How it works

You scratch mine,
I'll scratch yours.

Post what you need or what you offer. Find someone local. Make a deal. It's really that simple.

Download the free bartering guide →

Why BackScratch

How much does it save you?

BackScratch is made for people who want to grow their business or make ends meet without spending a fortune. Barter is always free.

What other platforms charge you

Other platforms

✕ 15–30% per lead (Angi, HomeAdvisor)

✕ $300+/mo just to be visible

✕ Pay to play, no ads, no traffic

✕ Barter? Not supported.

BackScratch

✓7% fee on paid deals only

✓Free to list, always

✓Visible without paying for ads

✓Barter is always free. Period.

🔒 Paid deals run on Stripe. The 7% fee covers the platform costs.

Step 1

Post what you've got (or what you need)

Takes less than a minute. No ads. No algorithm tax. Just your needs and services, visible to your neighbors.

1
Create your listingPost a service, skill, or product. Choose whether you're offering or requesting. Add categories so the right people find you.
2
Choose your exchange type🤝 Barter💵 Paid✨ Both
3
Show up on The FeedYour listing is immediately public to local businesses.

Step 2

The deal system - relationships before contracts

When someone messages you, either party can propose a formal deal. Everything is documented. Both parties sign. Both mark it complete. No handshake-and-hope.

1
Start with a messageEvery deal begins with a real conversation. The "Propose a deal" button appears once you've said hello.
2
Build the deal togetherDescribe what each side is contributing. Set deadlines. Go back and forth until both parties are happy.
3
Both parties signDigital signatures lock in the terms. Neither party can claim they didn't agree.
4
Do the work, then mark it doneEach party marks their own side complete when they're finished. When both confirm - the deal closes and reviews open.

Step 3

My Shop - your home base

Everything about your business, in one place. Edit anytime.

🏪
Public profileYour listing, deals, ratings, and links. The face of your business on BackScratch.
📋
Your postsManage all your active listings. Edit, delete, or renew in seconds.
⭐
Scratch ScoreYour reputation, built from completed deals, ratings, and community vouches.
🛡️
Verified Local badgeComplete your profile, verify your phone, and get reviewed by us. A trust signal that means something.

Step 4

Getting paid - fast, safe, transparent

Paid deals run through Stripe, a popular 3rd party software for small businesses. You connect once and every paid deal routes directly to your bank. No invoicing. No chasing.

1
Connect your bank onceTakes about 3 minutes. Powered by Stripe - the same payment layer used by millions of businesses.
2
Buyer pays at deal confirmationWhen the deal is accepted, payment is collected automatically. No awkward "so… did you send it?" moments.
3
Money hits your bankFunds deposit directly to your account. BackScratch takes a small 7% platform fee from the buyer, you see exactly what you'll receive before you sign.
Get started free →

Made by the little people, for the little people.