/ By edd / spiral-freezers/ / 0 Comments

Door Knocker Installation

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Installing a door knocker may seem like a simple project, but it seems that there are a few questions to be answered before getting started.

I just had one of the best laughs I have ever had. While watching one of my favorite TV shows, the main characters walked up to a house to knock on the door. I had to look twice but there it was, a beautiful little urn style door knocker not only mounted way to high on the door, but it was installed upside down. This situation required a very tall visitor to use a door knocker that probably could not generate enough knock to be effective.

Needless to say, knuckles were used instead.

This was a good laugh but it did expose a reality to a guy who sells door knockers for a living.

Door knockers are usually purchased that uses either surface mounting or through the door mounting.

Surface mounting would be the simplest. Screws pass through the body of the door knocker and into the door behind.

Through the door mounting as the name implies, uses bolts that pass through the door and screws into the door knocker to hold it in place.

The through the door method is a bit more complicated because holes must be drilled through the door to match the mounting points on the door knocker. To complicate matters many times the mounting bolts themselves must be cut to the proper length to match the width of the door.

If you are replacing an existing door knocker that uses through the door mounting you must find a new door knocker that uses the exact same bolt pattern, or, as it is properly called, bolt center as the previous one has.

The bolt center measurement is the exact distance from the center of one mounting bolt to the center of another mounting bolt.

If you purchase a replacement door knocker with a different bolt center dimension you will need to drill another hole through the door. The further problem is there will be an unused hole in the door that must be covered or filled.

It is usually preferable to find a replacement door knocker using the same bolt center dimension but this is not always possible. There is no standard and the bolt center is usually determined by the design of the door knocker itself.

And now what seems like the hundred thousand dollar question for door knocker installation. Where do I mount it on the door?

The pattern and design of the door itself may dictate where the knocker is mounted. There always seems to be the lingering question of how high?

Once again there is no standard but logic should dictate that the average person should be able to reach the door knocker for it to be used. Even if you intend the knocker to be purely ornamental and not be used, it just does not look right if it is located way to high or low.

A typical height from the bottom of the door would be around 5 feet, or about eye level of an average person, give or take a bit to match the pattern of the door.

As a final thought, a door knocker really should be mounted on the door itself, not next to it. Once again if the knocker is there for purely ornamental reasons it may make little difference but if you are expecting results from it that is another case. The tap of the knocker will not resonate through the door jam or wall effectively enough to be heard well on the other side.

A door knocker is a wonderful inexpensive addition to your home that can add charm and warmth to your entrance. Once installed it should require little attention or maintenance for many years to come.

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Source by Bill Shayler

/ By edd / spiral-freezers/ / 0 Comments

Relocating to South Africa – Immigration Information

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Whilst many foreigners dream of relocating or moving to South Africa, many foreigners are actually taking a chance and moving their families and lives to our beautiful country. As this process can often be difficult and tedious, more so if you are not correctly informed prior to your immigration process, there are many aspects of relocating to South Africa that is required to be thought through before the new adventure can begin.

Many foreigners only realize the amount of matters that have to be sorted through and arranged once they arrived in our stunning country. There is no need to stress, if all information is at least known before arriving, this will save you many nights of worry and many more days to enjoy our sunshine, beaches, mountains and beautiful flora and fauna with yourself or your family.

Transferring money, bank accounts, exchange control, taxation and investments information

– Transferring Money into South Africa

For a foreigner wanting to reside in South Africa, or even if a foreigner wants to invest in the country in one way or another, an agent or consultancy is always the best to approach for the finer details regarding best exchange rates when transferring money, investments, transferring of money and tax implications.

– Bank Accounts in South Africa

Opening up of bank accounts is a simple process, provided the correct documentation is supplied to the relevant consultant. If a foreigner wants to obtain a personal/individual bank account (while on a visitors visa), a “non-resident” account can be opened for that person. Whilst these accounts can have all the features of normal banking account, the “non-resident” accounts are restrictive in as much as they cannot generally receive deposits in Rands. Once on a temporary residence permits, these accounts are changed to “resident” accounts. It is best to speak to a Bank consultant to get the best possible service and views.

The foreigner’s closed corporation can obtain a business account, there would be no currency restrictions in terms of Rand deposits, as the closed corporation is viewed as a legal identity in its own right and in the foreigner’s case, is incorporated in South Africa. To receive the best service and required documentation, speak to a banking consultant or an agency that can assist with this nature of services.

– Exchange Control

Upon transferring money to South a foreigner will be confronted with the exchange control regulations in South Africa.

South African Exchange Control Regulations are a set of laws controlling the in and outflow of money in South Africa. An authorised dealer in every major South African bank are required to make sure on behalf of the Reserve Bank that incoming and outgoing money complies with the regulations.

A foreigner can transfer an unlimited amount of money into South Africa. As long as the foreigner transfers the capital via a bank within South Africa, it will get registered with the Reserve Bank.

There are limitations in place when it comes to transferring capital out of South Africa.

The rules and limitations for a foreigner depend on the status for exchange control purposes when the person arrives in South Africa. The Reserve Bank distinguishes between foreign nationals, temporary residents, immigrants and South African citizens.

