Better Business? Think Barter BusinessWhy trading for products and services makes great financial sense

The Internet isn't only a global marketplace, it's agreat place to barter. That's right, barter. Cash-strappedhomebased business owners can now barter products, services,surplus inventory, excess production capacity and more, in exchangefor needed services and supplies from other companies. And in theworld of barter, anything goes.

Online bartering sites for small businesses are one of theInternet's best kept secrets, but not for long. Take Ubarterfor instance, which will launch its updated,"super-charged" site (http://www.ubarter.com) in September."Our new business allows users to browse and post items freeof charge," says Steven White, the company's founder andCEO. "And with each item 'sold,' users receive'Ubarter Dollars,' which can be used toward purchases ofother goods and services posted." A transaction fee of 10percent (5 percent for both the buyer and seller) is assessed withevery sale.