Credit cards are a big boon to small businesses. Enabling a healthy cash flow, credit cards help to make large purchases by allowing businesses to borrow money for a particular time period without interest. Without having to carry physical cash which can be stolen more easily, credit cards offer flexibility and ease of transactions.
The lack of availability of personal savings, assets, bank loans or wealthy friends and family who can share their wealth for running your business leaves us with one option – credit cards.
Offering better terms and conditions for their usage, business credit cards are a good cushion to fall back on, for people with a small business. Their extended billing cycles, higher credit limits, discounted interest rates for repaying credit earlier than specified, allowing customers to combine reward points of multiple cards enabling them to utilize the benefits faster, free employee cards, privileged access to airport lounges, airline ticket discounts, discounts on restaurants and hotel stays for those whose business involves frequent traveling, cash back schemes and heaps of other profitable advantages should be considered while applying and owning credit cards for small businesses.
Different credit cards offered to small businesses by the largest credit card companies in the United States each have their features. A few examples of the credit cards offered are:
- American Express SimplyCash Plus Business Credit Card
- Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card
- Capital One Spark Cash Select for Business
- American Express OPEN Business Platinum Card
- Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card and
- American Express OPEN Business Gold Rewards Card
While for some of these credit cards, an annual fee is a must, others can be enjoyed without it. The cost per year, interest rates, billing cycle, transaction fees for overseas expenditure, late fees payable in the event of a delayed repayment, and the credit cards with the best business rewards, the best for large travel expenses, the one with the most cash back rewards, the most flexible credit card and other such aspects and benefits of each of these credit cards must also be considered before applying for one.
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The world of franchising explained
Read moreThe idea of owning a franchised business is appealing to many first-time business owners. The lure of buying into an existing, successful business model is hard to resist with many urban myths on the ease of owning and running a franchise. With many franchises failing within the first year of business is proof that the idea of a franchise that runs itself is nothing but a myth. This myth is the first and biggest pitfall of the Franchise business. So, first time investors, ask yourself the ultimate question before you commit to a franchised business, ‘Is Franchising for You?’
The first question before committing to a franchise is to know what franchise to pick. Most investors run through the plethora of available franchises and prefer to take one up, that is more attuned to their personal sensibilities. This may not be the best for the brand or the franchisee. A franchise, like another business, is dependent on the local market. If the product is sellable and has a demand in the area, the chances of it bringing in profits are higher. Buying into a franchise that is attuned to your personality will only offer you a happy work place.
The second question before settling down on a franchised business is, ‘How much time can you give the business?’. The idea of the self-running franchise, working at your own pace, and that the franchisor does most of the thinking are all myths. The reality is that a franchisee is solely responsible for the franchised business. Forget the Franchise myth of a 40-hour week, depending upon the business you choose, you may end up spending 70 hours a week to make sure everything runs right. Franchisees must understand that the business does not run itself, each outlet requires management, either from franchisees or from employees hired for the job.
The most important question to ask yourself before you invest in a franchise is, ‘can you afford the franchise?’ Though Franchisors will take in some of the costs to get the franchise up and running. Most franchises that die within the year die because of low capital. Franchisors can provide average running costs, but the franchise is still a business and needs to have enough funds to run till it is profitable. Most franchises start with a bang, but revenues coming in is solely dependent on local market conditions and how franchisees can tackle problems that arrive on a regular basis.
If you believe you can run your own business, toe the line and follow orders, put in the man hours, then buying into a franchise might bring you the financial rewards you seek.
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Decorate your windows with Roman shade pattern
Read moreFurnishing the interior, whether it is your office or home, is a massive task in itself. The most difficult time is when you have to match the window blinds with the decor of the room. It is not always about privacy that one needs a drape on the windows. Sometimes it’s just to give a polished look to the interior of the house.
Roman shade patterns are decorative and elegant. Also it is considered the best by both homeowners and interior designers. There are mainly two types of Roman shades – flat or custom Roman shades and hobbled or looped Roman shades. The best thing about the shades is that they come in a variety of patterns. The texture, colours and patterned design make the shades even more attractive.What is so special about Roman shade pattern?
Roman shades are available in a variety of patterns, which gives your house the elegance that it requires.Relaxed Romans: As the name suggests, this type of shades come with a design that gives a soothing and relaxing effect. They are also known as London shades or soft shades, and they slightly bow when they are raised. These are appropriate for windows that are less than 54 inches wide.
Pleated Roman shades: Roman shades need a structure to stay on itself, and that is provided by the pleated or tucked pattern. The folds of this shade are sewn in a uniform manner, 4 to 5 inches apart from each other. The panels, when raised, are neatly stacked one on top of the other, 6 to 8 inches apart approximately. The shade is inspired from Asia and has horizontal lines with a Zen-like design.
Balloon Roman shades: It is the most beautiful shade owned among the variety of Roman shades available. It is not suitable for daily use, but it complements the decor that is conventional and not so modern. At the top, there are inverted box pleats.
Butterfly Roman shades: It looks bright and lovely when a butterfly-shaped offshoot hangs from the blinds at the bottom. It gives richness to your windows and a break from the monotonous drapes.
Embellished bottom: It is always a fascinating idea to customize one’s decor according to own style, and one such customization is to have an embellished bottom. Beads, fringe or even tassels can be added to give a more elegant look to the patterns. Many people prefer the European Style with a curved bottom, gathered vertically in the middle. There are never-ending varieties of such embellishments and patterns.