How it works
-questions & answers-

Businesses throughout the world are battling, or finding it very difficult to survive. Many economists are suggesting that one of the ways we can make ends meet is by going back to the good old "bartering" system.Statistics show that bartering is thriving as as a form of commerse. According to recent trade reports there are over 250,000 companies in the United States alone trading over seven billion dollars in goods and services through barter exchanges.

Use what you have and trade with it.This is what Accommodation Swap is all about - it gives YOU the opportunity to barter with what you have.Stats in South Africa show that for a large section of the year (four to seven months) most establishments in the hospitatlty industry have empty rooms.Why not use this down time to your benefit and save on VAT as well ?

Please take note this is NOT a "one on one" swap scheme! It is NOT a glorified time share (as you will see you are not purchasing anything apart from paying your annual membership fee) You don't need to commit a certain number of "bed nights" each month, thereby impacting on your busy income season - it is far more flexible and accommodating than that. With Accommodation Swap you are able to design your own schedule and utilize the scheme as best fits your needs by referring to a "pool" of participants from which you can arrange a swap when and how you choose. It is very simple and hassle free to use.Here is how it works:

A brief outline of how it works:

    • You participate by registering and submitting your details, brief description of your establishment, what dates/months would suit you to have fellow members in your establishment.
    • On registration a joining fee shall be applicable (note there is a difference between the joining fee and the subscription fee)For South Africa the amount payable shall be calculated as follows: the remaining months from the month of registration to the month of June (inclusive) shall be calculated and the result multiplied by R34,00 (example - joined in Feb. Remaining months to June = 4xR34,00 = R136,00 payable) For international participants see special conditions (can be accessed in the "questions & answers" page)
    • An annual subscription fee is due every June and shall be applicable from the first of June following registration.In addition to the above we will only charge the annual subscription fee once the new member starts actually using their credits. This means the new member will pay nothing more after the joining fee until they start to benefit from swapping.Our fees are structured to encourage you to remain a member even if you have a busy season and don't find the time to take that well earned break. It's a no lose situation!! Once you apply for your first booking however the full years subscription will be due.
    • Once your registration and joining fee has been confirmed you will:
      • receive a unique, personal reference number for security, after which you can immediately start trading.
      • be credited with twelve (12) free bartering days (credits) which in monetary terms, based on an average R600,00 per day stay, equates to R7200,00 in your pocket !! This is to get you started and from this point onwards you can control your number of credits by hosting other members and by being hosted yourself.
    • When you want to go on holiday or spend a few days either in your own country or abroad, you log on to the "Accommodation Swap" web site, click on a local area or country of your choice and then choose from the establishments listed in the "tables". You can view their web sites and details from there and then make the necessary arrangements for the swap to take place.
    • You then make direct arrangements with the host of the establishment of your choice via email.
    • After a successful swap negotiation the host notifies Accommodation Swap and their account is credited with the amount of days (credits) used and your account is debited with the corresponding amount of credits (all fully automatic)

     

    Its as simple as that! No fuss, no additional "hidden" fees or levies, this is the bottom line. We are convinced that you will not find a more simple, hassle free or more cost effective deal than this! most existing or similar schemes will cost you upward of three to four times the amount we charge for annual joining/subscription fees which is a lot of money to waste if you don't get around to spending your credits each year.

    Accommodation Swap has been around now for more than seven years and is a proven commodity. It is an ideal way to show your appreciation to your hard working staff by rewarding them a free week end away. Or perhaps you would like to treat some of your family, or friends.You can do all this without any cash outlay !!

    Here's an interesting stat for you.Some of our long-standing members have already benefited to the tune of over R45000,00 (what they would have had to pay if they booked with establishments other than Accom Swap ) These members could effectively remain members, paying their normal years subscription fees and not ever making another booking, for 113yrs before they would start making a loss on Accommodation Swap !! Accommodation Swap is a no lose investment with so many benefits and YOU can share in this.

    Just a word of warning. If you are thinking this will be a wonderful way to get free holidays without getting involved or needing to reciprocate by hosting fellow members think again and MOVE ON. We don't want you on our site. We are looking to build a quality membership where all members are actively involved in both hosting and being hosted. There are mechanisms built in to ferret out the baddies so be warned!

    Over the past six years there have been many questions asked by prospective members and we have collated these for your info on our "questions and Answers" page. This is a mandatory, must read, as many of the questions you might have in mind will be answered there and specific items are covered more extensively. Please go to (press here) Questions & Answers