Trade exchanges, initially called barter clubs when the concept was introduced 50 years ago, match the needs of their member businesses and allow them to trade their goods and services without spending cash. Through the use of sophisticated computer software, the trade exchange keeps track of those transactions using a medium of exchange known as a "trade credit" or "trade dollar." By trading through ATE, businesses save the time and hassle of finding businesses willing to trade their products or services. Members simply consult their business directory, or contact one of our brokers to find the service they need. Also, because the transactions are recorded in trade dollars, businesses no longer need to barter directly with their trade customer. The trade dollars earned can be spent with any member business.

Arizona Trade Exchange offers another network to help distribute your products. Our members use trade dollars, instead of cash, to conduct their transactions. Instead of reducing the price of products or having services go unused, members sell them for retail value in trade dollars. ATE acts as the third party in the exchange by keeping detailed records of the transactions. Each month, ATE provides members with a detailed monthly statement that documents all purchases and sales made and shows their current trade dollar balance. At ATE we do our best to ensure you find the product or service you are looking for even if it's not in our directory.

A carpet cleaning company builds a balance in its account by cleaning tile and carpet for numerous ATE members. The marginal cost of providing these services are very low because the fixed costs of doing business (i.e., truck payments, insurance, office expenses, etc.) do not change. The carpet cleaner then uses his trade dollars to maintain and repair his company vans with a member auto mechanic. The auto mechanic uses the trade dollars that he earns to take his family and friends to one of our fine restaurants for dinner. The restaurateur then takes the trade dollars that she earned to print her menus at one of our printers. Finally, the printer needs his carpets cleaned. Turning to our directory, she finds the carpet cleaner and the whole process starts again.