Why do some products and services cost more on Barter than for cash?
A
Because the cash economy is so competitive You can always find someone who is willing sell their products and services at steep discounts or even at a loss. In a Trade Exchange, Members sell their products and services at full retail value. On the surface it would seem like You are better off paying cash, however this is only half the story.
Although on a retail for retail comparison the cash price may be lower on a particular item, You have to take into account the cost of Your Trade Dollars which is the wholesale cost of Your products and services. Since You are effectively buying at Your wholesale cost You may find You are actually better off paying for the item with Trade Dollars.
