Archive for the ‘News’ Category
Most business people want to give the impression that they are up to date with everything in their industry. This means knowing all about the latest technology and keeping ahead of the competition. Has the time arrived where you end your friendship with your laptop computer and compete on a different stage with a tablet computer?
With the number of 0% credit cards available in the market, the small cost of a tablet computer can be spread over a year or more without any interest payments, so what is stopping you from making the new purchase? Did you just think tablets were a glorified toy? [Read more »]
February 2nd, 2012 | News, Technology | No Comments »
A concept that new business owners need to understand is the difference between business bank accounts and merchant accounts. Business bank accounts are used as a means to dealing with the expenses of opening a business. Merchant accounts and merchant account providers deal only with processing credit and debit card transactions. Since few businesses these days are able to operate on a cash-only basis, even small business owners need a merchant account to accept credit or debit card payments from customers.
There are different types of merchant accounts available to businesses. A retail account is designed for brick-and-mortar businesses. A customer must physically present his or her credit or debit card for payment. Mail order and telephone order accounts (MOTO) allow merchants to accept credit and debit card payments for transactions involving mail order or telephone orders. A business that conducts online sales must find an acquiring bank that processes online payments.
Ask plenty of questions before making a deal with a merchant services provider. Each type of account has service charges and fees that apply. In addition to the standard transaction fee, most credit card processing providers charge an application fee or set-up fee, equipment rental fees and sometimes a charge back fee. There may be other fees attached to the service such as cancellation fees, customer service fees and an annual membership fee. Make certain that you can afford the cost.
Most banks offer merchant processing services. Applying at a local bank that offers these services may be your best option, especially if your business is new or small. Opening a merchant account at the same financial institution where you normally do business can earn you some extra benefits.
Qualifying for an account may be difficult when you are first starting out. In a way, you are applying for an unsecured line of credit when you apply for a merchant services account. A bank or merchant services provider assessing your level of risk views a healthy business credit rating as a positive indicator.
Setting up an account with an acquiring bank or other merchant services provider is a process similar to applying for a credit card. The first step is to complete an application. The bank will review and validate the information you provide and then notify you if you are approved.
Normally, acquiring banks will allow businesses without websites to set up a virtual terminal, which is a form of secure Web site. Small and home-based businesses often select to use a terminal to swipe credit cards or use a virtual terminal to process transactions.
Before selecting a merchant account provider, look for a company that deals with all the major credit cards. The ability to accept a wide range of credit cards offers your customers more convenience. Most merchant services providers allow you to open a single account that enables you to accept different types of credit cards.
Always compare providers. The fees banks and other merchant account providers charge to process credit cards vary. Some also set volume limits and minimums on purchases. When negotiating the terms of a contract, let your provider of choice know if you’ve been offered a better deal elsewhere. This may get you the terms you want. Check the Better Business Bureau to learn more about the provider’s reputation and business rating before signing a contract.
November 17th, 2011 | Finance, Credit, News | No Comments »
Hangouts are just one of the ways in which Google+ is trying to persuade social media users to move over to their network. The aim of these is to bring the thrill of bumping into friends when you are out and about, into the home so that is can happen more often. They allow users to bring up to nine friends into their world to socialise and chat with each other. [Read more »]
October 28th, 2011 | News, Technology | No Comments »
Lots of European businesses today are transferring their employees to other countries, both within Europe and to other continents such as Asia. With today’s global economy, it makes sense. Global relocation can help lower what it costs companies to operate and have a positive effect on revenue. Moving is often a pain for transferees, though. Luckily, using relocation resources like Realtors, relocation agencies, and companies that make courier services available can help make your move a whole lot better, if you’re a transferee.
The growth of the European Union has increased corporate relocation across Europe, as it’s easier for companies to expand into other member countries. However, the recession has made global relocation more difficult, according to Unipac, a company specialising in global relocation services. Uncertainty in the housing and job markets makes employees wary of moving because it may be hard to sell their homes and for their spouses to find new jobs. Also, if the culture of the country is radically different, employees may be reluctant to move there. If you are preparing to move for work and find these challenges overwhelming, you should look into getting relocation assistance.
Housing is one of the first things people think about when it comes to moving, so it may be a good idea to consult a realtor with international connections. If you need to sell your house, this is also helpful. According to a report published by Scotia Capital, consumer confidence in the European housing market is far from high. However, there’s less need to worry if you have a trusted international real estate broker on your side. They’ll try to minimize the potential loss on the sale of your home. They are aware of the difficulties in the housing market and are skilled at selling houses for the best amount of profit possible. Once you are ready to transfer to the new country, the realtor will help you find appropriate housing there. Since housing is probably one of your biggest concerns, it’s important to pick a skilled agent.
You could also look into using a specialized relocation agency. Agencies have programmes specifically made for transferees. These include real estate support as well as family expatriation consultations. Many agencies provide immigration information and guides to cultural differences. Relocation agencies usually have it all covered, which makes them popular, but these services can often cost more than making all the arrangements yourself. So, think carefully about what your relocation will require and what services you will need.
