Barter
Mag
For businesses
that connect
THE EQUINOX
S E A S I D E E X PA N S I O N PA I D
WITH FISH AND CHIPS
PLUS
Top business trends
Work hard/play hard with Bartercard
Vivais – breaking down legal
stereotypes one client at a time
Bartercard breaks a record
$100 million in real estate listings
world-wide
Issue 6
Reward your staff with
Bartercard
vouchers
With a wide range of vouchers to
choose from, you won’t be short
of ways to reward your staff…or
yourself…without spending cash.
Choose from restaurants, beauty
salons, accommodation, health
and fitness, and a host of other
experiences to make your staff
feel valued.
Visit mybc.bartercard.com
or call 1300 BARTER (1300 227 837)
to find out more.
In this issue
6
16
10
22
19
26
Published by
Bartercard Australia
Level 2,
121 Scarborough St
Southport Qld 4215
1300 BARTER
(1300 227 837)
bartercard.com.au
4
5
6
8
9
10
14
MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
TRACKS TO SUCCESS IN A ROCKY
MARKET
SEASIDE EXPANSION PAID WITH
FISH AND CHIPS
WHAT IS BARTERCARD?
WORK HARD/PLAY HARD
WITH BARTERCARD
TOP BUSINESS TRENDS
TOYNE BUSINESS CONSULTANTS:
GROWING PROFITS ON
BARTERCARD
9
18
15
16
18
19
20
22
24
26
VIVAIS – BREAKING DOWN
LEGAL STEREOTYPES ONE CLIENT
AT A TIME
BARTERCARD BREAKS A RECORD
$100 MILLION IN REAL ESTATE
LISTINGS
CON-X-ION AIRPORT TRANSFERS:
IT’S A WRAP!
JIRRA WINES AT JEIR STATION
- A GOOD DROP ON BARTERCARD
VANUATU REVISITED
BARTERCARD INVESTS IN
THE FUTURE WITH BOND
SCHOLARSHIPS
LOCAL BUILDER LANDS A
MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR CASH
CONTRACT
BUCQI - A NEW CLASS OF
REWARDS
Message from the CEO
I
t’s turning into a big and fast year for Bartercard and it’s members. In February Bartercard turned 25
and celebrated $4.4 billion in cash savings for small businesses in Australia! As a business who’s parent
company recently listed on the ASX, we’ve reached a huge milestone in the market thanks to the support of
our members since inception. In a short space we’ve already seen so much innovation in trading, from multimillion dollar beachside renovations to expanding into new markets overseas, stitching up real estate deals and
improving lifestyle to enjoy the work-life balance more. In the following pages you will find all of these stories
and more to give you great ideas and inspiration for using Bartercard in your business.
You will also find stories about strategies that members are using to boost their start-ups, and considering
that 9 out of 10 new businesses fail, it’s a critical time for every entrepreneur. You will find that Bartercard is a
useful tool as a viable cash alternative to supplement business.
While last year saw almost every business expanding at a digital level, the focus now is on the way that
digital interactions are playing out in the consumer space. So take the conversation to the next level and
consider how the outcomes of digital are shaping your business. We recently launched our own brand new
digital product to the market, a new rewards program and mobile app combined which is changing the
consumer experience. You can read about bucqi on page 26.
I wish you all a successful year and hope you enjoy this latest issue of BarterMag which is packed full of
business tips and stories about members who are using Bartercard to grow their business, every day.
Best regards,
Clive van Deventer
CEO Bartercard Australia
R E AC H I N G
Tracks to
success in a
rocky market
When the global financial crisis left industries crashing worldwide, Datatrax, a marketing technology leader for the Australian
tourism industry, really felt the effects of the downturn.
The company’s TourismTouchscreen kiosks, which showcase
local attractions to visitors across Australia and New Zealand, were
under threat as tourism declined and travel operators cut back on
what costs they could.
Despite a resilient approach which saw Datatrax survive the
worst of the effects, several years down the track the company
was still feeling the crunch in a recovering market, finding it
harder to expand their client base and maintain previous buoyant
advertising revenues.
While CEO, Paul Buckley, had been aware of the increased
business that Bartercard could bring to its members, it wasn’t until
Datatrax was in the midst of a global drop in tourism spending that
they embraced joining the cashless business network.
Datatrax CEO Paul Buckley
N E W
M A R K E T S
Paul, having known the local Bartercard franchisee in
Canberra, Gabriele Saccardo, for over twenty years, decided to
join and trial the system for his company.
“Gabriele assured me there were hospitality members
eager to spend their trade dollars on advertising and he wasn’t
wrong,” Paul said.
“Bartercard was the shot in the arm we needed when
times were tough. We added 10-15% on our top line and took
10% off the bottom line.”
Since becoming a member in mid-2014, Datatrax has
enjoyed an increase in business and the benefit of an extra
income stream, and is using this to expand its network at
greater speed than ever before.
Through Bartercard, Datatrax has been able to increase
the number of kiosk locations, giving members the
opportunity to host their own kiosk touchscreen and provide
their patrons with extra informational services – all without
overstretching their advertising budget.
With the revenue from the additional sales, Datatrax
has used their trade dollars, with great effect, to reduce
expenses associated with on-boarding and training their
new recruits. Previously, costs such as hiring training venues,
accommodation and catering were a cash expense which
Datatrax incorporated into their training budget. Upon joining
Bartercard, they decreased their cash expense of training by
booking accommodation in Canberra through local Bartercard
businesses, as well as utilising trade dollars at local cafés and
restaurants for catering. “This has been a huge welcomed cash
saving to the business,” Paul said.
Datatrax has also reassigned cash business costs to
Bartercard by using a local printing company to create
promotional materials, used by project managers out in the
field, routinely servicing and maintaining company vehicles
and providing bonuses and vouchers to staff.
Next on the horizon is the opportunity to grow and
expand the TourismTouchscreen network internationally. By
offering a special advertising package exclusively to Bartercard
members, the advertising content for regions across Australia
and New Zealand will be boosted.
“Bartercard is helping us gain critical mass,” Paul said.
“By pre-selling packages on Bartercard it populates a
new area with competing businesses which makes it a more
attractive advertising option to new cash customers signing
up to our quarterly campaigns.”
“All businesses interested in profiting from
tourism spending could benefit from advertising to the
travelling public.”
Download the Datatrax app ‘Take You There’ and start
having some fun!
PAGE
5
C O N S E RV I N G
C A S H
A recent $3 million renovation has
given the Equinox a brand new look
and feel for locals to enjoy.
Seaside expansion
paid with fish and chips
A S E A S I D E FAVO U R I T E W H I C H H A S B E E N S E RV I N G TO U R I ST S
A N D LO C A L S FO R M O R E T H A N 15 Y E A R S H A S SAV E D $500,000
W I T H BA RT E RC A R D O N A R EC E N T $3 M I L L I O N R E N OVAT I O N.
Bartercard has played a key role in the multi-million dollar
renovation of an iconic restaurant and takeaway located on
the waterfront of one of Western Australia’s premier tourist
destinations.
The $3 million refurbishment of the Equinox included
$500,000 in interest-free trade dollars funding the main builder,
Big Ben Builders and nearly all sub contractors using Bartercard.
Bartercard’s extended line of credit gave owners Peter
Gordon and Dave Ebert the financial confidence for the significant
spend, and enabled them to realise the potential of their unique
north-facing prime real estate position, overlooking the famous
Busselton Jetty.
The Equinox development boasts a fully refurbished, expanded
200 seat restaurant, an all-year-round alfresco dining and beer
garden among the landmark fig trees, a second commercial kitchen
servicing a takeaway area, and has become the biggest building
project funded by Bartercard in the South West.
The level of investment has enabled Peter and Dave to
incorporate a number of unique features and design a modern
restaurant to cater for the ever-increasing number of visitors
coming to experience the seaside city and the iconic Busselton
Jetty, the second most visited tourist attraction in WA.
