Using Equipment Leasing As A Competitive Weapon
By George A. Parker
Most great generals know how to design winning battle plans.
They also know how to use their resources to gain advantages
over the enemy. For these military leaders, getting enough
tanks, aircraft, ships and armaments into the hands of the
right personnel can spell military victory or defeat.
In the business arena, gaining access to certain resources and
getting them into able hands can also determine success. Many
successful business leaders have discovered that equipment
leasing can make a significant difference when competing in the
marketplace. In fact, equipment leasing has become a competitive
weapon for business managers who understand how and when to use
this helpful financing tool.
Here are some ways savvy business owners and managers use
equipment leasing to gain advantage over their competitors:
To Develop a Financing War Chest
Equipment leasing allows companies to finance more activities
to compete effectively. It supplements other forms of
financing, such as equity capital, bank debt, trade credit and
mortgage financing. Astute business managers understand that
access to a variety of useful financing affords them certain
options and gives them an advantage over competitors with
limited financing.
Maintaining State-of-the-Art Technology
Being able to acquire and use state-of-the-art equipment and
software can give many companies a noticeable competitive
advantage. This advantage can be particularly significant in
research, product development, marketing and operations. By
using equipment leasing, companies are able to better manage
technology turnover. Many managers use operating leases to
acquire state-of-the-art equipment for fixed time periods. At
lease end, they are then able to rid themselves of obsolete
equipment by returning the equipment to the lessors.
Stretching Equity Capital
Equity capital is often the most flexible form of business
funding. It allows companies to undertake high-impact growth
activities like adding key personnel, conducting research and
development, and expanding marketing programs. Equipment
leasing is dedicated financing. It permits companies to add
equipment efficiently. In this context, equipment leasing helps
to leverage and stretch a company’s equity capital by freeing it
up for other uses. When used properly, the overall impact of
equipment leasing is to leverage equity returns. High equity
returns attract investors and permit companies to source more
equity capital in the future.
Equipping Talented People to Do Battle
Using leasing to get the best software and hardware into the
hands of talented personnel is a competitive advantage.
Companies that quickly get equipment into the hands of talented
workers at every level usually compete more effectively in the
marketplace.
Accelerating Company Growth
Equipment leasing facilitates faster company growth. It allows
companies to add infrastructure faster by bringing in equipment
earlier and paying over time. In this regard, leasing affords a
competitive advantage over companies that wait to purchase
equipment outright.
Defending Working Capital
Sophisticated business managers have discovered how to keep
pressure off of their companies’ working capital. Compared to
outright purchase, equipment leasing has a low impact on
working capital. Leasing allows companies to avoid large
upfront outlays while spreading equipment acquisition costs
over an extended period. Using equipment leasing to manage
working capital permits companies to pay bills on time and to
operate smoothly. They are then able to gain a competitive
advantage over companies that haven’t mastered this technique.
Maximizing Tax Benefits
Sophisticated companies are able to maximize tax benefits by
carefully using equipment lease structures. By entering into
operating leases and being able to fully deduct lease payments,
companies that can’t otherwise use depreciation write-offs can
still realize tax benefits. Capital leases allow companies that
can use depreciation write-offs to take advantage of this
feature. Tax benefits further reduce the cost of acquiring
equipment. These benefits can often make equipment leasing a
more efficient means of acquiring equipment compared to other
methods.
Turbo-Charging Equipment Sales
For companies selling equipment, offering equipment leasing to
customers at the point of sale can help establish a significant
competitive advantage. Convenient equipment financing at the
point of sale can eliminate a major selling challenge— the
customer’s lack of financing for the purchase. Equipment
sellers offering leasing give their customers a means of
acquiring the equipment and realizing the full benefits of
equipment leasing. This sales-financing strategy represents a
clear advantage over sellers who let customers fend for
themselves.
Savvy business owners and managers understand the benefits of
equipment leasing. They also understand how to exploit leasing
for competitive advantage. The challenge for them is to
optimize leasing to realize the biggest gains and to compete
more effectively. It is no wonder that equipment leasing in the
U.S. has grown to over $ 240 billion annually and accounts for
more than 30% of equipment acquisitions. Consider equipment
leasing when designing your battle plans. Don’t allow your
competitors to use leasing against you to win the battle in
your market.
About the Author: George Parker is a Director and Executive
Vice President of Leasing Technologies International, Inc.
(“LTI”). Headquartered in Wilton, CT, LTI is a leasing firm
specializing nationally in equipment financing programs for
emerging growth and later-stage, venture capital backed
companies. More information about LTI is available at:
www.ltileasing.com.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Monday, April 30, 2007
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Credit Card Equipment Leasing and Supplier in US
How To Choose An Equipment Leasing Company
By George A. Parker
Leasing has become a preferred form of equipment financing,
accounting for more than 30% of business equipment
acquisitions. Each year, thousands of U.S. companies face the
challenge of finding attractive financing to acquire business
equipment. Many of these companies approach the lease sourcing
process seeking the lowest lease rate. While securing a low
rate is a worthwhile goal in choosing a leasing arrangement, it
alone is usually not a reliable standard for obtaining the best
lease transaction or leasing experience.
To obtain attractive lease proposals and to avoid lease
blunders, make sure you choose the right leasing companies to
bid. Ultimately, the wrong lessor choice can result in a slow
approval, inability of the lessor to deliver, hidden fees,
substandard lease terms, or worst. To secure the best lease
arrangement, you must do your homework in pre-qualifying
bidding leasing companies. Give this aspect of obtaining an
attractive lease arrangement your highest priority.
How Leasing Companies Differ
Leasing companies can vary in a number of ways. Some specialize
in specific industries, some in lease types, some in certain
equipment types, and still others in transaction sizes. For
example, some leasing companies specialize only in a single
industry like health care, printing, agriculture, or
transportation. Others focus exclusively on a lease type. They
may only offer operating leases for equipment with attractive
residual values. Some lessors specialize in full-payout finance
leases. Still others focus on small ticket transactions with
equipment cost under $ 100,000. It is important to understand
the specialization of the lessors bidding on your lease
transaction. To get the most attractive deal and to avoid the
run-around, stick with lessors who focus on the type of
transaction you are seeking.
Leasing companies also differ in resources and capabilities.
Many large leasing companies are owned by banks, financial
companies, or other large industrial concerns. These firms
usually have abundant resources and expertise in a number of
leasing segments. Mid-size and smaller leasing companies
greatly outnumber large lessors. While these companies cannot
match the resources of their larger brethren, they often have
highly skilled professionals, sufficient resources and more
flexibility to meet lessee needs. The goal is to obtain the
best leasing arrangement for your firm. By establishing
priorities for the leasing arrangement you are seeking, you
will be able to determine whether a leasing firm with sizeable
resources or one that is nimble and flexible is a better
choice.
When And Where To Look
The time to start your search for a leasing company is early in
the lease-planning phase, once you have established criteria for
a leasing arrangement. Some criteria to consider for a leasing
arrangement are: pricing, monthly cash outlay, financial
statement impact, the appropriate lease type, lease term, lease
flexibility, lease facility size, and whether your equipment
will be accepted for lease. Use criteria like these and the
qualities you are seeking in a leasing company to start your
lessor search.
A great starting point for finding bidding leasing companies is
through professional and personal referrals. Check with your
attorney, your accountant, bank contacts and colleagues in your
industry. Also ask friends and acquaintances who use leasing in
their businesses. Asked them for contacts at leasing companies
that specialize in your industry or that offer the type of
lease you are seeking. Call your industry association and ask
whether they have names of leasing companies serving others in
your industry.
Another approach is to call a couple of the major equipment
leasing trade associations. Major association websites include:
www.elaonline.com, www.eael.org, www.uael.org, www.naelb.org,
www.aglf.org, www.mael.org, and www.nvla.org. Describe the type
of equipment and the industry you are in. Ask whether they are
in a position to provide you with a list of members to contact
regarding your lease. If you receive such a list, you may need
to narrow the candidates based on further homework and the
criteria you have established.
Evaluating Leasing Companies
Qualities to look for in any leasing company you consider
include: 1) experience and expertise; 2) reputation; 3) ability
to perform; and 4) a relationship approach.
Interview prospective bidders carefully. Discuss their
expertise and experience in the leasing business. Ask about
experience with the type of transaction you are seeking,
involvement with similar firms in your industry, and the types
of lease products they offer firms like yours. Discuss your
equipment needs. Find out whether they will be able to lease
most of the equipment you need. Ask whether they will finance
your lease using internal funding or whether they will broker
the lease to another funding source.
Get enough information from and about bidding lessors to decide
whether to include them in the bid process. If possible, ask for
financial information from potential bidders to evaluate their
financial condition. Also, if you can, obtain a Dunn and
Bradstreet report (“D&B”) for each bidder. In the D&B report,
look for lawsuits filed against the lessor, judgments, severe
payment delinquencies, poor financial performance and similar
issues that might impact performance on a new lease
transaction.
Ask for and check customer, vendor, bank and trade references
for each lessor. Contact each reference and verify key
information given to you by the lessor. Ask how the lessor
handles its account and whether there have ever been any
problems or issues. Ask customer references about the lessor’s
ability to perform and about attentiveness to customer problems
and concerns.
Investigate bidders online. Check Google (www.google.com) to
see whether prospective bidders appear in any newsworthy
articles. Hit the message boards and newsgroups. Look for
unresolved problems, fraud, financial problems, success
stories, and awards. Visit bidders’ websites to get as much
information as possible before extending an invitation to bid.
You may be able to screen out undesirables.
Lastly, make sure prospective bidders belong to one or more
industry trade association. While membership alone does not
speak for the integrity or expertise of members, most of the
associations set standards of conduct for their members.
A Word About Lease Brokers
Lease brokers serve roles similar to insurance brokers. They
profit by placing lease transactions with the ultimate
financing sources for those transactions. You should decide
whether a lease broker would serve you better than seeking
direct bids from lessors. Lease brokers can be useful in
finding sources for difficult transactions, due to weak credit
or unattractive equipment. They also can be useful in placing
transactions that are highly specialized. Only work with lease
brokers who have high integrity, who have a good understanding
of leasing, and who understand the market you are in.
The entry bar for becoming a lease broker is relatively low and
not all brokers are well trained or reputable. Check the
broker’s references and capabilities thoroughly. Check to see
whether the broker belongs to the national trade association
for lease brokers, NAELB (www.naelb.org) or to one of the other
major equipment leasing associations. Use the same guidelines
for evaluating brokers as outlined above for leasing companies.
Parting Words Of Caution
Avoid high-pressure lease sellers. Whether they are brokers or
leasing company representatives, the odds of you being misled
or disappointed with the outcome are very high. Only work with
lease representatives or brokers who have a good understanding
of leasing and who are sensitive to your needs. To do otherwise
might result in delays or disappointment.
Avoid giving lease deposits or advance rentals to brokers.
Brokers do not provide the financing directly and, in
possession of your money, represent a potential credit risk.
If the lease broker or leasing representative says anything
that constitutes a significant misrepresentation, walk away.
Chances are the first such misrepresentation won’t be the last.
There are too many knowledgeable leasing professionals with high
integrity. Avoid spending time with those who are
unprofessional.
Lastly, make sure you get at least three or four lease bids
from qualified lessors, if you can. At the end of the day,
lease pricing is market driven. Getting several bids will help
ensure that you get competitive pricing and terms.
Choosing the right leasing company is worth the effort. By
taking a few easy steps during the planning and bidding phases
of the lease procurement process, you can eliminate or greatly
reduce time wasted with unqualified lessors. You can also avoid
getting the run-around. Allow enough time to carefully check out
all bidders. Be partial to lessors with high integrity, great
reputations for performance, good expertise and who communicate
well with you. You will invest a little time upfront, but you
will thank yourself later.
About the Author: George Parker is a Director and Executive
Vice President of Leasing Technologies International, Inc.
(“LTI”). Headquartered in Wilton, CT, LTI is a leasing firm
specializing nationally in equipment financing programs for
emerging growth and later-stage, venture capital backed
companies. More information about LTI is available at:
www.ltileasing.com.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
By George A. Parker
Leasing has become a preferred form of equipment financing,
accounting for more than 30% of business equipment
acquisitions. Each year, thousands of U.S. companies face the
challenge of finding attractive financing to acquire business
equipment. Many of these companies approach the lease sourcing
process seeking the lowest lease rate. While securing a low
rate is a worthwhile goal in choosing a leasing arrangement, it
alone is usually not a reliable standard for obtaining the best
lease transaction or leasing experience.
To obtain attractive lease proposals and to avoid lease
blunders, make sure you choose the right leasing companies to
bid. Ultimately, the wrong lessor choice can result in a slow
approval, inability of the lessor to deliver, hidden fees,
substandard lease terms, or worst. To secure the best lease
arrangement, you must do your homework in pre-qualifying
bidding leasing companies. Give this aspect of obtaining an
attractive lease arrangement your highest priority.
How Leasing Companies Differ
Leasing companies can vary in a number of ways. Some specialize
in specific industries, some in lease types, some in certain
equipment types, and still others in transaction sizes. For
example, some leasing companies specialize only in a single
industry like health care, printing, agriculture, or
transportation. Others focus exclusively on a lease type. They
may only offer operating leases for equipment with attractive
residual values. Some lessors specialize in full-payout finance
leases. Still others focus on small ticket transactions with
equipment cost under $ 100,000. It is important to understand
the specialization of the lessors bidding on your lease
transaction. To get the most attractive deal and to avoid the
run-around, stick with lessors who focus on the type of
transaction you are seeking.
Leasing companies also differ in resources and capabilities.
Many large leasing companies are owned by banks, financial
companies, or other large industrial concerns. These firms
usually have abundant resources and expertise in a number of
leasing segments. Mid-size and smaller leasing companies
greatly outnumber large lessors. While these companies cannot
match the resources of their larger brethren, they often have
highly skilled professionals, sufficient resources and more
flexibility to meet lessee needs. The goal is to obtain the
best leasing arrangement for your firm. By establishing
priorities for the leasing arrangement you are seeking, you
will be able to determine whether a leasing firm with sizeable
resources or one that is nimble and flexible is a better
choice.
