that sounds like a lot of fun! a very interesting concept :) I'd say totally try it out and see how it works! definitely worth experimenting with~

So... basically at some stage you would like to be open for Barter?

Sure why not.

It sounds like a really good and funny idea but it will be a little tricky with some aspects i dunno, for example for any material: the shipments, and if its something like an itunes card the region of use will be different. But in general its a very funny idea and.. i´ll be anxious to see that in action ^^

Pretty sure iTunes works online though.

If postage was involved I'd take that into account with prices. I dunno. It won't happen any time soon it just sounded like fun.

The issue is that it'll mostly head down the route of art trades. Also one can assume you'll be picky with offers and what you think is the worth of what's offered.

Persay I make jewelry. I might value a piece at $10 but you only see $5 then what?

It's just a bit on the tedious side really, but it's a nice thought! An attempt to spice things up ~

Well as my work is pre-priced I assume anything offered would also have a price value. If you sell your jewellery for $10 then that's what it's worth, it's not up to me to judge that. And it's not really an art trade... Especially because only a small amount of people who commission me are commission artists themselves. If they're getting me art from someone else for example there's still payment in the process, just like with any other item.

I feel like it wouldn't be much of an incentive, since the item that is being offered wewill be at basically the same price range as just paying cash. Like you said though it could benefit people that have things but not money, but overall I'd just prefer to pay in cash rather than buy something for you that you may not use or like. Just feel you have a better understanding of what you like and need to do with your money and accepting random things that may not be suited to you would end up being worth less than your art.

Hopefully that doesn't come off as mean or pessimistic. Just my two cents really.

I did say I'd choose what I'd accept... I'm not going to accept things I have no use for. "I HAVE A SOLID GOLD MEN'S WATCH" Great... I have tiny female wrists...

So yeah, it's not suited to everyone but I'm not really limiting anyone either. Regular commissions aren't going to be replaced or anything.

I've tried something like this before, and with the shipping price of the bartered item factoring in it really skewed the balance in the deal. It may work for some people but to me it almost seems more hassle than it's worth as the person receiving the art. But that's just me.

I stated in a comment above that the shipping would be factored into the price. It'd be fair or I wouldn't do it at all.

You could also ship physical prints of the artwork, so the shipping is more fair.

I've offered prints for sale soooo many times. No one gives a crap about prints is my conclusion.

Well... I like prints....

But yeah, a lot of people probably don't have a place to hang them.

Would you consider something like a custom plush? Something like: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/8411218/

I value them around $250 ~ $300AUD these days, it would definitely be a fair skill/hourly rate trade.

I've traded for a plush before. It'd be very high on my OMG YES list.

Sounds like a fun idea just be careful who you give your address to or any other personal information wouldn't want you getting stuck with a weirdo ... :/

For this case I think I'd consider investing in a PO Box. That said, what're they gunna do that a regular weirdo wandering past my house right now couldn't?

Hahah just saying XD They might get stalkerish if they live near by and/or beg you for art and shit idk XD but that PO would probably be a good idea :3

Good luck to them I say. I'm moving in two months and I think it'll far too country bound for dedicated stalkers. How many paddocks are they prepared to walk through?

Yeah XD it's kinda cool XD I hope that if you did you would accept even poetry or stories as a payback ...

I don't think I would to be honest. I tend to interpret my characters my own way and I don't think seeing them in another persons writing would feel right.

Would are for art count in this? Assuming you think the other person has a similar skill level?

Maybe. I've suggested commissioning another artist so I suppose it's the same.

Though I suppose that would fall under a trade more than anything.

Doesn't all of this?

basically, though making art doesn't directly cost money I suppose. Buying gift cards and stuff does.

It's costs the exact amount it costs me - time.

that is true

Does music count for this?

Like you want a theme song for Silv x3
(If I get better at making orchestral stuff I could try it out)

It counts but again, I don't know if it's up there with things I'd use.

It's not a bad idea in theory, though you might want to set up limits for the sake of making it easier for all parties involved. This can come about in several ways:

1) Make a wishlist of sorts of things you'd most likely be open to accepting, sorting them by price if you think that'd help. This way people have a better idea of your tastes and what they'd be able to feasibly get you. Alternatively, a Do Not Want

2) Keep it all-digital. Digital art of digital goods, such as adopts, codes for video game (as in, for people to buy video games digitally and giving you the code, for example for Steam), online currency for X site (Lindens in Second Life, Digos in Furcadia, Gems in Flight Rising, etc.), Monthly subscriptions to X site or X program (Netflix, iTunes, Adobe products, WoW, etc), that sort of thing.

3) Save it for mutuals/Patreon supporters/People you trust, both for safety and to lessen the chances of you getting ripped off.

4) Similar to the all-digital idea, make it arts and crafts-only. Art for art, essencially. Can also make a wishlist for this that mentions basic themes and items you're interested in getting.

Hope this helps. In a perfect world, if I could, I'd bug more people to commission me in exchange for what's on my Amazon wishlist, but thaaaaaaaat's not happening for a while :V

Amazing advice, thank you!

Not a problem :)