Historic timber was sourced from the recent restoration of the
150 year old Busselton Jetty, so a core part of Busselton’s history
could be incorporated into the design of The Equinox.
The timbers, from what was a major working wharf up until
the 1970s, are a key feature in the alfresco bar design and have
been used to clad the metal structural beams throughout the
building.
Local artist Jack Bromell was commissioned to create a mural
which runs along a 30 metre wall on one side of the building,
using his inspiration from growing up in Busselton and spending
all of his free time jetty jumping, to create a timeline of the
Busselton Jetty through history.
C O N S E RV I N G
C A S H
“TOURISTS COME TO
TOWN, JUMP ON THE
BA RT E RCA R D A P P TO
SEE WHERE THEY CAN
E AT A N D B O T H O F O U R
VENUES TOP THE LIST”
The Equinox overlooks the Busselton Jetty, located in
South West WA's vibrant tourist strip.
This amazing black and white artwork tells the story from
trees in the forest, cutting down and milling the timber to build
the structure, to the big ships being tethered to the jetty which
started at 161 metres in length in 1865 and reached 1.8kms
100 years later, right through to the train and the underwater
observatory.
These features and attention to Busselton’s celebrated past,
have been embraced by the close-knit seaside community.
“We are delighted with the building and that the locals
really feel a part of it,” Peter said.
“They really appreciate what we’ve done and feel like
they’ve got some ownership of it.”
Peter and Dave have been members of Bartercard for 14
years and a year ago entered their first partnership build using
trade dollars with the refurbishment of their Stilts Restaurant at
the nearby Broadwater Beach Resort.
“We put our toe in the water with Stilts and the
refurbishment was a great success with a number of local
tradies coming on board with Bartercard so the next obvious
step was to use trade dollars with the Equinox refurbishment,”
Peter said.
“We find there is a good mix of tourists and locals who
use Bartercard seven days a week, so we know that the trade
dollars we use, we quickly and easily get back in sales.
“Tourists come to town, jump on the Bartercard app to see
where they can eat and both of our venues top the list, meaning we
have a steady flow of Bartercard customers.
“While we took a big element of risk with a multi-million
dollar refurbishment on leasehold land, it was made easier with a
T$250,000 credit increase. The ongoing help from the local office,
sourcing contractors and trades for the construction, made it all
possible.”
“Without Bartercard’s interest-free line of credit, we couldn’t have
funded this project due to being on leasehold land.”
Overlooking the white sand beach, Equinox is a hot spot for
relaxing lunches within Busselton’s vibrant tourist strip. The venue
fills out at sunset, and beach-lovers can pick up a hearty burger or a
seafood basket to go.
Equinox is open seven days for breakfast lunch and dinner,
serving modern Australian and some Asian-inspired dishes.
“WE ARE DELIGHTED
WITH THE BUILDING
A N D T H AT T H E
L O C A L S R E A L LY
F E E L A PA RT O F I T ”
PAGE
7
What is
Bartercard?
Bartercard is a business network made up of
55,000 cardholders around the world. It is designed to
assist businesses to improve cash flow and reduce cash
expenses through the use of modern bartering.
Gone are the days of swapping a cow for a pig or
a chicken for a goat. The power of modern bartering
is that you can conserve cash and reduce expenses
by using our digital currency, known as a trade dollar,
to swap your goods or services indirectly with any
business within the Bartercard network.
Business start-up
AND HOW DOES
IT WORK…
6 B E N E F I T S F O R YO U R B U S I N E S S. . .
1 . M O R E C U STO M E R S
Most businesses employ sales people, advertise, reduce
prices or offer incentives to gain more customers. By using
Bartercard you gain more customers by promoting your
business directly to the membership base through the many
sales channels and by building relationships at the networking
events. It’s like having an extra marketing arm in your business
which directly results in increasing your sales opportunities
and creating cash referral business.
2 . T H E P OW E R O F B A RT E R C A R D T R A D E
DOLLARS
When you barter trade using Bartercard you are ultimately
buying with your cost of products or services. Therefore, you
are buying at the purchasing discount that is inbuilt into
your margin.
To put simply, if it costs you 35c in the dollar to provide your
product or service, then for every $100 trade you spend it really
only costs you $35. So you are in fact buying at a 65% discount!
By understanding this benefit you may be starting to
grasp the power that Bartercard offers businesses.
3. REDUCE CASH EXPENSES
The way to maximise your purchasing discount is to look
at all the current expenses that you have in your business such
as advertising, bookkeeping, legal, printing, graphic design,
business lunches and so on. By using the services of business
members within the Bartercard network you can pay for these
expenses with trade dollars instead of cash.
4 . S E L L S LOW- M OV I N G STO C K
For many businesses selling slow-moving stock means
discounting, running dealer promotions or sadly writing off the
stock. The benefit with Bartercard is you can sell slow-moving
or discontinued stock at the normal selling price avoiding the
need to reduce your profit margins. You can promote your
slow-moving stock to the members on Bartercard’s online
facilities, eNewsletter or at a stand at the many trade shows.
5. C A P T U R E LO ST R E V E N U E
Most businesses have a certain amount of downtime,
be it on certain days or at certain times of the year with the
flux of seasonal trends. Bartercard’s goal is to assist you to
gain additional customers to utilise business downtime. For
example, hairdressers may fill empty spots in their diaries,
restaurateurs may fill empty tables, hotels may fill empty
rooms, and professionals may fill empty appointments with
additional Bartercard customers. By filling downtime you are
effectively gaining revenue that you would otherwise have lost
or missed out on.
6. I N T E R E ST F R E E L I N E O F C R E D I T
Bartercard members receive an interest free line of
credit ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 trade dollars which
allows them to make purchases immediately upon joining the
Bartercard network. This interest-free line of credit allows you
to continue to grow your business even during times when
your cash flow has slowed down, without incurring crippling
interest rates.
Bartercard has 24,000 members world-wide across almost every industry imaginable.
We would love the opportunity to help you achieve your business and lifestyle goals contact us on 1300 BARTER (1300 227 837) or visit bartercard.com.au.
I M P ROV E
YO U R
L I F E ST Y L E
WORK HARD
PLAY HARD
W I T H
B A R T E R C A R D
One of the main reasons people go into business is to enjoy a better lifestyle. However,
after pouring money into the business during start up, continual expenses and a
competitive market to boot, there’s often little left over to spend on anything non-essential.
Bartercard members have the advantage of being able to
pay for lifestyle costs without spending cash, or only part-pay
cash on significant expenses like real estate, holidays and home
renovations.
They do this by indirectly trading their products and
services for property deposits, accommodation worldwide, home
renovations and furnishings, entertainment and dining out, so
they can play hard with Bartercard.
Matt Alderton, founder of Bx, Business for Life, an SME
training and events company, sees first-hand the frustrations of
business owners.
At the start of his program he asks his participants to reflect
on why they got into business in the first place. Was it for money,
lifestyle, more family time or something else? His real question is…
have you achieved your why? Very often, the answer is no.
“Generally there are three main concerns for small business
owners,” Matt said. “One, lack of money, two, lack of time and
three, the additional stress.”
“I advocate Bartercard to business owners because it can
grow their business really quickly through the marketing avenues
available and then they can spend the extra income on holidays
or personal expenses without withdrawing any cash reserves
from the business or eating into the family budget.”
Spending on Bartercard is a perfect way to improve your
lifestyle, guilt free.
For many business owners, there’s often guilt associated with
personal indulgences or spending on anything non-essential,
especially in the early days when almost every cent is poured into
the start-up. The upshot of Bartercard is you don’t need to spend
cash on many lifestyle costs and everyday purchases.
“My wife and I don’t buy wasteful presents for each other but
often I’ll buy her things on Bartercard that I know she’ll use like
spa vouchers and beauty products“, said Matt.
