“Oh, Mr. Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden Sun, please shine down on me.” There are so many songs, poems, prayers, and homages written to our brightly burning, ever-healing sun. We cannot survive without it. There is simply nothing sustainable without our sun. As centuries have passed, civilizations have gone from worshiping its undeniable powers to understanding the harmful effects it can have on humans, intent on playing under it for too long. But now we are living in a time when we can harness a fraction of its energy to power anything. It is sustainable, affordable, clean and the reason many business and homeowners are making modest accommodations to tap into what energy today looks like. Always on the forefront, forever changing the lives and comfortability of thousands of Floridians – Solar Direct is “bringing renewable technology down to earth.”
If you are one of the millions of Americans worried about Mother Nature and our consumption of her valuable resources, there are ways in which you can lessen the burden. And, in doing so, you can also save thousands of dollars every year, with an added benefit that when the hurricanes roll in with excessive storms and downed power lines, your lights will stay on and you’re AC will continue to keep you comfortable. Sound good? Every day, people are turning toward options that make them better stewards of our planet. Are you ready to join them?
In the past, solar-powered heating meant mammoth structures had to be mounted to your roof and the payoff was less than impressive. Today, sleek, and minimalized equipment with revolutionary technology taps into the sun’s immense powers, so that the only thing you notice are your lowered or non-existent electric bills. Their mission, “Inspiring others to discover environmentally responsible solutions,” has been the battle cry for a trove of Suncoast citizens who are tired of the excessive electric bills inundating them every month. From electric, to pool and spa water heating, to energy and space saving systems, Solar Direct has an impressive lineup of products and services that can start saving you money today.
And, speaking of money – – who would like to save some? Several rebates and incentives are in place to make the transition to solar energy even more attractive and necessary. The Renewable Energy Tax Credit provides credits to offset the costs associated with turning to solar. Specifically, a 30% tax credit is given for individuals converting to solar electric and solar water heating. Let us look at that in terms of real dollars: A solar water heater which retails for $5500 ends up costing you just $3850 thanks to that 30% tax credit. For whole home Solar Electric systems, that rebate can be as high as $9000 or more depending on the size of the system. Additionally, there are $0 operating costs associated with it after the first purchase and your energy bills can be reduced by up to a whopping 100%! And the greatest part of this equation is there is absolutely no pollution created. Why in the world are you not on the solar energy bandwagon? There is room for more environmentally conscious individuals; come on board!
Solar Direct and IBE share a common financial trait: Solar Direct saves the consumer real dollars with an exponential effect over time, and IBE does the same thing. This organization saves merchants thousands of dollars, if not more, over the course of a year through mutually beneficial bartering. For Solar Direct, IBE has always been an avenue to save funds around the office by bartering for cleaning, supplies and employee appreciation gifts. With the money saved through IBE, Solar Direct can pass those savings directly back to their customers.
If you are starting a new business, stop looking for cash or seed money and start bartering. Not like, trading your piano for a computer, as in one-to-one trading. Start trading with a barter currency. By joining a third-party bartering organization, such as International Barter Exchange (IBE) in Sarasota, FL, you barter dollars can get you an office, a paint job, and, yes, that computer. The “Third-Party Barter Companies” also serve as a Business Networking Group when the get you connected with other Sarasota Businesses to “pay” for their services with the “Trade Dollars” that you accumulate within the network. That can turn out to be a great way to get new customers that would otherwise never find you. The Barter System also helps to improve efficiency and cash flow. It has been said that “barter is smart business and that is why smart businesses barter.”
When putting together a business plan, include bartering as a marketing tool, where members of your bartering exchange get exposure to your business. Not only do members see your business, but the bartering exchange trade coordinators search for connections where your product/service benefits another member. That introduction leads to trades that can open doors to your new customers. Many barter network members appreciates the role of the barter exchange trade coordinators because they continue to bring new members into their barter network, which gives their businesses a constant flow of new opportunities for trading.
IBE Barter is locally owned and proudly Serving local businesses throughout the entire Suncoast Region including the following communities:
Sarasota FL | Siesta Key FL | Vamo FL | Osprey FL | Nokomis FL | Venice FL | North Port FL | Lakewood Ranch FL | Bradenton FL | St. Petersburg FL | Clearwater FL | Tampa FL |
Sarasota Business Networking Groups help startup company’s
At the onset of business planning, your business may need a brick and mortar facility; window coverings; tile floors; new plumbing and an office. If you use trade dollars for these items, you may save cash for personal items, or, put cash into a kitchen remodel, dinners or travel. But, wait. In a barter exchange with 600 members, chances are, you will find a member who can offer these services, too. You’re not waiting for a bank to approve a loan. You’re not waiting for hand-outs and internet funds. With a barter exchange, you can arrive in town, ready to open shop.
