1991
75
$53,250
$40,000
$250,000
No
Bartercard USA offers a unique business-to-business (B2B) franchise opportunity that empowers entrepreneurs to facilitate cashless transactions among businesses using a proprietary digital currency. This model enables companies to conserve cash, manage excess inventory, and expand their customer base through a network of over 35,000 cardholders across five countries. With a proven track record since 1991, Bartercard has established itself as a leader in the trade exchange industry, providing franchisees with a scalable and innovative business model.
Investing in a Bartercard USA franchise offers:
Established Business Model: Leverage a proven system with a global presence.
Multiple Revenue Streams: Earn income through membership fees, transaction fees, and value-added services.
Comprehensive Support: Receive extensive training and ongoing assistance from the National Support Office.
Scalable Operations: Expand your business within a defined territory with the potential for growth.
Innovative Technology: Utilize a cloud-based platform for efficient transaction management.
Established Year:
Bartercard was founded in 1991 in Australia by Wayne Sharpe, Brian Hall, and Andrew Federowsky. The company was created to provide businesses with a practical way to trade goods and services without using cash, introducing a business-to-business barter system that allowed companies to conserve cash flow, utilize excess inventory, and grow their customer base.
Franchise Units:
Bartercard has expanded globally, operating over 75 offices in more than 5 countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, and the USA. In the United States, Bartercard currently has 2 franchise offices, with potential for expansion into additional states and territories.
Founders and Company Journey:
Wayne Sharpe: A visionary entrepreneur who identified the need for a modern barter system for businesses.
Brian Hall and Andrew Federowsky: Co-founders who contributed to the operational and technological development of the Bartercard system.
Since its inception, Bartercard has evolved from a small Australian-based operation into a global trade network, incorporating digital technology to simplify transactions and manage trade credits efficiently.
Ownership:
Bartercard is a privately held company with continued leadership from its founders and experienced management teams overseeing international operations.
Market Presence in the USA:
Bartercard USA operates within the Business & Professional Services industry. The company is registered to operate in most U.S. states, except a few (like Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Hawaii, and Alaska). The brand is focused on growing its trade network and establishing a strong B2B presence across American businesses.
Industry Category:
Bartercard operates within the business barter/trade exchange sector, a niche segment of B2B services. Its innovative model combines networking, cashless transactions, and business development services to create a sustainable revenue system for both the franchise and its members.
Brand Journey and Company History:
1991: Founded in Australia.
1996: Began offering franchise opportunities to expand globally.
2000s: Expanded into Asia and the USA, implementing proprietary digital technology to manage trade credits and memberships.
Present: Operates internationally with thousands of businesses in its trade network, providing a scalable and proven business model for franchisees.
Other Information:
Bartercard is recognized as a leader in the global trade exchange industry, with over 35,000 active cardholders worldwide. Its model encourages repeat business, builds networking opportunities, and allows franchisees to generate multiple revenue streams through membership fees, transaction fees, and value-added services.
Bartercard USA offers comprehensive, structured support and training to ensure franchisees can successfully launch, operate, and grow their business. The program is designed to cover all aspects of running a Bartercard franchise—from pre-launch planning to ongoing operational guidance.
Before opening a franchise, Bartercard provides:
Site Selection Assistance: Guidance on choosing the ideal location for your office or territory to maximize business opportunities.
Lease Negotiation Support: Expert advice on negotiating favorable terms for office space.
Business Planning & Setup: Help with initial business setup, office infrastructure, staffing requirements, and workflow planning.
Territory Analysis: Strategic recommendations to understand local market potential and competitive landscape.
Bartercard ensures franchisees are fully prepared to operate the business by providing:
Intensive Onboarding Program: A structured 4-week training covering operational procedures, business management, and trade network development.
System & Technology Training: Hands-on instruction on Bartercard’s proprietary cloud-based platform for managing trade transactions, member accounts, and reporting.
Sales & Marketing Training: Techniques to attract new members, generate leads, and build lasting B2B relationships.
Accounting & Compliance Training: Guidance on bookkeeping, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance within the franchise model.
