This article is number 18 in a series of profiles of the Cobb Chamber’s 2016 Top 25 Small Businesses of the Year. Check back with Chamber Ink everyday in May for a new profile on a different Top 25 Business. We will wrap up the series on June 6 with the announcement of the 2016 Small Business of the Year.
Overview
The Barter Company (TBC) is a recognized leader in the barter industry with more than 2,500 members throughout the Southeast. TBC provides a business-to-business (B2B) trade exchange using an alternative currency network with barter dollars instead of cash to handle transactions. The company utilizes a computerized network of round robin trading to make sure each business gets what they need. For example, a restaurant may need a new sign but the sign company needs a legal contract. Through TBC’s state of the art technology, clients can tap into an extensive barter network to fill each need.
The benefits of B2B barter include improved cash flow and cost savings by minimizing the cash outlay for everyday business expenses and new customers and increased market share. Every client has a personal trade coordinator at TBC who helps them every step of the way to use the barter system as effectively as possible and even help market their businesses within the barter network. On average, their clients trade an impressive $15 million annually.
Adversity
After several years of feeling the impact of the Great Recession, The Barter Company is now experiencing an upswing in sales. There’s a misconception about barter that during a poor economy it flourishes. The truth is the stronger a company is the more barter sales they can do. The improving economy coupled with their focus on existing clients helped them to grow. Last year, TBC proactively sought ways to help their clients through developing additional in-house referrals and strengthening their new client education program, Barter 101, to help new clients navigate the barter system.
Innovation
There are several barter exchange groups available in the Atlanta area, but The Barter Company’s superior client service is what keeps their clients happy. In 2015, they had to listen to what their clients needed from them as a company. They created new technology to cater to the younger, tech-savvy clients, but continued to mail and personally call the older clients who needed it. Each year, their client satisfaction survey shows that more than 91% of clients are satisfied with their barter experience and a whopping 98% would recommend the Barter Company to others.
Business Profile
Owner: Ric Zampatti, Founder and CEO
Industry: Barter and Trade
Year Established: 1996
Location: Kennesaw
Number of Employees: Full -time: 12, Part-time: 1
Percentage of Growth in 2015: 4
Did You Know?: The Barter Company has a free app that gives clients instant access to other barter clients in their network.
Website: www.thebartercompany.com
Social Media
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheBarterCompany
Twitter: barterco
