Official Luthiers Forum!

I have an opportunity to barter an instrument for some health services. I am interested in your experience with bartering and whether its a good idea or not.

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A higher purpose for wood.
Rich Smith
Issaquah, WA

Hummm for health services. ( still want a scratchin head emotocon) Well is the trade worth it? One draw back may be; is bartered payment for health care tax deductable Some how I doubt it.

If I understand the IRS correctly, the value of services received is taxable as income if bartered for, whereas normally it wouldn't be. OTOH, if I paid for the services and sold the instrument, the income on the sale is taxable. TGCOG (they get you coming or going).

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A higher purpose for wood.
Rich Smith
Issaquah, WA

I have never done it, but I have seen it done first hand, yes, and for healthcare services. From what I was told, the relationship started because the builder needed some procedural work done, and didn't have health insurance. The doctor found out he was a luthier, and rather than make monthly payments to the physician, the two decided to make a swap. From there, apparently a close friendship developed and for years they did work for each other as a "professional courtesy." In fact, the builder was a monster player, and gave the physician lessons also. So it can work, yes. I have no idea on the tax implications.

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Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.

I would again and have done it. Between you and doc way I look at it. Not for guitar, but for a birddog (english setter) and training a German shorthair pup he had bought. Both ended up good dogs and field trial champs. Good for both of us at the time.

I have bartered for instruments and services and it worked out good for me. If you feel that it is an even swap, then why not??

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Reguards,

Ken H

Ricardo, My wife gets free chiropractic work pretty much for life in exchange for one of my guitars. An important caveat though, is to make sure you both have a really good understanding of what the instrument and the service is worth. you'll want to avoid any misunderstanding in regards to how much service is expected.

I would do it again and often... In fact, I'm looking for a dentist that plays guitar!

long

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"No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man.” -Heraclitus of Ephesus

Do the eligible health care services include being put completely under with a general anesthetic?

If so you could be trading scalloped braces for an unwanted vasectomy......... or worse - get it in writing.......

Hesh, actually its a crown for a uke. I've been fixed a long time ago.

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A higher purpose for wood.
Rich Smith
Issaquah, WA

Got it - a crown..... just looking out for your ........ interests my friend.......

A uke for a vasectomy would be striking a different chord!

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A higher purpose for wood.
Rich Smith
Issaquah, WA

Just remember to trade retail for retail, then it will be fair!
Lance