June 28, 2007

Get the Most Out of Your Auction Site Business

If you are a small business or an individual looking to make a few bucks on the side selling items on auction sites, here are some great tips on getting the most out of your listings and items that are sold.

Many people dont realize that when selling items on auction sites it must be run like a business. Just because you are only selling a few items each day or week, you can make a lot more money by keeping your costs down and your enterprise automated.

One of the most important factors to consider is to understand how auctions work. Take a look at the auction site that you want to sell on and understand how the fees work. Not only are you charged for listing an item but once that item is sold you are also charged a final value fee. It is also important to factor in shipping fees. Many people dont realize that for some items it can cost lots of money to ship it across the US. Factor in all your costs before listing your item for sale. Make sure that you are making a healthy profit before selling on auction sites.

If you start selling lots of items each week, make sure that you have automated software so that you can easily list items; process the payments of the items and ship items out. Time is money and you can spend lots of time writing labels and contacting customers that bought your items. There are plenty of software options available for every aspect of your business, check out the tools that will fit your business best.

Make sure you protect your investment by having a clear and concise refund or exchange agreement. It is also important that you only accept certain types of payments such as a money order or Paypal so that you dont get scammed. So if you are selling on auction sites, check out the above tips on getting the most out of your auction site business

June 25, 2007

Is Forex Right for You?

Foreign exchange trading has grown wildly in popularity the last couple of years. Billions of dollars each day are traded on the foreign exchange markets, if you are interested in trading Forex, here are some helpful hints to figure out if Forex is right for you.

Whether you are looking for a great part time opportunity or looking for a full time income, trading can be a good choice depending on the individual. Most people will state that if you dont have money to invest, then definitely dont trade Forex. Usually the amount of money to open a foreign exchange trading account is $250; however you can leverage far more than that amount of money.

There are safety options built into the system, such as a stop loss limit and buy limit that limit your exposure to risk, but most people say that if you dont have the money to invest, then Forex is definitely not for you.

Forex should not be looked at as a get rich quick scheme. Forex is actually trading that carries legitimate risks and liabilities and investors should look into all opportunities before choosing Forex. Even though on the web, many marketers make it look extremely appealing, there are many people that lose lots of money trading Forex. Lots more money than they probably anticipated. So check out many Forex trading sites and talk to people that are certified to give you their honest opinion on the pros and cons of trading to determine for yourself if Forex is right for you.

June 22, 2007

Start a Business With Little or No Money- Part 2

As we discussed in the pervious sections, having a great work history and ethic does not guarantee that you will retain your job. There are many culprits to blame, such as changing economic times, technology replacing humans works, and outsourcing work to foreign companies. The only real way that you can retain your job is not put yourself in the position to be fired. This may seem impossible, but is really quite simple. You have to become your own boss.

Perhaps you are not worried about loosing your job, but you realize that you will never have the chance to advance any further in the company you are working for. Your monetary resources are capped out, and you will not be able to provide any better of a lifestyle for you and your family unless your pay increases. Again, the only way you will be in total control of your finances is to become your own boss.

The only way to be the boss is to start your own business. "But I do not have very much money, if any at all." you say. Well in today's culture there are quite a few businesses that can be started for little or no money at all. This is not a get rich quick scheme, I am not saying that you will be making five grand a month from the very beginning, but I am telling you, that no matter the amount of money that you have, you should still be able to start a business without much fuss.

Here are some more examples of businesses that require little or no money up front:

Personal Chef

Can you cook? Then you may want to consider becoming a personal chef. Many personal chefs are called when the family just simply does not have the time to cook dinner, but does not what to get into the lifestyle of ordering out every night.

Usually, personal chefs arrive before the majority of the family does and begins cooking. Once cooking is complete, then you will set up a table and supply the family with the food.

It is not very often that the personal chef has to clean up after the family once they done, however you may offer these services for an additional fee.

You may also consider preparing the meals at your home, and then delivering the food to the client.

The best place to advertise this type of business would be at your local grocery store or in the local paper.

Court Paper Server

Many lawyers and other legal agencies do not simply have the time to serve papers. This is where you come in. Lawyers and legal agencies will pay to deliver these important documents.
The only thing you will need is transportation and the gas required to do so.

You will want to contact the agencies in your local area and discuss it with them.