When And Where To Look
The time to start your search for a leasing company is early in
the lease-planning phase, once you have established criteria for
a leasing arrangement. Some criteria to consider for a leasing
arrangement are: pricing, monthly cash outlay, financial
statement impact, the appropriate lease type, lease term, lease
flexibility, lease facility size, and whether your equipment
will be accepted for lease. Use criteria like these and the
qualities you are seeking in a leasing company to start your
lessor search.
A great starting point for finding bidding leasing companies is
through professional and personal referrals. Check with your
attorney, your accountant, bank contacts and colleagues in your
industry. Also ask friends and acquaintances who use leasing in
their businesses. Asked them for contacts at leasing companies
that specialize in your industry or that offer the type of
lease you are seeking. Call your industry association and ask
whether they have names of leasing companies serving others in
your industry.
Another approach is to call a couple of the major equipment
leasing trade associations. Major association websites include:
www.elaonline.com, www.eael.org, www.uael.org, www.naelb.org,
www.aglf.org, www.mael.org, and www.nvla.org. Describe the type
of equipment and the industry you are in. Ask whether they are
in a position to provide you with a list of members to contact
regarding your lease. If you receive such a list, you may need
to narrow the candidates based on further homework and the
criteria you have established.
Evaluating Leasing Companies
Qualities to look for in any leasing company you consider
include: 1) experience and expertise; 2) reputation; 3) ability
to perform; and 4) a relationship approach.
Interview prospective bidders carefully. Discuss their
expertise and experience in the leasing business. Ask about
experience with the type of transaction you are seeking,
involvement with similar firms in your industry, and the types
of lease products they offer firms like yours. Discuss your
equipment needs. Find out whether they will be able to lease
most of the equipment you need. Ask whether they will finance
your lease using internal funding or whether they will broker
the lease to another funding source.
Get enough information from and about bidding lessors to decide
whether to include them in the bid process. If possible, ask for
financial information from potential bidders to evaluate their
financial condition. Also, if you can, obtain a Dunn and
Bradstreet report (“D&B”) for each bidder. In the D&B report,
look for lawsuits filed against the lessor, judgments, severe
payment delinquencies, poor financial performance and similar
issues that might impact performance on a new lease
transaction.
Ask for and check customer, vendor, bank and trade references
for each lessor. Contact each reference and verify key
information given to you by the lessor. Ask how the lessor
handles its account and whether there have ever been any
problems or issues. Ask customer references about the lessor’s
ability to perform and about attentiveness to customer problems
and concerns.
Investigate bidders online. Check Google (www.google.com) to
see whether prospective bidders appear in any newsworthy
articles. Hit the message boards and newsgroups. Look for
unresolved problems, fraud, financial problems, success
stories, and awards. Visit bidders’ websites to get as much
information as possible before extending an invitation to bid.
You may be able to screen out undesirables.
Lastly, make sure prospective bidders belong to one or more
industry trade association. While membership alone does not
speak for the integrity or expertise of members, most of the
associations set standards of conduct for their members.
A Word About Lease Brokers
Lease brokers serve roles similar to insurance brokers. They
profit by placing lease transactions with the ultimate
financing sources for those transactions. You should decide
whether a lease broker would serve you better than seeking
direct bids from lessors. Lease brokers can be useful in
finding sources for difficult transactions, due to weak credit
or unattractive equipment. They also can be useful in placing
transactions that are highly specialized. Only work with lease
brokers who have high integrity, who have a good understanding
of leasing, and who understand the market you are in.
The entry bar for becoming a lease broker is relatively low and
not all brokers are well trained or reputable. Check the
broker’s references and capabilities thoroughly. Check to see
whether the broker belongs to the national trade association
for lease brokers, NAELB (www.naelb.org) or to one of the other
major equipment leasing associations. Use the same guidelines
for evaluating brokers as outlined above for leasing companies.
Parting Words Of Caution
Avoid high-pressure lease sellers. Whether they are brokers or
leasing company representatives, the odds of you being misled
or disappointed with the outcome are very high. Only work with
lease representatives or brokers who have a good understanding
of leasing and who are sensitive to your needs. To do otherwise
might result in delays or disappointment.
Avoid giving lease deposits or advance rentals to brokers.
Brokers do not provide the financing directly and, in
possession of your money, represent a potential credit risk.
If the lease broker or leasing representative says anything
that constitutes a significant misrepresentation, walk away.
Chances are the first such misrepresentation won’t be the last.
There are too many knowledgeable leasing professionals with high
integrity. Avoid spending time with those who are
unprofessional.
Lastly, make sure you get at least three or four lease bids
from qualified lessors, if you can. At the end of the day,
lease pricing is market driven. Getting several bids will help
ensure that you get competitive pricing and terms.
Choosing the right leasing company is worth the effort. By
taking a few easy steps during the planning and bidding phases
of the lease procurement process, you can eliminate or greatly
reduce time wasted with unqualified lessors. You can also avoid
getting the run-around. Allow enough time to carefully check out
all bidders. Be partial to lessors with high integrity, great
reputations for performance, good expertise and who communicate
well with you. You will invest a little time upfront, but you
will thank yourself later.
About the Author: George Parker is a Director and Executive
Vice President of Leasing Technologies International, Inc.
(“LTI”). Headquartered in Wilton, CT, LTI is a leasing firm
specializing nationally in equipment financing programs for
emerging growth and later-stage, venture capital backed
companies. More information about LTI is available at:
www.ltileasing.com.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Credit Card Equipment Leasing and Supplier in US
How To Accept Credit Card Sales
By Shane Penrod
No matter how long you’ve been in business, you may not be sure about how to accept credit card sales from your clients. Perhaps you long to start processing credit payments so you can increase the amount of your sales revenue or offer your clients more payment transactions. Maybe you’re just tired of chasing bad checks or waiting for monthly payments on client accounts. If you’re ready to add credit card processing to your line of customer services, a merchant services account may be just what you need.
A merchant account associate can show you how to accept credit card sales by using the right type of processing equipment. By signing up for a merchant account, you will soon find out if you’re approved, and upon approval, you can start using your account to implement a credit processing system for just about any type of business you’re in. A simple credit card terminal equipped with a printer can be plugged into an outlet at your store or shop to let your customers quickly swipe credit cards for easy payments on the purchases they make. Your merchant account underwriter will charge a certain amount for each transaction, or you might be able to opt for a low percentage rate on your monthly credit payment volume. If you’re in a window washing or another service business, or if you deliver items like baked goodies, you can lease or buy a wireless credit card processor to take with you in your travels for point-of-sale credit card payments.
How soon can a merchant account let you know how to accept credit card sales? The first thing to do is find a bank or another financial backer who will provide this type of account for your business. Then apply for your company account by filling out an online application or by completing and mailing a printed form. Some banks may charge an application fee of $100 or more, so find out ahead of time if you will need to pay this fee, and if so, you might want to consider shopping for another account provider. Also check into the costs associated with a particular merchant account so you can find the best deal, as these can carry several types of fees, some of which may at first appear to be hidden. When your account is approved, you can immediately get set up with the right equipment to handle credit card payments, e-checks, and debit payments as well. You may even want to consider setting up a digital processing system so your customers can dial a toll-free number, browse products online or from a print catalogue they have already received, and punch in their orders as well as a credit card number and expiration date for payment. You don’t even have to hire someone to staff the phone line, although it is probably a good idea to have someone available for a few hours during a typical business day.
Ask your bank or another financial lender to tell you more about the ways in which a merchant account can show you how to accept credit card sales.
About The Author
Shane Penrod is the founder of http://www.Merchant-Account-Quotes.com Specializing in allowing merchants the ability to shop and compare multiple quotes from national merchant account providers. For free quotes on merchant account rates and fees, please go to http://www.merchant-account-quotes.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shane_Penrod
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-To-Accept-Credit-Card-Sales&id=226518
By Shane Penrod
No matter how long you’ve been in business, you may not be sure about how to accept credit card sales from your clients. Perhaps you long to start processing credit payments so you can increase the amount of your sales revenue or offer your clients more payment transactions. Maybe you’re just tired of chasing bad checks or waiting for monthly payments on client accounts. If you’re ready to add credit card processing to your line of customer services, a merchant services account may be just what you need.
A merchant account associate can show you how to accept credit card sales by using the right type of processing equipment. By signing up for a merchant account, you will soon find out if you’re approved, and upon approval, you can start using your account to implement a credit processing system for just about any type of business you’re in. A simple credit card terminal equipped with a printer can be plugged into an outlet at your store or shop to let your customers quickly swipe credit cards for easy payments on the purchases they make. Your merchant account underwriter will charge a certain amount for each transaction, or you might be able to opt for a low percentage rate on your monthly credit payment volume. If you’re in a window washing or another service business, or if you deliver items like baked goodies, you can lease or buy a wireless credit card processor to take with you in your travels for point-of-sale credit card payments.
How soon can a merchant account let you know how to accept credit card sales? The first thing to do is find a bank or another financial backer who will provide this type of account for your business. Then apply for your company account by filling out an online application or by completing and mailing a printed form. Some banks may charge an application fee of $100 or more, so find out ahead of time if you will need to pay this fee, and if so, you might want to consider shopping for another account provider. Also check into the costs associated with a particular merchant account so you can find the best deal, as these can carry several types of fees, some of which may at first appear to be hidden. When your account is approved, you can immediately get set up with the right equipment to handle credit card payments, e-checks, and debit payments as well. You may even want to consider setting up a digital processing system so your customers can dial a toll-free number, browse products online or from a print catalogue they have already received, and punch in their orders as well as a credit card number and expiration date for payment. You don’t even have to hire someone to staff the phone line, although it is probably a good idea to have someone available for a few hours during a typical business day.
Ask your bank or another financial lender to tell you more about the ways in which a merchant account can show you how to accept credit card sales.
About The Author
Shane Penrod is the founder of http://www.Merchant-Account-Quotes.com Specializing in allowing merchants the ability to shop and compare multiple quotes from national merchant account providers. For free quotes on merchant account rates and fees, please go to http://www.merchant-account-quotes.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shane_Penrod
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-To-Accept-Credit-Card-Sales&id=226518
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
credit card equipment leasing and supplier in US
How To Choose An Equipment Leasing Company
By George A. Parker
Leasing has become a preferred form of equipment financing,
accounting for more than 30% of business equipment
acquisitions. Each year, thousands of U.S. companies face the
challenge of finding attractive financing to acquire business
equipment. Many of these companies approach the lease sourcing
process seeking the lowest lease rate. While securing a low
rate is a worthwhile goal in choosing a leasing arrangement, it
alone is usually not a reliable standard for obtaining the best
lease transaction or leasing experience.
To obtain attractive lease proposals and to avoid lease
blunders, make sure you choose the right leasing companies to
bid. Ultimately, the wrong lessor choice can result in a slow
approval, inability of the lessor to deliver, hidden fees,
substandard lease terms, or worst. To secure the best lease
arrangement, you must do your homework in pre-qualifying
bidding leasing companies. Give this aspect of obtaining an
attractive lease arrangement your highest priority.
How Leasing Companies Differ
Leasing companies can vary in a number of ways. Some specialize
in specific industries, some in lease types, some in certain
equipment types, and still others in transaction sizes. For
example, some leasing companies specialize only in a single
industry like health care, printing, agriculture, or
transportation. Others focus exclusively on a lease type. They
may only offer operating leases for equipment with attractive
residual values. Some lessors specialize in full-payout finance
leases. Still others focus on small ticket transactions with
equipment cost under $ 100,000. It is important to understand
the specialization of the lessors bidding on your lease
transaction. To get the most attractive deal and to avoid the
run-around, stick with lessors who focus on the type of
transaction you are seeking.
Leasing companies also differ in resources and capabilities.
Many large leasing companies are owned by banks, financial
companies, or other large industrial concerns. These firms
usually have abundant resources and expertise in a number of
leasing segments. Mid-size and smaller leasing companies
greatly outnumber large lessors. While these companies cannot
match the resources of their larger brethren, they often have
highly skilled professionals, sufficient resources and more
flexibility to meet lessee needs. The goal is to obtain the
best leasing arrangement for your firm. By establishing
priorities for the leasing arrangement you are seeking, you
will be able to determine whether a leasing firm with sizeable
resources or one that is nimble and flexible is a better
choice.
When And Where To Look
The time to start your search for a leasing company is early in
the lease-planning phase, once you have established criteria for
a leasing arrangement. Some criteria to consider for a leasing
arrangement are: pricing, monthly cash outlay, financial
statement impact, the appropriate lease type, lease term, lease
flexibility, lease facility size, and whether your equipment
will be accepted for lease. Use criteria like these and the
qualities you are seeking in a leasing company to start your
lessor search.
A great starting point for finding bidding leasing companies is
through professional and personal referrals. Check with your
attorney, your accountant, bank contacts and colleagues in your
industry. Also ask friends and acquaintances who use leasing in
their businesses. Asked them for contacts at leasing companies
that specialize in your industry or that offer the type of
lease you are seeking. Call your industry association and ask
whether they have names of leasing companies serving others in
your industry.
Another approach is to call a couple of the major equipment
leasing trade associations. Major association websites include:
www.elaonline.com, www.eael.org, www.uael.org, www.naelb.org,
www.aglf.org, www.mael.org, and www.nvla.org. Describe the type
of equipment and the industry you are in. Ask whether they are
in a position to provide you with a list of members to contact
regarding your lease. If you receive such a list, you may need
to narrow the candidates based on further homework and the
criteria you have established.
Evaluating Leasing Companies
Qualities to look for in any leasing company you consider
include: 1) experience and expertise; 2) reputation; 3) ability
to perform; and 4) a relationship approach.
Interview prospective bidders carefully. Discuss their
expertise and experience in the leasing business. Ask about
experience with the type of transaction you are seeking,
involvement with similar firms in your industry, and the types
of lease products they offer firms like yours. Discuss your
equipment needs. Find out whether they will be able to lease
most of the equipment you need. Ask whether they will finance
your lease using internal funding or whether they will broker
the lease to another funding source.
