Showing posts with label international business. Show all posts
Showing posts with label international business. Show all posts

Thursday, 12 July 2012

The Importance of Choosing The Right Packaging Material for Your Business

Packaging Material
With more and more individuals being extremely reliant on the internet, cyberspace has been converted into one big marketplace connecting buyers and sellers from all over the world. Now, you can purchase a luxury bag all the way from Italy without even leaving the confines of your home. Of course, the problem now is getting that product from point A to point B. Although shipping has become more advanced through the years, online merchants cannot afford to take chances. Experienced internet sellers know that there are so many things that could go wrong with shipping products. For those who are still getting into the business of online selling, here are a few things to be on a look out for:

 Damaged Goods

Don’t feel so smug just because you had your shipments insured. First off, you do not want your customers to feel utterly dismayed after opening their package and finding broken fragments. Secondly, the entire process of going to the shipping company and asking for a refund can be extremely taxing on your part and an annoying hassle on your customers’ part. The entire experience can be harrowing enough to deter customers from buying online or they may just stay away from purchasing items from you.

 Features of Good Packaging Material

The best way to keep your products in tact throughout the shipping process is to using packaging material that was specially designed to withstand travel. The most durable packaging materials are mailing bags. Make sure though that you pick a brand with the best features. Take note at how these bags can be sealed. While others need you to use glue or tape, a not so reliable method which may result in items leaking out, the best mailing bags have easy to seal flaps which are difficult to open unless done by hand to prevent accidents.

Other than the fact that paper packaging materials are not so environmentally friendly, synthetic materials can also resist tears much effectively than the former. The strength of your mailing bags is crucial especially since freight providers won’t really be handling your packages all too carefully, and there will be considerable tugging and pulling involved.

Another benefit of using synthetic material is the fact that they can be manufactured in various colors. Just because you operate an online business does not mean that you shouldn’t worry about how your products are presented. Boutiques and shops make it a point to have delicate looking paper bags printed, so why shouldn’t you use a packaging material which is just as visually appealing? Mailing bags often come in any color which includes transparent ones. 

Adeson Deon is a business writer. He specializes in great marketing ideas like using mailing bags

Friday, 20 April 2012

Staying Competitive in an International Marketplace

For better and for worse, home computing technology and the Internet have leveled the professional playing field. No longer is location a barrier to employment entry and diligent workers are emerging from some of the world’s bleakest economies. And while this development heralds a brighter future for countries such as China, India and more, how can American workers compete with those who can afford to perform the same work but for a fraction of the homegrown price?
Get Good – Or Get Out
The late, great management consultant Peter Drucker gave a brief interview to Fortune magazine several years ago that detailed the best advice he had ever received. When he began his career, his manager told him that if he didn’t improve his performance, he was out. The point is this: provide a top quality product at a reasonable price. Note that you don’t have to offer the lowest price; you do, however, have to provide the best product for the price. Run a professional operation with a solid product while providing world-class customer service, and guarantee a happy clientele that returns again and again.

Know Your Worth
Whether you’re a freelance writer or you run a CJ Pony Ford Mustang parts dealer, remember that your time and skills have value, not just the product you’re selling. For example, if you own a ski shop at the base of Vail and you specialize in matching hard-to-fit customers with the best boots on the market – and you’re willing to fit the person again and again, with a smile on your face – then you can charge another $40 for the privilege. If you’re a writer and your client wants multiple edits, do so willingly and with a smile, and perhaps next time you can charge a higher price. If you want to provide the best quality Mustang accessories, differentiate yourself with service and selection so that customers realize that you care about their purchase experience more than the rest.
Hire What You Lack
Perhaps you’re great at technology, but not so great at sales. Or maybe your product is well-made, innovative and reasonably priced, but your marketing skills are nonexistent. If that describes you, then run – don’t walk – to hire a contractor or employee who does have those skills. Once you relieve yourself of the responsibility to be an expert on every part of your business, you can free yourself up to pursue your talent, which drives revenue. It’s ok if you’re not a Quick books expert – someone out there is.
If You’re Not Making Money, Figure Out Why
Most successful business owners will tell you that their small operations turned a profit right away. If your business isn’t making money, figure out why. Perhaps what you think is an essential product or service actually isn’t. Perhaps you have a manufacturing problem. Perhaps your prices are too high, and your customers are getting a better value elsewhere. Develop a relationship with your customers as well as your employees. If you don’t already know what your problem is, chances are someone else does. And the sooner you can figure it out, the sooner you’ll put your business on the path to profitability.
Now that you know more about staying competitive, you might want to learn more about how to market to a target audience like those needing CJ Pony Mustang accessories. Guest post written by James.

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