Resume and Document Writer

You could considering becoming a resume writer, especially if you have a way with words. A resume writer takes the skill, talents, and job references and turn it into a easy to read rsum for potential employers.

Not only can you charge for writing the resume, but you can also charge to many copies of it as well. The paper and ink it takes to print the resume is the only charge you should accrue.

Advertise this type of business at local job agencies, employment offices, or on your local paper.

You will need to be careful when advertising. Make sure that your clients know that your resume will not guarantee them to get a job, but it will just percent them in a more professional manner, which in turn will make them more likely to get a job.

June 20, 2007

Increase PR with ViralTags (Batch 2)

Viraltag, its growing and getting bigger. This is my second batch of viraltag links exchange. My first batch is a big success for Dzul's Chats which only a weeks old blog (this Blog was launched on the same date with the first batch of viraltag).

For a new blog like this, for sure it starts with a rank of more than million (about 3 to 5M!) on technorati and alexa. After took part in viraltag, on this moment I wrote this, Dzul's Chats now rank of 23955 on technorati and 946563 on alexa!!(not bad for a week blog). About my other posts that was published on May, it was me who changed the date..hehe. It is cool. Want to be a part of viraltag? If this is your first time, I recommend you to use my first batch. If you're already in viraltag, fell free to join my second batch.

The System is pretty easy: Copy & paste the tags and instructions in a new post, add a link onto the tag of your choice and publish it. Then tell others to do the same. When I notice your link, I will link back accordingly.

========= Copy and Paste this line and Below==========

Instructions:

1.) Copy and paste the matrix of “ViralTags” below.

2.) Substitute the Host Tag and one of the “Viral Tags” in the matrix with your anchor text of choice and your blog’s URL. Please keep anchor text to a maximum of 3 words to keep the matrix size manageable.

3.) When you get a ping back from someone that has your link in one of their “Viral Tags,” practice being a friendly part of the blogging community by copying his/her Host Tag’s anchor text (automatically the associated link will also be copied) and paste it over one of your “Viral Tags” below.

4.) Encourage and invite your readers to do exactly what you’re doing now.

5.) Keep in mind that porn sites are not really welcomed in this link exchange. We also ask that you not tamper with other people’s links cause that’s not cool. Be cool.

"Lots of links, Lots of Good!"

Host Tag: Home Based Business

| Conte Aqui | Terrible Horrible Evil | Mik3 | Yung Silent Whisper | Home Based Business | Revellian | Sexy Celebrity | Butterfly Feelings | Meandering Passage | 2012Movies || Tech Life | Yoeru | Tell no Lies | Mcbilly's Making Money | Trade CDs | BusinessTwins | Hanneng.net Tech Blog | Diyers IT Zone | Ala Eh Blog! | Earn Money Online || Rich Minx | Adzine for Marketees | Chuva | TechCast Weekly | Thomas'of-the-cuffs Blog | Foximus | Workers Compensation Abuses | Wolly's Weblog | Truth & Opinion | Feedget || G2Bgreen.com | Political Rogue | SoccerOverload | The Next Step | Earn Money Online | Blogging Money | Static ThinkBox | Crabbie tail | Comixcade | ViralTags || ViralTags | ViralTags | ViralTags | ViralTags | ViralTags | ViralTags | ViralTags | ViralTags | ViralTags | ViralTags || ViralTags | ViralTags | ViralTags | ViralTags | ViralTags | ViralTags | ViralTags | ViralTags | ViralTags | ViralTags || ViralTags | ViralTags | ViralTags | ViralTags | ViralTags | ViralTags | ViralTags | ViralTags | ViralTags | ViralTags || ViralTags | ViralTags | ViralTags | ViralTags | ViralTags | ViralTags | ViralTags | ViralTags | ViralTags | ViralTags || ViralTags | ViralTags | ViralTags | ViralTags | ViralTags | ViralTags | ViralTags | ViralTags | ViralTags | ViralTags || ViralTags | ViralTags | ViralTags | ViralTags | ViralTags | ViralTags | ViralTags | ViralTags | ViralTags | ViralTags |

Important: Once I get a ping back from you I will add your anchor text and the associated link you designate as “Host Tag” here on my page, replacing one of the “ViralTags” from the matrix above. As more and more bloggers copy and paste this matrix, the more backlinks you will have with your anchor text. If everybody who copies and pastes from your blog does the same this program will soon spread and go viral. So, the sooner you participate, the more links with anchor text you will receive. If you need faster link tag return, just comment in this post.

