Getting started

How can you get started?

  1. Become a member by clicking on the 'Join' tab at the top;
  2. Once your account has been set up, you will receive notification, after which you can log in, change your password and then:
  3. Create your personal profile! You are not required to fill in your street number if you prefer privacy
  4. Register services you Offer and Want;
  5. Hours are hours, this is self explanatory i.e  you work an hour, you get an hour. TALENTS is our 'currency' and stands for Tasman Area Local Exchange Network Trading System which we mainly use to trade goods
  6. Search for services needed and offered by other members. Click on the “Offers" & "Wants” tabs;
  7. Give, receive, and repeat!
  8. Watch the News tab for any updates;
  9. Browse the Frequently Asked Questions section and feel free to contact us via the 'Contact' link on the top right at any time with questions or concerns.

What if the Internet goes down?

Some people in the community are concerned about the fact that TotsCosh is relying on the internet. We are of the opinion that we use the internet while we can; create connections, build community and become aware of each of our skills. In the meantime, rest assured; we are working on a spreadsheet back up system and local admins that will be the book keepers if we need to become paper-based. For your own reassurance; you can take a regular screenshot of your account balance so it won't be lost.

How it works

Offers and wants appear on our website. A member makes contact with another member to make an exchange. Members agree on its value, and make the exchange. Then, a member notes the exchange on this site, the other confirms and finally the exchange is recognised.

An annual fee of 2 Hours is charged (½ Hour quarterly) to cover the operating costs of the association. Within the system, you are allowed to go 5 Hours 'into the minus'. This means you have 7 Hours to start trading with!

You will also be allowed to spend Talents, even if you don't have a credit (yet), just to get you started.

In both cases, please make sure you also offer something for others to trade with you. After all, it is an exchange system ;-)