9 Effective Ways to Put Your Trade Dollars To Work

People are your greatest asset; rewarding them doesn't have to strain your cash flow. By using your IMS trade dollars creatively, you can recognize your employees, enhance benefits, and boost morale—all while maximizing your resources.

So, how can you maximize your trade dollars?

1. Wage Enhancements

Instead of replacing existing salaries, consider adding trade bonuses to reward great performance! One IMS client offered hourly workers a raise split between cash and trade dollars, while others used trade to cover overtime hours. (Just remember to report trade dollar compensation on IRS Form W-2.)

2. Employee Bonuses

Use trade dollars to fund special bonuses throughout the year. From larger holiday bonuses to surprise awards, trade allows you to be generous without added cash strain. A restaurant within the IMS network found a way to keep the trade turning, and bonus their staff. The owner buys gift certificates from IMS for restaurants (within our network) in $10 increments. If a customer calls or texts the owner after being in their restaurant and gives their server a positive review, the server gets to choose a $10 certificate from their stash. It’s a great incentive, and it keeps the restaurant owner's cash in the bank!

Prefer to give a tangible gift?

3. Gifts to Show Your Appreciation

Recognize employee milestones, anniversaries, or top performance with creative gifts sourced through trade. Use your trade to purchase gift cards, merchandise, or dining experiences. Think spa days, weekend getaways, electronics, or luxury gift baskets. It’s a meaningful way to say thank you and celebrate achievements without tapping into your cash reserves.

4. Health & Wellness Benefits

Health benefits are a must — but so is affordability. Use trade dollars to offer dental, optical, chiropractic, or wellness services at little to no cash cost. You can even allow employees to buy trade dollars at a discount to cover personal healthcare needs.

5. Team Events

Company outings boost team spirit. Trade can help you host the most memorable ones. Book pick-up or delivered catering, private dining, sports tickets, concerts, escape rooms, or awards for your next event — all through your IMS account.

6. Professional Development

Employee training drives business growth. Invest your trade dollars in sales training, leadership development, customer service workshops, and time management seminars. One business on IMS nearly doubled its revenue after training its staff through a barter-funded program!

7. Expanded Benefits Packages

Stand out in a competitive job market by adding extra perks without increasing cash expenses. Offer health club memberships, massage therapy, entertainment passes, or wellness programs — funded through trade — to create a benefits package employees love.

8. Discounted Trade Dollars for Employees

Give your employees access to trade dollars at a discounted rate for their personal use. You win by earning a margin on your trade balance, and they win by accessing services, entertainment, and retail options for less.

9. Incentive Programs

Motivate your team with incentive rewards powered by trade. Offer merchandise, weekend trips, or event tickets as prizes for hitting performance goals. One IMS client rewarded their top sales reps with vacations — completely paid for without touching cash!