“When we spend trade dollars on lifestyle expenses, we
can enjoy those splurges so much more because we’re not
spending cash.”
Colin Hatcher, owner of Speedie Shoe Repairs uses
Bartercard to fund lifestyle costs to conserve his cash flow.
While shoe repairs and key cutting is the bread and butter of his
business, he said that selling remotes and engraved pet tags on
Bartercard’s online trading platform MYBC has attracted a new
market of customers around Australia.
“Even if you’re quiet in the cash ecomony you’re still earning
a digital currency which you can use to cover a host of lifestyle
costs without reaching into your pocket,” he said.
“I’ve had two bathrooms fitted out on Bartercard, paid for
a chiropractor that would have cost me thousands of dollars in
cash, and accommodation in Yamba for a family holiday which let
me keep $1700 in my pocket.”
Joining Bartercard not only lets you attract new customers,
conserve cash and grow profits in your business, but it lets you
enjoy a better lifestyle without emptying the coffers!
W H Y N OT T RY T H E S E O P T I O N S TO
I M P R OV E YO U R L I F E ST Y L E W I T H
B A RT E R C A R D?
MYBC is Bartercard’s online trading platform which lets
you shop almost anything and everything from homewares
and furnishings, to beauty products, clothing, electrical items
and business products and services.
Visit mybc.bartercard.com
Bartercard Tourism Breaking up the work grind is
where new ideas start. Enjoy over 1,000 accommodation
options world-wide without the cash cost.
Visit bartertourism.com.au
Bartercard Property Part and parcel of buying
real estate is risk and uncertainty, but luckily Bartercard
eases both.
Visit to bartercardproperty.com
PAGE
9
TO P
B U S I N E S S
T R E N D S
Top business
trends
Business start-up
B E I N G AWA R E O F T R E N D S I N B U S I N E S S
I S I M P O R T A N T, R E G A R D L E S S O F T H E
S I Z E O F YO U R E N T E R P R I S E . C H A N G E
I S O C C U R R I N G AT A R A P I D R AT E , A N D
S T AY I N G O N T O P O F T H E L A T E S T T R E N D S
C A N H E L P YO U S P O T A N O P P O RT U N I T Y
E A R L Y, A N D C A P I T A L I S E O N I T.
HERE ARE EIGHT TRENDS
T H AT C O U L D B E I N F L U E N C I N G
YOU R BUSI N E S S I N 2016.
TO P
THE CONNECTION
ECONOMY IS HERE
Some of the most successful companies are
changing the world without investing a cent into the basic
components at the heart of their business. Facebook
connects users without creating any content, Uber pairs
drivers and passengers yet doesn’t own any vehicles, and
Airbnb is the accommodation service which doesn’t own
any real estate. The hotel alternative is currently valued at
$24 billion and is used by more than half a million guests
per night worldwide (huffingtonpost.com).
This is the beauty of the connection economy, and it’s
making some very switched on founders millions.
In a connection economy (in contrast to the
industrial economy), the emphasis is on building human
relationships rather than assets. This economy is about
making connections not only between buyers and
vendors, but also between customers.
THE GIG ECONOMY
IS SHAKING UP THE
WO R L D O F WO R K
A S H I F T AWAY F R O M
TRADITIONAL JOBS
IS SEEING MORE
C O L L A B O R AT I O N
AND NEW IDEAS
B U S I N E S S
T R E N D S
Best-selling author and marketing expert, Seth Godin, has
identified four pillars of the connection economy:
•
Coordination – which basically refers to the need to
coordinate people in order to get things done.
•
Trust – the ability to earn trust with consumers.
•
Permission – rather than bombarding people with
marketing information, ‘permission’ involves speaking to
those who genuinely want to hear what you have to say.
•
Exchange of ideas – something that happens readily in
a connection economy. For example, Godin says you
are more inclined to learn from other attendees at a
conference than from speakers.
Godin points out that these four pillars are based on the two
principles of generosity and art – because no one wants to deal
with someone who makes it all about them, or who is stuck-in-themud creatively speaking. Connection is an art rather than an exact
science and can’t be taught in a boardroom presentation.
This is a very interesting trend because in an age of increased
automation and technology, it puts a new emphasis on building
personal relationships and connections.
What is the gig economy you may ask? It involves a shift away from
people working in stable and traditional jobs for many years to undertaking
short-term work assignments or ‘gigs’.
Gigs are made possible by modern technology such as cloud computing
and remote tools that allow online collaboration. Online freelancing is an
example of the gig economy.
Working in this way offers businesses more flexibility, for example by
allowing them to bring someone on board for a one-off project, but also
provides opportunities for those who ‘gig’ to be innovative and entrepreneurial.
It enables those who are interested in running their own businesses to
do so without taking on many of the risks and costs involved in opening a
traditional bricks-and-mortar operation.
The gig economy is also closely related to the connection economy, with
a similar emphasis on building relationships and connections.
PAGE
11
TO P
B U S I N E S S
T R E N D S
Business start-up
D I G I TA L WA L L E T S
Think of all the things inside your wallet or purse – more than
WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY
In case you haven’t noticed, wearable tech is becoming
likely it’s so stuffed with bank cards, receipts, coupons, loyalty cards,
hugely popular. There’s the Apple Watch, and if you are into
notes and coins that you can’t even close it up properly!
tracking your health and fitness, you’ve probably jumped on the
Enter the digital wallet – a virtual wallet app on your phone that
Fitbit or Apple HealthKit trend.
lets you make payments and holds important information, such as
While this type of technology is often for personal use, it
your credit card details, loyalty cards and ID, which is safeguarded
also has potential for business in terms of data gathering, which
through encryption and passwords.
could provide pointers for targeting or retargeting customers with
Financial institutions across the world have been working on
digital wallet services, which offer a level of convenience for both
promotions or deals.
As an example, some insurance companies are making use of
businesses and consumers. For example, the Commonwealth Bank
wearable devices to assess customers’ health risk profiles, and are
has developed a new app that allows payments via mobile, and also
using this data to offer premium discounts for healthy behaviour.
provides the option for cardless cash withdrawals.
bucqi, a brand new product released to the market in 2015,
takes the digital wallet a step further by combining rewards and
mobile payments.
The new rewards app is designed to drive loyalty and new
OMNI-CHANNELLING
customers to small business and lets consumers make transactions
and earn rewards at the same time without pulling out cash or
cards – they simply scan a QR code and the payment is processed
in a matter of seconds.
Digital wallet technology is steadily gaining traction around the
Omni-channelling refers to taking an integrated,
multichannel approach to sales and marketing. In a nutshell
it’s true continuity of the customer experience, so a mobile
world and is looking to escalate in 2016, at least according to some
app should match the design of a website, which should have
commentators. As well as the ability to transact easily, some of the
the same look and feel of the physical store. This integration
advantages for businesses include the capacity to collect vital data
means that customers can reach brands and vice versa through
such as customers’ buying behaviour and research patterns, which
multiple channels including desktop, tablet and mobile, and
can be used to improve customer targeting.
receive the same experience at each touch point. Always
remember to customise your content to each platform (for
example social media posts should be short bites of information
vs more detailed websites).
Omni channelling isn’t new in 2016, but expect to see more
creativity in this space.
TO P
MORE USE OF
THE CLOUD
B U S I N E S S
T R E N D S
MORE SELLING THROUGH
SOCIAL MEDIA
We’ve all heard of the cloud by now, and it
can provide a number of advantages for SMEs.
