Testimonial

Hello, my name is Pam. I have been a member of SISLETS for 9 years.

When I first joined LETS I was surviving on a very low income. LETS became a lifeline during the times when my budget would not stretch even for the ‘essentials’. It was such a wonderful treat to go to a market with little or no money in my purse and have the freedom to buy things I could not normally afford. I got into the habit of waiting until after a LETS Market day to do my weekly shopping to first see what was on sale in LETS – to save a few dollars for my regular shopping. It was very reassuring to have that extra money - even the smallest amount. Often my car boot was full of goods I had purchased at the market - it was like the money ‘pressure valve’ had been released for a brief moment!

LETS also provided for me a ‘usefulness’ and purpose that improved my self-esteem and quality of life. I didn’t realise that I had skills that were of value – such as cooking, growing vegetables, typing and proof-reading (my business college training 30 years ago finally paid off!). In fact, what started as an enterprise in LETS (vegetarian cooking) later branched out to become a dollar-making venture once I had gathered some confidence and expertise.

There are just so many examples of how LETS has helped me. I rarely purchase Christmas or birthday gifts. At almost every market I am able to buy at least one gift for friends and family. Some gifts are brand new – usually recycled gifts from people who do not want them. I put all these purchases in a large storage box and at Christmas or birthdays I choose one or two gifts per person. Last Christmas I had collected so many gifts during the year for my nieces that I had too many – so I bought a cane hamper and filled it with all the gifts. My nieces were absolutely delighted!

An acquaintance visited my home recently and asked about LETS. To her surprise (and mine as I had forgotten what I had purchased) I was able to point out to her numerous items I had purchased through LETS – just in that one room alone – a huge indoor plant, a bed cover, a lamp, a tablecloth, ornaments, even the mugs from which we were drinking our coffee! She, of course, wanted to know all about LETS and how she could join!

I’ve purchased some amazing things – even a holiday would you believe? A LETS member had a pre-paid 7 day holiday at Victor Harbour from a ‘Holiday Auction’ offer. The expiry date was fast approaching and she was not able to use it. She offered it to me – and although I was not able to go myself I gave it to a good friend – she was ‘over the moon’ and had a great time! I’ve also purchased a lap-top computer, lots of fabrics for sewing, a fax machine, clock radio, kitchen ware, plants, cosmetics, table, chairs, and decorative rocks for my garden (they really weighed the car down!).

At one point I planned to run a small Café at the local Community Centre. I asked in LETS for cups, mugs, utensils, anything that would help – I was inundated with offers and was quite surprised at people’s wonderful generosity. I managed to get everything I needed for the Café in LETS. I read many magazines, but never pay dollars for them – LETS markets always have a good range of recycled magazines for reading. I could not afford an electrician so when one joined LETS I asked him to install new lighting in my home. He put in a security light as well as fluros in two of the rooms. Up until then I had been waiting months to be able to afford to get the job done. At one point a LETS member with mechanical skills was servicing my car and advising me on the type of mechanical work the car required. He was also a plumber and tarot reader! People have the most amazing range of skills.

That’s another good point about LETS – it involves recycling unwanted goods to those who appreciate them. It’s very frugal, and great for the planet. I think that’s how the community should be: resourceful and recycling whatever it can to benefit the planet. LETS provides that opportunity.

Of course, LETS is not just all about buying. As a member its about ‘giving’ as well as ‘taking’ – that’s what makes it all come together. Over the years I have sold a sewing machine, vegetables from my garden, food that I have cooked, a computer printer, plants, various second-hand goods, books, and lots more. In LETS you’ll never have to pay dollars for plants as they are probably the most offered item for sale!

Not all my experiences in LETS have been positive, some people offer goods and services but never return calls to fulfil their commitments or are unfriendly – but you get this in every group – it’s a part of life. You do not always get what you want – sometimes you do, sometimes you don’t – it depends on what’s available or who’s offering in the group. Some people have an over-load of units and withdraw their offers for a while to redress their account imbalance. It’s important to not let these things dishearten you. The ‘positives’ far out-weigh the ‘negatives’ in LETS.

I think the most outstanding thing about LETS is the community aspect. When money is of less influence somehow people become less possessive and more generous and sharing with what they have. That’s been my experience. It is more like days past when community support and helping each other were commonplace.

I would like to point out that you have to ‘work at’ making LETS ‘work for you’. It’s crucial to meet people, develop trust and get yourself known (in a respectful way) before you’ll see fruits from your labour. I have seen people over the years join LETS – invest their money – yet after a year leave the group having gained very little. It doesn’t have to be like that – you can make it work. Just stick at it and believe in it.

Through LETS I have discovered that ‘wealth and prosperity’ is not just about money.

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