Since the status of people relocating to South Africa varies according to the kind of permit they receive, individual advice is necessary.

It should be noted that it is not correct that foreigners relocating to South Africa cannot take any of the money they brought into the country out again. There are rules and regulations, but they do not permit the retransfer of capital introduced into South Africa.

– Taxation

South Africa has a residence based tax system, which means that all tax residents are taxed on their worldwide income, irrespective of where it was earned.

Even in case that a foreigner is not classified as a tax resident in South Africa from the start, the foreigner will have to pay tax on income generated from a source within South Africa.

It is important that a person takes care to that he or she is compliant with both Revenue Services, the one in South Africa and the one in his/her home country. South Africa has signed double tax agreement with many countries to avoid that a person pays tax for the same income in two countries at the same time.

A foreigner should seek expert advice to determine from when they will be classified as a tax resident in South Africa and what consequences this status will have on your tax situation.

– Investments

South Africa has always welcomed foreigners who invest in our country. For those foreigners who know only limited information on investment options, this matter should be dealt with by an expert financial controller or agency that can assist with this service. Investment in this country is on a large scale and many foreigners, who immigrate to South Africa, do not receive the best service, exchange rates, etc – therefore, causing losses, instead of financial gain. With a mixture of different opportunities and jurisdictions, it can prove to be a multitude of choices and decision to make.

Buying Property in South Africa

There are many opportunities to buy a property in South Africa, for a holiday home or for indefinite periods – there is an extensive market for those on the look out for the best possible properties that South Africa has to offer. Although the market is aimed at the “Seller” and the ‘Seller’s” needs, there are those agents who are on the side of the buyer (foreigner). These agents are the best to speak with concerning purchasing a property in South Africa, as they will always ask the right questions, find the best possible prices, areas, etc for the foreigner and family.

Prospective foreign buyers face a number of matters that are unique to those purchasing property abroad, some matters are: correct financing, exchange control matters, decreased knowledge of geographical areas, difference in buying method from abroad. It is best for the foreigner to find an agent or South African company who can assist with these matters and others, through the entire process, as to not leave the foreigner with questions unanswered but, to enable the foreigner to enjoy their time in South Africa and see their path leading to their new beginning growing.

School and Employment in South Africa

With all families, foreign or South African, finding the right school and employment in the country, if needed, is two of the most important aspects of relocating to another country.

In South Africa, there are many educational institutions, whereby children of foreigners (after obtaining a study permit for that school) spend most of the days. It is always important to find a school that has many of the activities that the child enjoys, some schools focus on sports activities and some schools focus on recreational activities, there are many schools which have a medium with both kinds of activities offered to their students.

South Africa offers many wonderful benefits to reside in, with its increasingly first-world infrastructure and its growing influence in the international market, career aspirations can constantly be fulfilled. If a foreigner would like to work in South Africa, the necessary work permit would need to be obtained in order for the foreigner to work legally in the country. It is best to speak with an immigration agency in order to find out what work permit would be best suited to the foreigner in question.

Permits for residence in South Africa

In order for a foreigner to reside legally in the country, irrespective of the visitor’s visa obtained either at the border when entering the country, or before arrival from the relevant Embassy, the foreigner would need to reside in South Africa on a valid permit constantly in order to prevent fines incurring, deportation back to the country of origin or imprisonment.

There are many different permits and these are issued at the discretion of the Department of Home Affairs to the foreigners who qualify for these appropriate permits.

– Visitor’s Extension Permit (holiday/visit)

A visitors extension permit is issued to a foreigner only once in succession (after initial issuance of visitors visa when arriving in South Africa), therefore, the maximum stay that a foreigner can reside in South Africa on a visitors permit/visa is 6 months (160 days), this is dependent on the country of origin’s initial visitors permit, as many countries issue the visitors visa under 90 days, etc. Once the 6 months has come to an end, the foreigner would need to leave the country, or apply for a temporary residence permit (if the foreigner qualifies for a specific permit).

In order to receive a visitors visa at the border (i.e. airport), the foreigner who is entering South Africa is required to show a return ticket to the country of origin within 3 months (90 days) after arrival, if not, the officials at the borders are able to deny entry into South Africa.

– Study permit

In South Africa, a foreigner who would like to study in an educational institution would require a South African study permit (temporary residency). There are 2 options for a study permit for the respective foreigner(s):

The first option would be for foreign families immigrating to South African with children from the age 6 to 16 (as all children from the age of 6 to 16 are required by law to attend schooling, therefore, requiring a South African study permit). If a child is young enough to attend crèche, pre-school, etc, provision may be made by the Department to issue a study permit to the child(ren), this is done with their own discretion. These permits are issued to the length of the schooling period, the maximum period length of a study permit is 3 years and these permits can be extended a number of times.

The second option would be for individual (stand alone) foreigners wishing to continue their studies in South Africa (e.g. university, college, etc). These study permits are issued by the Department of Home Affairs to the applicant who has been “provisionally accepted” to a South African Registered Educational Institution. These study permits are issued to the length of the course; this is done with the Department’s discretion and can be extended is necessary.

