For marketing & print
How marketing and print businesses use Red Rock Trade
A marketing or print business earns credits by taking on design, advertising and print projects for other member businesses, then spends them on what every business needs, like meals, vehicle repair, office furniture and wellness. One credit is $1 of purchasing power with members. Credits are spent only inside the network.
Why it works for marketing and print
Creative and print shops have open time between client deadlines and can fill it with member projects. So many businesses need exactly these services that marketing and print shops tend to earn quickly, and then have a wide range of members to spend with.
Earn credits
The easiest credits come from the kind of work other members are already looking for. A few common project types:
- Logo, branding and design work.
- Printed materials, signage and banners.
- Ad campaigns and social media management.
- Websites and photography for members.
Spend credits
Each credit is $1 of purchasing power with any member business, not just the one that hired you. Where creative shops tend to spend them:
- Dining and catering.
- Auto repair and maintenance.
- Office furniture and equipment.
- Wellness services for the team.
- Professional services and bookkeeping.
An example of how it adds up
Illustrative scenario, not a guarantee
Here is one way it could look. A few member projects could build a balance that covers months of team lunches, a vehicle repair and new office furniture. Unspent credits roll forward month to month. Real results will depend on project flow and how active the network is.
Marketing & print FAQ
- How does a marketing or print shop earn credits?
- A marketing or print business earns credits by taking on design, advertising and print projects for other Red Rock Trade members. Logo and branding work, signage, ad campaigns and websites are common ways creative shops fill time between deadlines. Credits post when the member confirms, or on their own after 7 days.
- What can I spend credits on?
- Marketing and print businesses usually spend credits on dining and catering, auto repair, office furniture and equipment, wellness services for the team, and professional services. You can spend with any member business, not only your own clients.
- Do I have to take trade on every project?
- No. You choose which offers take trade and when. Cash clients stay exactly as they are, and you can pause new trade customers anytime with one switch when deadlines stack up.
- Is trade income taxable for my business?
- Yes. The IRS treats trade income like cash income in the year the trade happens. After year end, Red Rock Trade sends each business a Form 1099-B for its trade. Your normal tax obligations stay with you, so see IRS Topic No. 420 and confirm the details with your CPA.
New here? Read how Red Rock Trade works, how credits work and taxes on trade. Related industries: retail shops and boutiques, restaurants and cafés, professional services.
Ready to turn open studio time into credits?
One monthly price with no transaction fees. Plans start at $59 a month. Every new member starts with 100 welcome credits to spend with any member.