A franchised trade exchange based on traditional bartering methods, but using modern business techniques, Bartercard enables small and medium sized member businesses to gain new customers and save on their cash outlay for goods and services. "The Barter trade economy is the fastest growing economy in the world today," states Bartercard founder and CEO Wayne Sharpe, "and Bartercard is the most dynamic global business in an industry primed for major growth."

A tried and tested system

Bartering is an age-old tried and tested system and Bartercard has taken this concept and applied it to the modern business world. This has proven an effective and innovative service for a wide range of companies while offering unlimited and profitable business opportunities to franchisee investors.

Using Bartercard as an alternative financial tool, the Bartercard programme allows members to sell almost any product or service for 'Trade Dollars' (valued at the local currency, e.g. pounds or euros). Once these Trade Dollars are deposited in the member's Bartercard account they can then be redeemed through spending on the goods and services of other members. This cashless trading allows members to obtain an interest-free line of credit, capitalise on their unused production capacity and offset cash costs, contributing to their expansion and bottom line. Importantly, Bartercard doesn't rely on direct swaps of products and services so members can trade with whomever they want whenever they want.

As members use their plastic cards to pay for goods from other members, Bartercard needs a system of authorisations and processes just as secure as any major credit card. The advent of the internet provided Bartercard with an unlimited range of applications for its trading programme and the company has embraced this technology to keep it in a leading position.

New developments include an online e-marketplace, e-commerce live auction room, online global directory of members and IVR and swipecard facilities. "Our introduction of the EFTPOS facility was a world first for a non-bank institution," reflects Sharpe. "It provides a fast and convenient way to purchase goods and services, while also substantially reducing the paperwork."

A business phenomenon

"Since inception, Bartercard has experienced phenomenal growth in membership and trade turnover," reports Sharpe. "The Bartercard system generates a staggering T$1 billion in trade every year with trade volume increasing by 20% per annum. Membership currently stands at around 55,000 businesses actively participating and profiting in the exchange, and is growing worldwide with over 10,000 new members joining last year. This business has become a business phenomenon in every market it enters."

This represents strong earnings potential for Bartercard master franchisees, who help facilitate trading between members and earn revenue from new membership fees, membership transaction fees, monthly administration fees, internet marketing and trading commission plus the capital growth of their businesses.

Founded in Australia, Bartercard quickly expanded worldwide and now has master franchise operations in Cyprus, Egypt, Hong Kong, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, New Zealand, Russia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the UAE, the UK and the US, with over 150 directly supported and sub-franchised offices globally. "The benefit from our international network - as well as establishing our global-strength brand - is that members can transact locally, nationally or internationally," adds Sharpe. "Our expanding global presence and branding offers more trading opportunities and exceptional earning potential."

Bartercard is offering a full turn-key operation for master franchisees, whose role is to develop national networks of member businesses and sub-franchised offices. Master franchisees benefit from being part of an international brand with a tried and tested business model, a proven track record of growth and profit and ongoing training and support from the management team, information technology (both hardware and software), documentation and operations manuals.

Sub-franchisees focus upon securing new members and assisting them to increase their business turnover and maximising their opportunities within the trading programme. Bartercard develops and oversees all administration, intellectual software and systems, as well as providing strategic and ongoing support to master franchisees.

In just over a decade Bartercard has become a leader in the barter revolution, and the company is aiming to continue this drive with further international expansion planned predominately in Europe, which Sharpe says boasts more potential due to its size and density. "We are fostering our current strong hold in the Middle East and Asia, and entry into Africa is also on the cards," he adds. "Bartercard is trademarked in over 60 countries, signalling our ambitions to develop a truly global network of offices.

"Being a master or sub-franchisee is an opportunity to join one of the most dynamic global businesses today. Join us in the success of Bartercard."

The Master Franchise Vision

The Bartercard franchise system has the potential to work anywhere in the world, as Lebanon master franchisee Sam Fanous has already discovered. Once he was introduced to the Bartercard exchange system he was hooked and quickly recognised the potential for the system to work in Lebanon, where bartering and trade is embedded in the people's culture and mentality.