A person (foreign student), over the age of 16 years is able to conduct work for 20 hours per week during their term (semester) or when the workplace is a learning institution on a South African study permit.

– Business Permits

Business permits are issued to foreigners who wish to operate a business in South Africa, whether it be closed corporations, sole proprietors, etc. These permits are issued to those foreigners who wish to invest in an already established business or establishing a new business.

In order to qualify for a business permit, the foreigner must submit proof stating that they wish to invest or have already invested an amount of (a) ZAR 2.5 million in cash in foreign currency, (b), a capital contribution of at least ZAR 2.5 million or (c) at least ZAR 2.5 million in cash in foreign currency and a capital contribution of ZAR 500,000 into the book value of the business in question, along with other substantial documentation proof (i.e. business plan).

If a foreigner wishes to invest less than ZAR 2.5 million into the book value of the business, a recommendation letter (waiver) is required by the Department of Home Affairs, these recommendation letters are issued by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to waiver the capitalized requirement. These letters are also issued for specific industries, e.g. Tourism industry (guest houses), information and communications technologies and others.

Business permits are issued usually for 24 months, but can be issued for up to 5 years, this is at the Department’s discretion. Before the expiry of this permit, the same can be extended.

Permanent Residency can be applied for based on the Business permit category, based on self-employed applicants who invest more than ZAR 2.5 million into the book value of the business. If a foreigner’s investment is less than the prescribed amount, waiting on the outcome of the waiver application is required to be done before permanent residence can be applied for.

For foreigners wishing to operate a business in South Africa, the best option would be to seek advice from an established Immigration company to receive the correct advice and protocol to be established to avoid future problems if done personally.

– Retired Permits

A South African retired permit is issued to a foreigner who wishes to reside in South Africa for 6 months or longer, there are no age minimum or maximum requirements for this permit category.

A foreigner wishing to retire in South Africa and obtain a retired permit must be able to prove the following financials (a) ZAR 20,000 per person, per month for a maximum period of 48 months (four years) through cash assets, capital (bank statements), pensions, actual rental income or investment interest income for a temporary residency application or (b) ZAR 20,000 per month – life-long guaranteed income through pensions, actual rental income or investment interest income for a permanent residence application.

If a foreigner who would like to apply for permanent residence based on retired category and has not been married/in a permanent relationship for 5 years or longer, the above ZAR 20,000 per month, would be per person, resulting in the foreigners submitting proof of ZAR 20,000 per month, per person, each.

The retired person’s temporary residence permit is issued for a period of 6 months to 48 months (maximum period); the period on the retired permit is dependent on the financial income provided.

If a person would like to obtain a retired temporary residence permit, this retired permit only does not permit the holder to work in South Africa. A work endorsement would be required in order for the foreigner to conduct work. If a work endorsement is endorsed with the retired permit, this endorsement is specific, therefore, not allowing the holder to work at any establishment, but for the company employing the foreigner at that time.

No holder of a temporary residence retired permit is able to operate a business or study in South Africa.

– Life-Partner / Spousal permits

All foreigners require a permit to reside legally in South Africa, whereby a spouse (husband or wife) or a life-partner (permanent relationship) of a South African citizen/permanent resident holder would need to apply for a spousal or a life-partner permit. A temporary residence permit can be issued to a foreign spouse/life-partner who has been married/permanent relationship to a South African for less than 5 years, but in turn, permanent residence can only be applied for once the couple have been married/permanent relationship for 5 years or more and can prove this time together.

It would be the more valuable option to apply for temporary residence first (whether married/permanent relationship for more or less than 5 years), as permanent residence takes approximately 18 months (these timescales are not guaranteed), therefore the foreign spouse/life-partner would be legal to reside in South Africa, whether applying for permanent residence or not.

It is very beneficial to obtain a South African spousal or life-partner temporary residence permit, as foreigners who are holders of these permits are able to work, operate a business or study in South Africa with the correct endorsement. This permit negates the need for work permits and business permits to be applied for and all the vast number of documentation that is required. While these spousal or life-partner permit endorsements require only a few additional documents to enable the foreigner to work/operate a business or study in South Africa.

If a foreigner will be conducting work, operating a business or studying in South Africa, it is best to know exactly what endorsement or company to work for, business plans or educational institution, as these endorsements are specific. Therefore, the name of employer/business or educational institution will be mentioned on the permit, not allowing the foreigner work for another company, operating a different business or studying with a different institution, without re-applying (with a new application) for a new specific endorsement on the spousal or life-partner permit.

The length of the temporary residence permit is issued by the Department of Home Affairs at their discretion and is issued for a period between 1 – 3 years. The South African spousal or life-partner permits can be extended at the end of their validity, provided that the marriage certificate or proof of relationship is submitted with the extension application.

– Relatives Permit

While many foreigners who reside in South Africa do not have direct family in the country, there are foreigners who do have family (direct – 1st and 2nd kinship) residing permanently (obtained permanent residence) or are South African citizens in the country, these foreigners may apply for a relatives permit.

For temporary residency, the following lines of kinship may apply for temporary residency, parents, children, siblings. In order to apply for permanent residence, only parents and children are permitted to apply under this category.

