Bartering on Craigslist has increased in the past year by 100% according to recent reports. One story discusses a young couple in Louisiana who have special skills of accounting and her husband home renovations abilities are trading these services for lodging in Cape Cod. Folks of all sorts are
turning to Craigslist to trade skills and services for things they aren't otherwise able to buy. One of the most popular items for trade has been school uniforms, although there are all sorts of goods and services being solicited.
In one instance a web designer and photographer was able to hook up with a fellow who has exotic pet supplies in order to get kitty litter and cat food for his pets
in exchange for his services in taking pictures of the fellow's pet products. Craigslist helps this kind of arrangement and others who have skills to offer and can't find paying jobs.
Craigslist represents what is called the “underground economy” since what happens there
isn't recorded on the gross domestic product. Bartering booms during hard economic times, so outlets like Craiglist allows enterprising entrepreneurs and those presently unemployed to get what they need or want in exchange for the goods and services they can't otherwise sell. This becomes a win for everyone and a way to stay ahead during the present recession.
