Your ancestors probably did it, and in these tough times, it's catching on again--the practice of trading one service for another.

The re-birth of bartering is making its way into local shops.

News 4 caught up with three store owners who trade with one another--living by one mantra, "if you can't sell it, swap it."

Dillon Lambert, owner of Floral Expressions in Reno, trades tulips and roses for baby gear, and underwear.

"I get strollers, lunch boxes, books," she said.

Emily Reid, owner of Rockabye in Reno, gives away the baby goods, in exchange for fresh flowers. 

She said she sends the flowers to her boyfriend and new moms.

"It works well for the store, and other stores are catching on," Reid said.

Chris Hillygus, owner of Lounge in Reno, caught on quickly; She gives away the tops and bottoms in exchange for bouquets and baby gear.

"It kind of gets the ball rolling from one business to the next," Hillygus said.

And from one person to the next.

People are heading to bartering sites like craiglists.org, u-exchange.com, freecycle.org, and swapthing.com.

The sites are gaining popularity as people trade everything from kitchen tables to babysitting services.

You don't have to spend a dime at these bartering sites, unless its used to even up a trade. It may be an age-old art but bartering isn't as easy as an old fashioned handshake or written agreement.

The Internal Revenue Service requires barterers to report and pay taxes on trades.

One other note of caution---he Better Business Bureau urges you to do your homework, and get to know the person with whom you're bartering.