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  How To Save Money On Your Inkjet Printer Cartridges
  If you've ever bought inkjet printer cartridges, whether for your own business or your employer, you know how expensive they can be. It doesn't really matter what industry your business is in, you've probably got reams of reports, announcements, invoices and other paperwork that you have to print regularly.The end result of this constant stream of printing is that you have to replace the ink in one or more of your printers on an ongoing basis. This can send your monthly office supplies expenses through the roof, particularly if you buy your ink cartridges from your local office supply store. If you do a lot of printing, you can save quite a bit of money by ordering your ink online instead.Online ink retailers generally save you money in 2 ways. First, the "branded" ink from your printer manufacturer is usually less expensive. Online merchants don't have the same overhead as a traditional "bricks and mortar" store, and they pass that savings on to you in lower prices. They're counting on the fact that they'll make up the difference in volume.The other way you can save on your printing costs is by using remanufactured ink cartridges. As you would expect, these are recycled cartridges that are sold under a generic name.These ink cartridges are recycled versions of the original ink that have been thoroughly cleaned and tested to be sure they will continue to work properly. They are refilled with ink that meets the original manufacturer's standards.This remanufacturing has not always worked well, but it has come a long way in the last several years with most users reporting results as good or better than the original ink.And according to an article from USA Today, these remanufactured cartridges can sell for up to 85 percent less money than their original brands. This adds up to a lot of money over the course of several months or years.Printer ink will always be necessary for any office, in spite of the computer industry's promise of a "paperless" office. If you can save some money on these cartridges, that will go directly to your bottom line.
  Any legitimate article of commerce may be sold through the U.S. mails upon truthful and honest representation - and the Post Office welcomes every legal enterprise to the use of the mail.

  The purpose of this report is to provide you with practical information on more economical and efficient handling of your mail. With postage costs at an all time high, I believe you will find these suggestions on how to get more for your postage dollar especially helpful. Today, it is more important than ever to establish good mailing practices, practices that will make a profitable difference in your postage handling, and speed up your mail.

  A WORKING KNOWLEDGE OF POSTAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS - By the very nature of the business, mail merchandising implies integrity. If a customer has to pay for something before having a chance to examine the article, his confidence is not to be abused. Selling by mail must be kept on a high plane if the dealer is to survive and prosper.

  Lotteries, chain letters and schemes to injure or defraud are denied the mail privilege. Nonmailable materials also include items not regarded as conductive to the public welfare, such as pornography. Excluded, too are materials (as inflammable liquids and chemicals) which could damage the mails or cause injury to postal employees.

  Every one who is using the mail to conduct business should become familiar with the postal requirements which apply to his particular enterprise. It is not, however, necessary or advisable for the beginner or small operator to attempt learning in detail all the ramifications of all the Postal Laws and Regulations. To the mail minded person, dealing with the post office is not anything new or strange. As a mail user in the past, whenever you came across something on which you desired information, you simply inquired at the post office. As a small mail order dealer you will be doing the same thing, and there will not be a great range of questions that will concern you. If you are in doubt about anything relating to your situation,, inquire as to how the matter should be handled. The Post Office will answer all your questions.

  PENALTIES FOR USING THE MAILS TO DEFRAUD - A customer should make a formal complaint in the case of misrepresentations and p[possible fraud with the Office of the Regional Chief Postal Inspector. There are 5 regions. The local Post Office will advise what region is responsible got a given area of the country.

  If complaints from different parties have been received, the postal, inspector can ascertain that the seller is at fault. However, the Post Office will give a mail order business the benefit of the doubt and the business is afforded the chance of settling complaints fairly with customers.

  Where the intention is clearly to defraud, the case is followed through with a fraud order to be issued by the office of the Postmaster General. Letters are then returned to the senders, marked across the face of the envelope "Fraudulent".. It is not the intent of the Post Office, however, for its inspectors to act as censors on transactions or adjusters of arguments.

  In flagrant cases of fraud, in addition to loss of mail use, a fine or imprisonment, or both, may be imposed. However, any honest individual who operates a mail-order enterprise as a business and not as racket need have no fear.