Once the franchise is operational, ongoing support includes:
Daily Business Operations Assistance: Guidance on managing accounts, processing trades, and maximizing revenue streams.
Regular Performance Reviews: Monitoring and feedback to optimize operations, improve efficiency, and identify growth opportunities.
Operational Manuals & Resources: Access to comprehensive manuals covering standard operating procedures, marketing strategies, and customer engagement tactics.
Bartercard USA helps franchisees build brand recognition and attract clients:
National Marketing Campaigns: Access to Bartercard’s branded campaigns, digital marketing materials, and corporate resources.
Local Area Marketing Guidance: Customized strategies for territory-specific promotions, networking events, and local B2B outreach.
Lead Generation Tools: Software tools to identify potential business members and track engagement metrics.
Continuous learning and development programs ensure franchisees stay competitive:
Refresher Courses: Periodic updates on system upgrades, sales techniques, and industry trends.
Webinars & Workshops: Regular virtual sessions for knowledge sharing, best practices, and networking with other franchisees.
Peer Support Network: Opportunity to connect with other franchise owners for mentorship, advice, and collaborative growth.
Bartercard also emphasizes skill development:
Business Management Skills: Training in leadership, negotiation, and strategic planning.
Industry Knowledge: Insights into the barter/trade exchange sector and B2B service trends.
Continuous Improvement: Tools and resources to innovate and improve operational performance over time.
Bartercard USA is designed for entrepreneurs and investors who are motivated, business-minded, and capable of managing a B2B services operation. The ideal franchisee possesses the skills, resources, and drive to grow a trade network and maximize the potential of the Bartercard business model.
Must be a self-motivated, goal-oriented individual who thrives in business ownership.
Demonstrates a strong work ethic and commitment to developing the franchise within their territory.
Willing to invest time and effort into building relationships with local businesses and expanding the trade network.
Experience in sales, marketing, business development, or management is highly desirable.
Understanding of networking and client relationship management helps in attracting new members and maintaining long-term engagement.
Prior experience running a business or managing a team is a plus, though not mandatory if the franchisee demonstrates strong aptitude and willingness to learn.
Minimum personal net worth: $750,000.
Liquid capital available: at least $53,250 to cover initial investment and working capital.
Ability to invest in infrastructure, marketing, and technology to establish and grow the franchise successfully.
Ideal franchisees are interested in developing a defined territory and maximizing local B2B trade opportunities.
Open to business travel and networking within their territory to grow membership and maintain relationships with clients.
Capable of managing day-to-day operations, including staff supervision, client service, and transaction monitoring.
Willing to adhere to Bartercard’s operational standards, including reporting, compliance, and marketing guidelines.
Ability to analyze performance metrics, identify growth opportunities, and implement strategies for business expansion.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to connect with a variety of businesses.
Passionate about helping local businesses grow, facilitating cashless trade, and creating networking opportunities.
Enthusiastic about learning and applying new technology, marketing strategies, and business management practices.
Motivated to build a scalable business with multiple revenue streams, including membership fees, transaction fees, and value-added services.
Focused on long-term success and willing to reinvest profits into territory development and network expansion.
| Financial Component | Details / Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $40,000 |
| Total Initial Investment | $250,000 |
| Minimum Net Worth Required | $750,000 |
| Liquid Capital Required | $53,250 |
| Royalty Fee | 30% of monthly gross revenue (may be reduced based on performance) |
| Marketing Fee | 2% of gross revenue |
| Infrastructure / Office Setup Cost | Varies by location; includes office lease, furniture, technology, and software setup |
| Working Capital | Varies; sufficient funds recommended to cover initial operational expenses |
| Expected ROI | Variable; depends on territory development, member acquisition, and operational efficiency |
| Break-Even Time | Typically 12–36 months, depending on market and franchisee performance |
| Revenue Streams | Membership fees, transaction fees, value-added services, training programs, and consulting |
| Ongoing Support / Training | Included in initial investment; covers operations, marketing, sales, and technology |
| Additional Costs | Local marketing campaigns, staff salaries, travel expenses for territory development |
