Lewis Center, Ohio – Laurie Bjorkgren – IMS Barter Broker

Recently, an IMS member who had his home listed for sale but wasn’t receiving any fair offers, decided to throw some trade into the mix. Here’s how it went: After receiving a cash offer, and then going back and forth with offers and counter-offers, our selling member told the buyer that he would not go any lower on the price of his home. But he then explained that what he could do is give the buyer $2,000 IMS trade dollars. That triggered the buyer’s interest. So after our client explained the value of the IMS’ currency, they signed the contract for the purchase of the home.

The seller’s broker sent a barter gift card to the new homebuyers along with an information pack of local restaurants, pizza places, dry cleaners and car washes, etc. She also included her IMS business card in the package. The recipients now love the idea of trade and said they will spread the IMS message wherever possible.

Niles, Illinois – Karen Zauer – IMS Barter Broker

A company that has been a member of IMS since February of 2003 has had astounding success in posting its products on the Marketplace. The firm sells all types of new game tables and chairs, jukeboxes, electronic dartboards, billiard tables and more. After making sales of $84,886 in 2008, and with the prospective influx of new Marketplace sales in 2009, my client decided to set a goal for that year of $200K plus. Remarkably, it was achieved, as the company had sales of $200,963. Now his goal for 2010 is a minimum of $250K, and All IMS Brokers and their clients can be part of the $250K plus of buying.

New Berlin, WI - Steve Lamp - IMS Regional Manager

We have a newly joined member that was looking to move some specific golf carts that he had in his inventory. A promo was run to advertise these carts to our other members, and within his first 30 days of membership, the client had sold over $35,000 worth of golf carts! This trade credit helped both his bottom line and cash flow, and enabled him to purchase a forklift that was needed in his warehouse.

The client also mentioned that he will be moving offices soon and is looking forward to IMS assisting him in getting several items that will be needed in the new office.

Wichita, Kansas - Nikki Inlow - IMS Barter Broker

2009 posed many questions and concerns for business owners but being able to compensate employees shouldn’t have to be one of them!  They say good help is hard to find so keep the good ones!  Gift Cards are a great incentive not only during the holidays but any time throughout the year!

Over the holiday season, we really encouraged the purchase of Gift Cards.  For some it was a means to an agonizing situation…being able to bonus or not?  With a little insight to how they work - the gift card purchases were a success.  Our office set up over $10,000 in Gift Cards just in December.  It’s a new concept for most members but proved to be a benefit for all.

Carol Rolland - National Broker Trainer - IMS HQ - New Berlin, Wisconsin

I just reviewed the holiday gift guide that IMS is providing to our members nationwide. Wow! I am astounded at the huge selection of high quality of products available for purchase with their IMS trade dollars - all presented so nicely and with clear instructions on how to order. I know our members will be impressed!

New Berlin, Wisconsin - Mark Bowman - IMS Barter Broker

We have a real estate agent who is a member here (he accepts his commission in IMS trade dollars). He recently wanted to purchase a $23,000 copier for his office with his trade dollars, but he didn’t have enough in his trade account. I asked him to think about other products or services he had that he could sell. He mentioned a 33ft Winnebago that he owned. It was parked right next to his house. He was trying to sell it, but hadn’t had any luck. I went to see it. I said “If I can find a buyer, would you sell it for IMS trade?”. He agreed. I got to work and presented a buyer to him shortly after that initial conversation. The buyer purchased the Winnebago, had it re-painted (paid for with IMS barter as well!), and my real estate member earned enough trade from the sale to purchase the copier.

Chattanooga, Tennessee - Donna Burlingham - IMS Barter Broker

I have a radio station member here that had accumulated a sizable balance of trade dollars. They weren’t spending no matter how much I tried to reach out to the contact person at the station with great things to buy. I ended-up hearing from the station manager who wanted to know…”who is IMS and what are we supposed to do with all this so-called money?” I told him that his trade balance should be looked at just like cash and  proceeded to go down a list of things that he might be interested in for the station. It took 10 minutes. They’ve recently placed an order for t-shirts, they’ve had the office cleaned (including carpets), and we are looking at bumper stickers for them too. All it took was someone there who knew what they needed to talk with me. I tell my members all the time…please take a few minutes to tell me what you’re looking for - let me show you how IMS can work for you!  

New Berlin, Wisconsin - Steve Lamp - IMS Barter Broker Manager

We helped one of our hotel members in the Wisconsin Dells make a very nice purchase for his property. We received this email from him:

“Thank you for assisting me with a huge cost the every hotel runs into every few years. Replacing mattresses is always a huge expense. IMS was able to connect me with another member from whom I was able to purchase 19 Queen/King mattresses. The transaction ran so smoothly and we were also able to have the old mattresses hauled away at no extra cost.  It sure was easier on the pocketbook to buy these mattresses using open room nights that you filled! Thank you for your help!”

Denver, Colorado - Janel Skinner - IMS Barter Broker

I have a member here who owns a real nice beauty salon. She recently moved locations and was trying to think of ways to let the new neighborhood know she was in town. She discovered that outside her new shop was an area where bands come and play. The summer has been quite warm there, so she asked me if we could get hand fans for her to give out to people who come. She wanted the fans to advertise her new location with her shop name and contact number on it. We were able to do just that…and get a coupon printed on one side too! She handed out 400 fans these past few months. She is thrilled with how she was able to use her IMS trade dollars and advertise in such a creative way.

Rochester, New York - Kimberly Schlafer - IMS Barter Broker

A member here in Rochester who provides CPA services enjoys visiting Martha’s Vineyard every year. This year, I suggested that he consider using some of his trade dollars to go. He took my suggestion and utilized the IMS travel department. IMS booked his entire stay at a wonderful lodge that he was already familiar with in Martha’s Vineyard and he paid for it with his IMS trade dollars. He just returned and sent me an email saying that his vacation and the accommodations were great and he’ll be going back for sure.