Barter-Based Consumer E-Commerce Exchange Launched

SwapRat.com launched a catalog-based online
swapping service for consumers, allowing the barter of durable entertainment
goods such as CDs, video games, movies and books.

CDs are the first category available; In March, when the company changes its
name to
Switchouse, video games, movies and books, will be added, said Chief Executive Officer Michael
Lin.

“We believe that swapping will be the next big thing on the Internet, and
SwapRat.com will be at the forefront driving the growth of this new category
of e-commerce. Our unique approach will unite millions of people who want to
shop for things they want using things they don’t use,” Lin said.

SwapRat.com provides members with descriptions and pictures of each item to
create an experience similar to catalog shopping. To list items members want
or have, a user clicks on a box and the proprietary matching system
automatically identifies possible swaps.

Signing up and listing items are both free of charge, and for the next two
months, SwapRat.com is waiving all transaction fees. Beginning in May, there
will be a nominal transaction fee for completed trades.