The temporary residence permits are usually issued for a period of 1 – 3 years, these permits can be extended if necessary provided the documentation is supplied. Conducting work, operating a business or studying in South Africa is not permitted for the holders of this permit.

– Work permit

In order for a foreigner to work in South Africa, a work permit is required to be obtained from the Department of Home Affairs. Obtaining a work permit can seem daunting and a complex process as foreigners often are informed by potential employers that they cannot employ them until a work permit is in place, this is not necessarily correct, as many immigration companies may contact the prospective employer and communicate the realities regarding work permit matters.

There are four types of work permit categories for foreigners wishing to conduct work in South Africa:

1. General Work permit – a foreigner wishing to apply for a General Work permit is required to provide a conditional offer of employment from a South African based employer amongst other documentation (i.e. advertisement, etc). This work permit is also required to include confirmation that the foreigner who is applying for this permit possesses the necessary qualifications, certified and approved by the South Africa Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and confirmation of the relevant work experience.

These permits are issued by the Department for a period of 1 – 5 years. A person, who has been residing in South Africa on a General Work permit for 5 years or longer, may apply for permanent residency thereafter.

2. Quota Work permit – a foreigner who falls within a certain professional criteria in which skills are considered scarce within South Africa are able to apply for a Quota Work permit. No employer is required for this permit to be applied for. This work permit is also required to include confirmation that the foreigner who is applying for this permit possesses the necessary qualifications, certified and approved by the South Africa Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and confirmation that the applicant has at least 5 years of relevant working experience in the appropriate field.

These permits are also issued by the Department for a period of 3 – 5 years. If a foreigner enters the country on a Quota work permit, the holder must submit confirmation of having secured employment within a specific category within 90 days of arrival (i.e. the Quota Work List issued by the Department of Home Affairs). After a foreigner receives a Quota Work Permit, while in South Africa, this foreigner is required to confirm employment in the specific category within 90 days of receiving the permit; thereafter a General Work permit is applied for to the Department of Home Affairs.

3. Exceptional/Extraordinary Skills permit – a foreigner who possesses exceptional skills may obtain this temporary residence permit. In order for a foreigner to qualify for this permit, the application for an Exceptional Skills permit must be accompanied by letters from foreign or South African organs of state or from an established South African academic, cultural, business body confirming the exceptional skills of the applicant. With these letters, any proof which substantiates the claim to exceptional skills/qualifications must be submitted, such as testimonials from former employers, publications or dissertations are required.

This exceptional skills permit is issued for a period of 1 – 5 years, at the Department’s discretion concerning the exceptional skills. Permanent Residency is permitted to be applied for under this category.

4. Intra-Company Transfer permits – a foreigner who is being relocated from a branch in the country of origin to a sister branch, subsidiary or affiliate in South Africa. The holders of these permits are seen as a temporary recruitment options for the employer by the Department of Home Affairs; therefore, these permits will only be issued for a maximum period of 2 years.

– Corporate Permit

A Corporate permit is seen as a thread of a work permit, but is issued by the Department of Home Affairs to South African based companies (corporates) who wish to employ foreigners who may take up employment for the applicant for a limited time. These permits also offer these companies the possibility to employ great numbers of employees abroad.

Due to South Africa’s ever growing market, the corporate permit enables the companies, an excellent way to manage their human resources, as each application is aimed at an individual work permit for a predetermined number of required foreign employees, with this application, having to submit detailed job descriptions, specific requirements and the proposed remuneration in respect of each employee.

These are detailed and lengthy applications that require vast amounts of attention to detail. The Department issues corporate permits for a maximum period of 5 years. In order for an extension to be considered, the corporate companies have to appeal to the Department of Labour and Department of Trade and Industry that the positions they require are still in shortage in South Africa.

There are a number of other permits that can be applied for, if the foreigner qualifies, but the most common South African permit options would be the above.

With South Africa’s ever growing economy and population, it comes as no surprise that the matters, such as money matters, taxation, schooling, properties and permits, etc are required to be looked over, dealt with and knowledge increased prior to arrival in order for the foreigner to make the best possible decisions to make their new lives easier and run efficiently for themselves and their families.

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Source by Claire Roodman

/ By edd / spiral-freezers/ / 0 Comments

Choosing Right Hydraulic Crane

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The usage of cranes is not new to the construction world. It has been in use since several centuries, but in last few decades the cranes have seen latest development. They are now available in variety and are technically more advanced. Involvement of cutting-edge technology has made it extraordinary performer in construction.

Among several categories of cranes, hydraulic is one which is widely used for the mobility of heavy equipments. Hydraulic cranes are used for lifting heavy items while machine in stable position. This heavy machine is available in various sub categories.

Usually people don’t buy them, rather prefer to hire them for specific period. If you are planning to hire any such machines, ensure that you choose the right option for your construction. Because construction is not limited to building only, requirement for lifting weighty items may vary. Hence, it is necessary that you are aware of all sorts of hydraulics.

  • Tower crane It is a latest crane which can be fixed on the ground and attached to buildings or structures as well. These are highly preferred for tall buildings as they have the capability to lift heavy items to the considerable height.