Get enough information from and about bidding lessors to decide
whether to include them in the bid process. If possible, ask for
financial information from potential bidders to evaluate their
financial condition. Also, if you can, obtain a Dunn and
Bradstreet report (“D&B”) for each bidder. In the D&B report,
look for lawsuits filed against the lessor, judgments, severe
payment delinquencies, poor financial performance and similar
issues that might impact performance on a new lease
transaction.
Ask for and check customer, vendor, bank and trade references
for each lessor. Contact each reference and verify key
information given to you by the lessor. Ask how the lessor
handles its account and whether there have ever been any
problems or issues. Ask customer references about the lessor’s
ability to perform and about attentiveness to customer problems
and concerns.
Investigate bidders online. Check Google (www.google.com) to
see whether prospective bidders appear in any newsworthy
articles. Hit the message boards and newsgroups. Look for
unresolved problems, fraud, financial problems, success
stories, and awards. Visit bidders’ websites to get as much
information as possible before extending an invitation to bid.
You may be able to screen out undesirables.
Lastly, make sure prospective bidders belong to one or more
industry trade association. While membership alone does not
speak for the integrity or expertise of members, most of the
associations set standards of conduct for their members.
A Word About Lease Brokers
Lease brokers serve roles similar to insurance brokers. They
profit by placing lease transactions with the ultimate
financing sources for those transactions. You should decide
whether a lease broker would serve you better than seeking
direct bids from lessors. Lease brokers can be useful in
finding sources for difficult transactions, due to weak credit
or unattractive equipment. They also can be useful in placing
transactions that are highly specialized. Only work with lease
brokers who have high integrity, who have a good understanding
of leasing, and who understand the market you are in.
The entry bar for becoming a lease broker is relatively low and
not all brokers are well trained or reputable. Check the
broker’s references and capabilities thoroughly. Check to see
whether the broker belongs to the national trade association
for lease brokers, NAELB (www.naelb.org) or to one of the other
major equipment leasing associations. Use the same guidelines
for evaluating brokers as outlined above for leasing companies.
Parting Words Of Caution
Avoid high-pressure lease sellers. Whether they are brokers or
leasing company representatives, the odds of you being misled
or disappointed with the outcome are very high. Only work with
lease representatives or brokers who have a good understanding
of leasing and who are sensitive to your needs. To do otherwise
might result in delays or disappointment.
Avoid giving lease deposits or advance rentals to brokers.
Brokers do not provide the financing directly and, in
possession of your money, represent a potential credit risk.
If the lease broker or leasing representative says anything
that constitutes a significant misrepresentation, walk away.
Chances are the first such misrepresentation won’t be the last.
There are too many knowledgeable leasing professionals with high
integrity. Avoid spending time with those who are
unprofessional.
Lastly, make sure you get at least three or four lease bids
from qualified lessors, if you can. At the end of the day,
lease pricing is market driven. Getting several bids will help
ensure that you get competitive pricing and terms.
Choosing the right leasing company is worth the effort. By
taking a few easy steps during the planning and bidding phases
of the lease procurement process, you can eliminate or greatly
reduce time wasted with unqualified lessors. You can also avoid
getting the run-around. Allow enough time to carefully check out
all bidders. Be partial to lessors with high integrity, great
reputations for performance, good expertise and who communicate
well with you. You will invest a little time upfront, but you
will thank yourself later.
About the Author: George Parker is a Director and Executive
Vice President of Leasing Technologies International, Inc.
(“LTI”). Headquartered in Wilton, CT, LTI is a leasing firm
specializing nationally in equipment financing programs for
emerging growth and later-stage, venture capital backed
companies. More information about LTI is available at:
www.ltileasing.com.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
By George A. Parker
Leasing has become a preferred form of equipment financing,
accounting for more than 30% of business equipment
acquisitions. Each year, thousands of U.S. companies face the
challenge of finding attractive financing to acquire business
equipment. Many of these companies approach the lease sourcing
process seeking the lowest lease rate. While securing a low
rate is a worthwhile goal in choosing a leasing arrangement, it
alone is usually not a reliable standard for obtaining the best
lease transaction or leasing experience.
To obtain attractive lease proposals and to avoid lease
blunders, make sure you choose the right leasing companies to
bid. Ultimately, the wrong lessor choice can result in a slow
approval, inability of the lessor to deliver, hidden fees,
substandard lease terms, or worst. To secure the best lease
arrangement, you must do your homework in pre-qualifying
bidding leasing companies. Give this aspect of obtaining an
attractive lease arrangement your highest priority.
How Leasing Companies Differ
Leasing companies can vary in a number of ways. Some specialize
in specific industries, some in lease types, some in certain
equipment types, and still others in transaction sizes. For
example, some leasing companies specialize only in a single
industry like health care, printing, agriculture, or
transportation. Others focus exclusively on a lease type. They
may only offer operating leases for equipment with attractive
residual values. Some lessors specialize in full-payout finance
leases. Still others focus on small ticket transactions with
equipment cost under $ 100,000. It is important to understand
the specialization of the lessors bidding on your lease
transaction. To get the most attractive deal and to avoid the
run-around, stick with lessors who focus on the type of
transaction you are seeking.
Leasing companies also differ in resources and capabilities.
Many large leasing companies are owned by banks, financial
companies, or other large industrial concerns. These firms
usually have abundant resources and expertise in a number of
leasing segments. Mid-size and smaller leasing companies
greatly outnumber large lessors. While these companies cannot
match the resources of their larger brethren, they often have
highly skilled professionals, sufficient resources and more
flexibility to meet lessee needs. The goal is to obtain the
best leasing arrangement for your firm. By establishing
priorities for the leasing arrangement you are seeking, you
will be able to determine whether a leasing firm with sizeable
resources or one that is nimble and flexible is a better
choice.
When And Where To Look
The time to start your search for a leasing company is early in
the lease-planning phase, once you have established criteria for
a leasing arrangement. Some criteria to consider for a leasing
arrangement are: pricing, monthly cash outlay, financial
statement impact, the appropriate lease type, lease term, lease
flexibility, lease facility size, and whether your equipment
will be accepted for lease. Use criteria like these and the
qualities you are seeking in a leasing company to start your
lessor search.
A great starting point for finding bidding leasing companies is
through professional and personal referrals. Check with your
attorney, your accountant, bank contacts and colleagues in your
industry. Also ask friends and acquaintances who use leasing in
their businesses. Asked them for contacts at leasing companies
that specialize in your industry or that offer the type of
lease you are seeking. Call your industry association and ask
whether they have names of leasing companies serving others in
your industry.
Another approach is to call a couple of the major equipment
leasing trade associations. Major association websites include:
www.elaonline.com, www.eael.org, www.uael.org, www.naelb.org,
www.aglf.org, www.mael.org, and www.nvla.org. Describe the type
of equipment and the industry you are in. Ask whether they are
in a position to provide you with a list of members to contact
regarding your lease. If you receive such a list, you may need
to narrow the candidates based on further homework and the
criteria you have established.
Evaluating Leasing Companies
Qualities to look for in any leasing company you consider
include: 1) experience and expertise; 2) reputation; 3) ability
to perform; and 4) a relationship approach.
Interview prospective bidders carefully. Discuss their
expertise and experience in the leasing business. Ask about
experience with the type of transaction you are seeking,
involvement with similar firms in your industry, and the types
of lease products they offer firms like yours. Discuss your
equipment needs. Find out whether they will be able to lease
most of the equipment you need. Ask whether they will finance
your lease using internal funding or whether they will broker
the lease to another funding source.
Get enough information from and about bidding lessors to decide
whether to include them in the bid process. If possible, ask for
financial information from potential bidders to evaluate their
financial condition. Also, if you can, obtain a Dunn and
Bradstreet report (“D&B”) for each bidder. In the D&B report,
look for lawsuits filed against the lessor, judgments, severe
payment delinquencies, poor financial performance and similar
issues that might impact performance on a new lease
transaction.
Ask for and check customer, vendor, bank and trade references
for each lessor. Contact each reference and verify key
information given to you by the lessor. Ask how the lessor
handles its account and whether there have ever been any
problems or issues. Ask customer references about the lessor’s
ability to perform and about attentiveness to customer problems
and concerns.
Investigate bidders online. Check Google (www.google.com) to
see whether prospective bidders appear in any newsworthy
articles. Hit the message boards and newsgroups. Look for
unresolved problems, fraud, financial problems, success
stories, and awards. Visit bidders’ websites to get as much
information as possible before extending an invitation to bid.
You may be able to screen out undesirables.
Lastly, make sure prospective bidders belong to one or more
industry trade association. While membership alone does not
speak for the integrity or expertise of members, most of the
associations set standards of conduct for their members.
A Word About Lease Brokers
Lease brokers serve roles similar to insurance brokers. They
profit by placing lease transactions with the ultimate
financing sources for those transactions. You should decide
whether a lease broker would serve you better than seeking
direct bids from lessors. Lease brokers can be useful in
finding sources for difficult transactions, due to weak credit
or unattractive equipment. They also can be useful in placing
transactions that are highly specialized. Only work with lease
brokers who have high integrity, who have a good understanding
of leasing, and who understand the market you are in.
The entry bar for becoming a lease broker is relatively low and
not all brokers are well trained or reputable. Check the
broker’s references and capabilities thoroughly. Check to see
whether the broker belongs to the national trade association
for lease brokers, NAELB (www.naelb.org) or to one of the other
major equipment leasing associations. Use the same guidelines
for evaluating brokers as outlined above for leasing companies.
Parting Words Of Caution
Avoid high-pressure lease sellers. Whether they are brokers or
leasing company representatives, the odds of you being misled
or disappointed with the outcome are very high. Only work with
lease representatives or brokers who have a good understanding
of leasing and who are sensitive to your needs. To do otherwise
might result in delays or disappointment.
Avoid giving lease deposits or advance rentals to brokers.
Brokers do not provide the financing directly and, in
possession of your money, represent a potential credit risk.
If the lease broker or leasing representative says anything
that constitutes a significant misrepresentation, walk away.
Chances are the first such misrepresentation won’t be the last.
There are too many knowledgeable leasing professionals with high
integrity. Avoid spending time with those who are
unprofessional.
Lastly, make sure you get at least three or four lease bids
from qualified lessors, if you can. At the end of the day,
lease pricing is market driven. Getting several bids will help
ensure that you get competitive pricing and terms.
Choosing the right leasing company is worth the effort. By
taking a few easy steps during the planning and bidding phases
of the lease procurement process, you can eliminate or greatly
reduce time wasted with unqualified lessors. You can also avoid
getting the run-around. Allow enough time to carefully check out
all bidders. Be partial to lessors with high integrity, great
reputations for performance, good expertise and who communicate
well with you. You will invest a little time upfront, but you
will thank yourself later.
About the Author: George Parker is a Director and Executive
Vice President of Leasing Technologies International, Inc.
(“LTI”). Headquartered in Wilton, CT, LTI is a leasing firm
specializing nationally in equipment financing programs for
emerging growth and later-stage, venture capital backed
companies. More information about LTI is available at:
www.ltileasing.com.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Monday, April 16, 2007
credit card equipment leasing and supplier in US
Material Handling Equipment
By Jennifer Bailey
Material handling equipment is equipment that is specifically designed for mechanically handling packaged or bulky items, generally in a production, shipping or storage facility. Selecting the right material handling equipment is vital, as it affects the operating cost and operational efficiency of a factory. The material to be handled, the plant building, and the issues of urgency and safety are a few factors that affect the decision on selecting the right material handling equipment.
The equipment is designed after taking into consideration the direction, speed of movement and the level of supervision required. Normally, the equipment used for lighter loads includes wheelbarrows, trolleys and pulley blocks. Trucks, cranes and hoists, monorails and lifts are regularly used for heavy loads. In mass production facilities, conveyors, slides and chutes are also used.
Material handling equipment can be generally classified as transport equipment, positioning equipment and unit load formation equipment.
Transport equipment is used to move materials from one location to another. It includes cranes and industrial trucks. Positioning equipment is used to handle material at a single location, so that it is in the correct position for subsequent handling, machining, transport, or storage. It includes hoists and lifts. Unlike transport equipment, positioning equipment is usually used at a single workplace. Unit load formation equipment is used to maintain integrity when handling a single load during transport and for storage. It includes pallets, bags and skids.
There have been several new developments in equipment for moving stock in both factories and distribution centers. For example, Inductive-powered monorails that eliminate electrical contacts and reduce maintenance without sacrificing efficiency are now available. Several of the world?s largest lift truck suppliers have introduced models that use AC power to improve efficiency.
If one is planning to purchase material handling equipment, there are a number of material handling equipment dealers who provide custom made equipment to suit one?s needs.
Material Handling provides detailed information on Material Handling, Material Handling Equipment, Material Handling Systems, Heavy Machinery Material Handling and more. Material Handling is affiliated with Walk Through Metal Detectors .
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Bailey
http://EzineArticles.com/?Material-Handling-Equipment&id=277211
By Jennifer Bailey
Material handling equipment is equipment that is specifically designed for mechanically handling packaged or bulky items, generally in a production, shipping or storage facility. Selecting the right material handling equipment is vital, as it affects the operating cost and operational efficiency of a factory. The material to be handled, the plant building, and the issues of urgency and safety are a few factors that affect the decision on selecting the right material handling equipment.
The equipment is designed after taking into consideration the direction, speed of movement and the level of supervision required. Normally, the equipment used for lighter loads includes wheelbarrows, trolleys and pulley blocks. Trucks, cranes and hoists, monorails and lifts are regularly used for heavy loads. In mass production facilities, conveyors, slides and chutes are also used.
Material handling equipment can be generally classified as transport equipment, positioning equipment and unit load formation equipment.