For Example, take IBE Barter Exchange Member, Traci Carroll, Licensed Massage Therapist and owner of Healing Arts & Wellness in Sarasota, FL. “I’m relatively new here, and it’s been very useful and instrumental to me in growing my business. It basically connected me with a whole clientele who wouldn’t find me otherwise. It’s generating new business for me through the barter system. When (members) experience what I do and how I can help them, they refer people to me, who aren’t in the barter system. So, it provides opportunities for cash business. Barter has increased my business, both in barter and cash.”
When the small business grows, the barter exchange grows, by accepting multiple businesses in the same field. You may need carpeting for your new business. A barter exchange may include multiple carpeting reps. In the real marketplace, people like choice. Shoppers look, compare, and then buy. In Sarasota, a barter exchange serves as a mini-marketplace as well as a Business Networking Group. You can pick and choose from a number of carpeting companies. Additionally, if your business aligns with the same industry as the carpeting rep members, you may enjoy a stream of constant referrals. Equally, your customers may become the carpeting rep customers.
Sarasota Business Networking Groups can help generate great referrals
Small business owners in Sarasota Florida have alternatives in managing their business in today’s pandemic economic climate. Bartering offers start-ups and small business owner’s opportunity to keep the cash flowing. New business can thrive using the benefits of barter: a sales team, a network of professionals, a referral network and an opportunity to expand markets.
With hundreds of cardholders locally and over 500,000 businesses through our network, IBE Barter Exchange in Sarasota is helping local businesses increase sales, build customer loyalty and tap into new markets while conserving cash — All by bartering goods and services within the IBE membership network.
To learn more, give us a call today: Phone: (941) 955-6100
We all need a roof over our heads, that is just a fact of life. Food, shelter, and the love of others are a list of critical needs, though the order of importance may vary from person to person. When you are a homeowner the most important aspect of home upkeep, along with being one of the costliest, is the roof. If it leaks, then your entire contents and walls are in disrepair. If it has loose tiles or time and the difficult Florida humidity and sun have aged it to the point of no return, then you are without doubt in for quite an expenditure. And, with the way some builders and roofers have tarnished the reputation of an entire profession, who are you to trust? Throughout Manatee, Sarasota, Hillsborough, and Pinellas Counties there is just one name synonymous with trust, reputation and value. For your toughest jobs, you need to call the Roof Patrol at Florida Southern Roofing.
With three generations of skilled roofers within your family company, you know a thing or two about quality workmanship. And, hundreds of Google and Facebook reviews back up the fact that Florida Southern Roofing cares about its clients. “Very happy. Recommended to family and friends, “and “Great quality control from the entire team” are sentiments echoed throughout the comments. Having many of the employees be fourth and fifth generation Sarasota residents does not hurt. Florida Southern Roofing has deep ties to the community, even participating in “Roofs for Heroes,” where recipients can be nominated by neighbors or friends to receive a new roof without huge financial burdens. The folks at Florida Southern Roofing are proud to have served many community members in this way. When the Roof Patrol from Florida Southern Roofing shows up at your home or office, you know you are getting the utmost in professionalism, expertise, and courtesy.
While many roofing companies are happy to replace your existing roof, not all will do repairs. The Roof Patrol is happy to diagnose the problems in your residential or commercial roof and offer money-saving alternatives to repair rather than replace. They more value their reputation built on integrity and fairness than trying to upsell their clients. With lifetime guarantees on metal, tile, and shingle roofs, you can trust the professionals at Florida Southern Roofing to tackle even the toughest residential or commercial roof job. Their Building Connections Dream Team ensures your roof job, or home repair is handled within a network of vetted, and trusted professionals’ intent on making your residence into the dream home you have always envisioned. Get your free estimate today and start the new decade with a safe, weather-resistant, tough-as-nails roof from Florida Southern Roofing.
