Volume 6         Number 3        March 1, 2006

Message from Central Barter:

I understand that many of you have been receiving unsolicited, spam-oriented e-mails and phone calls from a local mom and pop start up barter company. I apologize for this inconvenience.  I always question the motive and integrity of a company that intentionally markets via their competitor’s client lists.
For years I have resisted saying negative things about competitors.  However I mention this now because of the competitor’s tendency to spread untruths about Central Barter, as well as inflated untruths and promises about themselves, and their ability to live up to what they promise.

As I have said for many years, there is nothing wrong with belonging to more than one barter company, however when it is time to judge them judge them as two companies, and for what they do, not as barter in general.

 I also understand the ITEX office will be opening soon, and I welcome them to Houston.  Many people have asked my why I say that, and the answer is easy.  If the public has a good taste about barter, than it is easier for all involved.  Houston over the years has been the home of more that it’s share of dishonest trade exchanges, and it is hard to overcome the bad name barter has taken on alone.  I started in barter in 1992 with a company called Barter Exchange.  Barter Exchange was acquired by ITEX in 1995, and both were run honest and aboveboard.  In April 2001 I started Central Barter because of personal problems with the new owner of ITEX, and the way it was being run, which many of you are aware of.  To my knowledge Central Barter is the only trade exchange to last five years in Houston, and do it honestly, other than the original Barter Exchange/ITEX office.  Houston is big enough for two barter companies if they are run correctly.  That is why I say welcome back.      

Tradeworld is offering gift certificates for items on the web site http://stores.ebay.com/In-appreciation They can be printed in any dollar amount you want.  Any shipping and taxes must be paid in cash at the time of use.  If you are interested in the certificates or want to order direct from the site, e-mail me at jay@centralbarter.com Do not order on line or it will be 100% cash.

We still have a few gift certificates available at Summer Image Tanning Salon in Humble.  They can be in any dollar amount you want and can be used for most services.  Supplies are not included.  Their address is:  5444 Atascociata Rd. Ste#104 and their phone number is 281-446-8269.  Ask for Melynda.

We have the restaurant certificates available at www.diningdough.com that a lot of our members have requested.  I can print certificates available in many cities in the US.  I pay $6.25 cash and $18.75 trade for a $25.00 certificate.  I will print the certificates for you for the same price.  There are other certificates available, but the $25.00 certificates seem to be the best deal, as they all cost the same.  Let me know which ones you are interested in and if they are still available I will mail them to you.  Each restaurant only does so many per month, so it is possible they will be temporally sold out.

Remember: As always, carry your trade drafts with you and identify yourself as a Central Barter member before placing any order regardless of whether it is in person, or over the phone.               As always if you have any ideas or suggestions, please let us know

Phone 713-339-4674        Fax 713-339-4675    or e-mail   jay@centralbarter.com

Just as a reminder:  Don't Write Bad Trade Vouchers. They won’t be honored!  Trade is like any other type of payment.      Remember treat others the way you would want to be treated.

THANK YOU 
Jay

REMEMBER:  
“PAY ATTENTION OR PAY CA$H”