Category Archives: Work & Money

Gift Baskets Help Businesses Retain Customers

Every year, corporations must give out many gifts to various customers to ensure that they are satisfied and happy with their service. These gifts can vary depending on many factors and must be carefully balanced by cost to provide the best result. Thankfully, there are many different options that a person can consider for their corporate gifts, including gift baskets. These baskets are great for Christmas situations and can provide many advantages that are impossible to get otherwise.

Why Giving Gifts is So Important

Gift giving in a business context is a critical way of building loyalty. Customers these days expect to have a reason to come back to a company time and time again. Loyalty programs help ensure this situation by providing rewards, points, and other benefits that make a customer stay with them instead of competitors. And gifts ensure that a customer feels appreciated and secure with their buying option.

However, it is critical to find a series of gifts that appeal to as broad a range of individuals as possible. Doing so helps to cut back on expensive purchases by ensuring that gifts can be used over and over in many scenarios. And businesses who want to go the extra mile this Christmas need gifts that are a bit above and beyond expectations, such as gift baskets for every customer who worked with them that year.

Ways a Gift Basket May Help

Gift baskets are designed to serve a pretty broad range of gift-giving situations. They provide an excellent opportunity for businesses by creating an inexpensive, easy to appreciate, and enjoyable gift for a broad range of people. Most are designed to appeal to as many people as possible, ensuring that those who get a gift basket are satisfied with it and the company giving it to them.

Thankfully, it is possible to tweak these baskets to include items that make sense for your needs. For instance, there are a large number of different snacks that can be included in many baskets. Other people may want gifts like pens, various types of decorative gear, and much more. In this way, it is possible to get a high-quality gift package that a business needs to ensure customer satisfaction.

Finding a Great Basket

Thankfully, there are many different places where you can find these baskets. By going to the link here https://boodlesofbaskets.com/product-category/christmas-gift-baskets/, you can check out a variety of different options for your needs. These baskets are diverse, include many additional items, and are inexpensive and carefully balanced for your needs to ensure that you find a basket that you like at a price you can afford. Buy multiple baskets to ensure that your business has the kind of high-quality Christmas that it deserves this year.

Is Now a Good Time to Buy an Investment Property?

There is never a bad time to invest in real estate if you do your due diligence and find investments that make sense. However, periods of economic uncertainty can add additional risk to buying an investment property that many are not equipped to handle. Steven Taylor Taylor Equities is a landlord and real estate professional with years of experience in the Southern California housing market. Here is some advice for landlords who are wondering whether or not now is a smart time to buy.

There is never an inherently bad time to buy an investment property, but you should always be careful, especially in a recession. There is no telling if or when the local market will rebound and how long it will take for your investment to become profitable. Especially when it comes to a recession as volatile as the current circumstance the US is facing concerning COVID-19.

The demand for homes across the US declined dramatically in the spring of 2020 in the wake of the shutdowns across the country and yet bounced back to near normal levels in the summer. There is no telling whether a second wave of the virus will impact the housing market and how long that impact will last. Therefore, if you are planning on buying an investment property, it’s wise to plan for uncertainty. This means having cash reserves or liquid assets ready to neutralize any losses in the short-term cause by news related to the virus.

But, despite the uncertainty, US housing markets have not taken the major hit many economists we’re predicting. Housing prices are still appreciating, albeit at a slower pace than in the years prior. This means that the future is far from bleak for real estate in the US, however, investors should still expect some turbulence.

There are likely many motivated sellers out there who are ready to sell their homes and retire or move from a dense urban area to the suburbs. This presents a variety of opportunities for investors to snag properties at a discounted price in the hopes that they appreciate rapidly once the virus is more substantially contained.

Novice investors may be wise to wait until the dust settles to start investing unless you don’t mind the risk. But seasoned investors may find this to be the perfect time to scoop up an under-market property. It all depends on how comfortable you are with risk and whether the right deal comes your way.