========= Copy and Paste this line and Above==========

June 19, 2007

Affordable Office Supplies

If you are a small business and looking for supplies that are much more affordable than retail prices, there are many options available to you. Small businesses can spend lots of money on supplies that can go towards other expenses. If you would like to save 20% or more on supplies, here are some tips on affordable office supplies.

Many businesses start out buying their supplies from retail or from one distributor, however as time goes by, they quickly realize that they can be saving hundreds or even thousands a month by buying affordable office supplies through different channels. Many ways to save on office supplies are to find big distributors or manufacturers. Due to the internet, this is quickly becoming an easy task.

Consider Ebay for lots of affordable office supplies. There is a whole cottage industry that supports merchants selling on Ebay. If you need bubble wrap, envelopes, shipping tape, computer supplies or anything else, you can quickly price materials from possibly dozens of vendors.

You can also go on the internet and search for manufacturers that sell affordable office supplies. Many small companies’ manufacture office supplies from ink, to paper to envelopes. You can save hundreds of dollars a month just by doing a few hours of work. If you just started your own business or have been operating a small business for a while and would like to take advantage of affordably priced office supplies, look at the above tips to save hundreds or even thousands per month.

June 18, 2007

Treat Your Web Visitors with Respect

If you are a web site developer and building web sites in order to monetize them, then it is important to keep the visitor in mind and treat them with respect. Many web site developers do not respect their visitors and count them as a one time opportunity to grab them to make a sale. If you want to build a respectable site, here are some tips on treating your visitors the right way.

Many web developers think that there is only one opportunity to sell a visitor so they bombard them with all types of advertisements once they land on the home page. This could possibly be the worst strategy around. Many visitors that land on a web page that is filled with 30 flash ads will leave as soon as they arrive.


Some web developers try to place Adsense click ads at the top so they click these ads to leave their site and pocket a few cents profit. While this is a legitimate way of using advertising, it may actually backfire for those people that are searching for actual information or would be interested in buying a product that is advertised on your site. Yes you can make a few cents profit from one Adsense click, but you can also sell a product for a few dollars profit, if the visitor didn’t leave so quickly.

Another tip is don’t use pop up ads or mouse traps. Everyone hates pop up ads. You can’t build brand loyalty with them. Mouse traps are web pages that the visitor can’t leave by back clicking out. In order to leave your web site, they must close their web browser. So if you want to build a clientele, treat your customers with respect.

June 16, 2007

6 Ways to Keep Visitors Coming Back to Your Website

To maintain a successful business website, you have to keep your visitors coming back. Unless you offer them something to come back to, then chances are they will not. You will need content on your website that not only interests them, but also changes regularly.

1) Articles- Articles give your visitor something to read. Undoubtedly, sometime in the future, you customer will have a question, or want more information about the product or service that they received from your business. If the articles pertain to your business and the products and services that you offer, then they will be able to access the information.

You do not necessary have to write these articles yourself.

You can post information about your products directly from the package, or makers website.

There are several article directories online that provide good, quality content at no cost to you. It is as simple as visiting the directories, searching for articles that suit your business, and then copying them into your website. You are only required to provide a link back to the original authors website.

2) Contests- Who does not want to win something? By offering contests (especially if they change frequently) gives your visitors something to come back for. When the visitor signs up for the contest you may also want to include a link to your newsletter.

The key is to change the contest frequently, whether it be weekly, monthly, or semi-annually. Just remember, the more you change your contest the more times your visitors will come back to your site.

3) Coupons and Discounts- You may want to provide coupons or discounts for your previous clients to entice them to return to your website.

You can use the coupons a number of ways. A few ideas are:

-A buy one get one free.
-A specific percent discount (such as 10%)
-Free or discounted shipping

Discounts are easy to administer, provided you have a shopping cart. The typical way discounts are given is by code. A code word such as "springtime" allows customers with the code word to receive a discount.

Alternately, you may want to provide a printable coupon on your, and accept it at your physical location.

4) Forums- Forums provide something that everyone craves: conversation. If a forum is provided on your site, the visitor will have a reason to visit your website frequently, whether it be to ask a question when help is needed or to keep up on a conversation.

