IMS Barter - Watertown, CT - Southington, Connecticut

Frank H.

It is always a pleasure to work with IMS Barter. We have been involved with different barter networks over the past 30 years and IMS is definitely a stand out as far as being professional, helpful and responsive. If you’re new to barter than this can be a great asset when used as part of an overall business plan, and can save cash and generate income you wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to make. We have always enjoyed using barter credits for pleasure such as lodging, trips and restaurants and also use it for business purchases when we can.

Bob S.

I've been with IMS since 1993 with over $250,000 in sales. It could have ben much more. It took a while to get acclimated and understand the value because it was a relative new concept. Now Barter is mainstream. When I did this system helped preserve cash and increase new business and sales. Every business can benefit form IMS. There are so many great ways to spend your barter dollars., trips, equipment, services, etc. My broker Jill stays in contact with me and and responds fast when I send requests. She's a Godsend. I highly recommend IMS especially in theses economic times.

Diana S.

IMS Barter has worked well for my business. It's connected me to some other vendors I would not necessarily connected with outside of IMS Barter.

You have to be smart and put some thought into how to use your Barter money - some industries and businesses it works well, others not so much. That's not a problem with IMS Barter, its just the nature of Barter organizations.

Don't assume because a busines is part of IMS Barter that they are any better or worse than another business. You still have to do the work of filtering out good companies from bad - just like you would in cash scenarios. But once you do find a good vendor - its great to be able to use Barter trade to pay for services.

Just recently I've used my Barter money on:

- Electrical work for my home - Had a terrific experience with a good company. I plan to use them to for cash work too.
- Holiday Shopping - Ever year I source Gift baskets for my clients and other seasonal goods
- Local Sandwich shop who's owner was a member

Shout out to Sue Lukos who is a fantastic rep

Brandon S.

Sue Lukos and the team at IMS Barter have been a pleasure to work with.

I have used my barter over the years for travel, restaurants, car rentals, groceries, the list goes on and on.

I think every small business we work with should become a member of IMS barter!

Its a " No brainer"

Mike

This is my first negative review I've ever had to write. IMS Barter is a very huge disappointment, and every single member of this program that I've spoken with agrees with me. It's not that the folks at IMS aren't good, it's just the environment in which their customers operate isn't conducive to good business.

1) Nearly every business we've worked with who is a member outwardly dislikes dealing with IMS customers.

2) There is a huge currency discrepancy between barter points and actual dollars, even though there's "not supposed to be". If something costs X amount from a usual contractor or store, it will cost SIGNIFICANTLY more in IMS Barter Points. Keep in mind that you pay a percentage fee to the IMS company in ACTUAL DOLLARS, so if the $4000 roofing job costs $6000 in barter points, you'll need to pay the cash percentage fee on the bloated price.

3) It seems like very few barter customer wants to accept a 100% barter point transaction. Everyone wants a partial cash payment. Then IMS barter still gets their fees in cash. Then there's tax, which obviously still needs to be paid.

4) Very, very few barter member companies call back. We've been put in touch with countless companies who we were referred to by IMS. As soon as we mention we're a barter account, they either change their tone completely, or just stop calling altogether. In the past 2 weeks alone, we've been put into contact with multiple barter companies who "would call us back to set up an appointment". Meanwhile, there have been no calls, no service, and plenty of disappointment. We have a time sensitive project that we began calling about over two weeks ago, and STILL haven't heard anything back. This isn't the first time, either. Again, it's not IMS's fault directly, but the program is so unfriendly to businesses that there's very little incentive for IMS members to service IMS members.

The one business who actually WAS easy to contact ended up being upwards of TWO HOURS LATE (and not calling to let us know), after my wife had taken time off from work to meet them. When they never arrived, we had to call & cancel the appointment after waiting so long. While she was on the phone cancelling the (2 hour late!) appointment, the person told us there would be a $100 cash (not barter point) fee, when we were able to reschedule. Again, not IMS directly - but a reflection of the companies they work with. (and recommend!)

We've had IMS painters come in & damage lighting fixtures to the point that it took over 4 hours for us to repair (out of pocket).

To sum it up, the vast, vast, vast majority of businesses who are a part of this IMS malarky will let you down. It might not reflect entirely on IMS directly, but considering how much cash fees go straight to IMS after dealing with these incredibly disappointing IMS members, it's just a never-ending pile of frustration in every direction. Cash fees add up quickly, customer service from IMS member businesses is abysmal 8 times out of ten, and call-backs from IMS member businesses are slower than any businesses we've ever worked with.

If this review doesn't steer you away, just ask ANY barter customer before signing up. We've heard that it's easy to take a vacation using IMS barter points, and purchasing overpriced items using IMS points (plus cash fees) on their website is also easy, but beyond that, it's not a walk in the park. The proof is in the pudding, and just about every barter company we've dealt with hates the program, and wishes they could get out of it. The thing is, once you have barter points accumulate, the only way to get out of it is to spend them. The only way to spend them is by paying cash fees while dealing with equally frustrated business people. It's just awful!

A&A S. I.

We have always enjoyed working with the IMS community over the years. This has grown and evolved into some great business opportunities. Special thanks to Sue for all the work she does as our broker!

Alyse M.

Sue is an excellent broker at IMS. She is communicative and attentive. Sue keeps an eye out for products and services she knows we will want or use and reaches out regularly.

Chris P.

I have been a member for nearly 20years, The staff is exceptionally and go above and beyond in their call of duty. Their hard work and dedication has undoubtedly increased my business cashflow exponentially! I highly recommend the company!