What is LETS?
A LETS (Local Exchange Trading System) is a self-regulating community-based economic network which allows its members to issue and manage its own system of nominated trading currency. It originated in Canada and operates worldwide. LETS in WA are encouraged by the Department of Commerce and Trade.
How does LETS work?
Swan-Hills LETS is run by a member-elected Committee of Trustees.
On becoming a member, a trading account is opened in your name with an account number nominated by you. A statement of your account calculated in Gumnuts is issued with the Trading Directory, but details are available on request and you can check your status online.
Trading is carried out between members.
The range of services available is compiled into a Trading Directory, which is published as a hard copy bi-annually and is always available in its most up-to-date form online.
The range of services offered by members to other members covers many of those found in the 'real currency' world.
Members contact other members and make arrangements for the goods and services to be carried out.
An A$ charge may be made to cover any outside expenses incurred by the person to whom you are trading. This would include the purchase of goods (in $A) needed to carry out the request, and reimbursement for travelling expenses. In some cases the cost is incurred through statutory requirements.
In keeping with the spirit of LETS, labour that is performed is charged in Gumnuts at a pre-agreed rate. As a guide, the Gn cost of labour is usually calculated at between 10 and 15 Gn per hour.
Insurance is the responsibility of individual members. The Trustee Committee is not liable for the negligence of traders or responsible for the quality of the goods and services provided.
Trading for a better community
How can I join?
- Complete the Application for Membership form.
- Send it with your membership fee of $10 to:
The Secretary
Swan-Hills LETS
PO Box 1189
KALAMUNDA WA 6926
Any cheques should be made out to 'Swan-Hills LETS'
What next?
An account will be made in your name.
A Welcoming Kit of information will be forwarded to you. It will contain:
- A letter of welcome with the name of a Trustee whom you may call for advice (including how to offer your services in the directory)
- A copy of the latest newsletter 'Gumnut News'
- A copy of the latest Trading Directory
- A copy of the Guidelines to Busy Bees
- A copy of the Swan-Hills LETSystem transaction sheet and information about logging transactions online.
And then?
Start trading!
- Consider your needs.
- Check the Trading Directory to find your service.
- Contact the person and make your request.
- If a trader or service is not available at that time, don't be discouraged - try again with another member.
- Agree on a price.
- Record your transactions in the members' area of this website, or forward details of your transaction in writing to:
The Secretary
PO Box 1189
Kalamunda WA 6926
The benefits of LETS:
- Getting to know the people in your local area and making new friends
- Getting help with those jobs you can't do yourself or just need a hand in doing (computing, gardening, housework)
- Helping other people
- Learn something new (yoga, drumming, craft, permaculture)
- Take time out and treat yourself to some TLC (massage, aromatherapy, Reiki),
- Busy bees where you get a lot of work done (or help someone else get a lot done!)
- Little or no $ expenses.
AN ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING IS HELD EACH YEAR IN FEBRUARY. YOUR INPUT INTO THIS MEETING IS VITAL TO THE CONTINUATION OF THE SWAN-HILLS LETS TO ENSURE THAT THE SYSTEM CONTINUES TO MEET THE EXPECTATIONS OF ITS MEMBERS.