You can host your forum from your site, or choose to use a third party forum, whatever your prefer. Both have their pros and cons, it just comes down to what is best for your business.

5)Blog-- Believe It or not, people are interested in what you have to say! A blog will not only allow you to update your clients on your business and life, but it also gives you a great opportunity to add those much needed keywords to your website.

There are quite a few free applications available that make blogging easy.

6)Newsletter- A newsletter is one of the best ways to keep your visitors coming back time and time again.

You will want to include part of a unique article or tip in your newsletter, and then a link to the rest. This will force your viewers to visit your site to get the remainder of the story.

Once again you do not have to write all the content yourself. Using free article directories will cut the time it takes to put a newsletter together in half.

June 15, 2007

Start a Business With Little or No Money- Part 1

In recent years, the amount of layoffs have nearly doubled. In previous times, as long as your job performance was satisfactory, then you did not have much to worry about. Unfortunately, due to the changing economic times, outsourcing work to foreign countries, and technology replacing human jobs, this is no longer true. A business will fire their employees with little or no remorse if it means that they will save money. They are simply not aware, or simply do not care what kind of a hardship it places on the worker and their family.

The only sure way to never be fired or laid off is to be boss. The only way to be the boss is to start your own business. "But I do not have very much money, if any at all." you say. Well in today's culture there are quite a few businesses that can be started for little or no money at all. This is not a get rich quick scheme, I am not saying that you will be making five grand a month from the very beginning, but I am telling you, that no matter the amount of money that you have, you should still be able to start a business without much fuss.


So what is the catch? Well the only thing that I would even consider a "catch" would be the fact that you will need the skills necessary to complete whatever task is asked of you during business. This basically means do not start up a dog grooming business if you do not know how to groom dogs. The key is finding something that you were interested in previously to starting the business.

What businesses can be started with little or no money? Here are a few examples:

House and Office Cleaning Business

This business requires little or no money to start, the only thing you will need is the skills to clean (which everyone should have), and the cleaning supplies to do it with. The first job that you have you can use the cleaning supplies that you already have, and then buy more with the money you receive when finishing. In the event that you do not have the cleaning supplies on hand, then you should not have to spend more then about 20 dollars.

Once you have the supplies necessary, advertising a cleaning business is a simple. The majority of house and office cleaners simply place an ad in the local paper detailing the area in which they would like to work, and the majority offer free bids. Potential clients will call, and you will take a trip to their house. You will analyze it and give them a bid.

Laundry Business

This one is great because you can take a skill that you should already have, and then put it to good use to the people that do not have the skill, time, or the energy to do it. Offering a pick up and delivery laundry service just means that you pick one someone's clothes, wash and dry them, fold them, and then return the clothes to their house. The only thing you will need is the soap to wash the clothes in (and some laundry companies even make the client provide their own laundry detergent due to allergies and personal preferences).

This business especially tailors to bachelor men, so you will want to advertise in places that would attract this type of person attention.

Alteration Service

If you have basic sewing skills, then you may want to consider starting an alteration service. Alteration could mean hemming pants, changing seams, or dying clothes.

The only you may need out of pocket is to buy various colors of thread, needles, and possibly a sewing machine if you are planning on taking on larger jobs.

Since you main focus will be clothing, you will want to advertise at local clothing shops or department stores. You may also want to consider talking with businesses that supply uniforms to employees. The business can then recommend that the employee to you if an alteration in their uniform is needed.

June 14, 2007

Niche Businesses

If you are thinking about starting a small business, one of the best opportunities to make money is in niche products or services. Many small businesses make a healthy profit each year by selling plenty of products and services that cater to a select few individuals and businesses. If you would like to be successful at niche businesses, here are some tips.

Niche businesses include any business that caters their products or services to a small group of people or community. There are many niche products and services to choose from. For instance, if you are into search engine optimization, you can create and sell plenty of products that might help other SEO’s to be successful.

Many small businesses sell niche products on auction sites such as Ebay. You can find a whole range of niche products from certain types of memorabilia to fashion accessories that are popular to certain people. Niche businesses are a great way for your small business to get off the ground. You can pick a small niche and focus intensely on it. When your business becomes successful, you can spread your focus to cover other niches. This is an excellent way to grow a successful business.