Just as they nail the roof down on your home or office, the Roof Patrol at Florida Southern Roofing likes to feel as secure about the professional organizations they are affiliated with. As a member of IBE for well over 20 years, they have grown to expect the same respect and highest customer care from their bartering experiences as they extend to their own clientele. With IBE, they can take care of fixed monthly expenses with the help of IBE, something that has proven to be very cost effective all these years later. The money saved while doing business with IBE? Priceless. Associating yourself with like-minded professionals who believe in saving a buck while helping friends and neighbors? Absolutely necessary. What are you waiting for? Make the call to the friendly folks at IBE and let the savings begin.
IBE Barter stimulates and brings you New and Additional Plus Business and provides you Cash Savings when making purchases.
Building NEW Business Relationships is one of the most valuable assets within the IBE Barter Community. Always treat your IBE trading partners with respect and REMEMBER, they are a VALUABLE Resource and will recommend you cash customers when they are satisfied with your services and you have earned their trust and respect.
The IBE Dollar is stronger than ever and backed by the IBE Members Products and Services.
IBE Markets your company, brings you new and additional plus business and reduces your costs when making purchases with your IBE Dollars.
Every business has a cost to generate a sale. The average cost of generating a sale is 28 to 36 percent according to the US Conference Board. This cost accounts for a companies sales force, advertising and marketing services, public relations services, online exposure, accounting and administration services and all merchandising costs.
The IBE Broker fee is considerably less at 15% to generate that same sale. IBE stimulates new and additional plus sales of your products and services. This is new business you would not have realized without being a member of the IBE Community.
**Wholesale buying power is your actual wholesale cost when using your IBE Dollars to generate new sales and utilizing these wholesale dollars when making retail purchases. If your wholesale cost is 28 cents on the dollar, then when you make a purchase using your IBE Dollars, your cost becomes 28% of the Retail cost.
Example; If you make a retail purchase of $1000.00 using your IBE Dollars, your cost is $280.00 or 28%. When you include the IBE Broker fee of 15%, your cost of that retail purchase becomes 43%. However, the IBE Broker fee also generates that new and additional plus business for you and offsets all of your existing expenses to generate that new sale.
You are actually saving 21% of the cost of a sale or purchase using your wholesale buying power through IBE.
IBE Stimulates and Generates this new business and you enjoy the savings by utilizing IBE as a sales and marketing tool to help build and grow your company.
To learn more about how your business can profit through the power of exchange
call IBE @ 941-955-6100
If you are new to the IBE Barter News site thank you for visiting. If you are a returning regular, welcome back. There is always something new and exciting going on in the IBE Barter Community so please bookmark this site as a favorite and return often to keep updated.
Growth strategies for keeping your business moving in a forward motion can be challenging. One important goal for all business owners is to recognize the importance of keeping an open mind to new ideas on how to attract new clients and save cash.
The equation to filling the gap is easy; take your downtime, whether you have 30 minutes a day that you are not billing out your services or several hours a day. This is considered wasted and non-revenue generating time, a vanishing asset you can’t recover the next day. Fill the gap with new exchange member clients; No more empty seats in your restaurant, entertainment venues, empty hotel rooms, excess inventory or non billable hours.
By joining an organized trade exchange you are opening your business to a whole new community of professional business people with like-minded goals, looking to fill the gap of their downtime while looking to build new client/customer relationships.
Fill your downtime with business people looking to use your specific services. At IBE we keep a controlled zero-based economy which means we help you establish a monthly exposure level of how much new and additional ‘plus’ business you are looking to generate to fill that downtime. You earn IBE trade dollars when you provide your services, bank the trade dollars with IBE and then we help to match your cash expenses with other liked minded businesses offering those services on trade.
Use what you have and get what you need. It’s that easy and a smart growth strategy to fill the gap with new business.
With over 670 active members we can help you grow your business. We bring new customers to you through our Sarasota Business Bartering System.
Now that a business owner joins a barter exchange in Sarasota Florida, reciprocates referrals, and grows the business, how does Uncle Sam get his share of all that trading? It doesn’t matter how. It just matters that he gets it.
Barter exchanges in Florida know the inside outs of taxes. They are required to. In 1982, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recognized the revenue passing between businesses through bartering, which prompted the creation of Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA). Barter exchanges have complied. As third-party record keepers, they track sales, broker commission fees, and purchases, and provide monthly statements, similar to a bank. As such, they are required to report to the IRS the actual dollars earned for the year, per member, on a 1099B form. The IRS requires that all Barter Companies report and send all of their members’ 1099B sales electronically.
When joining a Barter Network in Sarasota, members receive a Form W -9 that requires a taxpayer identification number, such as social security. Members also receive Form 1099-B to report their barter income, which matches figures of the exchange’s 1099B. The form shows the value of cash, property, services, credits, or scrip.
