Many people are low on cash, but have products and services to offer in exchange for something in return. Put your cash and credit cards away, and instead trade.

Itex is a company that connects merchants and customers who buy and sell without a cash transaction. The Reno office has been up and running for more than 20 years, but business has never boomed quite like this.

Dentist Randall Pane says, "It's getting tough as more and more people are losing their jobs, more and more people are going to the bartering system. They may have a business, but it's getting too expensive to have dental insurance on their plan or offer their employees."

Dr. Randall Pane became an Itex member when one of his patients wanted to swap services. Now, Pane gets his office cleaned through bartering, and takes RV trips without dipping into his wallet. All he does is offer his services as a dentist.

As an Itex member, General Manager of Classic RV Adventures Erik Schultz says, making purchases by trading products and services is a great way to network and create new business. "It's beneficial because it really helps cash flow. We use it for a lot of things like advertising. We just had a new transmission put in our shop truck, and bartering can really help stretch out cash flow and make it go a lot farther, especially in tougher times."

Local Itex franchise owner Linda Rubendall says, bartering is a way for people to afford services they might not be able to otherwise in this economy. "I think because of the economy and stress that is put on everyday businesses, they are not able to make the cash they used to make. Businesses look for alternative currency, and bartering affords them to continue their business in the manner it was running. It affords them to purchase the things they used to with the excess cash that they aren't able to now."

When it comes time to do taxes, barter dollars are treated as regular income reported on a 10-99 form. Trade services can, however, be expensed out just like any other business expense.

For more information on bartering, visit www.itex.com.