Are there things taking up space in your house that are in great usable condition but you just don’t use? Did you accidentally buy the bulk pack (shopping while hangry clouds judgement, kids) and now can’t fathom having to eat 120 of the same granola bar for the next year? Want to trade them for things you need? There’s an app for that. Bunz is a free online platform that connects you with others in the area to swap your unwanted goods for theirs – essentially, good old-fashioned bartering.
In the midst of Kondo-ing our homes a few months back, we signed up for Bunz and quickly got hooked. We swapped a set of new clothes hangers for a bottle of wine, a pair of joggers for a softball glove, a bottle of shower gel for a tote bag, hiking boots for web consulting (yes, virtual services are barter-able, too). Through these transactions, we’ve met so many minimalist, zero-waste, good-hearted Vancouverites who want to give their things a second life. There are over 13,000 people Bunzing in Vancouver – but this is just a fraction of the Bunz community over on the east coast.
The free swap platform was started by Emily Bitze in Toronto five years ago, who was hungry and low on cash. She posted to a Facebook group that she needed ingredients for pasta. From there, Bunz was born. Now, thriving communities of Bunzers have popped up in a number of cities across Canada and the US.
Things to trade.
Books, clothes, home decor, kids items, house plants – anything you no longer need in your life, is Bunz material. Have a gift card you probably won’t use? Post it. Don’t need that whole bag of chia seeds? Bunz it away. If you have skills and services to share (haircuts, web design, dog walking, etc.), feel free to offer those up, too.
Earn crytocurrency.
Newly introduced is BTZ, the platform’s own digital currency which can be used to redeem coffee, beer, meals, and more. A bunch of shops in Toronto already accept BTZ as payment; now they’re working on introducing Vancouver partners. When you sign up for Bunz, you’ll automatically get 1000 BTZ added to your account (enough for three coffees!) – but sign up with this link to get an extra 500 BTZ. The more you swap, the more you’ll earn. It’s actually really easy to rack up that crytpo, which we’ll get to spend on free treats soon enough.
Vancouver partners needed.
Hey Vancouver, know a progressive local businesses that would be interested in joining Bunz as a partner? Meaning, open to accepting BTZ as payment (which can be cashed out to Canadian dollars). What fave coffee shops, restaurants, retailers, car shares, etc. are on your regular circuit? Think about where you’d like to cash in your rewards. Drop a line to Ayaz at Bunz HQ with partnership ideas – the whole team over there is very approachable and would love to hear from you.
Get started.
Sign up for Bunz to get your account going. Start posting stuff you don’t want anymore. Check out what other people have listed and make offers. And off you go! Tag us on social media (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook) to share your latest swaps!