These include the ability to access data and
Using social media to sell is a growing
posts accordingly. This may require some
work from any location, and save on hardware
trend. According to brainymarketer.com,
experimentation to see what works best for
and software costs.
studies in 2015 showed that nearly 80% of
your business. It’s also more about connection
Some examples of cloud computing
people who reported using social media for
and engagement than direct marketing or
include cloud accounting, online storage and
sales got better results than those that didn’t,
selling.
collaboration tools such as Google Drive, and
and two-thirds of buyers reported being
virtual meeting software that enables you to
influenced by a seller’s social content prior to
SnapChat – a photo and video messaging app
meet up with others without leaving your desk.
purchasing.
that sends messages that self-destroy after a
Even social media and email programs such as
Gmail are examples of cloud computing.
Social media is great for positioning your
business in the space where people frequently
New to the game of social media is
designated time.
SnapChat is growing in popularity,
hang out. Social media can provide a great
particularly among the 18-34 age group,
applications are expected to account for around
opportunity for connecting and engaging with
and provides a number of opportunities for
90% of mobile data traffic by 2019.
existing and potential customers, and for doing
businesses to reach their markets in the digital
some very affordable marketing activities.
space via sponsored advertising.
According to Forbes magazine, cloud
INCREASED USE
O F ‘ S M A R T D ATA’
Using social media for marketing
Keep watch of changes to the social
requires more than simply making posts to
platforms you are using. Instagram recently
multiple channels though. It needs to involve
announced the departure from chronology-
a comprehensive strategy that includes
based feeds, to show posts which have the
determining where and when your target
most interaction first, which is forcing brands
demographic is online, and timing and styling
to rethink their strategy.
‘Big data’ refers to the process of collecting data
from a variety of sources and analysing it for patterns
and trends, but this year ‘big’ is switching to ‘smart’.
Sources of big data includes social media, mobile
devices, desktops, credit card purchases, online
WO R K P L AC E T R E N D S
behaviour and point-of sale, which is fed through
software such as Google Big Query, Google Analytics
and Salesforce to paint a picture of consumers
preferences and spending behaviour.
While big data has been around for a while,
The world of work is changing, and businesses that adapt
to this are more likely to thrive and retain staff than those that
stick with a more traditional approach. Examples of workplace
according to a report in Business Spectator, it will
trends that are having an impact include remote work, work
evolve into ‘smart’ data, which filters out the ‘noise’, or
mobility, flexibility and work/life balance, as well as flatter
information without any real value. There is no formula
organisational structures and increased globalisation.
to do this, but it does involve a creative element,
asking the right questions, combining qualitative
and quantitative results to reach further insightful
There are numerous other business trends that are likely
to continue having an impact this year and beyond as well.
These include an increased blurriness between online and
conclusions, and smart extrapolation of findings to roll
offline activities or ‘bricks and clicks’, an emphasis on providing
out the best marketing approaches.
a better customer experience rather than simply a lower
The transition to smart data will focus on
price point, and creating content marketing with cut-through
developing a more comprehensive and integrated view
as consumers are faced with more information than ever
of customers’ preferences and activities, rather than just
before. With a changing economy, bartering is also evolving as
being a massive collection of data that lacks sufficient
businesses seek to find ways of conserving cash to invest in
meaning.
innovative business growth.
The switch to ‘smart’ shows that intelligent
What is certain is that business is never static, and staying
interpretation of data is important and bigger isn’t
on top of trends could provide you with an opportunity to
always better!
grow your business or innovate.
PAGE
13
I N C R E A S I N G
TOYNE
BUSINESS
C O N S U LTA N T S
P RO F I T S
growing profits
on Bartercard
W H E N I T C O M E S TO K E E P I N G YO U R F I N A N C E S I N S H A P E ,
TOY N E B U S I N E S S C O N S U LTA N T S A R E TA K I N G A D I F F E R E N T
A P P R OAC H TO STAY A H E A D I N A C O M P E T I T I V E M A R K E T.
Their focus on an all-encompassing
“The advantages of using a digital
business consultancy has been
currency, apart from attracting a new
setting the company apart from other
market of customers, is that members
accountancy firms for more than 16
are able to conduct cashless transactions
years, and they use Bartercard to top
to keep their business turning even
the business up by attracting a new
when finances aren’t readily available, or
market of customers and a digital
conserve their cash to invest into growing
BAC K TO BA S I C S
currency that helps them to grow.
their business through a number of
Craig said that in the current economy where
many businesses are feeling the crunch, he
advises clients to go back to basics. Take a look at
the following tips to stay ahead of the curve.
With more than 30 years’ experience
in accounting and financial services, CEO
Craig Toyne started the business 16 years
strategies like advertising, staff incentives
and events.”
The Newcastle-based company
ago when he saw a gap in the market and
provides tax, accounting and a suite of
has used Bartercard to support his vision
financial advice and use Bartercard’s
since start up.
digital currency to offset a range expenses
“I spent many years working in
large-practice accountancy firms and
in the business.
“We use trade dollars instead of cash
the feedback from clients was that they
to cover the cost of essential services
weren’t getting everything they needed
like outsourcing auditors to clients’ self-
from their accountant – they wanted more
managed super funds (SMSFs), which
care and more contact,” he said.
we provide to both Bartercard and cash
“So we not only offer tax and
accounting services, but provide business
paying clients.
“We also use Bartercard across a
advice and consulting to clients at all
number of other business expenses
levels of business to cover a full scope of
including office furniture, interior fit outs,
services.”
entertainment, dining, accommodation
“On the flipside, financial planning
and business consulting is often seen as
and advertising.
“Within the company Bartercard
an added luxury in a harder economic
saves around $100,000 on business costs
climate, so Bartercard really helps us
each year which frees up cash flow and
attract new customers in the current
lets me keep more profits in the bank.”
market which leads to referrals and cash
“It’s why cashless commerce is a
business, covering both sides of a double-
viable alternative and why we recommend
edged sword.
Bartercard as a strategy to our clients.”
S TAY I N T O U C H
“Keeping in touch with customers, chasing up
outstanding invoices and having a well-tracked
budget all makes a difference to cash flow.”
H AV E A B U S I N E S S
P L A N I N P L AC E
“Around 90 per cent of new clients we see don’t
have a business plan or a budget when they
come to see us.”
CONSIDER NEW
WAY S O F R E A C H I N G
YO U R M A R K E T
“By utilising a closed group of businesses to
conduct cashless transactions, you can attract
extra business to open up new doors. With
members across almost every type of industry,
Bartercard really helps you to stay ahead.”
B U S I N E S S
E X PA N S I O N
A legal firm where clients love working with their
lawyers? It sounds like a paradox but it’s what Vivais
have been busy building.
When you think of a lawyer, uncapped fees and
extended, drawn out legal proceedings are associations that
typically come to mind.
But Vivais is breaking down this stereotype one client at
a time to change the legal marketplace for the better.
Putting access to legal services and outcomes above
profit, they offer legal advice and representation to clients at
fixed costs that won’t break the bank, and accept Bartercard’s
digital currency as a cashless alternative to not only benefit
clients, but also to grow their business.
Owner and founder of Vivais, Tiago De Silva said he’s
welcoming clients on Bartercard which allows members to
essentially cover the cost of legal fees with their products or
services.
“Early on in the piece we identified that our target market
of small and medium-sized businesses were hesitant in using
a lawyer because of the associated costs of legal advice,”
he said.
“We saw Bartercard as a solution to grow our brand
because it’s not only our market of small and medium-sized
businesses, but also a way of overcoming that cost fear-factor
when we first set out to establish the business. Bartercard is
a benefit for our clients, especially if they’re a small business
or start up when every dollar counts, and it’s a double benefit
for us because it opens our business up to a new market of
customers and we receive referrals in the cash world every
time we have a happy Bartercard client.”
Tiago has traded approximately $250,000 on Bartercard
(selling his services and purchasing through the trade
exchange combined) in the last two years.
Focusing his spending on advertising and marketing to
conserve cash and grow the business into other areas, he
said that as a relatively new company less than three years
old it’s a strategy that’s working.