Steven Taylor Taylor Equities is a seasoned real estate professional who has been in this business for a long time. While real estate is always a solid investment no matter what the market conditions, those looking to buy an investment property at the current moment proceed with caution and consider the potential downside.

Types of Life Insurance For Seniors

Most people often assume that Assurance Vie or life insurance for seniors is impossible to get. However, this is further from the truth as seniors aged 60 years and above can get life insurance as easily as everybody else. Obviously, this group of citizens requires more coverage as they are most at risk of adverse health issues. Life insurance in this case would give them some form of comfort knowing that they are covered in case of any eventuality.

Importance Of Life Insurance For Seniors

Although most seniors may have enough savings and resources to meet their needs during their senior life, there are situations where seniors lack the financial ability to take care of themselves. This may be worse for seniors with debts and dependents to take care of. For this reason, life insurance is important as it enables seniors to live a quality life and leave something behind for family and loved ones.

Types Of Insurance For Seniors

While seniors are not categorized into individual classes, some life insurance coverages have age limits. For instance, your local pharmacy may offer you a senior discount once you hit 55 years old. However, some institutions such as the Canadian Pension Plan may not offer some services to seniors unless they’re in their 60s. Luckily, most insurance providers determine eligibility based on specific ages rather than age groups. With this consideration, most agencies don’t provide term life coverage for seniors above 75 years. Such applicants will have to find providers with no age limit. Alternatively, they can purchase permanent coverage. Depending on individual health, seniors are also able to choose between insurance with a medical examination and non-medical insurance products.

The Best Policy For Seniors

There’s no specific life insurance policy that’s best for all seniors because each person has individual needs. Healthy seniors in their 60s can benefit from a fully underwritten term life insurance that they can convert to cover expenses during their old age. In some cases, the insurance funds may be used to take care of the family including children and grandchildren after the beneficiary passes on. in such cases, permanent insurance, such as whole life insurance is the best. However, whole life insurance can be very expensive since you’re covered for your entire lifetime and you may have access to its cash value component in which you can either withdraw funds or borrow against it. Comparatively, if you’re a senior in your 70s, with an underlying condition, you can best benefit from non-medical life insurance coverage as it can cover medical and funeral expenses after you pass on.

Finding the best life insurance for you can be a challenging task especially during your old age. However, reaching out to the right insurance agency is the first step towards ensuring you’re fully covered even in your old age. In addition, proper coverage as a senior will guarantee financial security to your family even after your death.

4 Reasons Direct Mail Isn’t Dead

In a digital world, it may seem like direct mail is a thing of the past. Many marketers have focused their efforts on email and social media marketing. However, the data shows that direct mail is still effective. In fact, consumer response to direct mail is increasing. Here are 4 reasons direct mail deserves to be part of your marketing strategy.

1. It’s Tangible

Social media ads and emails are quickly scrolled past or deleted. Direct mail can stick around a customer’s home for days or even months. Placing a special offer on your piece will encourage people to save it in a location where they won’t forget about it.

2. It Commands Attention

No one wants to accidentally throw away an important piece of mail. This means that most recipients of your piece will at least scan it before throwing it away. As many as 80% of customers read each piece of real estate direct mail. Your marketing campaigns through email are unlikely to receive the same amount of undivided attention.

3. It’s Trackable

Social media marketing gathers a wealth of analytics. Many marketers rely on this information to gauge success or to adjust their campaigns when they aren’t meeting targets. Direct mail doesn’t have the same depth of data but still allows you to track response rates and return on investment. Use a unique phone number and website URL to track the response rates of each campaign.

4. It Reaches all Ages

Approximately 40% of seniors are smartphone owners. This means that a significant portion of your potential target market is unreachable through digital strategies. Mail reaches everyone, expanding your reach beyond social platforms, and email marketing.