Just about any income, including barter, is taxable. “Whether you are required to report it or not, doesn’t change the taxability of it,” says accountant, George Famiglio of Famiglio & Associates, and member of the International Barter Exchange (IBE) in Sarasota, FL. “Whether you do an independent contracting for a company and they pay you, and they forget to send you a 1099, that doesn’t change anything. It’s taxable no matter what.”
Sarasota Business Bartering System
As members receive monthly statements from their Barter Exchange in Sarasota, they keep on top of their deductible expenses. “The goal is to have your expenses off-set your tax liability,” says Ron Unger, Director with IBE. “If you deducted all your proper business expenses, you may come up with a zero balance to the IRS.”
According to the IRS, like other income, barter income, from a Barter Network or individual barter partners, can affect total income tax liability, self-employment tax, excise taxes, state taxes, and employment taxes. If members have completed transactions where the fair market value of the property is more than their cost, the transaction may be reported as business income or capital gains.
At tax filing time, Famiglio suggests the bartering business owner gather invoices, the 1099 B form, and all of their accounting work. Those barter exchange statements make it easy. At least, for Famiglio. “Smart clients are always on fiscal years,” he says.
Business expenses related to barter transactions may be deductible as legitimate business expenses. Deductions can include the initial fee of joining a barter exchange, and, the monthly administration fee, as well as office, vehicle and other operating costs.
Sarasota Business Bartering Network
Bartering also could result in non-deductible personal loss, capital losses, or ordinary business income. For example, a business owner trades five trucks for five new trucks. “There’s no gain because he’s not selling them out to a third party,” Famiglio says. “He’s giving them to a dealer for five new trucks. The tax advantage is, he doesn’t have to report any gain on the trucks.”
Complicated? Not so. “There’s nothing magical about it,” says Famiglio. “Whatever is going to be deducted anyway, it is going to be deductible by barter. So, if somebody pays me in barter credits and I get $500, that person can deduct $500 because they paid their CPA $500.” Or a florist barters $1000 for flooring, he deducts $1000. Bartering in Sarasota can also apply to charity.
Paying tax on the value of goods or services wasn’t always tracked for societal benefit. Since the first Mesopotamia tribes traded their goods and services around 6000 BC, bartering expanded. A bartering system was adopted by Phoenicians, improved by Babylonians and used to pay Roman soldiers’ salaries with salt. In the middle Ages, Europeans traveled to barter furs and crafts. Colonial Americans traded ammunition, deer skins and crops. Though bartering maintained an alternative method of payment in rural areas, it gained popularity throughout the United States during the 1930s Great Depression.
Sarasota Business Bartering System
Individuals continue trading, taking chances, trusting strangers. Business owners, who trade one-to-one, do so at great risk. The risk involves two parties who may not have a “coincidence of wants,” in which they both want what the other has. The items may not be of the same value, or, simply, one trader feels he didn’t get the quality that he traded away. Barter exchanges remove that risk, making the activity of doing trade, business.
Where there is business income, there are taxes. As a business owner adds bartering to his marketing plan, Famiglio suggests the owner include a certified public accountant that is tuned into barter. Bartering is “such a great way to expand your business,” he says. “When you can trade advertising, professional services, janitorial, office services– whatever. That’s smart to do.” It’s a smart way to expand, but it’s also smart to implement bartering within the operating costs of a business, especially, if that business has employees. For example, businesses that once provided a health care insurance plan for employees, and, no longer can afford it, find another way. Companies offer bartering to employees as compensation and bonuses, as long as those goods and services are reported on Form W-2, as they are subject to FICA, FUTA and federal income tax withholding.
“Once you join a barter system in Sarasota Florida, you get a degree in economics automatically, because you understand what the economy is actually about,” says Famiglio. He encourages business owners to grasp a little knowledge of bartering and the tax industry, and find professionals who are unafraid. Simply, barter dollars work as actual dollars. “The uninformed accountant may say, ‘Oh, that’s barter. That’s weird stuff. I don’t want to learn about it’,” says Famigliio. Yet, bartering is not a tax tool; it’s a method of expanding one’s business. And, if that business owner understands the tax benefits, he may enjoy using a superior marketing tool and adding cash to his wallet.