  • Self erecting crane –It is a sort of tower crane but with some special features. It can be lifted from the ground to allow another segment of crane to be placed, providing the ease of assembling these machines even in absence of external help.

  • Railroad crane –As the name suggests, it is widely accepted for the maintenance of railroads. Its flanged wheels are the special feature that makes it capable to travel upon the tracks. Simple form of this category is also available that can be mounted onto complicated models like a rail car, in order to customize the design.

  • Telescopic crane –It is an instant solution for short term rescue or construction jobs, because of its compact structure. It incorporates few tubes fitted one inside the other in its boom. Its hydraulic system gets wider to create compression in these tubes. This further helps to alter the overall length of the boom.

  • Manual crane –It is used no more ever since advance versions of electric hydraulic cranes have been introduced. Yet, they are brought in use in absence of power or to save the electricity cost.

Cranes have always been an essential part of constructing buildings, roads, railway tracks, runways, bridges, dams, etc. Latest advancement in cranes, especially in hydraulics has opened a huge scope to choose an ideal machine in respect of the type of construction.

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Source by John K. Taylor

/ By edd / spiral-freezers/ / 0 Comments

Payment Processing Services

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In order to get a strong customer base and to become capable of selling products online it is necessary that your business offers online payment processing services. Your merchant accounts provider can help you gain potential customers and boost your sales by providing you with various payment processing services which will enable you to accept payments from anywhere at anytime at all. Not offering payment processing services can keep your business behind your competitors.

Providing automated and real-time payment processing services allows your business and customers to have the total freedom for online marketing. A merchant account makes payment processing rather simple and hassle free especially for high volume sales. Although some banks and processors still create problems for business owners to get their own merchant accounts due to the risks involved with payment processing, however with merchant account providers it is a lot more dependable and secure. Having your own merchant account not only enables you to accept the various payments but also allows you to offer your customers with various payment processing options and avoid chargebacks.

With a reliable payment gateway, encrypted servers and secure virtual terminal, payment processing has become safe and lets you process payments in a protected environment. It is always better to have your own merchant account for payment processing needs rather than to depend on your bank or processor solely for this reason. Also with processors and banks you have to pay an extra amount of money just for transaction fees and possibly for other payment processing services but with a merchant account you don’t have to worry about such things.

Having your own merchant account enables you to get various flexible payment processing solutions for your business and it not just reduces the lost sales but also enhances the quality of your services by letting you offer hassle free and convenient services to your customers.

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Source by Sana K

/ By edd / spiral-freezers/ / 0 Comments

Shilpa Shetty’s Impact on India – UK Tourism

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Guess who’s been hailed as the newest PR person for Indo-UK tourism: Shilpa Shetty’s impact on INDO-UK tourism

Now knowing Bollywood film actress Shilpa Shetty’s career was already on the back-burner, her entry into the British television show was no debacle as it was made out to by the lady and her tear-streaked face confirming and denying (in true filmy fashion, some would say) the effect of a co-contestant’s supposedly racist remarks. The image conscious UK government was quick to rise to their defence and that of Shilpa’s honor to be fair, issuing statements for not standing by any such cultural issues perpetrators like Jane Goody (the baddie in the show, accused of making unkindly remarks on Ms. Shetty) and rendered their full cooperation in tailing the story via their own substantially roused media counterparts. However, the good news for Indian tourism is that post-the Big Brother TV show publicity, renewed interest in India’s spirituality and level of tolerance (we did issue an invitation to Jane Goody to cleanse her impure and overly aggressive thoughts by visiting Indian spa’s etc!) have done the rounds for great marketing and the impact on Indo-UK tourism is all hunky-dory- at least on political say-so.

The event that sparked off the debate on the Indo-UK tourism sector being affected by Shilpa Shetty’s appearance on the Big Brother TV show was the instance of a ‘not-so-nice-name-calling’ by a fellow contestant, which comprised allegedly racist remarks. India however, put up a brave front and made a public statement in January that the allegations of racist attacks on actor Shilpa Shetty in a British television show would not impact ties between the two countries, including the Indo-UK tourism sector, which stands to gain a lot by way of India having taken such a generous stand and once again emerging as the land of immense spirituality and magnitude of emotions.

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Source by Manoj Gursahani

/ By edd / spiral-freezers/ / 0 Comments

How Strategic Alliances Can Grow Your Business Exponentially (Example: Cash Flow Consultant)

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The smartest marketers nowadays form strategic alliances with other companies that sell “complementary” products or services, whose “image” fits well with their own product or service.

Cross-promotions and cross-advertising can save big on marketing support dollars, while creating more awareness and an even better image for each of the products or services through reciprocal endorsement. Think Pillsbury chocolate chip cookies made with Hershey’s chocolate.

Sometimes the products aren’t even that complementary and a connection between them is almost impossible to see. But why not have a gecko advertise insurance and diamonds in the same ad, if it means shared advertising and media cost?

It’s called “Relationship Marketing” and is indeed a very powerful tool and a very smart move, as long as both products or services

• target the same customer

• do not compete

• have a compatible, positive image

How could this work in the cash flow industry? Let’s say you provide access to factoring dollars. You might “team up” with someone who specializes in purchase order financing or equipment leasing.

