour short circuits and the economy of proximity.
An ecological idea with its short circuit, natural products, for a trendy lifestyle.
Isn’t it said that money perverts human relations? Exchanging money is a good way to restore confidence in our consumer acts. Companies that will be building their business model in the coming years or those who wish to change their commercial approach should take an interest in barter, which is making a strong comeback!
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