“We’ve grown our client base off the back of Bartercard
through access to a unique business marketplace that we’re
essentially tailored to – it’s a good fit,” he said.
“It’s given us cut-though in the market and placed us
front and centre of our customers.”
Tiago added that he started the business with a
grassroots approach of wanting to make legal services
accessible to everyone, and Bartercard has assisted in doing
that.
“Having clarity around the costs opens up a more
relaxed conversation and takes the fear out of seeing a
lawyer. We know that profits will always come out of building
a successful business which caters first and foremost to the
client, and that’s been our focus since day one.”
Vivais
BREAKING DOWN LEGAL
STEREOTYPES ONE
CLIENT AT A TIME
L E G A L T I P S FO R S M A L L B U S I N E S S E S
Every business should seek legal advice at one point
or another. Take a look at Tiago’s three top tips to cover
your assets.
Get properly drafted commercial and
employment contracts - “Don’t cut corners when it
comes to your contracts, terms of sale or shareholder
agreements. You will be taken more seriously as a
business.”
Protect your assets with estate planning - “It
always surprises me how many clients don’t have estate
planning measures in place. If you have a business or
own assets, estate planning is critical to protecting them.”
Register your business name and trademarks “Trademarking will stop someone else from trading under
the same business name, or worse yet, trademarking
your name which will impact your brand and business.”
You can call Vivais on 1300 VIVAIS (1300 848 247)
for a no-cost, no-obligation phone consultation, or
alternatively email [email protected].
PAGE
15
P RO P E RT Y
I N V E ST M E N T
Bartercard breaks a
record $100 million
in real estate
listings world-wide
If you think barter is swapping some oranges for a haircut,
think again. Bartercard has broken $100 million in property
listings around the world, which is plunging real estate costs,
and growing wealth for more business owners. We take a look
at the trading trend which is shaking up the real estate market.
Part and parcel of buying real estate is risk and uncertainty, but luckily
Bartercard eases both of these factors and removes the roadblocks that
prevent investors from entering the market.
John Dermody from Touch and Go Shades, who’s membership with
Bartercard is coming up to 17 years, can attest to this from experience.
The Brisbane-based property investor has built his portfolio by purchasing
seven properties and selling two blocks of land in various locations through
Bartercard, agreeing it’s a great investment option not just to conserve cash and
reduce debt, but to also grow wealth.
“Approximately a quarter of each property, give or take, is funded by
Bartercard’s digital currency, so you only end up paying interest on three quarters
of the purchase price,” he said.
“The rent you receive from these investments covers the mortgage payments,
rates, maintenance and property management fees.
“APPROXIMATELY A QUARTER
OF EACH PROPERTY, GIVE
OR TAKE, IS FUNDED BY
BARTERCARD’S DIGITAL
CURRENCY, SO YOU ONLY
END UP PAYING INTEREST
ON THREE QUARTERS OF
THE PURCHASE PRICE.”
P RO P E RT Y
I N V E ST M E N T
“EFFECTIVELY, BARTERCARD
ALLOWS YOU TO CASH
CONVERT PROPERTY WITH
LESS RISK AND LESS CASH
OUT-GOINGS THAN IF YOU
WERE TO GO THROUGH THE
REGULAR CHANNELS, WITH A
REGULAR REAL ESTATE AGENT.”
PAGE
17
“Whilst you’re earning an income, the property is going up in value
Clive added that with 250 properties currently listed in five countries
and when you go to sell in the cash market you covert the amount you
and an average trade dollar component of 35 per cent, Bartercard
paid in Bartercard’s trade dollars to cash.”
members have the opportunity to save more than $35 million in cash on
The upshot of investing through the Bartercard network for many
members is cash converting, where they purchase goods or services in
real estate.
“From an investor’s perspective, they are reducing their cash outlay
Bartercard’s digital currency and on-sell it in the cash economy, and John
and borrowing less from the bank. Extra cash payments they make on
shows this strategy has worked for him with real estate.
top of the cashless deposit reduces the life of the loan, and if they do sell
“Effectively, Bartercard allows you to cash convert property with less
the property for a capital gain, they convert the digital currency straight
risk and less cash out-goings than if you were to go through the regular
into cash. This is not to mention the cash savings achieved by using
channels, with a regular real estate agent,” he said.
trade dollars as the deposit which is a huge saving in the pockets of our
”It’s a different approach and it takes a shift in thinking, but the upside
at the end of the day is a diversified portfolio which opens up more
members.”
Bartercard’s Real Estate and Development Specialist, Carl Hassard,
purchasing options and more opportunities to grow wealth through
said that from a developer’s point of view, selling property on Bartercard
property.”
can assist with pre-sales of their development to source finance and
Bartercard Australia CEO, Clive van Deventer said for these reasons,
more and more investors are jumping ship and purchasing property
through Bartercard instead of the conventional property market.
“A significant jump in investor real estate sales and enquiries has led
to the record $100 million listings reached last year across five of the eight
countries where Bartercard operates,” he said.
reduce holding costs, sell slow-moving stock and maintain their margins.
“If a developer has a property worth $400,000, they can sell it for a
split of $100,000 on Bartercard (equating to 25% trade) and the remainder
in cash to achieve the selling price they want. This sets the benchmark for
other property sales in their development at $400,000,” he said.
“Not only does Bartercard have a property portfolio of over $100
“Australia is particularly a hot spot where we currently have $90
million, it also has a database of qualified ready-to-buy, purchasers. These
million in listings with a further $35 million plus in other countries. Selling
buyers are generally more willing to purchase property which is located
through Bartercard is letting business owners circumvent real estate
Australia-wide or overseas and not restricted to their local area,” said Carl.
agencies and act as private sellers to also plunge sales-associated costs.
“For example, selling a $500,000 property through a real estate agent
can attract up to $17,500 in commission and advertising costs, whereas,
when a vendor sells through Bartercard they only pay a 6.5% cash fee on
the digital currency component, which equates to approximately $8,000
on a $500,000 listing (based on a 25% trade dollar component).”
C O L L E C T I V E LY, B A RT E R C A R D H A S M O R E T H A N
2 50 P R O P E RT I E S L I ST E D O N I T S VA R I O U S R E A L
E STAT E S I T E S I N AU ST R A L I A , N E W Z E A L A N D,
S O U T H A F R I C A , T H E U K A N D T H A I L A N D.
M A R K E T I N G
A
B R A N D
C O N -X- I O N A I R P O R T T R A N S F E R S :
IT’S A WRAP!
Anyone in business will know how
vital liquid capital is, and getting cutthrough in the market is a sure-fire
way to keep cash flowing through the
business. Bartercard is another way.
One Gold Coast company is doing
both – they’re getting their vehicles
wrapped in branding from roof to
wheel to give them maximum exposure
in a competitive market, all without
spending cash. To find out how
Con-x-ion Airport Transfers have used
Bartercard to attract new customers
and conserve cash every day, we spoke
to the company’s General Manager
David Goodenough.
E N D TO E N D S E RV I C E
Long before round-the-clock service was offered in the luxury
market, Con-x-ion Airport Transfers were already doing it. Their 24hour pick up, door-to-terminal transfer service ensures clients reach
the airport on time, fuss-free.
In addition to transfers between private residences or hotels
and airports, Con-x-ion’s Queensland mini or maxi coach services
include charters, event, theme park and attraction transfers, and
coastal discovery tours. They’ve truly tuned into the market to turn
themselves into the leader of speedy transfers, even doing golf
pick-ups for the fuss-free player.
Con-x-ion Airport Transfers use Bartercard to
achieve maximum exposure and conserve cash
on a range of business expenses, including
wrapping their fleet of 90 buses which services
the market.
AT T R AC T I N G A B I G G E R S L I C E O F T H E
M A R K E T W I T H B A RT E R C A R D
Apart from wrapping their vehicles on Bartercard to reach a
wide audience on the road without the cash expenses, Con-x-ion
also uses the cashless marketplace to cover the cost of marketing
collateral, corporate gifts and advertising in magazines, conserving
approximately $6,000 in cash each month.