You can easily market to the same businesses and customers without competing with each other, as the two of you provide different, yet possibly very complementary products.

Imagine if both of you did the same amount of marketing for your own product. By cross-promoting each other, you would immediately double your marketing reach without any extra costs to either of you.

Now think about having another person on your team who specializes in, say, business plan writing for example! Again, same target group and no competition. You have just tripled your marketing reach and efficiency.

You can probably think of other “good fits” with your business that could equally increase your marketing reach and efficiency in the very same way!

The point here is that through “team marketing” smaller players with more limited time and monetary budgets can achieve faster and greater success by combining their resources and efforts.

Now, where do you start when forming such alliances? First, you need to have the right people, of course. It helps a lot when they are compatible and share the same vision and values. They also need to commit to the same goals, and each of them needs to “pull their own weight”. Motivation and determination are paramount. No free-loading or piggybacking for anyone!

Of course, if you have assembled such a team, you can even take it one step further and go from a “strategic alliance” to a full-fledged company formation.

Imagine, under a single company umbrella you could even qualify for group healthcare insurance rates and enjoy many other cost-saving benefits (e.g. common business cards, brochure, website, and other marketing support materials, etc.).

In addition to the cost savings, just think how much more ground you could cover with a like-minded team compared to what you could achieve on your own with your own, limited resources (both, time and money)!

For example, instead of dividing your available hours between phone calls, networking events, direct mail preparation, trade show attendance, and social media participation, you could divvy those tasks up between different team members and run those activities simultaneously instead of consecutively.

Think of the afore-mentioned cost saving opportunities. Let’s say you had $5,000 to build and run your business. If you do it on your own, you pretty much have to spend the money on operational cost and marketing just to keep the business going.

Now imagine you had three like-minded “partners” who all had $5,000 working capital as well. All of the sudden the “company” has $20,000 working capital. Even if you would now have to spend $8,000 on operations and marketing, the company would still have $12,000 to invest.

Now, the “company” could take, say, $10,000 of its remaining “investment capital” and – instead of just brokering cash flows – actually acquire some paper as well!

Congratulations! You have just created a double-income stream. One from brokering and one from investing.

In other words, the share of the “company’s” working capital that is being “invested” is now actually producing a direct return, instead of just being “spent” on activities that are expected to generate a return in the future.

That is a huge difference when it comes to the bottom line.

If you put that scenario on a forward trajectory, any surplus money the “company” generates (i.e., income minus expenses and taxes) could now flow into the acquisition of more paper (invoices or notes or tax liens or whatever else best fits the team’s short- or long-term investment strategy and goals).

Of course, it is a quite a leap to go from the idea of being a one-person cash flow broker to a multi-person team or company that not only brokers cash flows but also shares the risks of investing in them.

However, just like being a rocket scientist or a brain surgeon is not for everyone, investing in cash flows may not be for you.

The good news though is that the market entry barriers for becoming a cash flow investor are much lower – unless you’re already on your way to becoming a rocket scientist or brain surgeon, that is, of course.

But if you’re intrigued about the opportunities and challenges of brokering and investing in cash flows, just play it out in a plan and run the numbers (or let me know if you need any help).

If you think this all sounds great on paper but that it is way too difficult to pull off in reality, you might be right.

However, perhaps not necessarily for the “technical” reasons you probably have in mind. The real hard part about the whole thing is finding the right people with the right attitude and the right commitment with whom to team up.

And while it may indeed appear to be hassle-free, less complicated, and quicker to go at it alone, just remember why the team approach can be so much more rewarding on a variety of levels (think time, money, and motivation): Together Everybody Achieves More!

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Source by Ralf Bieler

/ By edd / spiral-freezers/ / 0 Comments

Stacking Chairs – Benefits and Uses

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When space-saving is necessary and when furniture needs to be easily stored when not in use, stacking chairs have proven to be an advantageous choice. With their small footprint and stackable design, these chairs are a popular choice for many businesses including hotels, schools, clubs, restaurants, universities, theaters, and auditoriums. They are also convenient, with their main benefit being that the chairs can easily be put out with their lightweight design; when they are not needed anymore, they can then be stacked and put away in a small space. Many stacking chairs have corresponding dollies and carts that allow for a place to quickly and conveniently stack the chairs when not in use. With the ability to quickly store the chairs, it allows for the space to be used again for other purposes or when cleaning is needed. There are many benefits to owning stacking chairs including their low price, sturdy construction, versatility, and comfort.

Low Price

Stacking chairs are among the most affordable pieces of furniture available as they require minimal materials in their construction, are easy to make, and have a smaller size. They are also much simpler in design, not requiring advanced features that other pieces of furniture, such as multiple ergonomic adjustments that you’d find on an office chair or leather upholstery that may be desired on a couch. Because they are typically a bulk purchase rather than just buying one or two pieces, they are usually eligible for volume discounts which can even further lower the cost of the chair. Depending on the design of the chair or the purpose for which the chair is going to be used are two factors that can also affect the price. Plastic stacking chairs are generally among the cheapest in price and are great for outdoor events or when visitors will be spending a limited amount of time seated in the chair. Fabric, vinyl, and heavy-duty stacking chairs can be a little more costly as they take more time to produce and require the use of more expensive materials.

