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About amit

Hi, I am online marketing consultant and Blogger. Here I will provide information about WordPress Premium themes, plugins and useful php script.

How Business Can Save Money on Shipping?

If you run a small business, shipping expenses can cost you a considerable amount of money. Implementing sustainable ways of shipping your products can contribute to the success of your business.

Efficient shipping strategies are vital to every business, but most particularly to small businesses. As a small business owner, you want to maximize to tap on potential savings and revenue. Shipping and postage cost is a recurring business expense that you can cut considerably.

Sadly, many businesses embark on the hit-or-miss method when deciding on their shipping strategy. They work with different couriers and try different services that eventually lead to losses. Aside from financial costs, it can also negatively impact your business reputation. Late or undelivered shipments are among the most common customer complaints that can affect client satisfaction.

Below are some tips on how to keep your shipping expenses low. These tips can result in major savings at the same time give you peace of mind knowing that your products are delivered to their intended recipients on time.

Choose the right carrier

Not all carriers offer the same price. For instance, FedEx, DHL, and UPS have a comparably higher price than USPS. Unless you’re sending significantly high volume, using USPS can save you a considerable amount. So, for small businesses with lightweight items, USPS is the ideal carrier. You can cut your shipping costs by up to half the price of other providers.

However, this does not mean that you should ditch other carriers. Some shipping companies offer considerably lower pricing tiers. You can check out their retail rates and their conditions to find the best deal.

Negotiate the rates

If you have a particularly high volume shipment, you can talk with your shipper and negotiate the price. Get in touch with your carrier and explore some of the package rate specifically designed for small businesses. No business is too small to negotiate so don’t hesitate to approach them.

Explain your shipping criteria to the carrier. If you have a longer lead time and your package does not require special care needs, the shipper might consider offering you better or special rates. Shipment companies usually have small business specialists who can advise you on the best way to send your deliverables, either air or ground. They can also recommend a shipping schedule that can help lower costs. Businesses that don’t ask can pay as much as 40 percent on unnecessary fees.

Consider your carrier as a team and not just as a provider. This enables you and your shipper to deal with shipping issues as a team, thus better results for both parties.

Consolidate your shipment

Many small businesses are unable to get great deals from carriers because of their limited shipment volume. As a result, small businesses are constrained to take costly pricing tier.

One way to save up is to consolidate your shipment with other companies. There are less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping companies that allow you to piggyback your goods on their current high-volume shipments. With this, your packages are shipped alongside a bigger shipment. Thus, you pay for only a fraction of the cost. LTL shipping companies will find available space where your package can fit in.

Another way is by coordinating with other companies in your area and consolidating your shipments. You can join a local professional association and arrange a shipping schedule. However, consolidating may not always work, especially if you have special shipping requirements.

Ensure accuracy

One of the simplest ways to save on shipping is by stating the accurate description and weight of every shipment. The more accurate the shipping details are, the more likely that you will not be overcharged for excess fees.

Accuracy does not only pertain to the package details. You should also have accurate details about the recipient. Software developers at Byteplant emphasize the importance of address validation in increasing shipment deliverability. Putting the wrong address can lead to undelivered goods, a negative impact on client satisfaction, and unnecessary financial costs. According to the USPS Office of Inspector General, undelivered-as-addressed (UAA) costs businesses about $20 billion a year. The use of address validation tools can greatly help improve accuracy and increase deliverability.

Save on packaging

The packaging is a major shipping-related expense that many businesses overlook.  Check your packaging and consider reducing the layers if possible.

Every new box or packaging material that you use means additional costs for your business. Reusing packaging materials that you receive (and often stuck in your warehouse) can help cut your expenses.

When reusing boxes, make sure that you choose the ones that are in good condition and do not contain markings from its original supplier. Better yet, you can request your suppliers to send goods in unmarked packaging. You can also use worn-out or labeled packaging materials for other purposes. For example, you can shred old boxes and turn them into filling materials.

Recycling and reusing these materials will not only help your business save money but also an eco-friendly initiative. However, you should never sacrifice quality over savings. Overly skimping on packaging can compromise the structural integrity and safety of your shipment. The goods get damaged during transit and result in a negative impact.