  NEED FOR FAMILIARITY WITH CLASSES AND RATES OF MAIL - Since mailing costs are responsible for a major operating expense -- approximately one fourth of the total expenses of a small mail order business -- the mail-order business has to be able to figure how to get top efficiency for this major expense category.

  A mail order business may, for example, save a great deal in the course of a year by knowing how pieces of sales literature can best be mailed and what the weight limitations are for specific postage charges. Among small dealers especially, there is much postage waste by failure to take into account minor details which in the aggregate run to respectable sums. Suppose, as an illustration, a booklet or catalog ready to mail just barely exceeds the limit for one rate and calls for more postage. A minor adjustment in the piece can decrease the postage significantly

  Third-class mail, (also called bulk mail), may be used by anyone, but it is used most often by larger mailers. Basic requirement to mail by bulk mail are that the mailer obtains the proper permit, include the minimum number of pieces per mailing and sort all pieces by zip code. For the current bulk mail rate, ask the post office. The savings are substantial. The big disadvantage is the time it takes for delivery. This can vary greatly by region and time of the year. As a rule of thumb mail within a 500 mile range may take from 1 to 2 weeks, 500 to 1500 miles 10 to 20 days and over 1500 miles from 2-4 weeks. Your local Post Office will give you all necessary bulk mail information and the proper application. For more information about postage costs visit the United States Postal Service's website.

  KEEP YOUR BUSINESS ABOVE REPROACH - Considering the number of people using the mail and the tremendous volume of business transacted by mail, the Post Office levies relatively few penalties. However, no business of any size can be carried on without some complaints. A policy of "Money Back Guarantee" or "Satisfaction Guaranteed" goes a long way in convincing the Post Office as well as your customers that you are a trustworthy business.

  PACKAGING AND ADDRESSING PARCELS AND PACKAGES - Proper packaging and addressing of packages is the best way to prevent damage and loss. Use a container strong enough to protect contents during handling. Cushion the contents if necessary to make sure they do not move within the container and affix the address information securely. Plastic packaging tape is recommended for closing and reinforcing the flaps and seams. Avoid using wrapping paper. The use of string could cause damage in processing. The address must be typed or legibly written one side only.. Use an address that's designed for efficient post office handling including proper zip code information - with the recipients address more prominent than your own.

  USE STANDARD SIZE ENVELOPES - Save time and money. For best results envelopes should be at least a few inches longer then the longest insert plus the combined total thickness of the inserts. When the inserts are thick and bulky, extra allowances should be made.

  WATCH YOUR WEIGHT - A truly accurate mailing scale is a must for any mailer - large or small. Otherwise, you run the risk of underpayment of postage - and the irrirritation of mail being returned because of "postage Due". And of course, overpayment of postage can cost you a great deal of money over a period of time, so it is indeed important to have an accurate postage scale.

  POSTAGE METER - If you send out much mail from your place of business, it might be practical to consider the convenience of metered mail. Some advantages are - Save trips to the post office. Eliminate the need for keeping loose stamps.. Stamp, seal and postmark quickly. Avoid loss of stamps. Print "meter ads" simultaneously with the meter stamps. Accurate postage affixing.

  Postage meter equipment generally consists of tow parts, an office mailing machine and a detachable postage meter, the later licensed for use by the United States Postal Service. Since postage meters print U.S. postage and account for government revenue under official lock and seal, they cannot be sold outright, as are mailing machines, but are leased from an authorized manufacturer who is held responsible to the U.S. Postal Service for their proper operation and replacement when necessary.

  KEEP YOUR MAILING LIST CURRENT - Only a "live" list can produce good results - and many nixies on a list can be very costly. So be sure to keep your list constantly up to date. One way to keep your list clean is to print. "Address Correction Requested" on outgoing envelopes. The Post Office notes the reason for non-delivery, or the new address if known. For current fees involing addrss correction visit the United States Postal Service's website.

  WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU HAVE A POSTAL PROBLEM - When you have a problem with your mail service it is best to talk to one of the clerks at the Post Office. If necessary the clerk will refer you to someone else. It is best not to complain to management or file an official complaint at your own Post Office. Be nice with the clerks and try to get known them. They are important partners in your mail order business.

