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National & International Trading

What is IRTA?


The International Reciprocal Trade Association, IRTA, is a non-profit organization committed to promoting just and equitable standards of practice and operation within the Modern Trade and Barter and other Alternative Capital Systems Industry, by raising the awareness and value of these processes to the entire Global Community. The mission of IRTA is, to provide all Industry Members with an ethically based global organization, dedicated to the advancement of Modern Trade and Barter and other Alternative Capital Systems, through the use of education, self-regulation, high standards and government relations. Click here to see a complete list of BBE memberships and affiliations.
 

What is Universal Currency (UC)?


The Universal Currency Clearinghouse (UC) is a central clearinghouse for trade credit transactions among trade exchanges located throughout the world that are members of the International Reciprocal Trade Association, IRTA. UC is basically a "trade exchange for trade exchanges”. Participating barter exchanges convert their own barter dollars into UC barter dollars when they purchase or sell to another barter exchange within the UC system. It’s very similar to the Euro (European dollar). Strict and proper trading standards and credit policies that are monitored closely by member exchanges for maximum trade credit value protection. A BBE broker must process all purchases and sales involving UC transaction.
 

What is NATE?


The National Association of Trade Exchanges, NATE, is a group of independently owned and operated barter exchanges that are the willing to teach, learn, and trade with each other throughout North America. This network connects thousands of ethical and reputable clients with one another, increasing scope and customer base for those wishing to barter goods and services from one company with another within the membership base. Click here to see a complete list of BBE memberships and affiliations.
 

What is Barter Association National Currency (BANC)?


The Barter Association National Currency (BANC) a universal reciprocal barter currency with the integrity and stability that is exclusively available to members of the National Association of Trade Exchanges (NATE). BANC is a common trade currency allowing barter companies to transact business with each other, without the need to arrange direct reciprocal trade accounts. Participating barter exchanges convert their own barter dollars into BANC barter dollars when they purchase or sell to another barter exchange within the BANC system. It’s very similar to the Euro (European dollar). A BBE broker must process all purchases and sales involving BANC transactions.
 

What barter currencies does BBE accept for payment?


BBE will only trade with established, reputable barter exchanges that belong to IRTA or NATE. The International Reciprocal Trade Association (IRTA) and the National Association of Trade Exchanges (NATE) are self-regulated, non-profit organizations that set the ethical and financial standards for barter exchanges worldwide. Any barter exchange in the world, including online barter currencies and/or barter franchises, can belong to IRTA and/or NATE to participate in the BANC and UC barter currency programs if they meet industry standards.
 

How can I advertise my products and services to barter exchanges nationally and internationally?


If you have a product, service, and/or travel opportunity that is 100% barter that you would like advertised nationally or internationally simply contact your BBE barter broker. Your barter broker will advertise your products and services on the BANC and UC websites that are used by the barter exchange brokers to view available products and services from other barter exchanges. Your products and services will also be sent out via broadcast email to all national and international barter brokers that participate in the BANC and UC systems. The participating barter brokers will advertise your products and services to their clients. If a client in their barter exchange is interested in purchasing your products and services, the barter broker from that barter exchange will contact a BBE barter broker who will in turn contact you. The BBE barter brokers will process all paperwork for national and international purchases. If a client from another barter exchange contacts you directly, please contact a BBE barter broker before you process the transaction. The BBE barter broker will contact that barter exchange to verify that the buyer is a buyer in good standing with their barter exchange.
 

How can I purchase products and services from other barter exchanges that accept BANC and UC barter dollars for payment?


If you need a product or service that is not listed in the BBE Marketplace, contact your BBE barter broker to see if it is available for purchase from another participating BANC or UC barter exchange. Your BBE barter broker will search the BANC and UC websites to see if your requested product and/or service is available from a participating BANC and UC barter exchanges. If the products and services are available, your BBE barter broker will contact you with specific buying instructions. Remember, each barter exchange has its own rules and regulations. When you are buying from another barter exchange, BBE members must follow the policies and procedures of that barter exchange.