Direct mail may be less common than before the internet, but its impact is still going strong today. If you haven’t considered a direct mail campaign before, hopefully, these 4 reasons have convinced you that it may be worth the effort.

Types of Real Estate Contracts Every Investor Should Know

To be a successful real estate investor, you should become a master of real estate contracts. These legal documents can seem confusing and overwhelming at first. It helps to understand the primary goal of any real estate contract is to protect your investment and limit your liability. Let’s increase your confidence with contracts by breaking down the most common types you’ll encounter.

Purchase Agreement

When learning how to invest in real estate, this will likely be the first type of contract you encounter. This contract is the sales agreement for real estate transactions. It will lay out the terms of sale between the buyer and seller. Purchase agreements change slightly based on the state of purchase or if a real estate agent is involved in the sale. However, a good purchase agreement will cover all the details of the property and the transaction, including any contingencies and which party is responsible for the various costs associated with selling the property.

Lease Agreement

Many real estate investors are looking to earn income through rental properties. If this is part of your investing strategy, you will need to become familiar with lease agreements. As the property owner or landlord, you will outline the terms of rental occupancy in a lease agreement. It should cover rent, security deposit, utilities, and any other expectations for the tenant.

Real Estate Assignment Contract

Slightly more complex than previously discussed contracts, a real estate assignment contract is used when wholesaling properties. This strategy is used when you find a distressed property that you plan to sell to a third party. It provides extra flexibility in your investment while allowing you to secure properties quickly.

You can simplify real estate contracts from their overwhelming state. Now that you have familiarized yourself with the most common types you’ll encounter, you are one step closer to investing mastery.

Remember These Simple Steps Before Trying to Get Out of Mounting Debt

Though credit abounds in many financial sectors and the economy remains vibrant for those with plenty of expendable income, these systems can also lead to financial ruin among those trying to live beyond their means. Countless individuals become mired in debt and monthly expenses without having a full understanding of the circumstances leading to the situation. Fortunately, even the most desperate times can come to a quicker end by taking a few simple steps. The guidelines listed below will set anyone on the best path to financial freedom.

Determine Who Is On Your Side

There are likely multiple paths out of a debt spiral. Depending on a person’s history, current needs, and desired results, it might make sense to look into borrowing options. This will likely include shopping around to find a business capable of providing low interest loans Bordentown NJ or a similar community anywhere else in the country. Start with a search online for those companies with a great reputation for providing reliable cash for a reasonable rate.

Determine Where to Turn for Help

After finding the best immediate response to the pressing problem, it is important to start learning from the experience. Upon making strides to pay down outstanding debt, use the opportunity to reach out for guidance and advice. Some experts in the field offer financial advice that does not require big investments or a thorough understanding of the stock market. For those who just need some practical tips and tricks for establishing a budget that works, the right professional is out there waiting to provide that assistance.

Determine How to Avoid Future Problems

Armed with the knowledge gained throughout this ordeal, people struggling with debt can make sure they avoid similar pitfalls in the future. Unfortunately, there are real and systemic issues that prevent large segments of the population from easily reaching their financial goals. Nevertheless, anyone can make smarter choices that will allow them to make the most of whatever amount is in their bank account.

Paying bills and purchasing necessities can often result in mounting expenses that make any escape seem unattainable. With a resolute spirit and some appropriate advice along the way, however, the light at the end of the tunnel might be closer than it first appeared. If you or someone you know is struggling with bills and expenses, the guidelines presented above can make all the difference in the world.

Make Your Retail Business Handicap Accessible

With more people living longer due to advances in medical technology and healthier lifestyles, your business may see an increase in elderly customers, some of whom will likely have mobility issues. In addition, a significant percentage of the general population is classified as disabled, so you should expect customers with various levels of mobility issues in your store. Depending on the target customer base for your business this can be a primary concern. Making sure your setup will accommodate all customers who want to patronize your business is a great way to support your local community and build goodwill.