  
  Copyright 2004 by DeAnna Spencer

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• Retail's First Moment Of Truth - The Package
  What is a package any way? We all know it conveys a product from point A to point B. Besides the obvious of getting it there undamaged or not broken, what's a box supposed to do? That job has changed dramatically in the last decade. The package has become the “first moment of truth” at retail. And now, especially it’s going to decide whether someone will by your product, or not. So you better pay attention to not only what goes inside but what’s on the outside of the box.Just because you have a great product doesn't mean its going to sell. Or even if you have it in the right retail environment that it’s going to fly off the shelf. Packaging a product the right way entails much more than just creating a box to put your product in. Sure, you are going to get it there in one piece, we hope but gone are the days of the box acting as only a protective shipping container. The box today is the "retail" salesperson. The box or package is expected to provide the necessary information to make an informed shoppers’ decision plus no salesperson is available to answer a question either. So the package must be the silent salesperson to tell all there is needed to know.More importantly conveying the information about what is inside and how it’s going to help the consumer solve a problem. That’s an important factor to remember. When someone looks at your product in their minds they are saying “What is this product going to do for me?” Do think about your package from a consumer’s perspective, not a package designers or engineers. Don’t get caught up in the notion about what has to be “ON” the box rather what needs to be on the package to pique or satisfy the consumer’s interest. Keep engineering driven statements to a minimum, rather explain what value and benefits they will derive vs. technically oriented information.Think about the people who shop. Today’s consumer is a moving target. You have market trends, demographics and market niches that are continually evolving at any point in time. If you are not staying on top of these trends then your product isn’t “connecting” to them with the right message. That core “message” is one of the most import

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  Returnable Plastic Packaging: Thermoformed Plastic Trays and Pallets - 10 Money Saving Tips
  Heavy gauge thermoforming is as much a staple to the returnable plastic packaging industry as Chevy is to General Motors. It's always been there, not known for its cutting edge design but more because it is solid, durable, and dependable. Thermoforming plastic trays and pallets can also be misunderstood. It remains one of the longest lasting and reasonably priced returnable packaging products available yet customers are reluctant to try it. Why?Research has shown that many people assume plastic trays and pallets made via heavy gauge thermoforming have the same high priced tooling as injection molding. Further, many folks are convinced the tooling takes just as long to produce. This is not true. Returnable plastic trays and pallets come with a moderate tooling charge (usually less than $7500) and can be made in 4 weeks or less, depending on the design.Here are 10 tips regarding thermoformed plastic trays and pallets your salesman would rather you not know about:1. Provide the actual product you need packaged to your supplier. This allows the supplier to see, touch, and feel the product and design the plastic tray or plastic pallet accordingly. You’ll get a better initial design and a firmer price quote.2. Assess if your actual product can be stacked upon and support weight. If this is possible, your returnable plastic trays will not need to be as deep which means a smaller plastic tray and a lower price per tray.3. Design returnable plastic trays and plastic pallets that are stackable and nestable. This means that the plastic trays and plastic pallets can stack when fully loaded and nest inside each other when empty. Nested thermoformed plastic trays and plastic pallets take up less space and save on both storage and freight costs.4. Consider having the thermoformed plastic trays marked with a stripe at least 1 inch wide and running either the entire length or width in a different color than the plastic trays. These stripes help your operators know when the plastic trays are loaded or empty, saving in labor costs and storage efficiency5. Ask for concept sketches with overall dimensions of your
  mail), may be used by anyone, but it is used most often by larger mailers. Basic requirement to mail by bulk mail are that the mailer obtains the proper permit, include the minimum number of pieces per mailing and sort all pieces by zip code. For the current bulk mail rate, ask the post office. The savings are substantial. The big disadvantage is the time it takes for delivery. This can vary greatly by region and time of the year. As a rule of thumb mail within a 500 mile range may take from 1 to 2 weeks, 500 to 1500 miles 10 to 20 days and over 1500 miles from 2-4 weeks. Your local Post Office will give you all necessary bulk mail information and the proper application. For more information about postage costs visit the United States Postal Service's website.

