Barter with brands – earn from products you already review with RefSpace!

You review products, post tests on Insta, TikTok, or YouTube – and what do you get out of it? A PR package, a discount code, a handshake, and… maybe a repost on the brand’s stories. Sound familiar? Don’t worry, you can break out of this. Barter doesn’t have to be a trap. It can be a start to something that actually earns – and earns every month. Seriously. See how to manage this smartly with RefSpace.

Barter is not payment – it’s a beginning. How not to get caught up in free campaigns?

Barter isn’t bad. But only when you get more out of it than just a package. If a brand sends you a product worth a few dozen zlotys and expects 3 stories, a reel, and a post, then it’s not a collaboration – it’s exploitation. And unfortunately, many creators – especially smaller ones – fall for this trap.

Barter is a form of exchange of services – goods for services or services for services. But today, you rarely have a signed barter agreement. Most often, everything happens in DMs and ends with the brand having content, and you… a photo of a box and a like from the brand’s account.

It’s not worth acting without purpose. If you do take a product, make sure to: 

• know its value,
• clearly define what you will do in exchange (and what you WON’T),
• have permission to publish materials where you want (e.g., YouTube, blog, newsletter,
• consider an affiliate option – even without the brand’s knowledge.

Barter isn’t cash. But it can be the start of something scalable. And that’s why it’s worth knowing about the option mentioned further.

Goods for goods? Check when barter with a brand really pays off

There are situations where barter makes sense – a lot of sense. But you need to recognize them. If you get a new phone, microphone, a course worth 1500 zlotys, or a year’s access to a premium app, and you do an honest review with real reach – that’s a fair deal. Provided the brand doesn’t throw in “we expect stories with tagging + reels + hashtags + swipe-up”.

Barter can be profitable when:

• the product has high value and you actually use it,
• you test new formats and want to get a case study for your portfolio,
• you’re doing a campaign on your channel and barter fits the theme (e.g., “testing 5 new AI softwares,
• you want to see if your content converts and prepare the ground for paid collaborations

But barter cannot be the norm. It’s worth treating it as a test project, not a business model. If for 3 months you only engage in barter collaborations – your content develops, but you stay in place. And that’s when plan B kicks in.

Barter collaboration. Doing a review? Add a monetizing link and stop working for free with RefSpace!

If you’re already showing a product – why not make money off it? RefSpace allows you to add the reviewed product to your own Space, paste the link in the video description, bio, stories, or comment – and start earning a commission. Even if it was barter. Even if the brand doesn’t know about it.

This is not typical affiliate marketing where you have to beg for permission and sign a 6-page contract. In RefSpace:

• you choose a product from the catalog (or invite a brand you know),
• you upload it to your Space (i.e., creator’s store),
• you record a review, test, recommendation, reel, vlog – whatever,
• you add a link or pin the product to the video (e.g., on YouTube),
• you earn when someone clicks and buys.

The brand has sales, you earn a commission, and no one bothers anyone with paperwork. And the best part? You earn not just once. If your content “sits” in Google, YouTube, Shorts – the link works continuously. In the background. Without your activity. And that’s precisely the moment when barter stops being free work and starts being a strategy.

A barter that earns? That’s how RefSpace works – not just a package, but also a commission

Barter with RefSpace is not barter. It’s a model that combines a package with real income. And that’s the point. Because if you’re already testing a product, already have a content idea, and are already posting something – why not connect it to a system that will generate sales?

RefSpace allows you to:

• do a product review and immediately add a purchase link,
• earn for every click and transaction – without waiting for approval,
• track your statistics, commissions, and results in one panel,
• operate without a company – settlement via a commission contract or through useme,
• have full control over what you promote, how much you earn, and where you display it.

This is the simplest way to turn barter into something more. Content that was previously “for a package” starts working for you. And instead of juggling invoices, you do what you do best: create. And you don’t have to explain yourself to anyone, because it’s all legal and transparent.

How to Talk to a Brand About Barter Without Coming Across as an Amateur?

Barter is still a collaboration – just in a different currency. And since that’s the case, it’s worth taking it seriously. It’s not about immediately sending 5-page PDFs with a price list. But if a brand offers you something, you also have the right to set your own terms.

What to consider before saying “yes”:

• ask about the specific value of the product (net/gross),
• determine exactly what you need to do: 1 post, 3 stories, or a reel,
• decide whether the brand will use your content further (e.g., in ads),
• if you feel barter isn’t enough – propose a hybrid model,
• add RefSpace as a supplementary option – e.g., “I can add the product to my Space and record a short video. If the product sells, we both earn from it.”

This shows brands one thing: you’ve got it covered. You’re not an “influencer from a DM”, but a creator who treats their content like a business. And believe me – this approach impresses even larger brands.

FAQ

Do barters need to be reported to the tax office?

Yes, if their value exceeds 1000 PLN and you don’t own a business. However, in practice, most one-off, low-value barters do not require reporting – as long as they are not systematic and regular. It’s always worth consulting with an accountant.

Can I take a barter and add a RefSpace link without the brand’s consent?

Yes – if the product is available on RefSpace, operating in a commission model within social commerce. You don’t need to agree on this with the brand. You add the product to your Space, record a video, publish it – and if someone buys, you get a commission.

Does RefSpace work for people without a business?

Yes. You can earn even without running a business. Payments are made based on a contract, and you manage everything through a panel – without the need to issue invoices.

What are the commissions in RefSpace?

Usually from 10% to even 30%, depending on the brand and type of product. You decide what to promote and what to upload to your Space.

Is barter still worthwhile these days?

Yes – but only if it’s combined with a long-term earning model. Barter for a product that you have an affiliate link for can provide you with income for months. Plain barter – gives you just the package.