4 Southland Groups in Barter Exchanges

The National Assn. of Trade Exchanges currently has 47 members throughout the United States. The organization acts as a clearinghouse of information and checks that its members are doing business and have an office with at least one full-time employee. NATE also investigates complaints it receives against member exchanges.

If you’re considering joining a trade exchange, NATE President Tom McDowell recommends running a credit check on the company, “just like you would for anyone you’re doing cash business with. Get a list of exchange clients you can call, and a list of the products and services the exchange offers.”

A call to NATE may also turn up information about the exchange’s history and reputation.

Of roughly 150 exchanges operating nationwide, McDowell said, “California is the hotbed of trade exchanges,” home to an estimated 20% to 30% of all barter companies.

Below are the four NATE member exchanges in Southern California, and contact information for NATE.

Tom McDowell, President

The National Assn. of Trade Exchanges (NATE)

27801 Euclid Ave.

Euclid, Ohio 44132

(800) 733-6283

Mark Tracy, Owner

American Commerce Exchange (ACX)

10556 Riverside Drive

Toluca Lake, Calif. 91602

(818) 769-2223

Allan Zimmerman, Owner

BXI West

600 S. Curson Ave., 319

Los Angeles, Calif. 90036

(213) 935-2929

Carol Ornelas, Owner

Malibu Business & Professional Exchange

P.O. Box 981

Malibu, Calif. 90265

(213) 456-7629

Michael Ames, Owner

Trade American Card

777 S. Main St., 77

Orange, Calif. 92668

(714) 543-8283