Transport equipment is used to move materials from one location to another. It includes cranes and industrial trucks. Positioning equipment is used to handle material at a single location, so that it is in the correct position for subsequent handling, machining, transport, or storage. It includes hoists and lifts. Unlike transport equipment, positioning equipment is usually used at a single workplace. Unit load formation equipment is used to maintain integrity when handling a single load during transport and for storage. It includes pallets, bags and skids.
There have been several new developments in equipment for moving stock in both factories and distribution centers. For example, Inductive-powered monorails that eliminate electrical contacts and reduce maintenance without sacrificing efficiency are now available. Several of the world?s largest lift truck suppliers have introduced models that use AC power to improve efficiency.
If one is planning to purchase material handling equipment, there are a number of material handling equipment dealers who provide custom made equipment to suit one?s needs.
Material Handling provides detailed information on Material Handling, Material Handling Equipment, Material Handling Systems, Heavy Machinery Material Handling and more. Material Handling is affiliated with Walk Through Metal Detectors .
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Bailey
http://EzineArticles.com/?Material-Handling-Equipment&id=277211
Saturday, April 14, 2007
credit card equipment leasing and supplier in US
The Secrets of Starting Business Successfully
By Julia Tang
Starting Business Secrets will help you to start your own business successfully.
The American Dream is, and always will be, to come up with an idea, start a business and become rich from your own efforts. Based upon this motivation, thousands of businesses fail each year, due primarily to not being familiar with the basics involved in running a business.
This report will enlighten you, and give you a number of suggestions you can use to better guarantee your chances for success. This report is written with the warning that any and every business venture contains certain inherent risks, and any number of alternatives. We do not espouse that any one way is the right way or that our suggestions are the only way. On the contrary, we advise that before investing any money in a business venture, you seek counselling and help from a qualified accountant and/or attorney.
Just about the first thing you should consider before deciding to start or purchase a business is the legal form you'll be operating under. There are basically four choices: sole proprietorship, partnership, limited partnership, and/or corporation.
Each has a number of advantages and disadvantages. We'll try to enumerate some of them for you.
As much as anything else, for many people starting a business is a form of ego-gratification, and they form a corporation for some sort of prestige gain - just to say, "I own a corporation."
With just a little bit of observation, you'll find that one of the major causes of business failures is due to the founder wasting start-up capital on frills, such as an impressive store- front office, expensive furnishings, and corporate legal costs.
One of the basic traits you must develop it you're going to be successful in business, is a tight hold on your expenditures. In fact, a good rule of thumb is that anything that does not make money for yo or protect your investment, should not be purchased at this time. Very definitely, this applies to the expense of setting up your own corporation.
Unless you have a partnership and start your business as such, the only real advantage to forming a corporation would appear to be that a corporate structure will semi-protect the property you personally own.
As an example, you own a home and car. You form a corporation to protect these possessions from business losses. Yet, if you can be found guilty of misusing corporate funds, your business creditors can pierce the corporate shield and come after your possessions.
Basically, if you invest everything you have in your business, as most newcomers do, you don't usually need a corporation because you have nothing to protect. Your household possessions, personal belongings, generally your car, and even a portion of the equity in your home is protected by the homestead provision of the Federal Bankruptcy Act, and cannot be taken away from you.
As a sole proprietor or partner of a business you'll be paying taxes on your overall earnings, much the same as if you were holding down a salaried or hourly paid job. Whether you do or don't take out money as a salary will have no bearing on the earnings of your business and tax return.
The often advertised advantage of incorporating, that you can manipulate your salary in order to save on tax dollars, is real because of corporation laws. However, the IRS frowns on this practice. When your business is successful and making a lot of money, definitely check with your accountant on the advantages of incorporating.
As a corporation, you'll be subject to a number of other drawbacks as well: generally higher state taxes, stricter laws concerning the operation of your business, more elaborate accounting procedures, and legal papers that are required just about every time you make a major move or sign almost any contract. Thus, your legal and accounting fees will be much higher as a corporation than will those required for a sole proprietorship type of business.
As a sole proprietor or partnership, you'll find many areas require the registration of your business name. The cost however, is minimal, ranging from $5 to $100. About the best way to find out what laws apply in your area, is to call your bank and ask if they need a fictitious name registration card or certificate in order for you to open a business account.
Selecting a name for your business is quite important to you and particularly relative to advertising. Your business name should describe the product or services you offer. Fancy names such as, Linda's Clipping Service will lose potential "walk-in and passing" customers to the beauty shop across the street that calls itself, Patti's Beauty Salon or Jane's Hair Styling Shop.
The advantage of using your full name in the title of your business, such as Johnny Jones' Meat Lockers, has the advantage of making credit somewhat easier to come by - provided you pay your bills on time - but it also includes the disadvantage of confining your services to a local or at most, a regional area.
Should you buy, lease, or rent a space for your business? think twice before you make any decision along these lines. Most businesses tend to grow quickly or they never get off the ground.
There are a few exceptions, but only a very few, that tend to grow at a modified rate.
So, buying a piece of property and setting up your business on or within that property, obligates you to ownership regardless of what happens to your business.
Leases are almost always very strong contracts written by attorneys to the advantage of the property-owner. When you sign an agreement to pay someone for the use of their space over any length of time, you're "nailed in" to paying for that space regardless of what happens to your business.
In the beginning, it's wise to either get the shortest-term lease possible, or arrange to rent with an option to lease at a later date. This does not apply to a retail business, unless your particular business happens to be an untried one.
Definitely, you should open a business bank account. In selecting a bank for your business, scout around and look for one that can, and will help you. Determine what your banking needs will be, and then via telephone, interview the managers of the banks in your area. The important convenient bank to your business location.
A point to remember: the closer you can make the relationship between you and the bank manager, the better your chances are going to be for approval on loans and/or special favors you may need at a later date.
Try to become acquainted with as many of the bank employees as possible. The better you know them, the more courtesies they'll be extending especially to you in the course of your association.
Just as a doctor is a specialist in his field, and you go to him for medical problems, your banker is a specialist in his field and you should go to him for your money problems. In business, you'll have to learn that everyone is an expert in his own line of work, and in your associations with other business people, refrain from acting like a "sharpie" and/or pretending that you know exactly how everything works in someone else's specialty.
You'll find that very often, different banks specialize in different types of businesses. As an example, you're sure to find banks that specialize in real estate transactions, export- import businesses, and even manufacturing operations only.
What I'm saying here is that if you're planning to sella fairly expensive item, your customers will probably need and/or want financing. It will behoove you to select a bank familiar with your type of product that will afford your customers, through you, contract financing.
Some of the questions you should ask of your banker include the following:
Is it necessary to maintain a certain balance in your account before the bank will approve a loan for you? What qualifications must you have in order to obtain a line of credit with the bank?
Does the bank limit the number of loans, or types of loans it will approve for small businesses?
What is the bank's policy regarding the size of a check you might deposit that requires holding for collection?
And what about checks less than that amount - will they be immediately credited to your account?
In almost all types of businesses, it will be to your benefit to set up with your bank, a method of handling VISA, Master Charge, and regional credit cards. The important thing here is to ultimately set up your account in the bank that will service all of these credit transactions for you - one stop for all your banking needs. In most instances, you'll find that having the capability to fill orders/make sales via credit card transactions, will increase your volume of sales appreciatively.
Once you've made the decision as to which bank is going to handle your account, you'll need your Social Security Number or your Federal Employer's Identification Number, your driver's license, the fictitious name certificate, and if you're requesting a VISA or Master Charge franchise, you'll also need a financial statement.
For corporations, you'll also need a corporate resolution approving of the opening of your business account.
There are different policies exercised in just about every state regarding installation/hook-up charges by the telephone and utility companies. Some require a deposit, and some don't.
You'll find that a great number of city business license departments are there solely for the purpose of collecting another tax. Depending on the type of business you're asking a license for, the building and zoning people may inspect your premises for soundness of structure and safety. Generally, you won't encounter any difficulties - you simply pay your fee to operate your business in that city, and the clerk types your name onto a city license certificate.
Relative to sales tax permits and licenses, each state's rules and regulations very widely. The best thing to do is call your state offices and ask for information concerning registry and collection procedures. Many states require an advance deposit or bond, and you'll find that some wholesalers or manufacturers will not sell to you at wholesale prices until you can show them your sales tax permit or number.
Should your business entail selling your products or services across state lines, in another state, you're not required to collect taxes except in those where you have offices or stores.
You may find also that your particular business requires the collection of Federal Excise Taxes. For information along these lines, check in with your local office of the Internal Revenue Service.
Some states also require certain businesses to hold state licenses, such as those required in many states for TV Repairmen.
These are known as "occupational permits" and are most often required of barbers, hair stylists, real estate people and a number of other consumer oriented businesses. If you have any doubts, check with your state offices for a list of those occupations that require licensing.
Any business doing business in any type of interstate commerce is subject to federal regulations, usually through the Federal Trade Commission. This means that any business that shops, sells or advertises in more than one state is subject to such regulation, and this includes even the smallest of mail order operations.
Normally, very few business people ever have and contact with the federal regulatory agencies. The only exceptions being when there is a question of your operating your business unethically or illegally.
Any business that sells or distributes food in any manner almost always requires a county health department permit. If your business falls into this category, simply call the county health department and invite them out to your place of business for an inspection. The fees generally range from about $25, depending on the size of your business when they first inspect it for permit approval.
There are also a number of businesses that require inspection by a fire marshall, and fire department approval. Generally, these are those that handle flammable materials or attract large numbers of people, such as a theater. Overall, the local fire department has to be allowed to inspect your premises whenever they desire to do so.
You may also run into a requirement for an air and/or water pollution control permit. These specifically apply to any business that burns anything, discharges anything into the sewers or waterways, or use any gas-producing product, such as a paint sprayer.
Without a doubt, you'll need to check on local regulations relating to advertising display signs. Each city or township makes its own rules and then enforces those rules according to its own thinking -check before you contract to have a sign made for your business.
The design and placement of your sign is very important to your business - specifically to retail establishments - but let me remind you that your business sign is usually the first thing a potential customer sees and as such, it should catch his eye and leave an impression that lasts. It would be a good idea to ride around your town and take a look at the signs that catch your eye, and try to determine the impression of the business that sign leaves on you. This is a basic learning formula for determining the design, size and placement of your business sign.
Some of the other things to consider before opening for business - If you intend to employ one or more employees, you'll be required to deduct Federal Income Taxes, and Social Security payments from their checks. This will involve your filing for a Federal Tax Number and necessitates contact with your local IRS Office.
Most states have "unemployment taxes" which will have to be deducted from the paychecks of any employees you hire. And there are a number of states that have income taxes - disability insurance - and any number of other taxes. Again, the best thing to do is check with your local office of the IRS. And above all else, don't forget to ask for the rules of the minimum wage law, and comply.
When your business grows to the point of needing additional help, don't be afraid to look for and hire the help you need. when you're ready to hire someone, simply run an ad in your local paper and/or register your needs with the local office of your state's employment service. Businesses either grow or die, and those that grow eventually need more people in order to continue growing.
When that time comes, hire the additional people you need, and your business will continue growing. If you don't, for whatever reason, you'll find yourself married to your business and your business growth stymied.
Regardless of how small your business is when you begin, never walk in with the thought in mind that it's something to keep you busy. Anyone with an attitude of that kind is a fool. You begin and make a business successful in order to realize financial freedom. Establish your business. Put it on its feet, and then hire other people to do the work for you. And those businesses that require an operations manager, or someone to run a phase of the business you're too busy to handle, hire the person needed or the business will surely suffer.
To protect the investment of your business, you need business insurance. If you've never had any experience with business insurance, simply look under the heading of "business insurance" in your phone directory. Ask for bids from several different companies or agents...Primarily, you should have a policy that gives you general liability, fire, workmen's compensation, business interruption, and vehicle coverage. You amy also want coverage against possible losses related to burglary, robbery, Life & Accident, Key Man, and Fidelity Bonds.
As the sole proprietor of a business, you won't be paid as an employee, so there will be no income tax deducted from whatever you withdraw from the company's earnings. What you'll have to do is a gain check with the IRS Office for a Tax Guide For Small Businesses Handbook, and probably end up filing an estimated tax return on a quarterly basis.
The minute you open your doors for business, you'll have to spend some time engaged in the work of bookkeeping. Exactly how, and using what forms, you keep books, should be on the recommendations of a good tax counselor...The same holds true for your overall business and/or payroll accounting system. Look for an experienced CPA that knows the accounting problems to your particular kind of business, and solicit his advise/counseling.
If your business is going to involve the possible purchase or lease of operating equipment, again seek the help of your tax counselor for the most advantageous method of obtaining the needed equipment.
Basically, arranging for your suppliers to give you materials on credit will depend upon your honesty and personal financial statement. The best way is usually a personal visit to the person with the power to approve or disapprove of credit at the company where you want to set up a credit account. Show him your financial statement, and explain your prospects for success. Then assure him that you've always honored all of your obligations, and that if ever there's a question or problem, you'd like for him to call you at home. And of course, give him your home phone number.
We won't go into the exigencies of advertising your products, services or business here, but there is something along these lines you should always keep in mind. The best kind of advertising your business can receive is that you don't really pay for - publicity.
When something unusual happens to you, your business, or your employees - that's news, so be sure to tell the news media in your area about it.
The most important ingredient of your eventual success will be the soundness of the planning you did before you started your business. Any number of bad things can really throw your business into a tailspin, but it you've done your homework well - really set up a detailed business plan before starting - your losses or setbacks will be minimal. Success takes planning, and within this report, you've got a basic checklist...The rest is up to you...Good luck, and may your life overflow with success in all that you undertake from this moment forward. ---------------------------------------------------------
Julia Tang publishes Smart Online Business Tips, a fresh
and informative newsletter dedicated to supporting people
like you! To find out the best online business opportunities,
and to discover hundreds more proven and practical internet
marketing secrets, plus FREE internet marketing products
worth over $200, visit: http://www.best-internet-businesses.com
----------------------------------------------------------
Note: Feel free to publish it with the resource box and content unchanged
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julia_Tang
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Secrets-of-Starting-Business-Successfully&id=4240
By Julia Tang
Starting Business Secrets will help you to start your own business successfully.
