Bartercard NZ turns 30!

This month Bartercard NZ turns 30.  Founded in 1991 on the Australian Gold Coast, Bartercard is the world’s largest trade exchange and New Zealand’s leading business trading currency, attracting new customers and increasing sales.  The concept allows businesses to exchange goods and services without using cash; instead, they use trade dollars.  Bartercard started in New Zealand in 1992 and has over 10,000 cardholders, with 50 staff across 12 regional offices .   

bRewards was introduced in late 2019 as a way for members to refer new businesses to the Bartercard ecosystem and earn valuable bPoints, which can be exchanged for everyday spend gift cards, including grocery and petrol vouchers.  Since its launch, some members have been rewarded hundreds of dollars worth of gift cards.

Supporting NZ businesses to grow

Over the years, Bartercard has helped many businesses grow and realise their potential by filling some of their spare capacity with new customers and through access to our  interest free business lending.

Bartercard’s Interest Free Line of Credit allows many members to cover the essential start-up costs of their business or invest in revenue-generating expenses such as marketing and advertising, interior fitouts, equipment, larger premises, and extra storage space sourced through Bartercard’s cashless ecosystem.  It’s offered as a cash-alternative currency that comes without the interest rates of a business bank loan. 

Some members use their trade dollars to invest in properties, allowing for spare capital to be invested into bricks and mortar.  Bartercard is an excellent opportunity to fill empty seats and idle capacity for accommodation providers, restaurants, bars and cafes. 

Over the years, Bartercard has built strong strategic alliances with many sporting teams, charities, and business groups to help save cash and sell unused assets, including Heart Kids NZ, Sky Sport Breakers, Chiefs rugby and the Blue Light charity.  These organisations use Bartercard to sell unsold advertising space, sponsorship packages and tickets.  With the trade dollars they’ve generated, they’re saving cash by offsetting some of their expenses using Bartercard for costs associated with functions, raffle prizes, merchandise and the equipment needed to run successfully.

Mixing business and pleasure

Bartercard’s online Marketplace has millions of dollars worth of products and services available to allow members to offset cash expenses by acquiring them through the trade exchange, conserving cash flow.  Many members also use their trade dollars for lifestyle purchases, such as dining out, accommodation and hobby activities. 

Ongoing success

While the business has diversified over the years, the very essence of Bartercard remains for its members; growing their sales and attracting new customers when they want them.     

Bartercard NZ Chief Operating Officer Paul Hebbink has been with the business since its early inception and was recently presented with an Outstanding Service and Dedication Award at the team’s national conference.  “It was an honour to receive this award and a complete surprise.  I am extremely proud of what the business has achieved over the years.  Bartercard allows our members to continue trading through these challenging times and conserve that all-important cash.  We have some big growth plans, and I’m excited about our future.” 

Thank you

As part of the 30^th birthday celebrations and to thank its members, Bartercard is giving away 30 gift hampers made up of 30 products available through its online Marketplace.  Any member who transacts 30 or more sales and purchases or transacts more than T$3000 in trade volume (trade dollars) goes into the draw to win one of these 30 exclusive hampers.  Winners will be announced in early December.

To find out how Bartercard can assist your business, attract new customers and save you cash, visit www.bartercard.co.nz or call 0508 BARTER.