Straight answers for business owners.
How Bread or Barter works, what applying looks like, what may be exchanged, and how barter is handled for taxes.
The Basics
What is Bread or Barter?
Bread or Barter works directly with businesses to explore mutually beneficial exchanges using products, services, gift certificates, inventory, professional skills and available capacity.
Who do I make an arrangement with?
You work directly with Bread or Barter. Each arrangement is between your business and Bread or Barter, individually reviewed and agreed by both parties.
Is this a replacement for cash?
No. Cash still matters. Bread or Barter is a way to put other business value to work alongside it, so more cash can stay available for your business needs.
Is Bread or Barter only for certain kinds of businesses?
No. Established, growing, seasonal and new businesses all have value to put to work. Restaurants, hotels, contractors, retailers, automotive businesses, printers and professional service providers are common examples.
Applying
How do I apply?
Select Apply to Join on any page to reach our Join page and submit an application.
Is every application approved?
No. Every application is reviewed individually, and applying does not guarantee approval or any specific arrangement.
What happens after I apply?
We review your application and learn about your business and what it can offer. If there may be a good fit, we discuss possible arrangements with you privately.
Is financial assistance available?
Financial assistance programs may be available. Ask for details.
Arrangements
What can my business offer?
Products, services, gift certificates, selected inventory, professional skills, experiences and available capacity may all be considered, subject to review. See What You Can Offer.
What might Bread or Barter provide in return?
Depending on your business, opportunities may include business services, website services, business visibility, promotional campaigns, community sponsorships, advertising opportunities or other approved services. These are possibilities, not guarantees.
Do I have to accept an arrangement?
No. Participation is always voluntary. An arrangement only moves forward on terms both parties accept.
Community Recognition
How can trade value help my business get noticed?
Accepted transferable value, such as dining certificates, may sometimes be used in approved community promotions, social-media giveaways, fundraising activities or local business recognition that features your business by name.
Is promotion guaranteed?
No. Not every arrangement includes promotional use, and promotional results are never guaranteed.
Are fundraising contributions tax-deductible?
Bread or Barter does not promise tax deductions. Fundraising activities take place only where legally permitted. Talk with your tax professional about your situation.
Taxes and Records
Is barter taxable?
Yes, barter is generally taxable at fair market value, the same as a cash sale. It is not a way to avoid taxes.
Who is responsible for reporting?
Businesses remain responsible for their own tax and accounting obligations. Bread or Barter may provide required reporting information where applicable.
Ready to Put Your Business Value to Work?
Tell us about your business. We'll review your application and explore whether there's an arrangement that makes sense for both of us.