Detroit-area Companies Find a Unique Way to Expand their Customer Base and to Free Up Cash Through Cooperation with Troy-based Metro Trading Association

One of the oldest practices in human history is alive and well. It has changed with the times, however, to take advantage of modern technology.  The practice is barter (also called excess capacity trading) – and many Detroit-area business owners have discovered it to be not only a great way to bring in new customers, but to free up cash for their business needs.

“While good things come from competition, great things come from cooperation,” says Michael Mercier, founder of Troy-based Metro Trading Association (MTA).  “Every year more and more Michigan businesses recognize the value of bartering and the unique advantages it provides.”

Using the credit card system to record transactions, MTA makes the concept of barter a simple process for businesses of all sizes. Once a business owner becomes a member of MTA, trade brokers assist them in transforming unused staff-time or excess inventory into trade dollars.  MTA members can access a directory that reads like the Yellow Pages – including such categories as advertising, apparel, restaurants, car repair, travel, dental, landscaping, dog grooming, plumbing, electrical, painting, vet services, beauty, eye glasses, printing, and more.   Members purchase the products and services that their business needs with electronic trade dollars that they’ve earned within the network.  MTA charges a small percentage fee on new sales.  The business profits first and only pays MTA afterwards.

“When a business joins MTA, a new market of thousands of potential clients opens up to them,” says Mercier. This cooperation and relationship building has strengthened the local economy and improved employment in the region.  It has saved many a business from the disastrous consequences a great number of Michigan and Ohio businesses have suffered during the current economic difficulty.

At MTA’s recent 35th annual holiday trade show at The Roostertail, members were invited to have dinner on MTA and to get a head start on their holiday shopping.  Snowboards, big-screen televisions, precious jewelry, gourmet gift baskets and signed sports memorabilia were just some of the items that MTA members snapped up for personal and corporate gift giving utilizing their trade dollars.  Owner/president of Kart 2 Kart racing Tony Eckrich, a 12-year MTA member, was there to promote gift certificates for his racing facility.

“Bartering brings a new perspective on doing business and can lead to some great relationships,” says Eckrich.  “I spend most of our trade dollars on business uses:  carpet cleaning, Internet SEO marketing, printing, etc. – but it is also a great resource to entertain and incentivize my staff.” 

Metro Trading Association is the oldest trade association in the Great Lakes Region.  As the Midwest’s leading organized excess capacity trading service, MTA has a concentrated on building a strong economy for its members. Through their association with the International Reciprocal Trade Association and the national Association of Trade Exchanges, member can access tens of thousands of businesses worldwide.  Since opening in 1978, MTA has brought more than a quarter of a billion dollars in new sales that have resulted in millions in new cash profits to its clients.

www.metrotrading.com

-- Kathy Vargo - On The Rocks Detroit