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How the marketplace works

PBM is a platform where you can exchange products and services without needing cash (or by using indicative values to keep exchanges fair). The platform finds matches between listings and can also create multi-party “chain” exchanges (A → B → C → A), so each participant can get what they need.

Solutions are generated automatically (usually after midnight). If you don’t see a solution right away, it may simply mean more compatible listings need to appear. Barter is like life — it doesn’t always happen on the first try.
Marketplace flow diagram

What is the goal of the platform?

  • Help you quickly find someone you can trade with.
  • Enable indirect (chain) exchanges, not only direct swaps.
  • Provide transparency (fairness rate, demand coverage, offer consumption).
  • Facilitate communication via chat between participants.

What types of exchanges are there?

1) Direct exchange (A ↔ B)
A has what B wants and B has what A wants.
2) Chain exchange (A → B → C → A)
A receives from B, B receives from C, and C receives from A — the loop closes. Useful when a direct match doesn’t exist.
If it sounds complicated, don’t worry — the platform engine finds it automatically. You decide whether to proceed and negotiate the details.

How to use the platform (step by step)

1) Create an account
Your account gives you chat, full details, and the ability to manage your listings.
2) Add a listing
You can add an offer (what you give) or a demand (what you want). Fill in the title, description, quantity, and an indicative value.
3) Set “What do you want in exchange?”
Choose categories/requirements. The clearer you are, the higher the chances of good solutions.
4) Review solutions
In the “Solutions” page you can see found cycles, scores, coverage/consumption, and open chats.
Usage steps

Benefits

  • Save money: get what you need through barter.
  • Use what you don’t need: stock, equipment, services, time.
  • Smart matching: including A→B→C→A chains.
  • Transparency: see how “fair” an exchange is (rates, scores).
  • Built-in chat: negotiate details quickly.

Downsides / limitations

  • Logistics: chain exchanges may require travel and coordination.
  • Values are indicative: quality/condition can change “fairness”.
  • Dynamic listings: items appear/expire, quantities are consumed, ordering changes.
  • Negotiation: adjustments may be needed (partial quantities, alternative items).
The platform finds the route — you still have to drive.

Gifts & Pro Bono (free)

Besides barter, you can also publish listings that are free: Gifts (products) and Pro Bono (services). They don’t require anything in exchange, but you can still use chat to coordinate pickup or scheduling.

Why it helps the community
  • Reduces waste by giving useful items a second life.
  • Supports people who need essentials or short-term help.
  • Builds trust and goodwill inside local communities.
Why it’s useful for companies
  • Helps move excess inventory responsibly.
  • Improves brand perception (CSR) and attracts new customers.
  • Creates opportunities for future paid work after a Pro Bono interaction.
Usage steps
Note: Gifts & Pro Bono listings are shown in search results, but they are not used in the barter “Solutions” matching engine.

Premium Access via Promotion Barter

The platform may offer temporary access to a paid plan (other than Free) in exchange for user-made promotional content (“Promotion Barter”). You publish a post about Philippines Barter Marketplace and, after verification, you can receive premium access for a limited period.

How it works
  1. Generate your unique code in Settings → Subscription.
  2. Post on TikTok / Instagram / Facebook / Youtube (public) and include the code.
  3. Submit your promotion links for review.
  4. If approved, temporary premium access is granted automatically.
Why we do it
  • Grows the community faster through real user stories.
  • Rewards users who help spread the word.
  • Keeps the platform sustainable while staying accessible.
Premium Access via Promotion Barter
Note: Submission and verification are required. Premium access is granted at the platform’s discretion and is temporary.

Tips for a successful barter

Write a clear title and description
Example: Use a generic name in the title (“Apples”) and add details in the description (“Golden apples, medium size”).
Add relevant photos
It builds trust and reduces unnecessary back-and-forth.
Check coverage / consumption
If demand is only partially covered or the offer is only partially consumed, discuss adjustments in chat. If the demand has no fixed price (negotiable), the platform values it using the offer’s unit value. If the demand has a fixed price, matching uses the total demand value and adjusts the offer quantity when the offer quantity exceeds demand.
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