  KEEP YOUR BUSINESS ABOVE REPROACH - Considering the number of people using the mail and the tremendous volume of business transacted by mail, the Post Office levies relatively few penalties. However, no business of any size can be carried on without some complaints. A policy of "Money Back Guarantee" or "Satisfaction Guaranteed" goes a long way in convincing the Post Office as well as your customers that you are a trustworthy business.

  PACKAGING AND ADDRESSING PARCELS AND PACKAGES - Proper packaging and addressing of packages is the best way to prevent damage and loss. Use a container strong enough to protect contents during handling. Cushion the contents if necessary to make sure they do not move within the container and affix the address information securely. Plastic packaging tape is recommended for closing and reinforcing the flaps and seams. Avoid using wrapping paper. The use of string could cause damage in processing. The address must be typed or legibly written one side only.. Use an address that's designed for efficient post office handling including proper zip code information - with the recipients address more prominent than your own.

  USE STANDARD SIZE ENVELOPES - Save time and money. For best results envelopes should be at least a few inches longer then the longest insert plus the combined total thickness of the inserts. When the inserts are thick and bulky, extra allowances should be made.

  WATCH YOUR WEIGHT - A truly accurate mailing scale is a must for any mailer - large or small. Otherwise, you run the risk of underpayment of postage - and the irrirritation of mail being returned because of "postage Due". And of course, overpayment of postage can cost you a great deal of money over a period of time, so it is indeed important to have an accurate postage scale.

  POSTAGE METER - If you send out much mail from your place of business, it might be practical to consider the convenience of metered mail. Some advantages are - Save trips to the post office. Eliminate the need for keeping loose stamps.. Stamp, seal and postmark quickly. Avoid loss of stamps. Print "meter ads" simultaneously with the meter stamps. Accurate postage affixing.

  Postage meter equipment generally consists of tow parts, an office mailing machine and a detachable postage meter, the later licensed for use by the United States Postal Service. Since postage meters print U.S. postage and account for government revenue under official lock and seal, they cannot be sold outright, as are mailing machines, but are leased from an authorized manufacturer who is held responsible to the U.S. Postal Service for their proper operation and replacement when necessary.

  KEEP YOUR MAILING LIST CURRENT - Only a "live" list can produce good results - and many nixies on a list can be very costly. So be sure to keep your list constantly up to date. One way to keep your list clean is to print. "Address Correction Requested" on outgoing envelopes. The Post Office notes the reason for non-delivery, or the new address if known. For current fees involing addrss correction visit the United States Postal Service's website.

  WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU HAVE A POSTAL PROBLEM - When you have a problem with your mail service it is best to talk to one of the clerks at the Post Office. If necessary the clerk will refer you to someone else. It is best not to complain to management or file an official complaint at your own Post Office. Be nice with the clerks and try to get known them. They are important partners in your mail order business.

  
  Copyright 2004 by DeAnna Spencer

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  Invoice Factoring Companies: A Valuable Funding Resource
  Invoice factoring companies can provide immediate, short-term funds for companies that are unable to obtain a traditional bank loan. Financing from traditional banks generally requires commercial borrowers to have two years in business and showing a profit. Banks tend to favor loans secured by tangible assets like machinery, inventory, equipment and real estate.Working with factoring companies, in contrast, are less restrictive. When you sell your invoices - often called factoring - you don’t incur any debt so there are no monthly payments. Plus, you can control your cash flow by determining how much to factor and when. Young, growing companies or those with tax liens - and even bankruptcy - can still qualify for an invoice factoring account. This makes factoring companies a viable source of funding for many businesses.How It WorksIn simple terms, here’s how invoice factoring works: Factoring companies purchase your accounts receivable or freight bills at a discounted rate and issue you a lump sum payment. Essentially, your company sells its accounts receivable or invoices at a lower value for quick cash, instead of waiting the usual 30 to 45 days for the invoices to be paid.After you deliver your product/service and generate an approved invoice, factoring companies can provide your money in as little as 24 hrs. In essence, working with a factoring company can help speed up your cash flow. The influx of cash can better enable you to meet your financial obligations. For example, you can use the money to increase your working capital, pay bills or taxes, pay up front for equipment or supplies, and even take advantage of early payment discounts offered to you by your vendors.Typically, factoring companies pay 80 percent of the invoice value upfront. Then they issue the remaining value—minus a factoring fee—once they’ve receive payment from your client. The factoring fee is determined by a combination of the credit worthiness of your customer base, the average terms, the invoice number and size, and factoring volume.Factoring companies structure their fees in any number of ways, but the rate you pay generally works ou
  e thick and bulky, extra allowances should be made.

