And the IRS never hears about it.

Trading goods or services and usually no money exchanged.

I agree!! I wish that I could barter some sewing for other things!

They say we are to declare value, but I do not actually know anyone who does, though if in a formal barter group, you would have to, as they report!

Doing a service for someone, then they repay by doing one for you. That way no money has to be spent and both parties benefit.

This is the definition given when you Google Barter:
Barter is a method of exchange by which goods or services are directly exchanged for other goods or services without using a medium of exchange, such as money.[1] It is usually bilateral, but may be multilateral, and usually exists parallel to monetary systems in most developed countries, though to a very limited extent. Barter usually replaces money as the method of exchange in times of monetary crisis, such as when the currency may be either unstable (e.g., hyperinflation or deflationary spiral) or simply unavailable for conducting commerce.

barter - my absolute favorite way to do business. the best part is both parties think each is getting the best deal. it's all about one's talent. once i traded a double bed size quilt for kitchen towels that had that crochet stuff on top so they can be hung. it was awesome.

One time I bartered with a friend: for a summer she gave my daughter drawing lessons and I tutored her son in reading. Perfect! I keep trying to get my farrier to take a quilt for his services, but he says he needs the money more than a quilt. :lol:

Anything trading, goods or services, with no money exchanged. I love to barter as it is a win win situation for all involved.

Somethings I bartered for -

I made casseroles for her and she serged cloth diapers I had made as she had a serger.

Hair cut for me baby sitting their child.

I also do a lot of trading for fabric with friends. It is not a hard set trading but if I need something they might give it and another time I do the same when they need something or if they see something they like in my home, books, food, etc., I might give it.

I grew up with the master barterer. My Dad was a very gifted carpenter. We live in a very poor area. He made a living building houses, but he also did a lot of things for people who had no money, but would give him something instead. One of the best barters he did for me was when I had my first child. He did some work for the Dr. and I didn't get a bill. He also built a whole complex and the local community college, but calling in favors and taking the school truck every Friday afternoon to the local pulp mill and would come back with a load of lumber etc. I guess to summ it all up bartering is a very old survival skill for people when money is tight.