Cut excess weight

Shipping costs are based on the dimension, size, and weight of a package. Heavier and bulky packages always cost more to ship. Review your packaging methods and explore ways that will avoid wasting space while ensuring structural integrity. Try to fit your product into the smallest possible package.

Usually, it’s impossible to trim down the weight of the product. However, you can avoid wasting space by looking for the best packing method. Better yet, you can try to redesign the product for long-term savings.

Pass on the shipping costs

Although free shipping is ubiquitous in e-commerce, it is not the standard. Many small businesses are unable to absorb this added cost. To stay competitive while ensuring profitability, you should consider passing on the cost to the customers by slightly increasing the prices to account for the shipping expenses.

Alternatively, you can offer free shipping but with conditions such as orders reaching a profitable margin, orders with several items, or local orders that you can personally deliver. Likewise, you can offer free shipping for repeat transactions or customer loyalty. Another way is to offer a pickup option to cut shipping costs for you and your customers.

Final Thoughts

Running a business entails a lot of things to monitor and manage. All of these strategies can help save money on shipping and increase your business bottom-line. You just have to stay organized to see the considerable amount of savings you can make.

The History of Outlet Stores – When Did It All Begin?

Outlet stores, also known as factory outlets are stores where brands sell their commodities directly to the consumers. Typically, these commodities come at a cheaper price, and this is what makes outlet stores popular among most people. 

Today, most brands have started operating their own outlet stores. These stores exist as physical shopping places, located in a shopping mall or shopping district. Interestingly, some brands have also started to operate online outlet stores.

What’s the origin of outlet stores?

The first outlet was opened in the eastern U.S. back in the early 30s. These outlets, which were operated as factory outlets, started to offer excess or damaged products to the company’s employees at a cheaper price. With time, the customers to these outlets expanded to other customers who were not employees of the brands operating the stores. 

In 1936, a famous men’s clothing brand by then—Anderson-Little opened the first outlet, which was independent of the brand’s existing factories. The main purpose of this store, together with others was to dispose of damaged or excess products. This continued up to the 70s. 

Vanity Fair opened the first multi-store outlet mall in 1974. This store was located in Reading, Pennsylvania. The growth of outlet malls became rapid in the US in the 80s and 90s. Today, a typical outlet mall in the United States occupies a space of around 100,000 – 200,000 sq. ft. of retail space. This space can gradually grow to around 500,000 – 600,000 sq. ft.—which is about 5 hectares. 

In 2003, the United States had a total of 260 outlet stores, which generated a revenue of $15 billion. The number of outlet malls grew from 113 in 1988 to around 472 in 2013. 

However, you should note that outlets are not an American thing only. They are also spread across other countries in North America, Europe, and Asia. In Canada, the first outlet mall, Dixie Outlet Mall dates back to the late 80s. 

British retailer, BAA McArthurGlen, operates 13 outlet malls in Europe. These malls have over 1,200 outlet stores and occupy about 3 million sq. ft.—which is around 30 hectares. Most people refer to this as an outlet village. Outlet stores have also started emerging in Asia from the mid 90s. 

So, what benefits do people get to enjoy when they shop at outlet malls?

Cheaper prices

As we said earlier, manufacturers normally sell their products directly to the consumer at outlet malls. This, in turn, means that the consumer won’t have to go through a distributor or middle man to get the product. Therefore, the cost needed to get the product to the consumer is significantly reduced. 

This is the major reason why products at outlets are much cheaper than those sold in an ordinary retail store. The closer the outlet is to the factory, the cheaper the price. Some customers say that they get discounts of up to 40% when they shop at outlet stores. 

More product promotions

Generally, outlet malls, such as the designer outlet store, VIA Jurmala, have a lot of product offers and promotions. For instance, you can find seasonal sales, like winter sales, Christmas sales, and New Year sales, among others. Besides, you can also find amazing promotions, like buy two, get one free promotion, since the sellers want to clear products that haven’t moved for a while. Interestingly, you can also find discount coupons, which you can use to push the prices further down. 

Wide range of commodities

This is a common thing with outlet stores. Major brands normally display all their product range at outlets. That means customers get to enjoy a wide range of commodities. Typically, you’ll also have lots of options in terms of shapes, colors, as well as sizes. Besides, since outlet malls are much larger than normal retail stores, you will have all the freedom to explore the mall and search for the products without anyone bothering you. 

