FAQ

What is a Swop worth?
Swops are non convertible i.e. there is no exchange rate for translation into other currencies (such as £ Sterling). For the purpose of pricing, we suggest that you reckon on 1 Swop being roughly equivalent to £1. You will notice as time goes by that using Swops is far more efficient that using the Pound Sterling, and so may wish to price your goods and services accordingly.

How do I accumulate Swops?
Trade your goods and services in exchange for Swops. Spend your Swops on goods and services that other members are offering.

How do I find things?
Browse the list of items and services on offer or simply type in the name of anything that you are after into the search bar and we hope you?ll find it. If it is not currently advertised, then please place a wanted ad. As this may well inspire someone to use Swopshop to exchange it, and they can then contact you when it is available.

Why do I see an "overdraft limit" ?
There needs to be a limit to how much you can take from the system without putting back in. We have to have an overdraft facility because the net balance of the whole Swops system must always be zero - so someone needs to "borrow" in order for other people to accumulate swops

How can I increase my overdraft?
The level of overdraft available to you depends on the amount of activity that your account has shown over it?s lifetime. The more you?ve Swopped, the greater the available overdraft balance for you to use for Swopping. This way, we are able to apportion more trust to longer standing and more active members.

What if I want to make a partial payment in Swops?
This can be arranged between yourself and your Swopping partner. Simply invoice for the agreed amount in Swops and use an alternative currency for the rest.

How should I advertise my goods or services?
Include a full description of the goods or services. The more information you offer, the better expectations can be managed.

Descriptions of Goods offered could include:

Age / Condition / Price / Pictures

Descriptions of Services could include:

Qualifications / Hourly or set rate / References from previous work

What do I do if something goes wrong or I am not happy with it?
The Swopshop can take no responsibility for any goods or services offered through the scheme. Contact the member who sold it to you. We do not currently have a feedback system, and can not arbitrate in disputes. In exceptional circumstances contact the administrator admin@theswopshop.org as it may be possible to remove a member from the scheme. If you wish to arrange a refund with another member, simply transfer the amount of Swops back to them - go to ?Find a member? and click on their name. Then enter the amount of Swops to be refunded and click Pay.

Are Swop transactions taxable ?
We are told by the Inland Revenue that exchanges in kind should be declared for the purpose of your tax assessment. We cannot give tax advice and recommend that you discuss your Swop transactions with your accountant.

What if I think there has been an error with my account?
Mail the administrator at: admin@swopshop.org

What do I do if I want to leave the Swopshop?
If you have an overdraft, ideally you would first bring your account balance back to zero before leaving. If you have Swops in credit then Swop them before you go or contact the administrator if you would like to donate them back to the community.

I want to pay for something but I don't have enough Swops yet - what do I do?
Everyone is entitled to an overdraft of 20 Swops once they are a fully paid up member. The more you Swop the greater your available overdraft. This way, we are able to give more trust to longer standing and more active members.

Is there a limit to how many Swops I can accumulate?
There is no upper limit set - you can accumulate as many Swops as you like but do remember that the system only works if the Swops keep moving! Just like a conventional financial system it will seize up unless members keep spending as well as earning.

What information should I include when I?m offering an item or service?
Include a full description of the goods or services. The more information you offer, the better expectations can be managed. Descriptions of Goods offered could include: Age / Condition / Price / Pictures Descriptions of Services could include: Qualifications / Hourly or set rate / References from previous work

Want to know more about other similar schemes around the country?
Have a look at http://www.letslinkuk.net/home/about-us.htm

Why Use the Swopshop?
The Swopshop is an ecologically sound way to beat the credit crunch. It encourages us to think creatively about ways to reuse and recycle our possessions and to recognise the value in all members of our community. Everyone can get involved and everyone has something to offer. It builds community resilience and long term sustainability. Ghandi spoke about ?swadeshi?, a similar principle, as part of his vision for sustainable villages. ?Swadeshi avoids economic dependence on external market forces that could make the village community vulnerable. It also avoids unnecessary, unhealthy, wasteful, and therefore environmentally destructive transportation.

The village community should embody the spirit of the home - an extension of the family rather than a collection of competing individuals. Gandhi's dream was not of personal self-sufficiency, not even family self-sufficiency, but the self-sufficiency of the village community.?

Taken from  ?Gandhi?s Swadeshi: The Economic of Permance? written by Satish Kumar, and published in ?The Case Against the Global Economy - and for a turn toward the local? - edited by Jerry Mander and Edward Goldsmith.