Gulf Coast Trade Exchange

If You Can Imagine It, You Can Trade For It!

The procedure of operation is very simple. The members sell their products and services through the Exchange to earn trade dollars credited to their account; after “banking” their dollars, they can now spend their “credit” to buy from other exchange members. This system is very similar to using a checking account at the bank; however, GCTE also provides new business, new customers, new sales, and greater profits for its members.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

First, trade produces new business. . . and allows you to expand your market beyond your cash paying customers. Secondly, trade conserves cash. Instead of spending cash to purchase goods and services, you can trade for them. Finally, trade stimulates idle resources. (Excess Time, inventory, and capacity can be converted.)

Clients of a trade association use trade credit, instead of cash, to handle their transactions. If a client trades one thousand dollars worth of products to another client, he will receive that amount in trade credit which can be used for purchases from other trade members, hotel rooms in most major cities, restaurant meals, office supplies, as well as thousands of other products and services obtained with trade credit. We are simply a third party record keeper that sends statements to all clients showing their purchases and sales as well as the the current trade balances monthly.

Nationally, over 100,000 businesses are involved. Major corporations include Xerox, Wilson Sporting Goods, Mattel, IBM, Pan AM, National Semiconductor, Chrysler, Hilton Hotels, Shell Oil, and countless others. Approximately seventy-five percent of the Fortune 500 companies engage in barter.

The problem with one-on-one trading is that each business must want what the other has to offer. In our Association, however, each can deal with others because of the round-robin benefit of trading with over four hundred merchants. Trade credit, thus, can be spent just like money.

This problem should only be temporary if your products or services are marketable. The amount of business, however, will depend on your particular type along with normal supply and demand factors. If you are not receiving as much business as you desire, the Association may also be able to help you by promoting your products and services.

Yes. Many clients use trade credit to pay employee bonuses. Some even pay employees a portion of their regular salaries in trade credit. At your request, we will set up employee sub-accounts and will assist your employees in spending their trade credit as advantageously as possible. The employees, of course, will not pay the ten percent broker fee; it must be paid by the member when credit is transferred to an employee’s sub- account.

Trade credit lines can be set up for clients just as banks give credit lines to qualified customers. All trade credit loans are backed by acceptable collateral.

Trade income is the same as cash income for tax purposes. There are no inherent tax advantages nor disadvantages. Trading should be considered a marketing tool, not a tax tool. Trade purchases that are business-related, however, are tax deductible just like cash transactions.

Monthly statements are emailed on the 1st day of each month. Phone App is also available for tracking Sales, Purchases,& Balances, as well as perusing the online Directory.

Launched in 1977, GCTE spans from Gulf Shores, Alabama to Destin, Florida. Currently over 400 members enjoy the benefits of increasing sales and purchasing power — not only locally — but also nationally with hundreds of business owners.

GCTE is affiliated with Pensacola Chamber of Commerce, Perdido Chamber of Commerce, Destin Chamber and Fort Walton Beach Chamber, as well as the Better Business Bureau. Founders Bob and Fran Crumpton have both served as Board of Directors of NATE; they each also served as President of the National Association.

If you would like to know more about barter, contact us and we will be happy to assist you.

If you can imagine it, you can trade for it!