All in all, outlet stores tend to be very busy, especially during the weekends and holidays. In fact, you can find long queues for shoppers waiting to get into an outlet during holidays or weekends. Therefore, it can be better if you can find other times to shop, other than weekends and holidays. For instance, shopping on weekdays can save you valuable time that you’d have spent queuing up at the store. 

Be secure online by using internet security software

Nowadays, if your system is not protected, you are definite to get infected in the end. Whereas it is correct that antivirus assists in warding off various threats to a system, internet security furnishes like the best option.

Internet security is hugely diverse from antivirus. It is an incorporation of different programs to safeguard users from virus and also internet associated threats. A great attribute of internet safety is that it not only safeguards from viruses but also assists in building up a firewall that safeguards a system from superfluous access in addition to limits access to programs and apps on the internet that might intimidate security. If you are intimidated by spyware and malware, internet security assists you too.

Statistics reveal that each month there are 250 novel viruses that are identified. Systems can be tainted with malware, adware, spyware, or a few hateful codes that when clicked on, can be employed to take users’ individual details and employed for identity stealing reasons.

Internet security software is perfect if you are searching for overall security on your computer. It is factual that many times antivirus software is over sufficient to safeguard your computer. On the other hand, if you are targeting overall safety not only from viruses that can impact the PC but also all your activities which you take whereas, on the internet, you require software that can create wonders. The best internet safety promises to carry on all risks at the cove and allow you to do deals online with no fear. Whereas purchasing internet safety software it needs to be remembered that the software must offer safety from all types of threats and not only viruses, Trojans, and worms. The best internet safety software safeguards a user from phishing cons, malware risks, and key loggers.

Finally, internet safety software should be simple to set up and use. One cannot anticipate individuals to enter commands and do things yourself; the software must do all the fixations to make the PC safe when making the smallest amount of fuss.

Top internet security threats to you

The Internet is a very frightening place. If you do not need internet security software, you are playing a perilous fixture. That is a very easy and direct statement but an influential one. We are sure that most computer users have had some kind of malware on the system. We all have been the sufferer of a virus, adware, spyware, phishing or spam mails. All these possess the prospective to create crippling harm to your computer, intimidate your seclusion or depiction of your individual information.

Here we are discussing the top internet security threats to you:

1. Spyware

Spyware is a wide-ranging terminology that involves most malware like Trojans, pops up ads, adware, key loggers, modified cookies, etc. This terminology does not involve a virus that is engineered to repeat itself, not spy or theft. Spyware is generally engineered to see your online movement and expose security faults. This is generally the initial step in fixing you up for some time data theft. Hackers have produced complicated tools like key loggers that may document each key you press. Yes, that signifies passwords, banking details, and email entries that may be exposed to employing this software.

2. Identity stealing

Hackers may get your details by a range of methods. Once this data is obtained, it would be employed to create online purchases through your credit card information, redirect paychecks, and make fake documents. Generally, the top internet safety software comes with a few protections against this issue. An internet safety suite can be your best stake to safeguard your online data.

3. Spam mails

Spam mail itself is not hazardous. Though, spam mail can possess spiteful links that may do everything from reason your system to get infected via a virus, bring in spyware, and bring in huge spam. The best internet spam filter is generally an excellent option. Employing internet security software and some general sense would assist you to ignore being flooded with spam mails.

Overall, you are accountable for those steps you consider online. Though, there is no requirement to risk misplacing your important information or cash due to the need for PC management.

How premium security is different from internet security?

Not many individuals have perceived premium security software. And, that is no revelation thinking about a broad variety of security programs that survive, and its delayed entrance into the security software area.

It has come behind different security programs such as antispyware, antivirus, firewall, internet security, and different other safety programs in the industry nowadays. And, this may make getting the correct one an intimidating chore, even for the more safety savvy system users.

The truth is these programs are not as complex as you may consider. Indeed, you may get one plan that involves all of them and keep yourself huge cash and stress in the procedure.

Premium security software passes by different names and they involve overall, tremendous, final, super-suites, mega, ultra, and total. Thus, it involves all client-level safety software in one, with all the attributes and tools you will require.

