How IslandBarter Works

IslandBarter is St. Thomas’ own trade exchange. Members swap goods and services using Trade Dollars (T$) — no cash needed. Here’s how it works:

1. Join the Exchange

Sign up and tell us what you offer — your skills, services, or goods. Every new member gets a T$50 signup bonus and a T$500 credit line to start trading right away. Membership is T$20/month in Trade Dollars.

2. Earn Trade Dollars

Provide a service or product to another member and earn T$. A plumber fixes a sink and earns T$150. A photographer shoots headshots and earns T$200. A caterer serves a party and earns T$500. Your skills have value — now they have currency.

3. Spend Locally

Use your Trade Dollars at any member business. Get your car detailed, your taxes done, your website built — all with T$ you earned from doing what you do best. No cash changes hands.

4. Trade Offers

See a business you want to work with? Send them a trade offer directly from their listing. Propose what you’ll do for them and what you want in return. Both parties set the terms — it’s your deal.

5. The Island Family

A small percentage of every trade funds the Community Foundation. When a neighbor needs help — whether it’s home repair, a meal, or professional services — the island family steps up. Businesses can donate their services or accept partial T$ from the foundation. Every act of generosity gets recognized.

The Numbers

• T$50 signup bonus when you join
• T$500 credit line to start trading
• T$20/month membership in Trade Dollars
• 5% transaction fee (2.5% each side) — funds the Community Foundation
• 1,836 businesses already in the directory