The American Dream is, and always will be, to come up with an idea, start a business and become rich from your own efforts. Based upon this motivation, thousands of businesses fail each year, due primarily to not being familiar with the basics involved in running a business.
This report will enlighten you, and give you a number of suggestions you can use to better guarantee your chances for success. This report is written with the warning that any and every business venture contains certain inherent risks, and any number of alternatives. We do not espouse that any one way is the right way or that our suggestions are the only way. On the contrary, we advise that before investing any money in a business venture, you seek counselling and help from a qualified accountant and/or attorney.
Just about the first thing you should consider before deciding to start or purchase a business is the legal form you'll be operating under. There are basically four choices: sole proprietorship, partnership, limited partnership, and/or corporation.
Each has a number of advantages and disadvantages. We'll try to enumerate some of them for you.
As much as anything else, for many people starting a business is a form of ego-gratification, and they form a corporation for some sort of prestige gain - just to say, "I own a corporation."
With just a little bit of observation, you'll find that one of the major causes of business failures is due to the founder wasting start-up capital on frills, such as an impressive store- front office, expensive furnishings, and corporate legal costs.
One of the basic traits you must develop it you're going to be successful in business, is a tight hold on your expenditures. In fact, a good rule of thumb is that anything that does not make money for yo or protect your investment, should not be purchased at this time. Very definitely, this applies to the expense of setting up your own corporation.
Unless you have a partnership and start your business as such, the only real advantage to forming a corporation would appear to be that a corporate structure will semi-protect the property you personally own.
As an example, you own a home and car. You form a corporation to protect these possessions from business losses. Yet, if you can be found guilty of misusing corporate funds, your business creditors can pierce the corporate shield and come after your possessions.
Basically, if you invest everything you have in your business, as most newcomers do, you don't usually need a corporation because you have nothing to protect. Your household possessions, personal belongings, generally your car, and even a portion of the equity in your home is protected by the homestead provision of the Federal Bankruptcy Act, and cannot be taken away from you.
As a sole proprietor or partner of a business you'll be paying taxes on your overall earnings, much the same as if you were holding down a salaried or hourly paid job. Whether you do or don't take out money as a salary will have no bearing on the earnings of your business and tax return.
The often advertised advantage of incorporating, that you can manipulate your salary in order to save on tax dollars, is real because of corporation laws. However, the IRS frowns on this practice. When your business is successful and making a lot of money, definitely check with your accountant on the advantages of incorporating.
As a corporation, you'll be subject to a number of other drawbacks as well: generally higher state taxes, stricter laws concerning the operation of your business, more elaborate accounting procedures, and legal papers that are required just about every time you make a major move or sign almost any contract. Thus, your legal and accounting fees will be much higher as a corporation than will those required for a sole proprietorship type of business.
As a sole proprietor or partnership, you'll find many areas require the registration of your business name. The cost however, is minimal, ranging from $5 to $100. About the best way to find out what laws apply in your area, is to call your bank and ask if they need a fictitious name registration card or certificate in order for you to open a business account.
Selecting a name for your business is quite important to you and particularly relative to advertising. Your business name should describe the product or services you offer. Fancy names such as, Linda's Clipping Service will lose potential "walk-in and passing" customers to the beauty shop across the street that calls itself, Patti's Beauty Salon or Jane's Hair Styling Shop.
The advantage of using your full name in the title of your business, such as Johnny Jones' Meat Lockers, has the advantage of making credit somewhat easier to come by - provided you pay your bills on time - but it also includes the disadvantage of confining your services to a local or at most, a regional area.
Should you buy, lease, or rent a space for your business? think twice before you make any decision along these lines. Most businesses tend to grow quickly or they never get off the ground.
There are a few exceptions, but only a very few, that tend to grow at a modified rate.
So, buying a piece of property and setting up your business on or within that property, obligates you to ownership regardless of what happens to your business.
Leases are almost always very strong contracts written by attorneys to the advantage of the property-owner. When you sign an agreement to pay someone for the use of their space over any length of time, you're "nailed in" to paying for that space regardless of what happens to your business.
In the beginning, it's wise to either get the shortest-term lease possible, or arrange to rent with an option to lease at a later date. This does not apply to a retail business, unless your particular business happens to be an untried one.
Definitely, you should open a business bank account. In selecting a bank for your business, scout around and look for one that can, and will help you. Determine what your banking needs will be, and then via telephone, interview the managers of the banks in your area. The important convenient bank to your business location.
A point to remember: the closer you can make the relationship between you and the bank manager, the better your chances are going to be for approval on loans and/or special favors you may need at a later date.
Try to become acquainted with as many of the bank employees as possible. The better you know them, the more courtesies they'll be extending especially to you in the course of your association.
Just as a doctor is a specialist in his field, and you go to him for medical problems, your banker is a specialist in his field and you should go to him for your money problems. In business, you'll have to learn that everyone is an expert in his own line of work, and in your associations with other business people, refrain from acting like a "sharpie" and/or pretending that you know exactly how everything works in someone else's specialty.
You'll find that very often, different banks specialize in different types of businesses. As an example, you're sure to find banks that specialize in real estate transactions, export- import businesses, and even manufacturing operations only.
What I'm saying here is that if you're planning to sella fairly expensive item, your customers will probably need and/or want financing. It will behoove you to select a bank familiar with your type of product that will afford your customers, through you, contract financing.
Some of the questions you should ask of your banker include the following:
Is it necessary to maintain a certain balance in your account before the bank will approve a loan for you? What qualifications must you have in order to obtain a line of credit with the bank?
Does the bank limit the number of loans, or types of loans it will approve for small businesses?
What is the bank's policy regarding the size of a check you might deposit that requires holding for collection?
And what about checks less than that amount - will they be immediately credited to your account?
In almost all types of businesses, it will be to your benefit to set up with your bank, a method of handling VISA, Master Charge, and regional credit cards. The important thing here is to ultimately set up your account in the bank that will service all of these credit transactions for you - one stop for all your banking needs. In most instances, you'll find that having the capability to fill orders/make sales via credit card transactions, will increase your volume of sales appreciatively.
Once you've made the decision as to which bank is going to handle your account, you'll need your Social Security Number or your Federal Employer's Identification Number, your driver's license, the fictitious name certificate, and if you're requesting a VISA or Master Charge franchise, you'll also need a financial statement.
For corporations, you'll also need a corporate resolution approving of the opening of your business account.
There are different policies exercised in just about every state regarding installation/hook-up charges by the telephone and utility companies. Some require a deposit, and some don't.
You'll find that a great number of city business license departments are there solely for the purpose of collecting another tax. Depending on the type of business you're asking a license for, the building and zoning people may inspect your premises for soundness of structure and safety. Generally, you won't encounter any difficulties - you simply pay your fee to operate your business in that city, and the clerk types your name onto a city license certificate.
Relative to sales tax permits and licenses, each state's rules and regulations very widely. The best thing to do is call your state offices and ask for information concerning registry and collection procedures. Many states require an advance deposit or bond, and you'll find that some wholesalers or manufacturers will not sell to you at wholesale prices until you can show them your sales tax permit or number.
Should your business entail selling your products or services across state lines, in another state, you're not required to collect taxes except in those where you have offices or stores.
You may find also that your particular business requires the collection of Federal Excise Taxes. For information along these lines, check in with your local office of the Internal Revenue Service.
Some states also require certain businesses to hold state licenses, such as those required in many states for TV Repairmen.
These are known as "occupational permits" and are most often required of barbers, hair stylists, real estate people and a number of other consumer oriented businesses. If you have any doubts, check with your state offices for a list of those occupations that require licensing.
Any business doing business in any type of interstate commerce is subject to federal regulations, usually through the Federal Trade Commission. This means that any business that shops, sells or advertises in more than one state is subject to such regulation, and this includes even the smallest of mail order operations.
Normally, very few business people ever have and contact with the federal regulatory agencies. The only exceptions being when there is a question of your operating your business unethically or illegally.
Any business that sells or distributes food in any manner almost always requires a county health department permit. If your business falls into this category, simply call the county health department and invite them out to your place of business for an inspection. The fees generally range from about $25, depending on the size of your business when they first inspect it for permit approval.
There are also a number of businesses that require inspection by a fire marshall, and fire department approval. Generally, these are those that handle flammable materials or attract large numbers of people, such as a theater. Overall, the local fire department has to be allowed to inspect your premises whenever they desire to do so.
You may also run into a requirement for an air and/or water pollution control permit. These specifically apply to any business that burns anything, discharges anything into the sewers or waterways, or use any gas-producing product, such as a paint sprayer.
Without a doubt, you'll need to check on local regulations relating to advertising display signs. Each city or township makes its own rules and then enforces those rules according to its own thinking -check before you contract to have a sign made for your business.
The design and placement of your sign is very important to your business - specifically to retail establishments - but let me remind you that your business sign is usually the first thing a potential customer sees and as such, it should catch his eye and leave an impression that lasts. It would be a good idea to ride around your town and take a look at the signs that catch your eye, and try to determine the impression of the business that sign leaves on you. This is a basic learning formula for determining the design, size and placement of your business sign.
Some of the other things to consider before opening for business - If you intend to employ one or more employees, you'll be required to deduct Federal Income Taxes, and Social Security payments from their checks. This will involve your filing for a Federal Tax Number and necessitates contact with your local IRS Office.
Most states have "unemployment taxes" which will have to be deducted from the paychecks of any employees you hire. And there are a number of states that have income taxes - disability insurance - and any number of other taxes. Again, the best thing to do is check with your local office of the IRS. And above all else, don't forget to ask for the rules of the minimum wage law, and comply.
When your business grows to the point of needing additional help, don't be afraid to look for and hire the help you need. when you're ready to hire someone, simply run an ad in your local paper and/or register your needs with the local office of your state's employment service. Businesses either grow or die, and those that grow eventually need more people in order to continue growing.
When that time comes, hire the additional people you need, and your business will continue growing. If you don't, for whatever reason, you'll find yourself married to your business and your business growth stymied.
Regardless of how small your business is when you begin, never walk in with the thought in mind that it's something to keep you busy. Anyone with an attitude of that kind is a fool. You begin and make a business successful in order to realize financial freedom. Establish your business. Put it on its feet, and then hire other people to do the work for you. And those businesses that require an operations manager, or someone to run a phase of the business you're too busy to handle, hire the person needed or the business will surely suffer.
To protect the investment of your business, you need business insurance. If you've never had any experience with business insurance, simply look under the heading of "business insurance" in your phone directory. Ask for bids from several different companies or agents...Primarily, you should have a policy that gives you general liability, fire, workmen's compensation, business interruption, and vehicle coverage. You amy also want coverage against possible losses related to burglary, robbery, Life & Accident, Key Man, and Fidelity Bonds.
As the sole proprietor of a business, you won't be paid as an employee, so there will be no income tax deducted from whatever you withdraw from the company's earnings. What you'll have to do is a gain check with the IRS Office for a Tax Guide For Small Businesses Handbook, and probably end up filing an estimated tax return on a quarterly basis.
The minute you open your doors for business, you'll have to spend some time engaged in the work of bookkeeping. Exactly how, and using what forms, you keep books, should be on the recommendations of a good tax counselor...The same holds true for your overall business and/or payroll accounting system. Look for an experienced CPA that knows the accounting problems to your particular kind of business, and solicit his advise/counseling.
If your business is going to involve the possible purchase or lease of operating equipment, again seek the help of your tax counselor for the most advantageous method of obtaining the needed equipment.
Basically, arranging for your suppliers to give you materials on credit will depend upon your honesty and personal financial statement. The best way is usually a personal visit to the person with the power to approve or disapprove of credit at the company where you want to set up a credit account. Show him your financial statement, and explain your prospects for success. Then assure him that you've always honored all of your obligations, and that if ever there's a question or problem, you'd like for him to call you at home. And of course, give him your home phone number.
We won't go into the exigencies of advertising your products, services or business here, but there is something along these lines you should always keep in mind. The best kind of advertising your business can receive is that you don't really pay for - publicity.
When something unusual happens to you, your business, or your employees - that's news, so be sure to tell the news media in your area about it.
The most important ingredient of your eventual success will be the soundness of the planning you did before you started your business. Any number of bad things can really throw your business into a tailspin, but it you've done your homework well - really set up a detailed business plan before starting - your losses or setbacks will be minimal. Success takes planning, and within this report, you've got a basic checklist...The rest is up to you...Good luck, and may your life overflow with success in all that you undertake from this moment forward. ---------------------------------------------------------
Julia Tang publishes Smart Online Business Tips, a fresh
and informative newsletter dedicated to supporting people
like you! To find out the best online business opportunities,
and to discover hundreds more proven and practical internet
marketing secrets, plus FREE internet marketing products
worth over $200, visit: http://www.best-internet-businesses.com
----------------------------------------------------------
Note: Feel free to publish it with the resource box and content unchanged
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julia_Tang
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Secrets-of-Starting-Business-Successfully&id=4240
Friday, April 13, 2007
credit card equipment leasing and supplier in US
Material Handling Equipment
By Jennifer Bailey
Material handling equipment is equipment that is specifically designed for mechanically handling packaged or bulky items, generally in a production, shipping or storage facility. Selecting the right material handling equipment is vital, as it affects the operating cost and operational efficiency of a factory. The material to be handled, the plant building, and the issues of urgency and safety are a few factors that affect the decision on selecting the right material handling equipment.
The equipment is designed after taking into consideration the direction, speed of movement and the level of supervision required. Normally, the equipment used for lighter loads includes wheelbarrows, trolleys and pulley blocks. Trucks, cranes and hoists, monorails and lifts are regularly used for heavy loads. In mass production facilities, conveyors, slides and chutes are also used.
Material handling equipment can be generally classified as transport equipment, positioning equipment and unit load formation equipment.