If you are looking for great niche business ideas, there are plenty of places to get inspiration. For one, search Ebay to see what products are selling in almost any category. You might find a few niches that are interesting. The great thing about Ebay is that all the sales information is right online. You can tell what sells and how many people are selling it. You can also see what price most items go for. So for a great business, check out niche businesses.

June 11, 2007

Increase PR with ViralTags

An interesting concept for viraltag to increase your PR!!, I couldn’t resist. The System is pretty easy: Copy & paste the tags and instructions in a new post, add a link onto the tag of your choice and publish it. Then tell others to do the same. When I notice your link, I will link back accordingly.


========= Copy and Paste this line and Below==========

Instructions:

1.) Copy and paste the matrix of “ViralTags” below courtesy of Inner88 by Jason A Clark.

2.) Substitute the Host Tag and one of the “Viral Tags” in the matrix with your anchor text of choice and your blog’s URL. Please keep anchor text to a maximum of 3 words to keep the matrix size manageable.

3.) When you get a ping back from someone that has your link in one of their “Viral Tags,” practice being a friendly part of the blogging community by copying his/her Host Tag’s anchor text (automatically the associated link will also be copied) and paste it over one of your “Viral Tags” below.

4.) Encourage and invite your readers to do exactly what you’re doing now.

5.) Keep in mind that porn sites are not really welcomed in this link exchange. We also ask that you not tamper with other people’s links cause that’s not cool. Be cool.

"Lots of links, Lots of Good!"

Host Tag: Home Based Business

Tech at Hand | Internet Marketing Austria | Technology Music Life | Manila Mom | Link Love | Internet Startup Blog | Make Money Blogging | Agloco Internet Marketing | Daily Bulls Investing | Tech Gadgets Stocks | Affiliate Program | Computer Seventy-Five | Learn about e-Learning | Tech Hack Ramblings | Jack Book | Screen Writer Guy | Overseas Filipino Worker | Earn Money Online | Really Smart Guy | Earn Income Online | Day Mind Xpression | Entrepreneurship Internet Web | Make Money Blogging | Create a Blog | Pie Hole | start a blog | Tech Startups Web2.0 | Plugins TV Blogging | Mrs Sparrow | Hot Buzz | Weight Loss | Really Funny Jokes | Internet Marketing German | Domain Development Blogs | Business Blog Web | Anitokid Chronikos | Klapkids Chronikos | esofthub’s web finds| Wealth Blog | The Broken Bow | Building Rankings Fast | Blogging Money Secret | Master Engrafter | Home Based Business | Travel Vacation | Yoga for Health | Cat in my head | Make Money Online | Miraz Tutorials | Monetize Your Blog | Political Sosial Media | Dating 40s Relationship | Investing Women Online | Running MINI Wales | Running Fitness Marathons | Islam4me | Make Money Blogging | Russian Jokes | 7Confessions | Make Money Online | Secret Attract Gratitude | Jason's Random Thought | Malaysian Stock INC | Anything goes | Ganar Dinero online | Maryannaville | Nonsense and Tears | Budget travel blog | Father of one | Wireless lan securiy | Heroin Addiction Codependence | Seo Blog | Dinosaurs | Blogging for money | Gold Rush'in blog | Paid to blog | Political Personal Humorous | Bulletproof Harpist | Technology at Hand | Earn Income Online | Anything and Everything | Best of Blog | Technology for Humans | Affordable Graphic Design | Make Money Online | Food Time | A Day inlife | Cookie Labs | Secret Tech Blog | Mariuca's Perfume Gallery | Batang Yagit | Brainybimbo | Jepoy | I am Balong | MF | Agloco Hours | Accountancy Basnav | Kev-walkabout | Blog Contests | Life's Daily | Angelblush | GameOPS | Jehzlau Concepts | A Great Pleasure | Composed Gentleman | The SOHO Quest | Nessa-Mumblings | Startup Entrepreneur Money | Nostalgia Manila | Sosial Media Munching | Webtools | EMOI | The Third Eye | TECH LOG-rahul | Web Designer California | Earn Money Online | We Are Family | As-Asylum | Yummy Silikon Chips | Motiveless Crime | Good Jokes | Left In Aboite | Otwomd | Free Stuff | Getrich from Home | Aloe Money | Huma~B | E-cashworld | Daily Bulls Investing | Blogger Whale | Digital IT Blog | Henkou | Elcomentario Diario | GregStratz | Chew On That | Random Thoughts | Blogging News Reviews | Learning Without Limits | China Blog | Coffee Milk | Justice Invesment | Blogger Whale | Get Money | Menifesto Television | My Lucky Day | Earn money Blog | Sosial Networking Mother | Down The Tracks | Laugh Stupid Joke | Teacher | Building Ranking Fast | Build Rank Fast | Feedget | MSU Spartan Sport | Stackians.com | Chrono Tron | Money Hub Online | Mommy's Gateway | Pro Audio Matrix | Love Potion(gayuma) | Daily Tech Note | Working Home Mom | Ibujempol Bundawah | Diary Bad Girl | Tech Gadget Stock | Speedcat Hollydale | Wondering Thinking Pondering | Ridelt Likeyou Stoleit | KoolBirks.com | Electronica Music | Snapshots of life | BlogRoodo.com | The Biggest Loser | A Greatway Musing | jehzlau concepts |

