Help

1. RESERVATION REQUEST?
2. Who qualifies to join The Hospitality Exchange?
3. What are the participation fees?
4. How does this work?
5. How do I offer my property?
6. How is my account managed?
7. Will I be overwhelmed by barter customers?
8. Do I have to pay taxes on my barter income?
9. What if there is some sort of dispute with another member?
10. How do I find what I need?

1. RESERVATION REQUEST?

PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE PRIOR TO A CONFIRMED RESERVATION.
Please contact BHE Reservation Office for information reservations@bentleycommerce.com

2. Who qualifies to join The Hospitality Exchange?

Hotels, Motel, B&B, Lodges, Inns and professionals of the industry that have the authority to barter room nights and services for the property they represent. Members must complete an online application certifying your authority to trade.

3. What are the participation fees?

There is a one-time account setup fee of $150.00 and a monthly membership fee of $6 cash and $20 trade. Fees are not charged until your account is approved.

4. How does this work?

The Hospitality Exchange is a community that has created its own currency which is backed by the membership. The same currency can be used to acquire the products and services that you need. As long as the community members honor the trade dollar, we can spend those trade dollars with people who want to travel. The community pays new members to advertise on our web site. Then we use our trade dollars to purchase advertising and promotion for the whole community. The more members we have, the more valuable our currency is to other travelers.

5. How do I offer my property?

The Hospitality Exchange offers you a travel template to describe your property, specify its location and rates, and the ability to upload up to three images to your listing which will be displayed in the Hospitality Exchange and hundreds of other exchanges worldwide. You can list as many travel or accomodation offers as you'd like, and manage those offers on your Manage Items page.

6. How is my account managed?

Hospitality Exchange features a complete online account management system. All of your transactions as buyer or seller are recorded and online statements are available in real time. You can receive monthly statements via email, fax or postal mail. You may also view your balance, post a sale to transfer trade dollars to your account, pay your fees and manage your listings and account information.

7. Will I be overwhelmed by barter customers?

This is a common fear for those who are not familiar with barter etiquette. You will be able to set all limits on your barter participation. You may limit the number of room nights that you devote to trade. If you decide to, you may "black out" certain or all dates. This is at your discretion, but we advise not setting too many limits lest you frustrate your barter customers. The Exchange is serious about our "based upon availability" rule. The purpose of the Exchange is to save members money, therefore the cash paying guest always comes first.

8. Do I have to pay taxes on my barter income?

Trade exchanges are obligated to report trade sales for all members in the exchange to the IRS on a 1099b. But most trade spending for business expenses offsets trade income, just like in the cash world. So, when it comes time to spend money for operating expenses, be sure to check the Hospitality Exchange before spending cash.

9. What if there is some sort of dispute with another member?

We expect that with this group of people, there will be few problems. After all, we are all in the same business and have a common goal. However, we are available for mediation, and we have a system in place to make both parties happy.

10. How do I find what I need?

The Hospitality Exchange has a searchable local and global member directory. You can also visit the global trade marketplace to find the products and services you need in an e-commerce enabled marketplace.