But internet safety software involves several of the same safety programs, attributes, and tools. And you will be capable of protecting your system from the similar threats that a premium safety software program is made for. Though they involve some differences and beforehand you select one, we suggest you verify their attributes and abilities to make the correct choice.

Similarity

Similar to internet safety software, premium safety involves anti-spam, antivirus, firewall, and antispyware safety. These four safety programs possess their individual stand-alone editions. And each furnishes a particular purpose and takes out definite kinds of threats.

Premium and internet safety programs also possess attributes that you would not get in separate programs. Some of these accumulations involve data backup, gamer modes, parental controls, and anti-phishing instruments.

Difference

One understandable difference between these two suites is cost. Approximately, premium safety is about £15 more costly than internet safety software.

Premium security possesses PC Utility Tools that are planned to do repairs on your system and clean out provisional internet data files.

In addition, all premium safety suites involve privacy, data backup, online accumulation, firewall, and system utilities; while some internet safety suites include all these programs and they are not very successful.

What are the Best Electronic Stores in Singapore?

There is no doubt you can get good deals from electronic stores in Singapore. You may find yourself surrounded by amazing gadgets at nice deals. When you go to awesome electronic stores, better take your time in checking out what is available. You may end up regretting your purchase if you are an aggressive buyer. There is a reason why the store is huge. It is because they have a lot of items on display and on stock. Here are some of the best electronic stores in Singapore:

Best Denki

This online store has a ton of amazing deals that you are not going to believe. Also, they have a wide range of electronics available from LCD TVs to smartphones, you know you are going to see a lot more than you expected in this electronic store. All the popular brands like Samsung and LG have amazing deals on their website that you will have a hard time choosing which item to buy. It is also possible to buy a gift voucher which would be the perfect gift to someone on his or her birthday. If you can’t decide what to get that person, you can let that person decide using the gift coupon. There are a lot of gaming accessories here that are up for grabs like gaming monitors and control pads. No doubt, gamers will be more than happy here.

Courts

There are a lot of benefits from purchasing electronics over at Courts. They give you a long warranty that you will feel pretty confident about purchasing electronics from them. They guarantee that you will find the lowest prices for all the items that are for sale on their website. In fact, you can try and compare the prices to their competitors and you will be shocked when you see the difference. They even have a ton of stores all over the country so there will certainly be one that is near you.

UBuy

When online shopping is your thing, UBuy has a ton of electronics for sale including laptops, cameras, and mobile phones. In terms of variety, you are going to get a lot more than what you initially expected in this website. You can’t blame yourself if you spend a lot of time just browsing through the many items here. What’s more, the prices of the items here are pretty affordable so you know you are going to get great deals. There is even a way to filter the items according to your budget.

iShop Changi

This electronic store has a lot of choices and it is pretty easy to order on their website. Yes, it does not take a genius to figure out how to order products from them. They will be more than happy to answer all your questions when you send an inquiry to them. Their highly trained customer service team would be more than happy to assist you with whatever you need. Besides, they would want nothing more than for you to be pleased with your purchase.

Alphonso Davies Has Set a New Speed Record in Bundesliga- Know Why

Alphonso Davies has set a new speed record in Bayern Munich’s title-clinching game at Werder Bremen on the 32nd Matchday of the 2019/2020 Bundesliga season. Alphonso is just 19 years old Canadian who made a record of about 22.7 mph by overtaking Borussia Dortmund’s defender AchrafHakimi’s league record which was best in the world – 22.49 mph. This has made Alphonso Davis the fastest player in Germany’s top flight, which is to begin in the year 2011.

New Speed Record in Bundesliga

Later, he declared in the official site of Bundesliga that he had lost his first job. He further continued that “I don’t know when it happened [breaking the speed record], but I just do my job defensively, trying to get the ball back, but I’m happy that I can break a record.”

His teammate Thomas Muller called him the ‘The Bayern Road Runner’ while the French winger, Kingsley Coman, who holds the speed record earlier in the last campaign, had admitted that Alphonso is the fastest player at the club till date. Phonzy proved that beyond any doubt at the Weser-Stadion, albeit has the night of mixed emotions for the former Vancouver player Whitecaps Starlet. He has the 28th Bundesliga appearance of the season, as called the Bayern put the seal on 8th successive league title. However, he was sent off for the first time in his football career after two bookable offenses. Keeping that aside, it has been the stellar campaign in the career for the best talents.

