Search London

  • The best ways to swap, barter and save money

  • By Rebecca Lowrey Boyd

    Posted: Wed Mar 4 2009

  • In these frugal times shopping is a guilty pleasure, yet saving money is easy when you give something in return. A wealth of websites and council-run schemes have sprung up where the only thing that doesn't change hands is money

    The best ways to swap, barter and save money

    • Freecycle

      Not exactly bartering – this is where you can pick up stuff for free. Join your local group and browse the listings to see what people are giving away. Read more

    • Gumtree

      Barter for Russian lessons, financial advice and photographic retouching in the Skills and Language Swap, and exchange everything from mobile phones to laptops in the Swap Shop. Read more

    • LETS Link London

      Click on the map of London to find your local group, and exchange goods and services with neighbours using LETS credit instead of cash. Read more

    • Swap It Shop

      The eBay of bartering. Here you earn Swapit points to bid on auction-style listings. It’s particularly good for swapping gadgets, collectables, games and toys. Read more

    • Swapz

      The leading direct-swap website in the UK, with thousands of listings including games consoles, computers and collectables. We also spotted a pottery wheel in a recent listing. Read more

    • Time Banking

      Find the nearest time bank in your borough, and swap goods and services using time as a form of credit. Skills and support include DIY, help with the kids, trips out, shopping, new grandparents, talking on the phone, cooking and exercise. Read more

    • U-Exchange

      Barter online with other people from your local area for services and goods ranging from web design, lawnmowing and economic advice to laptops, televisions and books. . Read more

    Feature continues
    Advertisement

    Council swap shopsYou can find out about local bartering schemes or upcoming swap days at your local council, though here's a taster of what's offer:

    Islington and Hackney
    Run Give or Take Days four times a year, where residents can drop off items they don’t want, or take away anything they do want.
    Where Call Islington Council (7527 2627) / Hackney Council (8356 6688) for more info.

    Camden
    Recently opened one of the first reuse sites in London where residents can drop and swap unwanted items ranging from books to bikes.
    Where It’s located at the council’s Regis Road recycling centre , and the site is open 8am-3.45pm daily.

     

     

  • Add your comment to this feature

1 comment

  1. Posted by Jean Fischer on 29 Oct 2009 11:44

    The link for " Freecycle" does not work - or it does not exist anymore. (Clicking on the link only brings you to a lot of paid ads - nothing free.)

    Report this comment as inappropriate

Have your say