I use the barter system a lot where I live, with the hairdresser and friends. I made one for my hairdresser recently to give away and while I feel that I got a fair deal, I probably won't do a bow tucks again for her. It was ok to make, but I am the kind of person that really has to like what I am making, or I won't make another.
She and I went through this when I decided to make dresses. Three and I was done and there she was, waiting for more. No go.....
One of the other ladies in the same beauty shop had me make a custom diaper bag, different from my other ones. I charged the same price as my others, now she wants another, but even bigger! I told her money up front and charged her for the materials, and labor to be decided later.