# Bartering 2.0 Amidst economic uncertainty, consumers revisit an age-old method to obtain goods. By [Michael Hemsworth](https://www.trendhunter.com/Michael.Hemsworth), Contributing Researcher | Published Feb 5, 2014, updated Feb 20, 2014 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/bartering-20 ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.6/10 - Evidence articles: 7 ## What is the Bartering 2.0 trend? **Bartering 2.0:** Returning to old customs to obtain goods or services in a fiercely competitive market, bartering is seeing an increase across the spectrum of consumers looking for a deal to those seeking to offer services for life essentials. Using social media and smartphone apps to connect, the updated concept of bartering is introducing the act to younger generations and augmenting the traditionally cut-and-dry economy to be more community and consumer focused. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 7 featured examples - Articles from: May 7, 2013 to Jul 20, 2014 - Published: Feb 5, 2014 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia), [Many to Many](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/many-to-many) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Bartering 2.0 trend ### Community-Centered Economy Using apps and social media, businesses can create platforms for bartering and sharing, enhancing traditional commerce models. ### Talent-Trading Networks Allowing users to pay for products or services with unique talents or videos creates a barrier-free payment method that rewards creativity. ### Eco-Friendly Technologies Innovative energy-saving and waste-reducing technologies create opportunities to encourage more environmentally-friendly behaviors and consumer choices. ## What the Bartering 2.0 trend means for industry ### For Technology Developing bartering apps and platforms that connect individuals looking to trade goods and services will increase sales and brand loyalty. ### For Retail Creating loyalty programs that reward unique customer actions, such as promoting content and posting videos, will encourage customer engagement and reduce churn. ### For Environment Investing in technologies that promote sustainable practices, such as using food waste as energy sources, will reduce costs and create positive brand associations. ## Trend signals for Bartering 2.0 Trend score 4.6 out of 10, from popularity 77%, activity 53%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 77% - Activity: 53% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Bartering 2.0 trend 7 featured examples from May 7, 2013 to Jul 20, 2014. - [Talent-Bartering E-Shops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-merit-shop): The Merit Shop Trades Its Items in Exchange for Videos of Unique Talents (Category: Business) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introducing novel payment systems that leverage user talents to purchase goods online. - [Bartering Fitness Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-fuelbox): The Nike FuelBox Dispenses Gear in Exchange for Nike FuelBand Points (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Fitness companies can use bartering dispensers to incentivize customers to buy gym membership or subscribe to fitness related supplies. - [Fashion Bartering Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swappi): Swappi Helps Users Trade Clothes Via an App (Category: Tech) Implication: The fashion and apparel industry can leverage fashion bartering apps to engage customers in sustainable practices and enhance brand loyalty. - [Bartering Biomass Teahouses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/methane-cafe): The Methane Cafe is an Eco Cafe in Japan That Trades Trash for Tea (Category: Eco) Implication: The food and beverage industry can embrace the trend of sustainable cafes by implementing energy-saving practices and repurposing food waste to create a more eco-friendly business. - [Home-Cooked Meal Networks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/home-cooked-meals): Mealku Works to Let People Barter with Home-Cooked Meals (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity for companies to create online platforms that connect home cooks and consumers, allowing for the exchange of home-cooked meals. - [Mail-Able Book Barters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mailbooks-for-good): Mailbooks for Good Encourages People to Share Their Old Books (Category: Unique) Implication: Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Partnering with organizations like Mailbooks for Good to offer in-store book donation programs, enhancing community engagement and social impact… - [Community-Building Barter Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bright-neighbor): Bright Neighbor is the First Sharing Economy Mobile Platform (Category: Social Good) Implication: There is an opportunity for mobile app developers to create similar apps for other cities, as well as offer improvements and expanded functionality to existing apps like Bright Ne… ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - 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