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 1980's.The first groups were set up in Australia in the late 1980's in Maleny, Queensland, Murwillunbah and in several places in new South Wales. The system has spread throughout Australia and is also available to people 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 Blue Mountains with more than 2,000 members trading over $B40,000 per month.

 

For more LETS History, click  on this link - Wikipedia.

 

What does it cost?

 The cost is different for different LETS Groups. LETS South charges $25 p.a. pro rata and this charge has remained unchanged for some years.Costs are currently kept down by the use of email and the LETS South blog.The charges covers stamps,Website,computer,office, insurance and other charges which are unavoidable and not able to be paid in $B.

 

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 18 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?

The Membership fee of $25 per year covers the cost of running the group,hire of a venue for Markets,regular Newsletters and Resource Guides, access to the Office and any help, advice or information you may require during Office hours.It also gives you the 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.LETS is neighbourly and caring so there is no place for disrespect or 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 commitment 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.