Moving is hard enough when it’s in the same town, let alone going to another country. Courier services are another important option to consider. These companies help you move your belongings, including cars and other large items. There are websites that allow you to post free listings of what you require to be moved or shipped. Businesses that offer courier services can look at your listings and make bids to ship your items. You can examine these bids that have been made and hire the company that offers the best price and has good reviews.
A great number of individuals are finding themselves having to relocate globally, even during the economic recession. There are many resources available to help make relocation easier for employees and their families.
October 19th, 2011 | Marketing, News | No Comments »
Deciding on a name for your business is an important step in getting your business started. You need to finalize on your business name in order to get paperwork filed, opening up a bank account, as well as creating your marketing materials.
The first thing to think about is choosing a name that is easy to spell and to say. A play on words with spelling and pronunciation looks cute, but can cause frustration. You will need to be able to quickly say and spell your business name over the phone. In addition, you dont want a long name.
Once you decide on a name, do a search to see if it is already being used by another company. You will want to check your local yellow pages and online with google.com. You want to avoid using a name too close to another company.
If you are planning on incorporating your business you will also need to check the corporate registrations with your state. In addition with checking for specific corporations, avoid names too close to other possible trademark conflicts.
After you have checked for all these possible name conflicts it is time to check for a domain name. First, look for the domain name that is your exact business name. If it is available, purchase it immediately even if you are not ready for the website to be designed. If your exact name is taken by a company similar to yours, you might want to rethink you business name again. It can be confusing for clients if they type in your business name and another company’s website comes up.
October 17th, 2011 | Marketing, News | No Comments »
With hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, wildfires, and other natural disasters affecting so many individuals and businesses throughout the US this year, many have been left wondering how they’re going to pay for the cleanup or when their businesses will be able to reopen.
The good news is that there is some relief for tax payers if you meet certain conditions.
Conditions to meet the tax relief because of a natural disaster:
- The loss was caused by a sudden, unexplained, or unusual event.
- The damage caused are not covered by your insurance.
- The losses you have are sufficient to overcome reductions required by the IRS. A little bit of math here is required. A tax professional can help you determine this amount if you were partially insured.
- Finally, you must itemize everything.
If your business was affected by Hurricane Irene you may be able to file for tax relief.
October 10th, 2011 | Finance, Credit, News | No Comments »
This Tuesday, Google opened up its social network Google+ to all who would like to join. Up until this point it has been by invitation only.
Google+ is Google’s response to Facebook.
The largest issue Google has to deal with is to persuade users who are active in other social networks to regularly use their service as well. [Read more »]
September 21st, 2011 | News, Technology | No Comments »
The Office Depot Small Business Index shows small businesses are increasing in the use of remote work places. The survey was conducted from June 21, 2011 to June 29, 2011 will 1104 small and medium business being interviewed. [Read more »]
August 29th, 2011 | News, Technology | No Comments »
OpenDNS is a service that offers internet filtering at the DNS level. This means that bad sites and/or sites with objectionable content can be stopped at the source, without having to install and update software that may slow down your PC.
What is DNS?
DNS stands for Domain Name System. It is the system for assigning names to computers and devices. This system is needed because the internet is based on a system that assigns complicated number addresses to every website and device on the network.
For example, if you type 74.125.73.106 into your web browser’s address bar, it brings you to Google’s home page. But that’s not very convenient, is it? So the Domain Name System is used to assign names to websites and direct traffic to the right sources. DNS servers that handle this function are scattered all over the world.
What Does OpenDNS Do?
When you are connected to the internet, you are generally automatically assigned the DNS servers from your internet service provider. But after a quick reconfiguration of your router, OpenDNS will handle this function instead.
This is what allows OpenDNS to block unwanted sites before they ever reach you. The malicious domain name is simply not resolved, and your PC never makes contact. Since this filtering is done by OpenDNS, you don’t have to maintain extra software at your company to get this functionality.
By default OpenDNS filters malicious sites that carry viruses, malware, or are involved in phishing scams. They also offer custom filtering of a variety of potentially unwanted sites, from ‘adult’ sites to popular time wasters like Facebook and YouTube.
For basic filtering and DNS service, you can just switch to their DNS servers right away with no sign-up and forget about it. By creating an account, though, you can set up custom web filtering and have access to a control panel that provides a wealth of information about internet activity at your company.
OpenDNS has a great set of free services available for small businesses; find out more at their Free DNS for Work page.
August 19th, 2011 | News, Technology | 1 Comment »
New small business owners can feel overwhelmed with the additional tax reporting requirements. Here are a few basic tips and reminders to set you in the right direction so you can avoid possible problems:
First, keep good records. Whatever system you use… use it regularly, don’t wait until the week you do your taxes. [Read more »]
August 10th, 2011 | Finance, Credit, News | No Comments »
