Barter returns in app form: pay with your time instead of money

Apps like SACO are reviving barter by letting users trade services with time or knowledge instead of money.

SACO credits users with minutes for each service they provide, which can then be spent on help from others.

The model is gaining traction as inflation and economic uncertainty push people toward cheaper, skill-based exchanges.

The trend also fits growing interest in sharing and circular economy systems that strengthen person-to-person exchange.