Set Up Retail Shelving for Easy Access

In a retail store, how the shelving is organized can have a major impact on how easy it is for a customer with mobility issues to get around. Parallel aisles with wide end spaces are a great way to layout your store. Not only will this make it easier for customers in wheelchairs or mobility scooters to shop up and down the aisles, but it also helps customers quickly find what they are looking for. Be sure to also have prominent displays offering assistance from your staff to retrieve items from high shelves for customers who need assistance with this.

Check Your Entry Door Width

For customers to shop in your store, they first need to enter your store. That means they will need to get through your entry doorway regardless of whether they’re walking on 2 legs, with a cane or walker, in a wheelchair or in a mobility scooter. If you ensure your doorway is wide enough for a common mobility scooter, such as the Invacare Leo 4-Wheel Scooter, it should be wide enough for virtually any customer’s needs.

Ensure Restrooms Are Handicap Friendly

For most businesses, complying with the Americans With Disabilities Act can be very important for avoiding fines levied against your business, and restroom access can be a big part of it. Ensuring your restrooms are appropriately sized and contain elements such has handicap railings will help to ensure compliance with the ADA.

Comply With Handicap Parking Regulations

Check with your local business licensing body for regulations on handicap parking stall requirements for your business to make sure you are in compliance. Providing handicap parking access as close as possible to your business entrance will be appreciated by any customers with mobility issues.

Ensuring your retail business is friendly to handicapped customers is a great way to provide customer service and generate happy customers.

What to Expect During Your Employment Lawyer Consultation

If you already made up your mind that you need an employment lawyer, then it’s time to prepare for your first meeting with an attorney. If you’ve never had legal issues before, this can be particularly stressful. After all, you don’t know what to expect. The initial consultation can be stressful because it’s your first meeting. Hopefully, by now, you have done the research necessary to know that you want this lawyer. To help ease some of the stress, here is what to expect when you hire an employment lawyer.

Bring Along Documents

An employment lawyer is there to advise you on legal standards, whether you are an employee or employer. Before your meeting with the lawyer, you need to make sure that you have all of the relevant documents. Before your appointment, the lawyer may give you a list of documents to gather. If you know of any documents that are relevant to your case, make sure that you have them with you. It is better to be prepared.

Answer Questions

The lawyer will have questions of his or her own about your case. You need to be prepared to answer these questions. It should not be that difficult, especially if you have the right documents with you. When it comes to the specifics and technicalities of the case, you need to be able to talk openly and honestly about them.

Ask Questions of Your Own

You do not want to spend the whole time only answering the lawyer’s questions. When you choose a Toronto employment lawyer, then you want to be able to ask questions to find out if this is the right choice. You should be able to ask him or her about his or her pricing options, about his or her opinion on your case and more. Do not be afraid to ask what is on your mind. You are going to be working closely with your lawyer and so you should always feel comfortable asking questions.

If you checked the websites, online profiles and did your research, you may already have a solid idea of what lawyer you want to use. Of course, even if you set up a consultation, you don’t necessarily have to choose that attorney. You are allowed to ask questions and to decide for yourself who is best suited for your case. It should always be an experienced firm and lawyers who you trust and get along with.

How to Make Your Digital Journey Savvy and Successful

.There comes a time in every entrepreneur’s life when they realize that traditional advertising just isn’t enough to get noticed. Not if it’s industry domination they’re after, anyway. If you want to expand your influence and leave your competitors in the dust, you need to bring your brand into the online world. By accessing simple, savvy strategies, you can make sure that your internet marketing process is a successful one. Below you’ll find just a few tips and tricks that can get your company’s digital journey going and growing.

Know Your Target Market Well

Your first step to success in the internet marketing sector is knowing your audience. When you know who your target market is, you will know which tools you can use to connect with and then convert them. There are several key questions you can ask to gain a clearer understanding of your specific market. Here are some of them:

  • What is the gender of your target audience?
  • Where do your current clients and prospects live?
  • What is the education level of your audience, and what types of occupations do they have?
  • What types of goods and services are your potential customers most excited to buy?
  • Do the majority of your customers buy online or do they prefer shopping in-person?

