Waikato Business News October/November 2022

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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 its 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.”
As part of the 30th 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.