It’s a significant saving and David said he earns approximately
$50,000 in the digital currency each year which he uses to keep
more cash in the business.
David said the key to any successful business is finding a gap
in the market and understanding your target customer inside-out,
using that information to create a cutting edge service which is
so streamlined and efficient customers won’t think twice about
using you, and most importantly, being seen in the market which is
where the wraps have worked so well.
“Building Con-x-ion Airport Transfers entailed a lot of ground
work to stitch up a service that consumers were looking for, which
in essence is a fuss-free coach service that takes the worry out of
reaching a destination quickly and on-time,” he said.
“Bartercard has assisted us to reach a bigger market quickly
and conserve more cash in the business everyday whilst putting
the brand directly in front of consumers by literally turning our
coaches into advertising. “
“It’s not only been cost effective, but it works and today we are
the leading coach service company in south east Queensland.”
Tourism is big business in southern Queensland, and Con-xion is well-placed to provide a convenient service that takes the
stress out of travelling. The company has also shown it’s possible
to capitalise on the cashless marketplace to leverage brand reach,
increase customers, conserve cash and boost cash flow – certainly
all pluses for any business enterprise!
Visit con-x-ion.com.
ST R AT EG I C
Jirra Wines at Jeir Station
A good drop
on Bartercard
PA RT N E R S H I P S
When you think ‘neurologist’, wine probably
isn’t the first association that springs to
mind! But for one Canberra doctor, the two
are a winning combination. We spoke to
practising neurologist Dr Colin Andrews, who
in his spare time owns and manages awardwinning Jirra Wines at Jeir Station, and uses
Bartercard to reach a bigger market.
S WA P P I N G B O T T L E S
FOR BRAND EXPOSURE
G R O W I N G W E A LT H
O N B A RT E R C A R D
Since joining the cashless network in March 2015, Jirra
Wines at Jeir Station has sold more than 1,700 cases and
approximately 21,000 bottles of wine on Bartercard to
stockists in Australia, landing the label front and centre at
dozens of bars and restaurants. This increase in sales has
grown their brand exposure, given sales a strong boost and
let the wine connoisseurs access a bigger area of the market.
Australia isn’t where the distribution stops, and
Bartercard is also opening up doors to international markets,
in particular the Cook Islands where Colin has stitched up the
export of 2,000 bottles of wine to a resort, and is working on
a contract to export a further $250,000 worth of wine out to
the islands.
He said that sealing the deal and exploring overseas
opportunities has involved working with Bartercard Tourism,
which looks after more than 1,000 accommodation options
worldwide to find a suitable market and buyer.
“Bartercard is a key strategy we’ve used in the business
to grow distribution within Australia and break into overseas
markets,” he said.
“We like Bartercard because it’s not a one-size fits all
approach, there are opportunities to grow as far as the
business marketplace stretches, and because it’s a universal
currency you can trade with overseas markets without facing
as many walls such as currency exchange or cold walking
into a business transaction.”
“Bartercard has also supported me in brokering deals.”
He added the opportunities to trade are limitless, and
a good deal comes down to finding the right fit to leverage
reach off each other’s markets. For example, selling Australian
wines in a resort in the Cook Islands could potentially attract
more Australians and New Zealanders to the hotel.
“Swapping products for a larger slice of the market is
really a win-win and saves me thousands of dollars on PR and
advertising,” said Colin.
Colin has recently used trade dollars to purchase
four investment properties in Brisbane and keeps vigilant
watch on investment opportunities throughout the
cashless network which is part of his strategy to diversify
his income. He’s also used his trade dollars to invest in a
local radio sponsorship with Art Sound FM in Canberra to
further stretch the brand and advertising reach.
As well as the winery, Colin owns a number of other
farms in NSW producing wheat, wool and cattle – all on
top of his neurology practice. He’s certainly mastered the
skills of multitasking, with not only medical skills, but a keen
eye and talent for investment opportunities and running
agricultural business enterprises!
THE RIGHT BLEND
The Jeir Station estate, located at Yass
in the southern tablelands of New South
Wales, specialises in producing premium
wines at affordable prices, with all bottles
priced between $10 to $20.
Their range encompasses Pinot Noir,
Sangiovese, Cabernet Merlot blends and
Shiraz, to Fresco Riesling, Chardonnay
and late harvest Viognier, with some of
the aged vintage wines now around ten
years old.
Visit jirrawines.com.au or
call 02 6227 5671
PAGE
19
N OT
FO R
P RO F I T
Bartercard raised almost $165,000 in
trade dollars to assist with recovery
programs in Vanuatu following the effects
of Cyclone Pam in March 2015.
Vanuatu
revisited
Cyclone Pam hit the islands of Vanuatu
with devastating power in March 2015,
packing 270km/h winds, taking lives and
leaving an estimated $US450 million in
damages in her wake.
Some reports say 80-90% of the island nation’s buildings were
affected by storm and wind damage, leaving the vast majority of
locals homeless and impacting the tourism and agriculture industries
upon which it relies.
A year on from the category 5 cyclone the recovery efforts are
continuing, and Bartercard has had a hand in supporting a number
of activities to help Vanuatu recover. T$165,000 and a mountain of
effort down the track, here’s what’s happened:
N OT
FO R
P RO F I T
A S S I S T I N G R E C OV E RY
T H RO U G H H A B I TAT
The Bartercard Charity Foundation created a partnership with
Habitat for Humanity Australia (HFHA) to assist in a number of recovery
projects during 2015.
HFHA is one of more than 70 international offices of Habitat
for Humanity International – one of the world’s leading not-for-profit
providers of housing for families in need. Habitat is committed to
assisting communities worldwide to build affordable quality housing,
and providing other services such as sanitation, health, training and
education.
During phase 1 of the rebuilding program, HFHA provided
immediate assistance to 195 families in six villages, which included
supplying tarps, water containers and sanitation kits, as well as tool kits
to enable people to construct shelters and undertake repairs.
Phase 2 had a longer-term focus, including providing training in
construction, rebuilding schools, undertaking disaster-resilient housing
retrofits and new-home builds, and conducting disaster simulations in
order to improve community safety and recovery. Bartercard was able
to organise accommodation for HFHA staff in Vanuatu during
this phase.
Bartercard also raised almost $165,000 in trade dollars to assist
with recovery programs – especially important in a region that relies so
heavily on tourism for a healthy economy.
HFHA’s focus is one of lending a ‘hand-up’ to communities
rather than providing hand-outs. Field notes from HFHA talk about
the resilience of the Vanuatu people, many of whom made efforts
to rebuild their lives as quickly as possible by restarting home and
market gardens, and building temporary shelters from scrap and local
materials.
HFHA provided non-tarp shelter repair kits, timber, iron sheets, tools
and cyclone-strapping materials, and training on the ‘Build Back Better’
methodology, which focuses on incorporating disaster-resilience into
construction. The efforts made by HFHA have helped many families
and communities rebuild their lives.
One family was able to build a temporary shelter only a week after
the cyclone and commence building a new home next to their very
badly damaged previous one – enabling them to quickly get back on
their feet and into the making of mini canoes for tourists to buy and use.
Another piece of good news is that a dozen homes built some
years earlier in Port Vila using a HFHA curved steel roof design were
able to resist the category 5 cyclone when it hit. Residents reported
sheltering in a nearby church and being stunned when they emerged
to find their homes to be among the few still standing!
VA N U A T U 2 0 1 6
A N D B E YO N D
While recovery is ongoing, daily life and the tourist
trade is returning to normal in Vanuatu, with essential
services having been restored to most of Port Vila, and
tourism infrastructure repairs almost complete.
This collection of islands is a traveller’s dream with
stunning beaches, waterfalls, forests, and delicious food.
