What is Trade Up?

Trade Up is a modern take on the barter fair — a place where makers, growers, and doers exchange what they have for what they need. No money changes hands — just skills, goods, and creativity.

You might trade:

• Homemade food or preserves

• Art, crafts, zines, or upcycled goods

• Plants, seeds, or garden starts

• Skills, services, or lessons

Before the Event

1. Register:
Make sure you’re signed up and confirmed for the event you want to attend. This helps us plan for space and create your barter profile.

2. Prepare Your Items:

• Bring 10–20 individual, clearly packaged items or service certificates.

• Label food items with ingredients and allergens (no exceptions).

• Consider bundling small items into “sets” or themed groupings.

• Think “giftable” — creative presentation makes trading easier and more fun!

3. Create Your Display:

Each participant gets approximately 2–3 feet of table space.
Bring:

• Tablecloth or fabric

• Small display boxes or risers (optional)

• Signs to identify your items, if not labeled individually

Event Day Schedule

First hour – Arrival and setup
Then – Quick welcome & introductions
Next hour. – Browsing and pre-trade conversations
For about 45 minutes – Active trading period
Last half-hour – Wrap-up, connections, and feedback

How Trading Works

Step 1: Walk around, meet other barterers, and admire what’s on offer.
Step 2: During trading time, find your matches and agree on a fair trade.
Step 3: Exchange items or services — and enjoy the connection!

You never have to trade if it doesn’t feel right — every exchange is voluntary.

Etiquette & Tips

• Be kind, curious, and flexible — value is personal and subjective.

• Keep transactions simple and honest.

• Avoid reselling or bringing items not made or grown by you.

• Food safety matters: label ingredients, keep items cool, and avoid perishable goods.

• Bring a bag or box to carry your new treasures home.

After the Event

We’ll send a short survey and a link to photos.
You can also:

• Share your barter stories on Instagram 

• Suggest future venues or collaborators

• Join our mailing list for the next Trade Up!

Legal & Safety Notes

• No cash exchanges.

• You’re welcome to do business with people you meet through Trade Up outside of our events.

• You’re responsible for your own goods and trades.

• Per Oregon and federal guidelines, only non-hazardous homemade foods may be swapped.

• No alcohol, cannabis, meat, dairy, or perishable items.

• We’re a community exchange, not a business marketplace.