Sturdy Construction

There are many different types of stacking chairs available each constructed with different materials, however they all have one thing in common, they have sturdy construction and most can even hold up to 250 lbs. They commonly come with steel or aluminum frames, further enhancing their quality construction and come in a variety of materials. Arguably, the most common stacking chair is constructed of plastic and can be found at many events including parties, weddings, orientations, and training seminars. Plastic stacking chairs are sturdy in construction and can hold up to the wear and tear of consistently being moved and stacked. There are also fabric stacking chairs that come with either a fully upholstered seat and back or one or the other. They are more comfortable to sit on, however be wary when stacking because the pressure put on the fabric can leave a permanent mark over time and the fabric can be ripped if stacked in a hurry.

Versatility

Perhaps the greatest contribution stacking chairs have to offer is their versatility in both design and function. They have a lightweight design which allows them to be moved from one place to another with minimal effort and are small enough to fit in just about anywhere. Many stacking chairs are also designed for both indoor or outdoor usage, allowing the purchaser to get the most for their money whether they are needed for an indoor lunch one day or for an outdoor wedding the next. They are designed to be able to hold up to continuous moving and shifting with their rugged construction, although some materials are better than others for this. Not matter the size of the event, their small foot print allows for these chairs to accommodate more guests than other pieces of furniture would.

Comfort

Although most people typically associate cheaper prices with cheaper products, this does not hold true in the case of stacking chairs. While they are less in price than most other pieces of furniture, the need for a comfortable surface to sit on is not comprised in the design. Many come with a curved back rest with built-in lumbar support and a waterfall seat edge. For most guests that will be sitting in your chairs, this will be sufficient enough to provide them with enough support and a comfortable sitting experience for a few hours at a time. If your guests will be spending multiple hours at a time seated in your stacking chairs, it may be worth the investment to purchase stacking chairs with a padded seat(fabric, vinyl, or leather). Some more expensive stacking chairs even come with an adjustable lumbar support to properly position where the support will be needed specific to the individual’s back and armrests.

When purchasing stacking chairs it is important to first take into consideration your guests and their comfort before anything else. Be sure to acknowledge how long they will typically spend sitting at one time and how often the chairs are going to be used. After thinking about your guests, be sure to consider how durable you will need the chairs to be. Will some of your guests need heavy-duty stacking chairs that can hold more weight? If this is the case, then it may be wise to consider investing in a few big and tall stacking chairs that can accommodate guests that may exceed the maximum weight capacity. The last thing to contemplate is the style of the chair. While comfort should outweigh style, it is still an important factor in any piece of furniture you purchase. Most likely, you will have these chairs for years to come and you will want to be completely satisfied with your purchase.

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Source by Chelsea Alves

/ By edd / spiral-freezers/ / 0 Comments

Overview of Kitchen Deep Cleaning and Its Importance for Maintaining Kitchen Hygiene

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Deep kitchen cleaning involves cleaning of all areas of a commercial kitchen, including the ceiling, floors, equipment, preparation tables and walls. The specific focus of this type of kitchen cleaning is to reach out to areas that are out of reach during regular maintenance drills. Dirt and grease accumulate in areas around the refrigerators and under the cooking ranges. The deep cleaning procedure starts with the high level walls and ceiling, but all the difficult to reach areas are reached gradually.

A comprehensive commercial exhaust cleaning company which follows the specifications of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) can be entrusted to complete this task. The deep cleaning of these kitchens involves a detailed approach. All the equipment in the kitchen is stripped down, including grills and fryers. The next step is cleaning them to bare metal. When the floor is cleaned, all the equipment is replaced to the original position.

The kitchen deep cleaning process

Kitchen deep cleaning services involve standard techniques for cleaning the exhaust system. This involves cleaning of the exhaust hood, horizontal or vertical ductwork and exhaust fans. This type of cleaning is compliant with fire code requirements and guarantees protection from the threat of exhaust system fires. Before the cleaning of the exhaust system, all kitchen sections are draped with new plastic. After this, a plastic funnel is placed below the hood in order to drain away the dirt, grease and other kind of unwanted particle accumulation.

In the comprehensive method mentioned above, the grease buildup in the system is prevented from going to the kitchen drains. In a detailed cleaning process, a combination of scrubbing, chemical degreasing and power washing is used to get rid of the grease and accumulated dirt. After the cleaning is complete, your exhaust hood is polished and filters are reinstalled. The last step in the detailed cleaning process is the removal of plastic draping, followed then by the wiping and mopping of kitchen floors.

Deep cleaning is important for kitchen hygiene

Maintaining kitchen hygiene is important not only from the point of view of your employees’ health, but also for preventing fires. Moreover, your kitchen needs to be compliant with the health and safety standards set by various regulatory agencies, such as the NFPA. You do not want to receive a notice from a regulatory body, do you? Moreover, failing to maintain hygiene invites pests.

