How did LETS start?
Barter systems are the original form of trade between people and
communities. They have probably been running for thousands of years
all over the world. The LETS system was 'invented' by Michael Linton in Ottowa Canada in the 1980s.
The first groups were set up in Australia in the late 1980's in
Malen Queensland and in several places in New South Wales.
The System has spread throughout
on all the Continents except the Arctic. There are thousands of groups in
operation.
In 1994 the largest group in the World was in the
For more LETS History,
click on this link -
What does it cost?
LETS South charges $25 pro rata and has done for many years. Costs have been kept down by using email instead of hard copy.
What area does LETS South cover?
It currently covers the Fleurieu Peninsula in South
Australia.The majority of Members live in the Willunga and
Aldinga area.This group began in Willunga 19 years
ago.Anyone wishing to join who lives too far outside this
area may find Members do not want or are not able to
travel to them.In this case it is best to look for another group or start a new one in your area.
What do I get for my Membership?
A quarterly updated directory of which Members offers what, access to the Office during business hours for information or advice.
Regular local Barter Markets and an opportunity to be part of a local
community in which work and people are valued.
You also get the opportunity to hold to the values of LETS South and to
respond to others in a different way than you might if you were employing business people to clean your gutters, mow your lawns, fix your tap etc..
unreasonable demands.
Will LETS suit me?
Maybe or maybe not, it does require adjustment for some people who are not
used to community involvement.You also need to be offering what people
want, in order to earn enough $B to spend on what you need.
If you offer something Members don't need often, you will not earn enough to
cover what you want to spend.
You need to take into account that many Members are full time workers
and have families, so have many commitments in addition to their LETS Membership and work.
You also need to be aware that any unfair or shoddy trades are quickly found
out and you will not get further work.
We usually suggest you try it out for a year and see how you go, how often
Members take up your offers and whether you enjoy trading with $B. Then you can decide on July 1st if you wish to renew your Membership.