Fair Trade Profits All

Business owners join the IMS network for one of three reasons; save cash, attract new customers, or increase sales. Once these business owners are a part of the network for a while, they may notice that not all business owners play fair. This is true in the cash world as well, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone that it happens within the network of IMS as well. However, we know that the value of the IMS dollar is strong, so let’s just review a few of the best practices when buying and selling through IMS.

Selling

Some of a business’ products or services simply can’t be traded through IMS. The profit margin is too low, the work or product is outsourced sub-contracted, or any of a million other reasons that could exist. That’s ok. Make your broker aware that you provide the product or service, but that it's generally not for sale through IMS. It will always be up to you whether you want to sell that product or service. Focus instead on selling your high-profit margin, low overhead products and services.

Make sure you are quoting fair prices and treat your IMS customers no differently than your regular customers. Remember, these are your fellow business owners you are doing business with, and their word-of-mouth advertising is just as valuable as any cash-paying client.

Finally, talk to your IMS broker often. There are opportunities that come in play on a daily basis, and if you want in on that action, you have to talk to your broker! Your broker may even have some marketing tips to increase sales!

Buying

We’ve all heard the adage “buyer beware”. This is true no matter what payment method you are using, whether cash or trade. Do your due diligence on any purchase you make, including through IMS. Price check your items, get quotes and bids from cash and trade providers, and talk to your broker! That’s right, your broker is there to make sure that whatever you want to buy is coming to you as a fair trade. Your broker can negotiate items like labor costs, item pricing, and will have several vendors available to you that you can’t find on the IMS website. Call your broker before you spend cash with anyone…whether through IMS or not!

Remember, a Fair Trade Profits All! You joined IMS to work with like-minded business owners who can help you save cash while you help them do the same. Play fair!