  WATCH YOUR WEIGHT - A truly accurate mailing scale is a must for any mailer - large or small. Otherwise, you run the risk of underpayment of postage - and the irrirritation of mail being returned because of "postage Due". And of course, overpayment of postage can cost you a great deal of money over a period of time, so it is indeed important to have an accurate postage scale.

  POSTAGE METER - If you send out much mail from your place of business, it might be practical to consider the convenience of metered mail. Some advantages are - Save trips to the post office. Eliminate the need for keeping loose stamps.. Stamp, seal and postmark quickly. Avoid loss of stamps. Print "meter ads" simultaneously with the meter stamps. Accurate postage affixing.

  Postage meter equipment generally consists of tow parts, an office mailing machine and a detachable postage meter, the later licensed for use by the United States Postal Service. Since postage meters print U.S. postage and account for government revenue under official lock and seal, they cannot be sold outright, as are mailing machines, but are leased from an authorized manufacturer who is held responsible to the U.S. Postal Service for their proper operation and replacement when necessary.

  KEEP YOUR MAILING LIST CURRENT - Only a "live" list can produce good results - and many nixies on a list can be very costly. So be sure to keep your list constantly up to date. One way to keep your list clean is to print. "Address Correction Requested" on outgoing envelopes. The Post Office notes the reason for non-delivery, or the new address if known. For current fees involing addrss correction visit the United States Postal Service's website.

  WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU HAVE A POSTAL PROBLEM - When you have a problem with your mail service it is best to talk to one of the clerks at the Post Office. If necessary the clerk will refer you to someone else. It is best not to complain to management or file an official complaint at your own Post Office. Be nice with the clerks and try to get known them. They are important partners in your mail order business.

  
  Copyright 2004 by DeAnna Spencer

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  How Accounts Receivable Turnover Can Be Influenced By An Offshore Team?
  Managing Accounts Receivables is a detail ridden process and most business owners would rather focus their energies on marketing their products and services to drive business growth rather than get bogged down with this ‘necessary evil’. It therefore makes it both a strategic as well as a cost effective option to consider outsourcing this important function of your business.Call strategy Knowing which customers to call is perhaps the most important decision to be made before your offshore agent picks the phone to your customers. Most finance and accounting packages will help you generate a customer aging report that helps to see the age of the receivables from your various customers. Most certainly, your friendly offshore agent can be put on the job for calling customers with the worst aging profile without a second thought. Sure, some customers will not be very happy with this diligent follow up. Never mind. Remember that although the word customer is highly esteemed, it is not quite complete in itself. The more correct usage must be ‘paying customer’Knowing the customer account My previous statement on the customer will not go down well with most salesmen and I do sympathize with their strong feelings. It is no doubt prudent to respect due sensitivities on every customer account when following up for payments. Therefore I suggest that the offshore agent who is your dedicated person following up on collecting your money, interacts periodically with your sales team. This helps cross functional team-work and for everyone to realize that the real joy is when money is received for products or services given rather than at the time of making the sale. In other words the Accounts Receivable agent and the Sales team work together with the common interest of the company.What are the measures to track? It is important to keep an eye on some of the key measures and track them in order to ensure that Accounts receivables turnover is being managed well. Some of the key measures widely used are:Days in receivable: The time taken for a receivable to turn into cash is expressed by a "days-in-receivable" nu
  ers in your mail order business.

  
  Copyright 2004 by DeAnna Spencer

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