There are plenty of opportunities for swimming, diving,
snorkelling, island hopping, or just lazing around.
There are many accommodation options that can
be booked with Bartercard across locations including
Port Villa, Espiritu Santo, and Mele Bay, leaving you
with more cash to spend on your adventures.
Visit bartertourism.com.au or call 1300 BARTER
(1300 227 837) and ask to speak to the Tourism
Department.
Travelling to Vanuatu also assists
the nation to rebuild its economy, and
to continue providing a magical holiday
destination – making holidaying in
Vanuatu a win-win situation whichever
way you look at it!
PAGE
21
A S S I ST I N G
T H E
C O M M U N I T Y
Bartercard invests
in the future
WITH BOND SCHOLARSHIPS
Arising from a belief in the value of education
(and fostering out-of-the-box thinking), each year
Bartercard offers six scholarships to Bond University
on Queensland’s Gold Coast each year.
The scholarships are offered to Year 12 students
and are worth 50% of the tuition fees for an
undergraduate degree.
The program is open to children of Bartercard
Australia members and their employees, Bartercard
franchises or their employees, or direct employees
of Bartercard Australia. The criteria includes strong
academic performance and leadership skills, and
considerable involvement in extra-curricular activities.
Bartercard is very proud to be investing in the
educational future of the recipients, including two
current scholarship holders – Kelsey Adcock and
Joel Kuchel.
Joel Kuchel is one of this year’s recipients of the
Bartercard Bond University Scholarship.
J O E L K U C H E L , BAC H E L O R
OF BUSINESS
Joel is hoping to use his studies at Bond University to help him start
his own business.
Born in Adelaide, Joel has spent most of his life in Brisbane, recently
graduating from Anglican Church Grammar School.
He has started a Diploma of Business at Bond, and once this
is complete, he will begin a Bachelor of Business undergraduate
degree. Business studies at Bond cover a wide range of subjects, from
accounting, economics and marketing, to digital business transformation
and business modelling, and students can select from a number of
majors.
“The Bartercard scholarship has provided me with the privilege of
studying at Bond University on the Gold Coast, and I’m looking forward
to seeing what my degree has in store for the rest of the year,” he said.
Joel’s parents are Bartercard members and have run multiple
businesses over the years, and Joel also aspires to running his own
business one day. His passion also lies in sport, especially rugby union,
which he‘s played for the past seven years.
“My aspirations are to be a professional rugby union player as well as
run my own business like my parents,” he said.
Joel’s parents, John and Valarie Kuchel who have been Bartercard
members since 1997 owned a solar and security company (Smartt Solar
and Smartt Security) which serviced Brisbane and the Gold Coast. They
recently sold both companies and are still trading with Bartercard (mainly
on lifestyle expenses at the moment) while they plan their next business
venture.
“Bond has not only excelled me in my education but also my
sporting endeavours.”
What Joel particularly likes about studying at Bond is the cultural
diversity on campus.
“One of my best experiences at Bond would have to be the range of
new friends I’ve made with backgrounds from Adelaide to Argentina.”
A S S I ST I N G
T H E
C O M M U N I T Y
KELSEY ADCOCK,
BAC H E L O R O F P SYC H O L O GY
Kelsey’s plan to study psychology at Bond University comes from a deep
love of community work.
She’s been involved in community work in various ways since she was
selected at age 12 for the Ipswich Youth Advisory Council – a committee that
collects the views of local young people and communicates them back to the
Ipswich City Council.
Kelsey is very positive about this early community experience, stating it
was “terrific and very satisfying.”
During years 10-12, she attended Somerville House School in South
Brisbane, where her interest in community work was further encouraged.
“Somerville House sparked my intense interest in community engagement
and I’ve never looked back,” she said. Kelsey has been involved in many other
activities over the years including leadership and ambassador programs
like the Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment, the Mater Children’s Program
and Wesley Mission, and the Government Cyber Safety Council in Canberra
which resulted in greater internet safety for children. She’s also completed
the Schools Ambassadors Program - an initiative of UN Youth Queensland
designed to increase awareness of current international issues and equip
young people with leadership and life skills.
“I enjoy these organisations because they provide with me a deeper
understanding of the social and political issues the world faces today, and the
skills to solve them,” she said.
In 2015, Kelsey also became a member of Youth Parliament as the
representative for Ipswich West. She recently gave her maiden speech in the
Green Room at Parliament House, where she was supported by the Member
for Ipswich West, Jim Madden.
Kelsey is looking forward to studying at Bond with the help of the
Bartercard scholarship.
“I’m hoping that I’ll have the vision and passion to create meaningful
change within communities, and aim to equip myself with the skills and
inspiration to do so.”
She was able to access the Bartercard scholarship as her father,
Robert Adcock, has been using Bartercard in his accounting business, ARM
Accountants, for around 15 years. Based in Ipswich, ARM Accountants also
services Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Robert said he had acted for trade exchanges in his business and joined
Bartercard because he was familiar with the possibilities of using trade.
NOT JUST ANY
U N I V E R S I T Y…
Bond is Australia’s first private non-profit
university. It offers accelerated courses so students
can finish a degree up to a year earlier, and
recognises that studying is about more than just
earning a degree – it’s also about preparing for life.
In light of that, Bond offers a core curriculum for all
students which covers critical thinking, leadership,
team dynamics, ethics, professional development and
community engagement.
At Bond, there are opportunities for
achievements outside of study. These include
overseas internships, student exchange programs,
and opportunities for volunteering and participating
in community service.
A P P LY I N G FO R A B A RT E R C A R D
S C H O L A R S H I P TO B O N D U N I V E R S I T Y
There are a maximum of six Bartercard
scholarships on offer each year, with applications
open annually from April 1 to July 31. The scholarship
is open to students currently undertaking Year 12 at
an Australian secondary school who meet the criteria,
including the relevant association with Bartercard.
Students wishing to apply should visit
bartercard.com.au/scholarships which outlines all
entry details.
Bartercard Australia would like to
congratulate Kelsey and Joel on attaining the
scholarship, and wishes them all the best for their
studies and in their future careers!
PAGE
23
B U I L D I N G
A N D
D E V E LO P M E N T
Bartercard development lands
local builder a multi-million
dollar cash contract
BIG BEN BUILDERS ARE BASKING IN THE LIMELIGHT
A N D W E LC O M I N G C A S H C O N T R AC T S FO L LOW I N G A
L A R G E S C A L E B U I L D O N B A RT E R C A R D.
Since completing a $3 million redevelopment of the Equinox
Restaurant (page 6) where close to a million dollars was covered in
Bartercard’s trade dollars (with half a million designated to building
materials and sub-contractors), Big Ben Builders has picked up a
$2.2 million cash contact to build the Railway House project.
Owner Ben Heah, has been a member of Bartercard for 20
years through his company Big Ben Homes and last year launched
Big Ben Builders after securing the renovation contract of the iconic
Stilts Restaurant, near Busselton.
Peter Gordon, one of Stilts’ owners advised that of the
$100,000 renovation project, they used trade dollars as well as
other transactions from sub-contractors who were either existing
Bartercard members, or were asked to join as part of the subcontracting works.
The $3 million refurbishment of the Equinox Restaurant on the
Busselton foreshore quickly followed, using many of the same subcontractors and new companies that were brought on board for the
Equinox project.
“The Stilts project was a catalyst for more contractors to join
Bartercard and when it came to the Equinox refurbishment my
approach was, if you’re on Bartercard, you’re in the running for the
job,” Ben said.
The high profile Equinox project in the hub of
Busselton’s popular waterfront boosted the profile of Big Ben
Builders and positioned the company as a serious player in
the South West’s competitive building arena.
Ben has just been awarded the contract for the City
of Busselton’s latest development, the construction of the
Railway House project. It houses a new visitor information
centre, interpretive display centre, seminar room, workshop,
storage and offices.
