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In a tough economy, small businesses need to get creative in order to : The concept behind a legitimate contest is that winners are selected purely by chance - meaning, customers don't have to pay or buy something to either enter into the contest or improve their odds of winning. This includes requiring customers to pay taxes or shipping fees to claim their "prize." An exception to this rule is a skills-based contest - if your contest prizes are awarded based on a skill, knowledge, or talent (like in a trivia contest or singing...
Federal and state laws require employers to prominently display certain labor law posters. Posting all required notices at your business location is a simple but important regulation to uphold. What are workplace posters? These posters are designed to inform employees of their rights and responsibilities established by law. They include a wide range of issues such as equal employment opportunity laws as well as the fair labor standards and family medical leave acts. Workplace posters should be displayed in an appropriate location so that...
For small businesses, exporting can pave a path of expansion and growth. Starting up may seem daunting, but with the rise of the Internet and enhanced trade rules it is now easier than ever to become a successful seller abroad. A new Export Program Guide offers support and assistance for new exporters, or those thinking of their overseas operations. The Small Business Guide to Exporting (Part 2): Getting Financing The 2009 Export Programs Guide is published by an interagency body...
The Small Business Cents blog recently featured payment options for small businesses. Another alternative to traditional card or cash payments is a layaway plan. Layaway plans typically require customers to pay a deposit, generally a percentage of the total price for an item, and make additional payments until the total cost is covered. Retailers agree to hold the item for the customer until the payment plan is complete, at which point they can take home their purchase. Check out this quick guide to understand what laws do and do not affect...
All businesses must comply with federal, state, and local requirements to legally operate in the United States. While these compliance requirements can protect your business name, you may want to take further steps to safeguard your business name, especially if you do business nationally or internationally. Read on to learn more about different types of business names and how to protect them locally, nationally, and internationally. Types of Business Names The many forms of business names include legal names, trade names, domain names...
Online businesses have become extremely popular in that last few years. While many steps of starting an online business are the same as those for a traditional business, several additional requirements are necessary to create your website. To understand the basics of starting your website, you must understand what a domain name is, how to select one, and how to register it. What is a domain name? A domain name is the web address of your online business. For example, Business.gov is the domain name of the U.S. government's...
As consumers, we're constantly looking for a great deal - the best quality, what will last the longest, and for the best price. Business owners are constantly looking for proof that their products will meet all those needs. Warranties are one way to give consumers peace of mind that you are selling a quality product and stand by everything it promises to be. A warranty is promise made by a manufacturer or seller to consumers, to stand behind their product and to correct problems when your product fails. The law recognizes two kinds of...
Heading to court to resolve business conflicts can be costly, time consuming, and even damage your business's reputation. If you're facing disputes with an employee, customer, vendor, or partner, you have conflict resolution options beyond litigation. Alternative dispute resolution, or ADR, is a popular method of settling differences through arbitration or mediation. Depending on the severity of your situation, you may choose to American Arbitration Association* (AAA) or the Global Arbitration and Mediation Association (GAMA)...
Small businesses often need to lease commercial space to operate - whether in a standalone brick-and-mortar store, a booth at a flea market, a floor in a commercial building, etc. Because most people feel comfortable renting residential property, they may not be aware of a few important factors to consider when leasing commercial property. Commercial leases are very different from residential leases: commercial leases aren't bound to the same consumer protection laws; they usually don't follow the same standard forms; and while...
If your business sells merchandise over the phone, through the mail, or on the web, you will likely need to comply with the Mail or Telephone Order Merchandise Trade Regulation Rule. Enacted by the Federal Trade Commission, the "Rule" was established to protect both the seller and consumer when it comes to selling goods remotely. What is the Mail or Telephone Order Merchandise Trade Regulation Rule? The Rule states that businesses must have a reasonable basis for advertising their ability to ship products within a certain time...
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by NicoleD, Former Moderator on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 - 22:18