Valery Jean-Bart has weathered his share of challenges to keep his business afloat — from the global pandemic to ongoing construction outside his storefront. Now, the owner of Val’s Blue Label in Dallas is trying a different approach to help both his business and his customers navigate rising co sts: bartering. Inspired by a social media post, Jean-Bart recently made the idea official, offering customers the option to trade goods and services instead of paying cash. Jean-Bart said the concept isn’t new to him. Growing up in Haiti, bartering was a familiar way of life. But until now, he hadn’t formally introduced it into his business. “I’m like huh… huh. I’ve been bartering for a while, but I’ve never made it official,” said Jean-Bart. This weekend, he took to Instagram with a list of what he’s willing to accept in exchange for his cheesecakes — including fitness training, produce, and gift cards. Image of the owner of Val’s Blue Label in Dallas, Valery Jean-Bart, in his kitchen. The trades are meant to offer flexibility at a time when many Americans are feeling the strain of higher prices. “It’s kind of like, right now you have Zelle. People who are taking payment are circumventing the normal channels of doing commerce, of doing business,” said Jean-Bart. While Jean-Bart is open to bartering, he said he plans to limit the number of trades each month to ensure he can still meet his own financial needs. Even so, he hopes the idea catches on with other small businesses looking for creative ways to support their communities. “There’s a certain ease in terms of bartering that helps each other out, and I hope more businesses can do that,” said Jean-Bart. “If you have something you can trade with another, why not?” This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC DFW. AI tools helped convert the story into a digital article, and an NBC DFW journalist edited it again before publication. ...read more read less