He first came across Bartercard in Australia in 1997 when he worked as a Bartercard Trade Consultant. He was struck by the potential of the system and envisioned taking the opportunity home. "I loved the concept of trading without cash," recalls Fanous. "Lebanon is home to the original barterers and Bartercard was an out of the ordinary, new venture for me."

While in Australia, Fanous set about finding out as much as he could about the business and as a Trade Consultant took full advantage of all the training Bartercard offered. "Right from the beginning I had a vision of becoming the Lebanon master franchisee," says Fanous, "and gained as much in-depth knowledge about the business as I could in preparation, which reinforced my belief in the system and the idea."

Once Fanous signed the license in 1999 he received six weeks of intensive training covering all areas of the company and the barter exchange industry, including advanced management training. He also received ongoing support in Australia, the UK and Lebanon.

Unlike some franchise concepts Fanous didn't need to adapt any part of the Bartercard system to suit Lebanon as he found that the operation was entirely transferable. "The franchise works in any country," he confirms. "I like to follow systems, which is why I bought the master licence for Lebanon. I could have set up a trade exchange system on my own, but wanted to work with a reputable, international and well-known company - why re-invent something when you can buy a quality product and apply it in your own country?"

With 2,000 members such as hairdressers, manufacturers, printers and hotels, Bartercard certainly seems to have been well received by Lebanese businesses. "We are currently consolidating our membership base, creating confidence and belief in the brand and educating the market about the concept," Fanous reveals. "Soon we will be implementing a growth campaign and are aiming for 3,000 members by the end of 2005." Fanous also reports that international trade is steadily growing and currently totals around a T$2.5 million per month.

Lebanon was the first international trade exchange in the Middle East and Fanous believes that his investment in Bartercard prompted the five other countries to follow suit. "The developments made in software, internet and e-commerce activities over the past five years is beyond belief," he admits. "I commend Bartercard for always thinking ahead and congratulate myself for choosing Bartercard as the vehicle for expanding its bartering system in such a professional way to Lebanon."

Bartercard Thailand Going Strong

A self confessed entrepreneur, Graham Brain is enjoying the freedom Bartercard gives him to realise his entrepreneurial dreams but with the support and ongoing commitment of an international brand.

He bought the Bartercard master licence for Thailand having first encountered the company in Sri Lanka. He then sold his partnership in his previous business venture to embark on a new business opportunity with Bartercard in 1998. What appealed most to Graham Brain was the opportunity to generate as much business as he wanted. "The amount of business you create is up to you, you're not restrained," he confirms. "Business growth is dependent on how many hours you put into the business."

Having never considered investing in a franchise before, and not really knowing what to expect from the business, Graham Brain was pleased with the level of training he received. "I've never been through so much training in my life," he admits. "The commitment, service and support that we received from Bartercard when we first opened was exceptional and the high level of training that was provided to our team was invaluable. Further, to continue to receive this high level of support during our years in operation has helped us tremendously in growing our business. We now have our own training centre for sub-franchisees and provide as much support to them as possible. Bartercard spend a lot of time and effort on training and support and we continue this ethos in Thailand."

With a population of around 12 million people, Bangkok has grown quickly and Graham Brain sees plenty of opportunity in this developing country. There are currently 7 sub-franchisees in operation and he anticipates increasing this figure to around 30 within 10 years. "The only way to go is up," he adds. "I see Bangkok becoming more service and tourist industry focused and as the country grows, so will the number of businesses, which is more potential for Bartercard franchisees."

Bartercard Thailand currently has 1,700 members encompassing all types of businesses. Having initially taken a hands-on role in recruiting the first 100 members, Graham Brain has trained his staff to takeover relationship development. "Internally I've focused my staff training on decision making, covering how to make decisions about a client's account and offer suggestions on how they can develop their business," he reveals. "This has provided me with the time resources to externally re-develop the franchise through attending roadshows and pursuing marketing exercises.

"Being the Bartercard master franchisee is a good experience - it's a nice feeling to help people, help the community and help a lot of small and medium sized businesses. When I work with a client I enjoy a feelgood factor derived from helping them improve their businesses."