In March, Big Ben Builders won Bartercard South West’s
Top Trader’s award for July to September 2015 mainly as a
result of the Equinox project.
“The Equinox and Stilts developments have both
increased Big Ben Builders’ exposure and profile and
provided them with the best possible springboard into
expanding into the commercial building market,” said Darryl
Toreaux, Regional Manager at Bartercard South West WA.
“The Equinox’s owners, Peter Gordon and Dave Ebert
were fantastic to work for and the sub-contractors who
came on board with Bartercard made it such a successful
project,” Ben said.
Ben added that Bartercard gives him the opportunity
to quote as a front runner on some other big projects in the
region, and has connected him to an extensive network of
companies which regularly trade together.
“I really enjoy the network of people - we have forged
some great professional relationships as well as some great
friendships,” he said.
“We’re working on a number of other renovations at
present and have been invited to tender on some other
big projects in the region, so the future is looking good, and
we couldn’t be happier with the relationship we have with
Bartercard.”
The Equinox refurbishment has led Big Ben
Builders to pick up a $2.2 million cash contract.
So
what’s
bucqi
all
about?
bucqi is a new type of customer
rewards program that:
• Bumps up sales and introduces
you to new customers
• Rewards loyal customers and
keeps them coming back
• Lets you use your trade dollars
(bucqs) to reward customers.
Get on board with bucqi, it’s
complimentary with a Bartercard
membership.
1300 2 BUCQI (1300 228 274)
[email protected]
.com.au
T EC H N O LO GY
bucqi
A new class
of rewards
When it comes to stacking up customer loyalty,
the consumer landscape is a jungle where every
business is grappling for its slice of the market.
Which is why almost every business in the
marketplace has a rewards program in some
shape or form to keep its customers coming back
(or at least gives them incentive to return).
And it’s not just a nine-punch card gifting the
tenth visit free that’s being used as the carrot.
Reward programs are becoming more strategic and sophisticated to
stand-out in a saturated market, combining interaction at a digital and in-store
level through apps to hook consumers across a multi-layered experience. Who
doesn’t love keeping score of rewards for their favourite brand?!
Basically, if you’re a business that doesn’t have a rewards program (or referral
program for certain industries), you’re missing out on a big piece of the market!
BUCQI IS
BREAKING NEW
GROUND AS A
M O B I L E WA L L E T
A N D R E WA R D S
APP IN ONE.
T EC H N O LO GY
I T ’ S A C ROW D E D P L AC E
80 %
of consumers are
seeking immediate
price discounts
and
40 %
don’t believe that
loyalty programs
provide value!*
If your program isn’t making loyalty stick,
you need to find a way to cut through the
crowd and present value, especially among
loyalty lovers*
*2013 Consumer Study into Australian Loyalty Programs
COMBINING
D I G I TA L WA L L E T S
A N D R E WA R D S
Today, rewards and digital wallets are marrying up
to bring a multi-layered, combined digital and in-store
experience into the hot hands of consumers. With the
digital shift in full swing, a digital counterpart to a physical
wallet is no surprise. Mobile wallets are forever changing
the way we transact, by taking cash-handling out of the
equation and letting customers leave their plastic at home,
and in the case of bucqi, ditching reward cards to boot.
ENTER BUCQI
bucqi, is a new class of rewards program which is
breaking new ground as a mobile wallet and rewards app in
one. It lets Bartercard merchants reward their customers by
using trade dollars instead of cash to provide dollar for dollar
rewards and lets consumers make everyday transactions
with a tap of a smart phone whilst earning bigger
rewards – easy!
Give your customers rewards that pack real punch
when they start spending with bucqi.
bucqi creator, Philip Scott, said customers earn bigger
rewards which they can conveniently spend at multiple
vendors, and earn rewards that pack real value each time
they spend.
“So unlike 95,000 points equalling a saucepan set, 1
bucq equals $1,” he said.
The upside for a business is that they can offer 20%100% of each transaction back in rewards, depending on the
season, how busy they are, and their business needs, which
are paid out using their trade dollars. The higher percentage
of rewards offered, the higher they feature in the bucqi app’s
directory which helps to put them in front of consumers.”
No more points, no more cards, no more guesswork –
it’s all in the app!
BUCQI IS HELPING MORE BUSINESSES
STA N D O U T F R O M T H E C R OW D.
To really stand out in a market which is already jampacked with rewards, bucqi is serving up a bigger and more
dynamic way to reward customers.
Look out for bucqi, launching in your area soon.
Visit bucqi.com.au to get better acquainted with the brand
new app that’s shaking up rewards and is complimentary
with the Bartercard membership.
PAGE
27
W H AT B A R T E R C A R D
M E M B E R S A R E S AY I N G
IN OUR 25TH YEAR
YEARS
“I’m in the publishing industry which, as most people know is becoming
more and more obsolete with the introduction of Facebook and the digital
world. But I love a good hard copy of a magazine to flick through on a Sunday
afternoon with a glass of wine... or in Fiji under a palm tree and so do a lot of
people! Making life even more challenging is that Multisport Magazine is a free
publication so revenue is 100% sales driven. Being part of Bartercard allows me
to attract advertisers who wouldn’t normally have the cash flow to spend on
marketing. It also allows me to use my trade dollars on printing, couriers, travel
and other business expenses. It’s a win/win! My Trade Coordinator is diligent in
promoting my business out to a large database that I wouldn’t normally have
access to - another win! Small business is tough but Bartercard makes it easier.”
M U LT I S P O RT M AG A Z I N E
“Bartercard has been a perfect way for us to turn over excess
“I have been with Bartercard for almost 10 years, and during this time we
stock and provide leverage with trade dollars to spend. We were
have cleared large amounts of stock at full price, which we previously found
big fans of Bartercard from when we joined about six years ago,
almost impossible to sell without drastically lowering the sale price. My family,
but have learned over the years to really take advantage of it and
staff and I have enjoyed many benefits because of Bartercard, from our annual
love it even more now. Happy 25th Birthday Bartercard!”
horse riding holiday to our Queensland escapes. Over the years we have
purchased many products which we would never have even known about if it
S U R F N ’ I N K ST U D I O
wasn’t for Bartercard. Here’s to another 25 years.”
A L L T H I N G S N I C E B O U T I Q U E WA R E S
“Joining Bartercard has helped increase our sales and
allowed my business to grow and be promoted to other
businesses in many ways. Being in Bartercard has truly
“After 20 years of trading in a suburban shopping centre, it became obvious
minimised our down time and increased staff productivity.
our photography business could not survive with the exorbitant rents being
We look forward to taking our first overseas family holiday
loaded on us by centre managers.
soon thanks to Bartercard and their fantastic overseas holiday
When a nearby industrial unit with main road frontage became available
packages. The team at Bartercard are always helpful when you
for lease just a few months before we were contemplating shutting our doors,
call. Thanks Bartercard.”
we considered it an opportunity to relocate, but it would require a complete
gutting and a new refit to accommodate our business. Negotiations with the
N OVA B O O K K E E P I N G
new landlord resulted in gaining rent free access to the unit for three months,
providing we carried out the renovation of the unit - but money was tight and
the cost seemed out of reach ... and then we thought “what about Bartercard?”
A quick conversation with our Trade Coordinator and a short time later, we were
approved for a T$20,000 credit limit on our Bartercard account. Our Trade
Coordinator helped us locate local businesses who provided new flooring, a
suspended ceiling, data and electrical cabling as well as the supply of all our
paint and associated hardware. With a lot of elbow grease, some helpful friends
and family members, and especially Bartercard, we were able to relocate our
130 0 B A RT E R ( 1 3 0 0 2 2 7 837 )
B A RT E R C A R D.C O M . AU
business and are still going strong three and a half years later.”
P R E STO P H OTO G R A P H I C S