Transport equipment is used to move materials from one location to another. It includes cranes and industrial trucks. Positioning equipment is used to handle material at a single location, so that it is in the correct position for subsequent handling, machining, transport, or storage. It includes hoists and lifts. Unlike transport equipment, positioning equipment is usually used at a single workplace. Unit load formation equipment is used to maintain integrity when handling a single load during transport and for storage. It includes pallets, bags and skids.
There have been several new developments in equipment for moving stock in both factories and distribution centers. For example, Inductive-powered monorails that eliminate electrical contacts and reduce maintenance without sacrificing efficiency are now available. Several of the world?s largest lift truck suppliers have introduced models that use AC power to improve efficiency.
If one is planning to purchase material handling equipment, there are a number of material handling equipment dealers who provide custom made equipment to suit one?s needs.
Material Handling provides detailed information on Material Handling, Material Handling Equipment, Material Handling Systems, Heavy Machinery Material Handling and more. Material Handling is affiliated with Walk Through Metal Detectors .
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Bailey
http://EzineArticles.com/?Material-Handling-Equipment&id=277211
By Jennifer Bailey
Material handling equipment is equipment that is specifically designed for mechanically handling packaged or bulky items, generally in a production, shipping or storage facility. Selecting the right material handling equipment is vital, as it affects the operating cost and operational efficiency of a factory. The material to be handled, the plant building, and the issues of urgency and safety are a few factors that affect the decision on selecting the right material handling equipment.
The equipment is designed after taking into consideration the direction, speed of movement and the level of supervision required. Normally, the equipment used for lighter loads includes wheelbarrows, trolleys and pulley blocks. Trucks, cranes and hoists, monorails and lifts are regularly used for heavy loads. In mass production facilities, conveyors, slides and chutes are also used.
Material handling equipment can be generally classified as transport equipment, positioning equipment and unit load formation equipment.
Transport equipment is used to move materials from one location to another. It includes cranes and industrial trucks. Positioning equipment is used to handle material at a single location, so that it is in the correct position for subsequent handling, machining, transport, or storage. It includes hoists and lifts. Unlike transport equipment, positioning equipment is usually used at a single workplace. Unit load formation equipment is used to maintain integrity when handling a single load during transport and for storage. It includes pallets, bags and skids.
There have been several new developments in equipment for moving stock in both factories and distribution centers. For example, Inductive-powered monorails that eliminate electrical contacts and reduce maintenance without sacrificing efficiency are now available. Several of the world?s largest lift truck suppliers have introduced models that use AC power to improve efficiency.
If one is planning to purchase material handling equipment, there are a number of material handling equipment dealers who provide custom made equipment to suit one?s needs.
Material Handling provides detailed information on Material Handling, Material Handling Equipment, Material Handling Systems, Heavy Machinery Material Handling and more. Material Handling is affiliated with Walk Through Metal Detectors .
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Bailey
http://EzineArticles.com/?Material-Handling-Equipment&id=277211
Thursday, April 12, 2007
credit card equipment leasing and supplier in US
21 Steps To Home Business Success
By Julia Tang
Fifty million home-based businesses will be in operation by 1997, according to Link Resource's National Work-at Home Survey. All around the country, people who want more control over their lives are starting home businesses
In New Orleans, Rick Hart's home based cajun Cargo ships seafood nation wide. In Palatine, Illinois, Stephaine Heavey works from home designing and selling original patterns for fabric dolls. And in Dallas, Lisa McElya published the Dallas Party & Event Planners Guidebook from the entire first floor of her two-story home.
These three people are living the new American dream of owning a business, but avoiding the high overhead and start-up costs of a commercial location. If the idea of working from home is appealing, but you don't know where to begin, here is a step-by-step guide.
STEP #1 DECIDE WHAT PART OF THE HOUSE TO USE
Select an area away from family activity. The perfect space is a separate room (or perhaps the garage), but any area will do, if it can hold all the business supplies and equipment, and also provide enough work space for desks, tables, or counters.
STEP #2 DETERMINE HOW MUCH TIME YOU CAN SPEND ON THE BUSINESS
Many people start a home business on a part-time basis while raising children or working outside the home. Others start full-time when family and finances allow. However you begin, figure out how may hours per week you can devote to the business Make a weekly chart of your activities, examine it, and determine where the business fits. Don't assume you have time and find out later you don't.
STEP #3 DECIDE ON THE TYPE OF BUSINESS
Make a list of things you like to do, your work and volunteer experience, and items you own that can be used in a business. Look over this line-up, and using ideas from it, list possible businesses to start. Eliminate any business that isn't appealing or doesn't fill a need people have.
For ideas on different types of businesses, consult the end of this article. Other ideas can be found in the source material listed at the end of this article.
STEP #4 CHOOSE A LEGAL FORM
The three basic legal forms are sole proprietorship, partnership, and corporation. The most common is the sole proprietorship. As its name implies, a sole proprietorship is owned by one individual. It is the oldest form of business, the easiest to start, and the least complicated to dissolve. Here are some of the advantages of this business form:
1. You own all the profits
2. Your business is easy and cheap to organize. You don't need any government approval, although you may be required to carry a city, state or county license. Your only other obligation is to notify the Internal revenue Service (IRS) for the purposes of sales tax.
3. You're the boss
4. You enjoy certain tax savings. You must pay regular individual taxes on your income, property, and payroll, but these are not levied as special taxes, as with a corporation. You will also have to pay sales tax which you have received from your customers.
5. Greater personal incentive and satisfaction. Since you have your investment to lose if your business is not successful, you should be more willing to put time, thought, and energy into the business. And when your business is successful, you enjoy maximum sense of accomplishment since you know its success was dependent upon your decisions about your management ability alone.
For more information about this and other forms of business, send for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Publication MP25. Selecting the Legal Structure for Your BUsiness (50 cents). It outlines the advantages and disadvantages of each legal type of structure. If after reading it you are still uncertain what form of the business should take, consult an attorney.
STEP #5 DETERMINE WHERE THE MONEY WILL COME FROM
There are three ways to finance start-up costs: use your own money, obtain a loan, or find investors. If possible, it is better to start small, use your savings, and not worry about repaying a debt. also keep in mind that since you are a home-based, chances of qualifying for a loan or finding investors are slim until the success of your idea is proven.
STEP #6 GATHER INFORMATION
Spend a few weeks researching home-based businesses. A library or bookstore can provide numerous books on business basics, and on the specific type of business that interest you. Homemade Money by Barbara Brabee (see sources) is an excellent book to start with.
If you are considering a computer business, get in touch with the association of Electronics; Cottagers, P.O. Box 1738, Davis, CA 95617-1738. To keep informed of what is happening in home business world, contact National Home Business report, P.O. Box 2137, Naperville, IL 60566, for subscription information; and Mothers Home Business Network, P.O. Box 423, East Meadow, NY 11554 (send SASE for free information).
STEP #7 CHECK ON ZONING RESTRICTIONS
Find out how your property is zoned, the call City Hall and ask what regulations apply to home businesses in that zone. Also, if you rent or live in a condominium, check the lease or homeowner's association rules to be certain a home business is allowed.
Generally, if you do not annoy your neighbors with excess noise, odors, and traffic, you will not be deterred from running a business at home. The neighbors may not even be aware of the business, but it is necessary to know exactly what you can and can't do before you start. This is important should any problems or questions arise later.
STEP #8 PICK A BUSINESS NAME AND REGISTER IT
If the business you choose is different form your name, file an assumed (or fictitious) name certificate with the county. You are notified if another business already has that name, so you can select a new one.
Do this before investing in expensive stationery and brochures. It costs only a few dollars to file, and it protects the business name from being used by someone else in the county.
STEP #9 WRITE A BUSINESS PLAN
A good business plan clarifies your ideas and establishes a plan of action. A good business plan should include a description of what you are selling, your background and qualifications, who the prospective customers are and where they can be found, what is needed to build the business, how you plan to promote, and how much money is need for start-up costs.
SBA Publication #M925, The Business Plan for Home-Based Business ($1) is helpful.
STEP #10 GET AN IDENTIFYING NUMBER
If you are the sole proprietor of the business and have no employees, you may either use your Social Security number or an Employee Identification Number (EIN) as the business number on official forms. If you have employees, or the business is set up as a partnership or corporation, you must obtain an EIN. To do this, complete IRS Form SS-4 (Application for Employer Identification Number) and file it with the nearest IRS Center.
STEP #11 OBTAIN A SALES TAX PERMIT
If the product or service you sell is taxable, you need a state sales tax permit. Call the local tax agency, explain the type of business you have and what you sell, and ask if you need to collect sales tax. If you do, they will send you the necessary information and forms to complete. You also use this tax number when your purchase items for resale.
STEP #12 OBTAIN LICENSES & PERMITS
It's very important not to overlook any necessary license or permit. For example, some cities and counties require a general business license, and most have special laws regarding the preparation and sale of food.
Call City Hall to find out what is need for your particular business. In addition, Chamber of Commerce provide information on city, county and state licenses and permits.
STEP #13 SELECT BUSINESS CARDS, STATIONERY, BROCHURES
Spend time on the color, design and paper for these items. They make a definite impression-good or bad- on the people who receive them. If you are not certain what is most suitable and effective, consult a graphics designer or a creative printer whose work you like.
STEP #14 OPEN A BUSINESS CHECKING ACCOUNT
Call several banks to find out what services they offer, and what minimum balance, if any, must be maintained to avoid paying a service charge. Also ask about credit card if you plan to offer this convenience to your customers. Bank fees can be significant, so shop around for the best deal.
If your personal checking account is with a credit union, see if it can also provide a separate business account. when you open your account, you may need to show the assumed name certificate and business license.
Finally, investigate obtaining a credit card in the business's name. If this is not possible, set aside a personal credit card to use for business expenses.
STEP #15 SET UP RECORD-KEEPING SYSTEMS
Put together a simple and effective bookkeeping system with an 8 1/2 x 11" three-ring binder, columnar pad sheets and twelve pocket dividers from the office supply store. For each month, set up columnar sheets for income and expenses. Use a pocket divider for each month's receipts, bank statement, deposit tickets, and canceled checks.
In addition, an automobile log for business mileage, and filing system for correspondence, invoices, supplier catalogs, client records, etc. are two other useful tools.
For more information on record-keeping, see IRS publication #583, Information for Business taxpayers.
STEP #16 CHECK IRS REQUIREMENTS
If you comply with basic IRS guidelines, you can deduct a percentage of normal household expenses (mortgage, interest, taxes, insurance, utilities, repairs, etc.) as a business expense. see the box accompanying this article and, for more detailed information, IRS publication #587, Business Use of the Home.
Also become familiar with these IRS forms: Schedule SE (compensation of Social Security Self-Employment Tax) and Schedule 1040 ES (estimated Tax for Individuals). Depending on circumstances, you may have to file them.
STEP #17 OUTFIT THE BUSINESS
Make a list of everything needed to start the business, but before you buy anything, look around the house for things you already own that are usable.
When you are ready to start purchasing, check the classified ads and garage sales. Both are good, inexpensive sources for office furniture, typewriters, computers, answering machines, etc. But only what is absolutely necessary for start-up, and wait until the business is off the ground to get the extras.
STEP #18 DECIDE ON TELEPHONE REQUIREMENTS
Call the telephone company to find out the cost of a business phone in your area. If you cannot afford a separate business line, investigate the telephone company's regulations on using your personal phone in a business. It may be possible to do this if you follow certain guidelines. Keep a record of long distance business calls as they are a deductible expense. Finally, consider the benefits of an answering machine to catch calls when you are out.
STEP #19 CHECK OUT THE POST OFFICE & UPS
Using a post office box as the business address down plays the fact you are home-based. It also prevents customers from dropping in at all hours.
While looking into box rental, ask for information on the various postal rates, particularly bulk rate, if you plan to do large or specialized mailings. If you mail many packages, check out United Parcel Service (UPS), as it is less expensive than the Post Office.
STEP #20 PURCHASE THE NECESSARY INSURANCE
Check with your homeowners insurance agent about a rider for your existing policy or the need for a separate business policy. Also make sure you have adequate personal and product liability coverage. Shop around, as each company has different rules regarding home businesses
To save money on medical insurance, join an association and participate in their group plan. One such body is The National association for the Self-Employed: they can be reached at 800-527-5504.
STEP #21 ORGANIZE THE HOUSE & YOURSELF
To have more time for business, organize and simplify household routines. Start by holding a garage sale to get rid of unnecessary possessions. Next, have a family conference and divide household duties, making sure each person does his or her part. The, set up a planning notebook to keep track of appointments, things to do, calls to make, errands to run, shopping, etc. Finally, set up a work schedule so you won't get sidetracked by TV, neighbor's visits, snacking, and telephone calls.
Creating and operating a home business is a wonderful and rewarding challenge. The satisfaction is not only in the money earned, but in doing what makes you happy.
---------------------------------------------------------
Julia Tang publishes Smart Online Business Tips, a fresh
and informative newsletter dedicated to supporting people
like you! To find out the best online business opportunities,
and to discover hundreds more proven and practical internet
marketing secrets, plus FREE internet marketing products
worth over $200, visit: http://www.best-internet-businesses.com
----------------------------------------------------------
Note: Feel free to publish it with the resource box and content unchangedArticle Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julia_Tang
http://EzineArticles.com/?21-Steps-To-Home-Business-Success&id=4291
By Julia Tang
Fifty million home-based businesses will be in operation by 1997, according to Link Resource's National Work-at Home Survey. All around the country, people who want more control over their lives are starting home businesses
In New Orleans, Rick Hart's home based cajun Cargo ships seafood nation wide. In Palatine, Illinois, Stephaine Heavey works from home designing and selling original patterns for fabric dolls. And in Dallas, Lisa McElya published the Dallas Party & Event Planners Guidebook from the entire first floor of her two-story home.
These three people are living the new American dream of owning a business, but avoiding the high overhead and start-up costs of a commercial location. If the idea of working from home is appealing, but you don't know where to begin, here is a step-by-step guide.
STEP #1 DECIDE WHAT PART OF THE HOUSE TO USE
Select an area away from family activity. The perfect space is a separate room (or perhaps the garage), but any area will do, if it can hold all the business supplies and equipment, and also provide enough work space for desks, tables, or counters.