After Alphonso has arrived from Vancouver in January 2019 as the winger, he has developed himself as Bayern’s first-choice left-back and which is now said to be one of the best in the world. He is two times Bundesliga winner. He also has the chance to add the second successive DFB Cup to the growing collection when Bayern has taken over Bayer Leverkusen in the competition final that was held on 4th June. What more you want to hear about this budding footballer- Bayern No.19 has been nominated for Italian Newspaper Tuttosport’s annual Goldern Boy Award, which is really something great.

Apart from this, something great will happen this time- who will win the Bundesliga Rookie award. Apart from the fans, this year, the clubs and the Bundesliga pundits can also put their votes in the Rookie of the Month winner. The vote will be divided into three categories- 40% for the fans, pundits will be 30%, and clubs will be 30%. Every month, three Rookies are nominated for the award, depending upon the performance scale. The Rookie, who will have the highest number of points, will be nominated, and fans can vote for their choice. The Rookie nominees for 2019/2020 are JonJoe Kenny, Ismail Jakobs, Alphonso Davies, ErlingHaaland, and Marcus Thuram. This season, the monthly winners will also be getting the trophies that twist the story. Also, the Rookies will able to defend their crown in the upcoming month.

What Does Probate Lawyer Do?

An average person rarely needs to hire a lawyer. However, a few life situations warrant the presence of legal counsel. One of them is probate. Even if there is no will, probate is needed to pay the person’s last bills and distribute the estate.

A probate lawyer provides consultations and guidance to the will’s executor or beneficiaries of an estate. Since many nuances come with this process, legal counsel is vital to proper distribution.

What is Probate Lawyer?

A probate lawyer is a licensed attorney who assists executors and estate beneficiaries to settle the affair of a person who passed away. A probate may be avoided in some cases. For example, if the decedent puts all assets in a trust or if no property exists.

While it’s possible to avoid probate, it’s still necessary in the majority of cases. Dealing with probate without a lawyer is virtually impossible.

What Does Probate Lawyer Do?

When you hire a probate lawyer, what can you expect them to do?

  • Collect proceeds from life insurance policies
  • Arrange appraisal of the property
  • Assist with payments of bills and covering debts
  • Identify and secure estate assets
  • Help collect, arrange, and file documents required during probate
  • Manage estate checking account
  • Distribute assets to beneficiaries
  • And more

Can I Avoid Hiring Probate Lawyer?

To appear in court, a person has to be a licensed attorney. A paralegal can’t represent a person in probate in court. Even though the presence of an attorney during the probate process isn’t legally required, it’s highly recommended.

An average person doesn’t know how to handle probate. Without the right counsel, the process is likely to become time-consuming. Knowing all the probate nuances allows the lawyer to avoid mistakes.

Many errors can be made along the way unless a person knows the law. If you make numerous mistakes with the petition, the court could dismiss them, forcing you to start over.

A probate lawyer doesn’t just know the ins and outs of the process, this specialist can keep you from making mistakes while ensuring the desired outcome.

How Much Does Probate Lawyer Cost?

Depending on the state you live in, the cost of probate lawyer services may vary. Some are paid hourly while others charge a flat fee or a percentage of the estate value. A lawyer may give you the option of choosing the payment method.

According to Nolo.com, depending on your location, the hourly rates may vary from $150 to $250. Flat rates depend on the firm you hire and the volume of work to be done. You need to read the contract carefully to avoid extra fees.

The percentage of estate value may seem to be an easy way to pay a lawyer. However, it can be an expensive one.  Such a payment option is allowed in just a few states, including California, Florida, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, Montana, and Wyoming.

If you live in one of these states, negotiate the payment method with the firm to ensure the best outcome for both of you.

Do I Need Probate Lawyer?

Hiring a probate lawyer isn’t a mandatory action during probate, but a highly recommended one. Dealing with probate without a lawyer can be time-consuming and confusing. Legal counsel can help you avoid mistakes and achieve the best outcome.