Policies

When you are ready for business with a fellow Gulf Coast Trade Exchange member, please call GCTE to verify that the buyer’s account is in good standing. At the completion of the sale – when the buyer is ready to pay, the seller then contacts GCTE for authorization. (Credit card companies use a system of checks and balances; a trade exchange works in a similar fashion.) When issuing an authorization number, a broker checks the member’s account to clear the purchase and credits the seller’s account. (The authorization process gives the green or red light for each transaction.)

It is the seller’s responsibility to phone GCTE for approval to ensure the purchaser’s current status, prior to providing the service or delivery of products. Again, this practice is for your protection. (DO NOT wait until you’re ready to deliver the order to call for the authorization).  Seller may also use the phone app for authorizations.

Delivery commitments should be the same as dealing on a cash basis. We all know that promising but not delivering is a poor business practice. Thus, please respond, for example, by saying, “I’m sorry, but I am booked now, I cannot tackle your job until next month. Can you wait?” At least you will be remembered favorably. (Please don’t say, “I’ll try” if you know you can’t).

Each business lists a primary contact person. To avoid any problems, always be certain to speak specifically with the designated person.

Traders “buying at their wholesale cost” . . . should not be confused with “buying wholesale.” With barter, you don’t buy at wholesale prices, but you do purchase at your own wholesale cost. For example, you are in a service business; you sell $500 worth of services which cost $250.00 to produce. In exchange, you purchase $500 worth of advertising. You are purchasing at your own wholesale cost, thus you have actually received retail for wholesale cost.

GCTE has worldwide accommodations available for your trading convenience; however, we are not a travel agency and cannot operate as one. Please review the following travel procedures:

(1) There is a $10 cash fee charged for each travel arrangement made through GCTE.

(2) Once a GCTE travel reservation is confirmed, it is non-cancelable and non-refundable.  (Please be certain of plans before making a commitment.)

As a convenience, all cash fees are billed on your GCTE monthly statement. Payments are due by the 25th of each month. (Late charges are incurred after the billing date.)