New England Trade members are simply agreeing to accept an additional form of currency for payment. Members are free to purchase any product or service within the net New England Trade network—they do not have to accept each other's merchandise directly. Barter or trade is a powerful tool that represents a solution for companies with available inventory or services. By accepting payment in trade dollars instead of cash, a business maximizes their efficiency by increasing inventory turnover or billable hours. Using the trade dollars earned, that company can purchase goods or services they want – without paying cash.