For contractors & trades
How Contractors and Trades Use Red Rock Trade
A contractor earns trade dollars by taking on remodels, repairs, and projects for network members, then spends them on the costs of running a crew, like vehicle maintenance, tools, advertising, and bookkeeping. One trade dollar equals one US dollar, spent within the network.
Why it works for contractors
Contractors live with seasonal swings and gaps between jobs. A slow stretch is idle crew time and equipment sitting still. Filling that gap with member work keeps the team busy and earning, while the cash you would normally spend on trucks, fuel, and marketing stays in the business for materials and payroll.
Earn trade dollars
The fastest trade dollars come from work that fits into stretches your crew is not fully booked. A few ways contractors put that capacity to use:
- Remodels and repairs during the slow season.
- Small punch-list and handyman jobs for members.
- Tenant-improvement work for member businesses.
- Emergency and after-hours calls within the network.
Spend trade dollars
The balance you earn is real spending power inside the network. Where contractors tend to use it:
- Truck and equipment maintenance.
- Tools and work gear.
- Advertising, signage, and a better website.
- Bookkeeping and tax prep.
- Crew meals and appreciation.
An example of how it adds up
Illustrative scenario, not a guarantee
Here is one way it could look. One slow-season remodel paid in trade dollars could cover a year of truck maintenance, a batch of yard signs, and the books, without writing a check. Your actual results will depend on the jobs you take and how active the local network is.
Contractor FAQ
- How does a contractor earn trade dollars?
- A contractor earns trade dollars by taking on remodels, repairs, and punch-list work for Red Rock Trade members. Tenant-improvement projects for member businesses and after-hours service calls inside the network are common ways to fill slow stretches and earn faster.
- What can a contractor spend trade dollars on?
- Contractors typically spend trade dollars on the costs of running a crew: truck and equipment maintenance, tools and work gear, advertising, signage, a better website, bookkeeping and tax prep, and crew meals.
- Is barter income taxable for my contracting business?
- Yes. The IRS treats barter income the same as cash income in the year the trade happens. Red Rock Trade issues a year-end 1099-B so reporting is straightforward. See IRS Topic No. 420, Bartering Income, and confirm with your CPA.
New here? Read how Red Rock Trade works. Related industries: home service businesses, auto and repair shops, professional services.
Want your crew in the founding group?
Join the Red Rock Trade waitlist and be first to trade in St. George.