Build Your Website

Your website is much more than just your online store. Your website is your introduction to the world. It is where potential customers will learn about your brand and what you stand for. It is important for your website to inform your audience about who you are, what you do, and why you do it.

But just because your website is more than merely an online store, you still must make sure that the e-commerce portion of your website is as streamlined as possible. A simple and easy to navigate website will help convert your traffic into sales. Making use of minimalist graphic design elements will make your product pages more visually appealing and engaging, without overwhelming your visitors.

Spread the Word

Now that you have your online home all set up and ready for business, it’s time to get the word out. While industry domination may be your ultimate goal, your hometown can help jump start your online presence.

A tried and true web optimization strategy is to have your web address printed on advertising materials. If you hand out business cards, appointment cards, invitations, or newsletters, having your URL printed on them can help convert real-life prospects into online customers. Be sure to also include any social media accounts that you use for your business.

Niche marketing services can help those just starting out or taking their humble online business to the next level. Specifically, it can be a good idea to work with a team of professional digital advertising experts who are skilled in helping individuals within your field. For example, say you work in real estate and sell property regularly. A high end marketing company such as LuxMark would provide you with customized web design and development services. For more information about these type of services, and how they can ensure your business is advertised effectively, visit luxmarkint.com.

Begin Your Digital Journey Today

While you may think there is a right time to bring your business online, truth be told, no company, business, or product can gain traction without an online presence today. Instead of delaying your company’s progress, begin your digital journey with the help of the tips in this article today.

Insurance Areas That are Worth Splurging On

When you have a family, it is very easy to get focused on balancing your budget and cutting expenses wherever you can. At the same time, though, when you have a family, you have an obligation to make sure that you are taking care of your family properly through any means possible. One of the best ways to care for your family is with insurance.

There are many different types of insurance that you may have. In general, insurance of any kind is an expense that is well worth it. However, when it comes to specific types of insurance, there are some that are worth splurging a bit more on than others. Here’s a look at a few insurance options and where to save and where to splurge.

Health Insurance

Health insurance is important to keeping your family healthy. You may be limited in your insurance options. The chances are that you or your partner, spouse or child’s other parent have insurance coverage through an employer, which is used because it is the most affordable option available. When it comes to health insurance, you should consider your family’s health before deciding to splurge.

While it may be nice to have a policy that has low deductibles and out of pocket expenses, this type of policy usually costs more each month. If you are mainly using preventative care services and only go to the doctor for other issues a few times a year, it is rarely going to be worth it to splurge on a low deductible/out-of-pocket expenses policy. The bottom line is that if nobody in your family has a serious, chronic health condition, then you should save as much as possible on your health insurance costs.

Car Insurance

Car insurance is actually one type of insurance where you can really customize it to meet your needs and your budget. There are many ways to get discounts, and you have a lot of control over pricing. The key is to work very closely with your insurance agent to construct a plan that meets your budget and needs. You may want to save by avoiding extras, like rental reimbursement, and splurge by lowering your deductible, so you can actually afford it should you ever get into an accident.

Life Insurance

This is one type of insurance many people don’t have. It isn’t something that will really benefit you directly because it only pays out once you have died. However, it will help your family, and everyone should have it. Life insurance can help with burial costs, paying off debts and even replacing lost incomes. You don’t have to splurge on it, but do get enough that it will be beneficial to your family after your death.

When it comes to insurance, it may seem like you are throwing your money away. There are many types of insurance that you may never even use, like car insurance, and others that you aren’t required to have, like life insurance. However, insurance is there to provide a piece of mind. While you don’t really need to splurge on any type of insurance, you should make some room in your budget for it. In addition, you should make choices carefully and ensure you get the best coverage for your money.

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