Barter Rules

1. Purpose

These Barter Rules govern all transactions conducted on the BarbuxBarter platform. They are designed to ensure fair, transparent, and compliant trades between verified business members.

All members must adhere to these rules. Violations may result in account suspension, credit reversal, or permanent removal from the platform.

2. Barter Credit System

Credit Valuation

• 1 barter credit = 1 USD in value
• All services must be priced at their fair market cash value
• Credits are non-transferable outside the BarbuxBarter platform
• Credits cannot be converted to cash or withdrawn
• Credits never expire and remain in your account indefinitely

Earning Credits

• New approved members receive 500 free barter credits
• You earn credits when other members purchase your services
• Credits are added to your account immediately upon transaction completion
• There is no limit to how many credits you can earn

Spending Credits

• You can spend credits on any service listed by verified members
• Credits are deducted from your account when a transaction is recorded
• You must have sufficient credits to complete a purchase
• Partial credit payments are not permitted — full credit amount required

3. Transaction Process

Step 1: Browse and Connect

Members browse the marketplace, identify services they need, and contact the service provider through the platform.

Step 2: Negotiate Offline

Members negotiate the scope, timeline, and credit value of the trade outside the platform (via phone, email, or in-person meeting). Both parties must agree on terms before proceeding.

Step 3: Deliver Service

The service provider delivers the agreed-upon goods or services to the buyer according to the negotiated terms.

Step 4: Record Transaction

Once the service is delivered and accepted, both parties log into BarbuxBarter and record the transaction. Credits are transferred, and the 5% transaction fee is charged.

4. Service Listing Requirements

All service listings must:

• Accurately describe the goods or services offered
• Include clear pricing in barter credits
• Reflect the fair market cash value of the service
• Be services your business is legally authorized to provide
• Comply with all applicable laws and regulations
• Not include prohibited items (weapons, illegal substances, etc.)

5. Fair Trading Practices

Members must:

• Honor all agreed-upon trades and deliver as promised
• Provide services of the same quality as advertised
• Communicate clearly and professionally with trading partners
• Respond to inquiries in a timely manner
• Complete transactions within the agreed timeframe
• Accurately record all transactions on the platform

6. Prohibited Practices

The following activities are strictly prohibited:

• Creating fake or fraudulent transactions
• Inflating service values to manipulate credit balances
• Colluding with other members to game the system
• Recording transactions that did not actually occur
• Failing to deliver services after receiving credits
• Misrepresenting the quality or scope of services
• Using the platform for money laundering or illegal activities
• Attempting to circumvent transaction fees

7. Dispute Resolution

Filing a Dispute

If a trade does not go as planned, the affected party may file a dispute within 30 days of the transaction. Disputes must include:

• Transaction ID and date
• Description of the issue
• Supporting evidence (emails, photos, contracts, etc.)

Resolution Process

BarbuxBarter will investigate the dispute, contact both parties, and mediate a resolution. If fraud or non-delivery is confirmed, we may:

• Reverse the credit transfer
• Suspend the offending member's account
• Require re-delivery of services
• Permanently ban repeat offenders

8. Tax Compliance

Barter transactions are taxable under IRS regulations. Members are responsible for:

• Reporting barter income on tax returns
• Maintaining accurate records of all trades
• Consulting with a tax professional for guidance

BarbuxBarter provides detailed transaction statements to assist with tax reporting but does not provide tax advice.

9. Enforcement and Penalties

Violations of these Barter Rules may result in:

• Warning and mandatory compliance training
• Temporary account suspension
• Credit reversal or forfeiture
• Permanent account termination
• Legal action for fraud or illegal activity

10. Questions

For questions about these Barter Rules, contact us at support@barbuxbarter.com