Trading in a LETS
An example network, of the sort that might develop in a LETS, shows the complex trading relationships that can evolve. No money changes hands for most of the trades (although Eddie will probably need to buy some cloth), but there is no direct barter, either. The LETS acts as the 'middleman', introducing trading partners through the directory and newsletter and providing the local currency.
- Arthur keeps free-range hens and would like to buy some tomato plants.
- Beattie is good at aromatherapy, but needs her computer fixing.
- Charles bakes cakes, but suffers from stress at work.
- Denise wants a birthday cake for her daughter's fifth birthday, and is good at dressmaking.
- Eddie grows tomatoes from seed and would like to give his wife a nice dress on her birthday, but is unemployed and doesn't have that much money.
- Fiona is good at mending computers, which she uses to help in her hobby of dress-designing, and likes to cook using fresh produce.
Arthur gets his tomato plants from Eddie, who commissions Denise to make a dress. Denise gets the dress designed by Fiona, who mends Beattie's computer. Beattie gives Charles an aromatherapy massage, and Charles makes a cake for Denise using eggs he gets from Arthur. Arthur also supplies his eggs to Fiona, who uses them and some tomatoes from Eddie to make a lovely omelette and tomato salad for her supper. Phew!
Without the LETS, it is unlikely that any of the above will have occurred. Everybody has benefitted and enjoyed themselves, and met new friends.