IBE Barter is locally owned and proudly Serving local businesses throughout the entire Suncoast Region including the following communities:
Sarasota FL | Siesta Key FL | Vamo FL | Osprey FL | Nokomis FL | Venice FL | North Port FL | Lakewood Ranch FL | Bradenton FL | St. Petersburg FL | Clearwater FL | Tampa FL |
They try to define you, put you in a box and pigeonhole you. They mistake the “youniqueness” that indelibly is a part of you. Always thriving on a higher vibe, not better than; just truly savoring new experiences and looking at all moments as building blocks to your higher self. You look for every opportunity to lift others up, supporting brands and others who also demonstrate that innate ability to always want to serve a higher cause. Some get it. Some don’t. That doesn’t stop you from the desire to be different, be your best, and to always BSWANKY.
Be the Story
When you are creating one-of-a-kind handbags, works of art, really, and supporting local women with a source of income and a say in designs, plus giving back to the community you love, and beyond, empowerment happens. This is the story of BSWANKY’S founder, Gretchen Bauer. Horrified by the working conditions of the women making bags in a San Antonio factory, Gretchen entered the handbag industry by building a new factory for these same women. When she decided to move the operation to Sarasota, Gretchen gave the factory and business to the women in San Antonio. Sarasota is now the proud home of BSWANKY, where dozens of local non-profits regularly receive support from the sale of BSWANKY bags.
The Bag Says It All
When you can afford any bag in the world, why carry a BSWANKY bag? Legends in our entertainment industry like Faith Hill, Tori Spelling, and Jennie Garth proudly show off their BSWANKY bags. Perhaps it is the impeccable craftsmanship or exquisite functionality. Or that beauty. Scintillating eye candy found in the BSWANKY Luxury Collection, normally saved for that special occasion makes you the occasion every time you put it on. BSWANKY’s empire not only stands on its exquisite designs, it considers eco-friendly standards and ethical sourcing to also be in fashion. Looking for versatility without sacrificing the beauty? The Sophie Bag transforms from tote to backpack with absolute simplicity while efficiently holding your swag. Throw out any former notions of your favorite bag. When Sophie moves in, she is it.
Empowering Women
The women who work in the BSWANKY Sarasota facility have one thing in common; they are highly respected and revered as the heart of the operation. Having say in the design style is just one of the perks of working for BSWANKY. Receiving salaries well above their industry’s pay standards and knowing that the love and craftsmanship they pour into every bag will help countless of others in need is all in a day’s labor of love at BSWANKY.
Smart Bartering
As Gretchen Bauer has led BSWANKY to be a premiere handbag destination internationally, she has always intentionally done so with careful consideration and intensive assistance on behalf of her friends, colleagues, and neighbors in her hometown of Sarasota. As such, her affiliation with International Barter Exchange comes as no surprise. Exceedingly happy with the network of new merchants and customers she has garnered as a result of IBE, Gretchen explains it this way: “The prescreening IBE does provides for a truly magical experience with every interaction I’ve had with other members.” From long-distance moving to advertising wraps for vehicles, Gretchen has been immensely encouraged by the networking and money-saving opportunities IBE has provided, adding capital to BSWANKY’s mission to always be giving back.
Be the Change
With new designs like the Sofita and, further, yet undisclosed designs being added to the BSWANKY line, they are on point to trend set handbags with a cause into the next stratosphere. Be that woman who carries the bag that says I belong, I love others, and encourages others to be their best self. Support companies whose mission serves the greater good of all people, especially women. Be the example. BSWANKY. For more information, please visit https://bswanky.com/.
IBE is Gathering Smart Business Owners With a Common Purpose – to Upgrade Their Business!
Receive a complimentary membership and become a premier founding trading partner of the IBE Barter Exchange of Southwest Florida. Businesses in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Naples, welcome to the IBE Barter Business Community.
Call now to redeem your Complimentary IBE Barter Membership. 941-955-6100 ext. 202
Ask for Mary Unger, Owner/Partner, Since 1991.
IBE Barter has the largest regional barter exchange on Florida’s gulf coast. We are inviting your business to join the IBE Barter Business Community as we expand our reach into your community.
IBE Brings over 26 years of experience working with thousands of Regional, National and International Trading Business Partners.
Feel The Results with IBE Barter, Since 1991
✓ New Customers ✓ Cash Savings ✓ No more chasing accounts receivables
✓ No more unbillable hours ✓ No more unsold goods ✓ No more unexpected expenses
Your competitors will wonder what your secret sauce is!
IBE is Gathering Smart Business Owners With a Common Purpose – to Upgrade Their Business!