Important: Once I get a ping back from you I will add your anchor text and the associated link you designate as “Host Tag” here on my page, replacing one of the “ViralTags” from the matrix above. As more and more bloggers copy and paste this matrix, the more backlinks you will have with your anchor text. If everybody who copies and pastes from your blog does the same this program will soon spread and go viral. So, the sooner you participate, the more links with anchor text you will receive. If you need faster link tag return, just comment in this post.

======== Copy and Paste this line and Above ========

Buying an Existing Business Or Start Your Own?

The truth is either option may be right for you. You will have to examine the pros and cons of both and determine what works best for you and your situation.

Different situations both in your life and in your personality should determine what route you take, if any at all. Remember, the better decision you make, the better chance that you will have to succeed.

Current Job Situation

The current job situation that you are in should be a deciding factor when you decide to start a business or buy a business.

Existing Business- An existing business is the best option if you do not have the money to maintain a business and your personal life until the business become successful. Since an existing business should already have a client base and profits, then chances are you will not have a problem sustaining yourself on the money that is made from it. You should be able to quit your job relatively quick, provided that you find a company that has already passed the new phase, has a good client base, and is showing profiles.

New Business- New businesses typically take a minimum of a year to become profitable. Until then, you will have to have the money to not only sustain the business, but your personal bills as well. If you do not have the resources available to do this, then chances are you will not be able to quit your current job. A new business should only be an option if you have the money for a year, or possibly more. You will have to keep your job for some amount of time. Having 2 jobs, especially one that relies on your for success can be a very stressful situation, so be sure you are ready and up to the challenge. The rewards are great in the end.

Patience

Existing Business- An existing business should already have everything, and take very little effort to get up and going once you complete the sale. This means that profits will come in much faster then if you were to start a new business. If you do not have the patience to let a business grow, then buying an existing business is the best option for you.

New Business- most new businesses take a minimum of one year to start showing the first signs of profit. This means that you will have to have a great deal of patience. However, the satisfaction you get from starting your business from scratch is well worth the wait.

Your Local Area

New Business- The first step in making a new business is deciding what interests you and how you could use that interest to gain profit. This can cause problems, especially if the area in which you live in already contains a business similar to the one you are wanting to start. You may have to consider moving to a new location, or changing what you want to do in order to suit the area in which you live. Starting a new business gives you this opportunity.

Existing Business- If your roots keep you where you are, then it may be a good idea to start looking the businesses in your local area. Are there any for sale? Is there anything that interests you or catches you eye? Buying an existing business ensures that you will be able to sustain that business in that area, mainly because it is already being done. You will not want to buy an existing business if you plan on relocating it.

Stamina

New Business- A new business not only takes patience, but it takes a great deal of stamina as well. When you start a new business, your who life will change. You main focus will be getting that business of the group, because chances are that you will not succeed unless you do so, and not all businesses succeed at all. You will have to deal with let downs, especially if your business takes longer to become profitable then you expected. You may have to work on your business for 18 hours a day. You may have to work harder then you expected. These are all factors that you should consider.

Existing Business- Since an existing business already have the structure it needs to be successful, you will need much less stamina. You will only need the time and effort to maintain what is already there

June 9, 2007

Online Business Services

If you have a small business online then you probably need a few services in order for it to run smoothly and efficiently, here are some tips on some of the best online business services.