Only deep cleaning of the kitchen can limit the risks associated with a lack of hygiene to a minimum. Even in the most regularly maintained kitchens, areas such as under the oven and behind fridges can get ignored. That is why most commercial kitchen owners are required by law to subject commercial kitchens to deep cleaning.

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Source by Gery Stokes

/ By edd / spiral-freezers/ / 0 Comments

Toyota Corolla Vs Honda Accord

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Germans lead the pack when it comes to delivering the high quality, high performance automobiles. But there are some Japanese manufacturers that have managed to give the Germans a competition of its kind. Japanese car manufacturers have reported great sales numbers, thanks in large part to the cost benefit the Asian car makers get as opposed to their western counterparts. But this is not always just the cost arbitrage at play; the incorporation of a number of innovative best practices is becoming increasingly visible. Toyota and Honda are two Japanese companies that have emerged in a big way and are giving the westerners a run for the buck. In this review we will be comparing two Japanese marvels i.e. Toyota Corolla and Honda Accord. Both these cars are catering to the mid and full size car markets. Both of these models have seen great success. It is worth noting that as per industry estimates every two minutes three Toyota Corolla cars are sold. Honda Accord has also been a success based on its reputation of being one of the most reliable cars in the world.

Toyota Corolla is available in three trim levels which are Corolla, Corolla S and Corolla LE. The engine used in all the trims is a 1.8 liter DOHC 16 Valve 4 Cylinder with Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence technology. This engine can deliver up to 132 hp at 6000 rpm and the maximum torque of 128 pound feet at 4400 rpm. It has an electronic ignition system with Toyota Direct Ignition technology. This is a front wheel drive vehicle. One can choose between a five speed manual transmission and a four speed automatic transmission, although the LE version comes only with the four speed auto transmission. The manual transmission option provides a better fuel economy. On the other hand, Honda Accord is available in a two door coupe model or a four door sedan. The engine comes in two options: a 2.4 liter four cylinder engine with five speed auto or manual transmission and a 3.5 liter V6 engine which gives only automatic five speed transmission. The power and torque generated varies based on the trim level you choose. It may range between 177 hp to 271 hp and 161 pound feet to 251 pound feet.

Coming to the interiors, Toyota Corolla offers sport fabric trimmed adjustable front seats and fabric trimmed rear seats. Another element of the standard equipment is tilt telescoping steering wheel that has audio controls and metallic accents. You get air conditioning with air filter as well. Honda Accord gets minor updates though. The spacious cabin is filled with high quality materials with an ample elbow room. The interiors are quite comfortable and roomy though. The steering wheel has a number of controls that eases the driver not to wander here and there for common tasks.

On the outside, Toyota Corolla looks fine, not ugly as such. But you would see some better looking competitors though. The new Honda Accord sports an updated front grille, rear deck wheels and bumpers. The looks of Accord are somehow better than what you get in a Corolla. So, in this attribute, the Honda wins over.

Toyota Corolla price starts from $15,900 whereas Honda Accord price starts at $21,380 and so there is a little gap between the rivals and this draws the buyers attention to Corolla a lot. It’s a good choice and worth the price.

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Source by Amit Vicky Ahuja

/ By edd / spiral-freezers/ / 0 Comments

How to Save the Whales One Leaky Faucet at a Time

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How to Conserve Energy and Water through Your Plumbing

Whether you’re looking to lower your utility bills or preserve our earth’s natural resources, maintaining an energy and water efficient home is a top priority for many families. There are a number of different ways you can reduce your home consumption, including improving your plumbing or modifying your water use. Check out these strategies that you can use to make your plumbing more efficient.

Avoid Letting Water Run

Do you leave your tap or shower running as you wait for the temperature of the water to change? If so, then you’re definitely wasting both water and energy in the process. If it takes too long for your tap to produce cold water, consider storing in your refrigerator in a pitcher or filter. If it takes too long for your shower to get hot, try turning up your water heater’s thermostat a few degrees or calling your plumber.

Upgrade Your Appliances

As appliances age, they become naturally less energy efficient, which means they demand more electricity, natural gas, or propane to perform the same tasks. Older appliances can also become less water efficient since factors like sedimentation and corrosion can impact water consumption. Upgrading your dishwasher, washing machine, and water heater to more energy- and water-efficient models will lower your costs and reduce the need for future plumbing repair services.

Have Plumbing Leaks Repaired

Leaky plumbing is a huge source of energy and water waste. Even small leaks, such as a dripping faucet or showerhead, can result in the loss of thousands of gallons of water every year. Leaks in hot water lines also waste energy by losing water that has already been heated. Hiring a plumbing repair service to inspect and repair your plumbing can help to reduce water and energy consumption, as well as avoid water damage and mold growth.

Insulate Your Plumbing

Insulating your hot water pipes (especially plumbing near outside walls) can help to reduce fluctuations in water temperatures, which means your water heater won’t have to work as hard to supply your needs. During winter months, plumbing insulation can also reduce the risk of pipes freezing, which means less plumbing maintenance in the spring.

The best way to conserve water and energy is by having your plumbing and appliances inspected and maintained by a professional plumber on a regular basis. Plumbers can help to identify potential sources of energy and water waste, and can perform the plumbing repairs and services you need to save money and resources.

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Source by Tyler John