STEP #2 DETERMINE HOW MUCH TIME YOU CAN SPEND ON THE BUSINESS
Many people start a home business on a part-time basis while raising children or working outside the home. Others start full-time when family and finances allow. However you begin, figure out how may hours per week you can devote to the business Make a weekly chart of your activities, examine it, and determine where the business fits. Don't assume you have time and find out later you don't.
STEP #3 DECIDE ON THE TYPE OF BUSINESS
Make a list of things you like to do, your work and volunteer experience, and items you own that can be used in a business. Look over this line-up, and using ideas from it, list possible businesses to start. Eliminate any business that isn't appealing or doesn't fill a need people have.
For ideas on different types of businesses, consult the end of this article. Other ideas can be found in the source material listed at the end of this article.
STEP #4 CHOOSE A LEGAL FORM
The three basic legal forms are sole proprietorship, partnership, and corporation. The most common is the sole proprietorship. As its name implies, a sole proprietorship is owned by one individual. It is the oldest form of business, the easiest to start, and the least complicated to dissolve. Here are some of the advantages of this business form:
1. You own all the profits
2. Your business is easy and cheap to organize. You don't need any government approval, although you may be required to carry a city, state or county license. Your only other obligation is to notify the Internal revenue Service (IRS) for the purposes of sales tax.
3. You're the boss
4. You enjoy certain tax savings. You must pay regular individual taxes on your income, property, and payroll, but these are not levied as special taxes, as with a corporation. You will also have to pay sales tax which you have received from your customers.
5. Greater personal incentive and satisfaction. Since you have your investment to lose if your business is not successful, you should be more willing to put time, thought, and energy into the business. And when your business is successful, you enjoy maximum sense of accomplishment since you know its success was dependent upon your decisions about your management ability alone.
For more information about this and other forms of business, send for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Publication MP25. Selecting the Legal Structure for Your BUsiness (50 cents). It outlines the advantages and disadvantages of each legal type of structure. If after reading it you are still uncertain what form of the business should take, consult an attorney.
STEP #5 DETERMINE WHERE THE MONEY WILL COME FROM
There are three ways to finance start-up costs: use your own money, obtain a loan, or find investors. If possible, it is better to start small, use your savings, and not worry about repaying a debt. also keep in mind that since you are a home-based, chances of qualifying for a loan or finding investors are slim until the success of your idea is proven.
STEP #6 GATHER INFORMATION
Spend a few weeks researching home-based businesses. A library or bookstore can provide numerous books on business basics, and on the specific type of business that interest you. Homemade Money by Barbara Brabee (see sources) is an excellent book to start with.
If you are considering a computer business, get in touch with the association of Electronics; Cottagers, P.O. Box 1738, Davis, CA 95617-1738. To keep informed of what is happening in home business world, contact National Home Business report, P.O. Box 2137, Naperville, IL 60566, for subscription information; and Mothers Home Business Network, P.O. Box 423, East Meadow, NY 11554 (send SASE for free information).
STEP #7 CHECK ON ZONING RESTRICTIONS
Find out how your property is zoned, the call City Hall and ask what regulations apply to home businesses in that zone. Also, if you rent or live in a condominium, check the lease or homeowner's association rules to be certain a home business is allowed.
Generally, if you do not annoy your neighbors with excess noise, odors, and traffic, you will not be deterred from running a business at home. The neighbors may not even be aware of the business, but it is necessary to know exactly what you can and can't do before you start. This is important should any problems or questions arise later.
STEP #8 PICK A BUSINESS NAME AND REGISTER IT
If the business you choose is different form your name, file an assumed (or fictitious) name certificate with the county. You are notified if another business already has that name, so you can select a new one.
Do this before investing in expensive stationery and brochures. It costs only a few dollars to file, and it protects the business name from being used by someone else in the county.
STEP #9 WRITE A BUSINESS PLAN
A good business plan clarifies your ideas and establishes a plan of action. A good business plan should include a description of what you are selling, your background and qualifications, who the prospective customers are and where they can be found, what is needed to build the business, how you plan to promote, and how much money is need for start-up costs.
SBA Publication #M925, The Business Plan for Home-Based Business ($1) is helpful.
STEP #10 GET AN IDENTIFYING NUMBER
If you are the sole proprietor of the business and have no employees, you may either use your Social Security number or an Employee Identification Number (EIN) as the business number on official forms. If you have employees, or the business is set up as a partnership or corporation, you must obtain an EIN. To do this, complete IRS Form SS-4 (Application for Employer Identification Number) and file it with the nearest IRS Center.
STEP #11 OBTAIN A SALES TAX PERMIT
If the product or service you sell is taxable, you need a state sales tax permit. Call the local tax agency, explain the type of business you have and what you sell, and ask if you need to collect sales tax. If you do, they will send you the necessary information and forms to complete. You also use this tax number when your purchase items for resale.
STEP #12 OBTAIN LICENSES & PERMITS
It's very important not to overlook any necessary license or permit. For example, some cities and counties require a general business license, and most have special laws regarding the preparation and sale of food.
Call City Hall to find out what is need for your particular business. In addition, Chamber of Commerce provide information on city, county and state licenses and permits.
STEP #13 SELECT BUSINESS CARDS, STATIONERY, BROCHURES
Spend time on the color, design and paper for these items. They make a definite impression-good or bad- on the people who receive them. If you are not certain what is most suitable and effective, consult a graphics designer or a creative printer whose work you like.
STEP #14 OPEN A BUSINESS CHECKING ACCOUNT
Call several banks to find out what services they offer, and what minimum balance, if any, must be maintained to avoid paying a service charge. Also ask about credit card if you plan to offer this convenience to your customers. Bank fees can be significant, so shop around for the best deal.
If your personal checking account is with a credit union, see if it can also provide a separate business account. when you open your account, you may need to show the assumed name certificate and business license.
Finally, investigate obtaining a credit card in the business's name. If this is not possible, set aside a personal credit card to use for business expenses.
STEP #15 SET UP RECORD-KEEPING SYSTEMS
Put together a simple and effective bookkeeping system with an 8 1/2 x 11" three-ring binder, columnar pad sheets and twelve pocket dividers from the office supply store. For each month, set up columnar sheets for income and expenses. Use a pocket divider for each month's receipts, bank statement, deposit tickets, and canceled checks.
In addition, an automobile log for business mileage, and filing system for correspondence, invoices, supplier catalogs, client records, etc. are two other useful tools.
For more information on record-keeping, see IRS publication #583, Information for Business taxpayers.
STEP #16 CHECK IRS REQUIREMENTS
If you comply with basic IRS guidelines, you can deduct a percentage of normal household expenses (mortgage, interest, taxes, insurance, utilities, repairs, etc.) as a business expense. see the box accompanying this article and, for more detailed information, IRS publication #587, Business Use of the Home.
Also become familiar with these IRS forms: Schedule SE (compensation of Social Security Self-Employment Tax) and Schedule 1040 ES (estimated Tax for Individuals). Depending on circumstances, you may have to file them.
STEP #17 OUTFIT THE BUSINESS
Make a list of everything needed to start the business, but before you buy anything, look around the house for things you already own that are usable.
When you are ready to start purchasing, check the classified ads and garage sales. Both are good, inexpensive sources for office furniture, typewriters, computers, answering machines, etc. But only what is absolutely necessary for start-up, and wait until the business is off the ground to get the extras.
STEP #18 DECIDE ON TELEPHONE REQUIREMENTS
Call the telephone company to find out the cost of a business phone in your area. If you cannot afford a separate business line, investigate the telephone company's regulations on using your personal phone in a business. It may be possible to do this if you follow certain guidelines. Keep a record of long distance business calls as they are a deductible expense. Finally, consider the benefits of an answering machine to catch calls when you are out.
STEP #19 CHECK OUT THE POST OFFICE & UPS
Using a post office box as the business address down plays the fact you are home-based. It also prevents customers from dropping in at all hours.
While looking into box rental, ask for information on the various postal rates, particularly bulk rate, if you plan to do large or specialized mailings. If you mail many packages, check out United Parcel Service (UPS), as it is less expensive than the Post Office.
STEP #20 PURCHASE THE NECESSARY INSURANCE
Check with your homeowners insurance agent about a rider for your existing policy or the need for a separate business policy. Also make sure you have adequate personal and product liability coverage. Shop around, as each company has different rules regarding home businesses
To save money on medical insurance, join an association and participate in their group plan. One such body is The National association for the Self-Employed: they can be reached at 800-527-5504.
STEP #21 ORGANIZE THE HOUSE & YOURSELF
To have more time for business, organize and simplify household routines. Start by holding a garage sale to get rid of unnecessary possessions. Next, have a family conference and divide household duties, making sure each person does his or her part. The, set up a planning notebook to keep track of appointments, things to do, calls to make, errands to run, shopping, etc. Finally, set up a work schedule so you won't get sidetracked by TV, neighbor's visits, snacking, and telephone calls.
Creating and operating a home business is a wonderful and rewarding challenge. The satisfaction is not only in the money earned, but in doing what makes you happy.
---------------------------------------------------------
Julia Tang publishes Smart Online Business Tips, a fresh
and informative newsletter dedicated to supporting people
like you! To find out the best online business opportunities,
and to discover hundreds more proven and practical internet
marketing secrets, plus FREE internet marketing products
worth over $200, visit: http://www.best-internet-businesses.com
----------------------------------------------------------
Note: Feel free to publish it with the resource box and content unchangedArticle Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julia_Tang
http://EzineArticles.com/?21-Steps-To-Home-Business-Success&id=4291
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
credit card equipment leasing and supplier in US
Financial Jargon Uncovered
By John Gibb
Cash flow is the business's ability to pay for things and is often referred to as the lifeblood of a company, because if it used well it can generate more cash. Cash flow can be measured on the balance sheet of a company by looking at the relationship between current assets and current liabilities. As a rule a business with considerably more current assets than current liabilities will have better cash flow.
So what does a balance sheet show?
Typically it would contain things a business actually owns such as equipment, cash and buildings – these are known as fixed assets. If the Business is owed anything, this on a balance sheet is interpreted as current assets. These usually comprise of money owed by customers, stock, pre-payments and/or investments. Another line item you would expect to see on a balance sheet are a business’s current liabilities – this is what the business owes. Liabilities can be short term (due within one year) or long term. Short term liabilities can include outstanding payments to suppliers and accrued salaries. Long term liabilities can be debt with a maturity greater than 12 months.
The balance sheet must by law include the elements shown above underlined. However, what each includes will vary from business to business.
Earnings are usually the best indicator of a company’s profitability. Below are some of the terms used with a brief explanation of what each actually means?
Revenue: this reflects the company’s sales of products or services; leasing or renting, property or equipment.
Cost: this indicates expenditure required to generate the revenue.
Gross Profit: This is the Company’s revenue minus its costs equals its gross profit (or it could be its loss) To give an example, if a company makes 12k in revenue but to generate tat revenue it has cost them 8k then their Gross Profit would be 4k.
Expense: These are charges not directly relating to producing a good or a service. These can be things such as salaries, rent, advertising etc.
Net Profit: Profit made after taxes have been paid.
John Gibb is the owner of cashflow guidance, for more information on cashflow chekout http://www.cashflowtoolbox.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Gibb
http://EzineArticles.com/?Financial-Jargon-Uncovered&id=202434
By John Gibb
Cash flow is the business's ability to pay for things and is often referred to as the lifeblood of a company, because if it used well it can generate more cash. Cash flow can be measured on the balance sheet of a company by looking at the relationship between current assets and current liabilities. As a rule a business with considerably more current assets than current liabilities will have better cash flow.
So what does a balance sheet show?
Typically it would contain things a business actually owns such as equipment, cash and buildings – these are known as fixed assets. If the Business is owed anything, this on a balance sheet is interpreted as current assets. These usually comprise of money owed by customers, stock, pre-payments and/or investments. Another line item you would expect to see on a balance sheet are a business’s current liabilities – this is what the business owes. Liabilities can be short term (due within one year) or long term. Short term liabilities can include outstanding payments to suppliers and accrued salaries. Long term liabilities can be debt with a maturity greater than 12 months.
The balance sheet must by law include the elements shown above underlined. However, what each includes will vary from business to business.
Earnings are usually the best indicator of a company’s profitability. Below are some of the terms used with a brief explanation of what each actually means?
Revenue: this reflects the company’s sales of products or services; leasing or renting, property or equipment.
Cost: this indicates expenditure required to generate the revenue.
Gross Profit: This is the Company’s revenue minus its costs equals its gross profit (or it could be its loss) To give an example, if a company makes 12k in revenue but to generate tat revenue it has cost them 8k then their Gross Profit would be 4k.
Expense: These are charges not directly relating to producing a good or a service. These can be things such as salaries, rent, advertising etc.
Net Profit: Profit made after taxes have been paid.
John Gibb is the owner of cashflow guidance, for more information on cashflow chekout http://www.cashflowtoolbox.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Gibb
http://EzineArticles.com/?Financial-Jargon-Uncovered&id=202434
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
credit card equipment leasing and supplier in US
Work at Home Business Ideas
By J. Stephen Pope
Here are some excellent businesses that you can
start, operate and grow from your home. All these
work at home businesses have the following desirable
features:
**Low Startup Costs
**Ease of Entry
**High Income Potential
**Home Based and Operated
**Worldwide Sales Potential
**Residual, Recurring and/or Passive Income Potential
1. Consulting
A consultant is someone expert in a field who, for a fee,
advises businesses or individuals on various matters of
concern.
Many times we tend to feel that our knowledge, skills
or abilities are nothing unique. However, many lack
those same assets and would gladly pay us for our
knowledge and services.
Although it is possible to make a living from consulting
with individuals, the big money is in performing services
for businesses.
Do you have knowledge of bookkeeping, accounting, tax or
similar business matters? Some have made excellent money
specializing in small business consulting.
Are you a computer hobbyist with business or internet
experience? You could make money in web design, internet
marketing, search engine optimization, or some other
specialty.