There are many types of services that most ecommerce businesses need. They are web hosting, shopping carts, payment processing services and shipping services.

Web hosting is usually relatively easy to find and set up. Most web hosters usually charge a set fee for hosting a web site, usually about $10 per month. Web hosters also have great software and security features to run your business smoothly.

Shopping carts are for businesses that sell products on their web sites. One of the easiest ways to sell online is to set up a shopping cart service on your web site. You can control your inventory, change prices and items and give customers great features such as coupons and suggestive selling.

Payment processors facilitate payments from your customers over the internet. Many people either choose credit card processing or other forms of online payments such as Paypal or Stormpay. Payment processors are the heart of your ecommerce business, and can usually integrate with your shipping software.

Shipping software can calculate shipping costs, print labels and communicate with customers by sending them emails with tracking information. If you have a small online business, check out these great services to make your online business run smoothly and efficiently.

June 7, 2007

Top 7 Reasons To Have a Business Website

The 20th centuries internet boom showed us that even the smallest of business needed a website to compete in the market. As we entered the 21st century, this became even more apparent as everyday people gained internet access and started searching for products on services online. Over 90% of all American families have a home computer, and some form of internet access, whether it be dial up or high speed broadband. Out of those 90%, over 65% will search online first when making a new purchase or hiring someone's service. If those numbers alone do not convince you to build a website for your business, then these reasons should:

1) Sell your products online- The ability to sell your products online, typically using an online shopping cart or eBay, could greatly increase your sales. Just thing, your products will be seen in more then one place, give you greater exposure. Plus, the overhead of displaying your products in an online shopping cart is FAR less then in a conventional store.

2) Give information that you would not normally be able too- You do not want to clutter your physical store with posters that talk about the history of your business, your mission, policies, etc. If your physical store looks cluttered, then it will hurt your business. A website can be organized in a neat manner with any and all the information you want displayed. Plus, providing information about your business will make the customer feel more informed, which in turn will make them more likely to do business with you.

3) Websites are global- A website is globally accessible, provided your domain name is known or searchable. Can you name one of form of advertising that is available to anyone in the world, 24 hours a day? You may gain clientele that you would not normally be able to market too in the "real world."

4) Website are cheap- Sure, initially it will cost you some money to create and setup your website, but once your website is up, it will remain up as long as you keep paying for hosting and your domain name, which averages about 6 dollars a month. You cannot place an ad in the local newspaper for 6 dollars a week, much less 6 dollars a month.

5) Clients will be able to view your store and contact you 24 hours a day. You business probably has set hours in which you are open. Once you close your doors for the day, no other customer can come in and make a purchase. With a website your products are available for purchase 24 hours a day.

6) Minimize customer problems and questions- Again, this goes back to the information situation. If a client has a problem or question about your products or services, instead of tying up your phone line and time, they can go online and read the information that you have provided, or at least direct them to a website that can help them (ex: If you sold them a Sony walkman, you can direct them to the Sony website for any troubleshooting.)

7) Chances are, you completion has a website- The amount of businesses with a website are on the rise. With numbers reaching 80%, you cannot afford to NOT have a website, because chances are your competition already has a website.

June 5, 2007

Competing with Big Business

If you are a small business or developing an internet web site that will sell products and services, the chances are you will go head to head with many larger businesses. With so many large businesses and corporations trying to sell their products and services over the internet, it can seem very difficult to make inroads. However with a few internet tools, you can compete with big businesses and make a healthy profit.

Whether you are selling on Ebay, developing an ecommerce site or creating web sites for ad dollars, you can compete with big businesses and still survive comfortably. Ebay has always been a bastion for entrepreneurs and most large companies won’t sell on Ebay due to the fact that many people look for unique or used items or figure it is too expensive for them to sell on Ebay because profits are sometimes razor thin. You can set up a business on Ebay very easily and sell unique T-shirts to phone accessories to antiques. .

Competing with big business via web sites is surprisingly level as well. While many web sites draw millions of visitors a month, you can easily create a blog or web site that has thousands of visitors a month and very quickly make a living off the advertising income. Many web developers create content sites for the sole purpose of selling affiliate products or text advertising using Google AdSense. No matter what your choice of internet business, you can easily compete with big businesses online with web sites and auction sites.