Barterloo: Redefining Value Through Bartering with Kelly Dempsey and Stefan Krajczar
Introducing Barterloo, a new platform created by Kelly Dempsey, a former contestant on "Project Runway," and her co-founder Stefan Krajczar, designed to facilitate trading goods and services without the need for money. The platform aims to allow people to use their skills, secondhand items, and services as currency, enabling them to free up cash for other pursuits or hobbies. Barterloo is set to officially launch at the end of February, with hundreds of users already registered for the prelaunch phase.
The idea for Barterloo stemmed from Dempsey's realization of the environmental and ethical issues in the fashion industry, prompting her to create a platform that goes beyond clothing exchange. The fashion industry generates excess stock, leading to significant waste, with a large portion of used textiles ending up in landfills or incinerators. Barterloo seeks to address these issues while fostering community connections through bartering.
Historically, bartering becomes more prevalent during times of economic hardship, such as periods of inflation or high unemployment. Platforms like Buy Nothing groups on Facebook and apps like Kindred have gained popularity for facilitating exchanges within communities. Barterloo sets itself apart by verifying all users through a third party and prohibiting certain activities like drop shipping or selling mass-produced items.
Barterloo offers a secure space for users to trade goods and services, with a focus on promoting small businesses and encouraging users to visit their websites for transactions without additional fees. The platform offers various subscription options, including a free version with limited daily barters, monthly subscriptions starting at around $2, and a lifetime subscription for $180. The user-friendly design of Barterloo aims to create a social media-like experience for users while promoting meaningful exchanges.
As a fashion designer and content creator, Dempsey showcases her upcycling skills to her social media followers and plans to offer items on Barterloo, such as unique bags and clothing. Krajczar, on the other hand, is interested in bartering for Spanish lessons. The platform encourages a wide range of barters, from video editing services to knitted sweaters, emphasizing the value of individual skills and contributions.
One of Dempsey's personal goals for Barterloo is to help people recognize their worth beyond monetary measures. She believes that many artists and creators undervalue themselves due to societal norms, and she hopes the platform will empower users to see their unique skills and offerings as valuable contributions. By fostering a sense of community and connection through bartering, Barterloo aims to redefine the way people perceive their worth and the value of their work.