Some lawyers have combined their legal experience with their
love of the Internet and specialized in intellectual
property and computer law.
For further information and resources about consulting,
visit: http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/consulting.html
2. Finding
A finder is someone who, for a fee, finds something
needed by a business or individual. A finder`s fee
is the amount paid to the finder for locating what
was required.
Finder`s fees are paid for finding money (loans,
equipment leasing, et cetera), equipment (mining,
construction, et cetera), personnel, companies for
sale, locations (fast food franchises, vending
machines, et cetera) and just about anything else
that people are willing to pay for.
Simply match sellers with buyers and you can earn
finder`s fees.
For further information and resources about finder`s fees,
visit: http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/finder.html
3. Auctions
An auction is an event where items are sold to the highest
bidders. An internet auction, online auction or e-auction
is an auction where you can buy and sell items on the
Internet.
Many thousands now make their living or fortune from
selling products and services on eBay and similar auction
sites. So can you!
For further information and resources about auctions,
visit: http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/auctions.html
4. Drop Shipping
Drop shipping is a method of selling products without
stocking inventory yourself. When you make a sale you
contact the manufacturer or authorized distributor who
ships it to the customer with your invoice and shipping
label. Advantages include no warehousing, shipping, or
inventory costs.
For further information and resources about drop shipping,
visit: http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/dropship.html
5. Affiliate Programs
An affiliate or associate program is a method of selling
products on the internet through commission sales. When
someone you refer to a website buys, the company you are
an associate of (or affiliated with) pays you a commission.
In many cases, it is also possible to make money from the
efforts of people that you introduce to the affiliate program.
You can also expand your product line by joining and
promoting more than one affiliate program.
For further information and resources about affiliate programs,
visit: http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/affiliate.html
6. Webmastering
A webmaster is a an internet specialist reponsible for all
aspects of web sites.
Areas where businesses need assistance include web site
design, logo, banner or graphic design, web hosting,
e-commerce, internet marketing, web programming, scripts,
security, web site maintenance, copy writing, mailing list
management, and many other areas.
For further information and resources about webmastering,
visit: http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/webmstrbus.html
7. Self-publishing
A self-publisher creates, produces, and sells information
products. Information products may be in the form of books,
booklets, videos, audio cassettes, compact disks (CDs),
electronic books, files, databases, private websites, and
other media.
The information products that you create are unique. You
have exclusive control and ownership of your own products.
For further information and resources about self-publishing,
visit http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/selfpub.html
8. Instant Publishing
An instant publisher sells information products produced by
someone else who grants them reprint (or resale) rights.
Often self-publishers will sell such products to complement
their own information products.
For further information and resources about instant publishing,
visit http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/instantpub.html
9. International Trade
International trade involves importing and exporting.
Importing involves buying goods and services from suppliers
in another country. Exporting involves selling goods and
services to customers in another country.
For further information and resources about import-export,
visit http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/impexp.html
10. Mail Order
Mail order is a method of conducting business through the
mail. Goods and services can be sold through direct mail
(and also via catalogues, magazines, newspapers, radio,
television, web sites, and other media). Customers can order
by mail or by other means (fax, telephone, internet, et
cetera). Delivery of orders can be made by mail or alternative
means (such as by courier for physical goods or by fax, e-mail,
telephone, or electronic files for information).
For further information and resources about mail order,
visit http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/mailord.html
RESOURCE BOX
J. Stephen Pope, President of Pope Consulting Inc.,
http://www.popeconsultinginc.com/ has been helping
clients to earn maximum business profits for over twenty-five years.
For valuable Work at Home Small Business Ideas, visit:
http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J._Stephen_Pope
http://EzineArticles.com/?Work-at-Home-Business-Ideas&id=172
By J. Stephen Pope
Here are some excellent businesses that you can
start, operate and grow from your home. All these
work at home businesses have the following desirable
features:
**Low Startup Costs
**Ease of Entry
**High Income Potential
**Home Based and Operated
**Worldwide Sales Potential
**Residual, Recurring and/or Passive Income Potential
1. Consulting
A consultant is someone expert in a field who, for a fee,
advises businesses or individuals on various matters of
concern.
Many times we tend to feel that our knowledge, skills
or abilities are nothing unique. However, many lack
those same assets and would gladly pay us for our
knowledge and services.
Although it is possible to make a living from consulting
with individuals, the big money is in performing services
for businesses.
Do you have knowledge of bookkeeping, accounting, tax or
similar business matters? Some have made excellent money
specializing in small business consulting.
Are you a computer hobbyist with business or internet
experience? You could make money in web design, internet
marketing, search engine optimization, or some other
specialty.
Some lawyers have combined their legal experience with their
love of the Internet and specialized in intellectual
property and computer law.
For further information and resources about consulting,
visit: http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/consulting.html
2. Finding
A finder is someone who, for a fee, finds something
needed by a business or individual. A finder`s fee
is the amount paid to the finder for locating what
was required.
Finder`s fees are paid for finding money (loans,
equipment leasing, et cetera), equipment (mining,
construction, et cetera), personnel, companies for
sale, locations (fast food franchises, vending
machines, et cetera) and just about anything else
that people are willing to pay for.
Simply match sellers with buyers and you can earn
finder`s fees.
For further information and resources about finder`s fees,
visit: http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/finder.html
3. Auctions
An auction is an event where items are sold to the highest
bidders. An internet auction, online auction or e-auction
is an auction where you can buy and sell items on the
Internet.
Many thousands now make their living or fortune from
selling products and services on eBay and similar auction
sites. So can you!
For further information and resources about auctions,
visit: http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/auctions.html
4. Drop Shipping
Drop shipping is a method of selling products without
stocking inventory yourself. When you make a sale you
contact the manufacturer or authorized distributor who
ships it to the customer with your invoice and shipping
label. Advantages include no warehousing, shipping, or
inventory costs.
For further information and resources about drop shipping,
visit: http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/dropship.html
5. Affiliate Programs
An affiliate or associate program is a method of selling
products on the internet through commission sales. When
someone you refer to a website buys, the company you are
an associate of (or affiliated with) pays you a commission.
In many cases, it is also possible to make money from the
efforts of people that you introduce to the affiliate program.
You can also expand your product line by joining and
promoting more than one affiliate program.
For further information and resources about affiliate programs,
visit: http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/affiliate.html
6. Webmastering
A webmaster is a an internet specialist reponsible for all
aspects of web sites.
Areas where businesses need assistance include web site
design, logo, banner or graphic design, web hosting,
e-commerce, internet marketing, web programming, scripts,
security, web site maintenance, copy writing, mailing list
management, and many other areas.
For further information and resources about webmastering,
visit: http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/webmstrbus.html
7. Self-publishing
A self-publisher creates, produces, and sells information
products. Information products may be in the form of books,
booklets, videos, audio cassettes, compact disks (CDs),
electronic books, files, databases, private websites, and
other media.
The information products that you create are unique. You
have exclusive control and ownership of your own products.
For further information and resources about self-publishing,
visit http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/selfpub.html
8. Instant Publishing
An instant publisher sells information products produced by
someone else who grants them reprint (or resale) rights.
Often self-publishers will sell such products to complement
their own information products.
For further information and resources about instant publishing,
visit http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/instantpub.html
9. International Trade
International trade involves importing and exporting.
Importing involves buying goods and services from suppliers
in another country. Exporting involves selling goods and
services to customers in another country.
For further information and resources about import-export,
visit http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/impexp.html
10. Mail Order
Mail order is a method of conducting business through the
mail. Goods and services can be sold through direct mail
(and also via catalogues, magazines, newspapers, radio,
television, web sites, and other media). Customers can order
by mail or by other means (fax, telephone, internet, et
cetera). Delivery of orders can be made by mail or alternative
means (such as by courier for physical goods or by fax, e-mail,
telephone, or electronic files for information).
For further information and resources about mail order,
visit http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/mailord.html
RESOURCE BOX
J. Stephen Pope, President of Pope Consulting Inc.,
http://www.popeconsultinginc.com/ has been helping
clients to earn maximum business profits for over twenty-five years.
For valuable Work at Home Small Business Ideas, visit:
http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J._Stephen_Pope
http://EzineArticles.com/?Work-at-Home-Business-Ideas&id=172
Monday, April 9, 2007
credit card equipment leasing and supplier in US
Bootstrap Financing Your Way to Business Success
By J. Stephen Pope
Do you need to start or grow your business but have
little money? Before you look to banks and similar
sources of financing, why not bootstrap your way to
business success?
A bootstrap is a small loop of leather or other
material that is found on the top rear or sides of a
boot. The purpose of the bootstrap is to help you
pull your boot on.
In business, bootstrapping has come to mean helping
oneself without seeking outside help. It means using
your own resources to finance, promote, and develop
your business.
Here, then, are some ways of financing your own
business by using your own initiative and depending
less on outside bank financing.
1. Operate a Home-Based Business
Operating your business from home could save you a
fortune. First of all, you eliminate the costs of
expensive commercial rent, commuting, et cetera.
As well, your business use of home expenses would be
deductible for income tax purposes. Since your home
is your base of operations, your travel and automotive
expenses from your home to clients would be deductible.
2. Accept Credit Cards
Rather than financing receivables and assuming the risk
for bad debts, why not accept credit card payments?
For more information about accepting credit cards, visit:
http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/creditcards.html
3. Drop Ship Products
Rather than financing and stocking inventory yourself,
consider drop shipping.
With drop shipping, when you make a sale you contact
the manufacturer or authorized distributor who ships
the product to the customer with your invoice and
shipping label. Advantages include no warehousing,
shipping, or inventory costs.
For more information about drop shipping, visit
http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/dropship.html
4. Use Your Customer`s Money
Selling memberships, subscriptions, gift certificates,
and coupon books are just a few ways of getting your
clients to pay upfront. Obtaining advance deposits
and retainers from your customers can help finance your
business operations and reduce or eliminate the need
for bank financing.
5. Licensing
Instead of trying to finance the manufacturing and
marketing of your invention, which could cost millions
of dollars before you have your first sale, why not license it
to a company with the necessary expertise and capital?
You will then receive royalties in return for your idea.
For more information about licensing, visit:
http://yenommarketinginc.com/licensing.html
6. Other Bootstrap Financing Methods
Aggressively control costs, barter, get extended terms from
suppliers, establish strict credit and collection policies
and procedures, rent (or lease) instead of buying equipment,
buy used equipment instead of new, sell off excess inventory
and equipment, obtain free publicity instead of paying for
advertising, and do whatever else is necessary to generate
cashflow and profits.
In these ways and many others not listed here, you may be
able to start and grow your business successfully with very
limited capital. Thus, you will avoid having to obtain
expensive debt or equity financing.
Many who were unable to obtain financing from any other source
have successfully bootstrapped their way to business success.
For more information about financing your business,
visit: http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/financing.html
J. Stephen Pope, President of Pope Consulting Inc.,
http://www.popeconsultinginc.com/ has been helping
clients to earn maximum business profits for over
twenty-five years.
For valuable Work at Home Small Business Ideas,
visit: http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J._Stephen_Pope
http://EzineArticles.com/?Bootstrap-Financing-Your-Way-to-Business-Success&id=154
By J. Stephen Pope
Do you need to start or grow your business but have
little money? Before you look to banks and similar
sources of financing, why not bootstrap your way to
business success?
A bootstrap is a small loop of leather or other
material that is found on the top rear or sides of a
boot. The purpose of the bootstrap is to help you
pull your boot on.
In business, bootstrapping has come to mean helping
oneself without seeking outside help. It means using
your own resources to finance, promote, and develop
your business.
Here, then, are some ways of financing your own
business by using your own initiative and depending
less on outside bank financing.
1. Operate a Home-Based Business
Operating your business from home could save you a
fortune. First of all, you eliminate the costs of
expensive commercial rent, commuting, et cetera.
As well, your business use of home expenses would be
deductible for income tax purposes. Since your home
is your base of operations, your travel and automotive
expenses from your home to clients would be deductible.
2. Accept Credit Cards
Rather than financing receivables and assuming the risk
for bad debts, why not accept credit card payments?
For more information about accepting credit cards, visit:
http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/creditcards.html
3. Drop Ship Products
Rather than financing and stocking inventory yourself,
consider drop shipping.
With drop shipping, when you make a sale you contact
the manufacturer or authorized distributor who ships
the product to the customer with your invoice and
shipping label. Advantages include no warehousing,
shipping, or inventory costs.
For more information about drop shipping, visit
http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/dropship.html
4. Use Your Customer`s Money
Selling memberships, subscriptions, gift certificates,
and coupon books are just a few ways of getting your
clients to pay upfront. Obtaining advance deposits
and retainers from your customers can help finance your
business operations and reduce or eliminate the need
for bank financing.
5. Licensing
Instead of trying to finance the manufacturing and
marketing of your invention, which could cost millions
of dollars before you have your first sale, why not license it
to a company with the necessary expertise and capital?
You will then receive royalties in return for your idea.
For more information about licensing, visit:
http://yenommarketinginc.com/licensing.html
6. Other Bootstrap Financing Methods
Aggressively control costs, barter, get extended terms from
suppliers, establish strict credit and collection policies
and procedures, rent (or lease) instead of buying equipment,
buy used equipment instead of new, sell off excess inventory
and equipment, obtain free publicity instead of paying for
advertising, and do whatever else is necessary to generate
cashflow and profits.
In these ways and many others not listed here, you may be
able to start and grow your business successfully with very
limited capital. Thus, you will avoid having to obtain
expensive debt or equity financing.
Many who were unable to obtain financing from any other source
have successfully bootstrapped their way to business success.
For more information about financing your business,
visit: http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/financing.html
J. Stephen Pope, President of Pope Consulting Inc.,
http://www.popeconsultinginc.com/ has been helping
clients to earn maximum business profits for over
twenty-five years.
For valuable Work at Home Small Business Ideas,
visit: http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J._Stephen_Pope
http://EzineArticles.com/?Bootstrap-Financing-Your-Way-to-Business-Success&id=154
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