Sunday, August 31, 2008 

What We Need is Online Retail, Not ecommerce :: Coupon World News

What We Need is Online Retail, Not ecommerce

We call it e-Commerce, which is another word for MARKETING, but what we need is On-line Retail, which is another word for SALES.

The most blatant flaw with today's e-Commerce "shopping cart" solution is that no one has to buy. Less than 1% of visitors to any site buy. Why? Because there is:

- no store (only a 'shopping-cart')

AND - no salesman (i.e: no relationship, no urgency)

What we need is a real, live customer shopping in EXACTLY a traditional environment, interacting with a real, live salesman.

You have already spent hours arranging your in-store product displays. So now take digital pictures of the inside of you store - exactly as it is - as if you were showing it off. You can take pictures of your whole store in LESS THAN 15 minutes - no comments, no pricing, no cataloging.

Your customer, on his computer using only a browser, surfs through your pictures - as if he was inside of your store. When he finds an item of interest, he clicks his mouse and zooms onto the item - not that one? - zoom out.

When your customer sees the item he might be interested in, he circles the item - and ...

HERE'S THE MAGIC:

A. Immediately the picture with the item circled is displayed on your computer.

B. The two of you can text-chat - or you can encourage him to use your toll free number so you can talk with him.

C. You take the item from the shelf and bring it to your web cam - and immediately he sees the item on his computer.

The more interaction you can have with your prospective buyer, the closer you will come to closing a deal.

Item no longer in stock? As you move to a new picture on your computer, your customer's picture on his changes to the SAME picture. When YOU circle a new item, immediately your customer sees the item circled on his computer!

Not in? The picture with the item circled is e-mailed to you so that you can follow up later.

2wayWebPages will give you the opportunity - at the time of your customer's visit - to show the item up-close and to personally interact with him ...

... and THAT leads to a sale!

(c) Rick Kuzik, Owner of Web Daemon and the 2WayWebPage.com technology. If you would like to explore the concept of 2WayWebPages and find out just how effective this emerging technology may be... please visit 2WayWebPages.com.


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How to Save Money at Christmas :: Cost Cutting Done Right!

How to Save Money at Christmas Do you know how to save money at Christmas and still have fun? Sounds impossible but it can be done.

Everyone assumes that in order to enjoy the festive season one has to throw money at it when in fact the opposite can be true.

Research has shown that most people's fondest and most lasting memories of the festive season revolve around the smells and sounds of Christmas and not the expensive gifts that they had received.

Do not get carried away and be miserly but just use some common sense and you will be surprised at how much you can save and still have a good time.

Here are some useful money saving tips on how to enjoy Christmas without spending a fortune:

Presents:

Why buy an expensive present for a child when all they will play with is the cardboard box that it came in?

An alternative could be to buy a board game that the entire family can enjoy rather than lots of individual gifts which will quickly be ignored. The other advantage of a board game is that it can be played throughout the child's early years thereby saving the need to buy even more toys in future. It is better to choose a tried and tested board game rather than the latest trendy one as they are more likely to retain their appeal.

If you cannot afford to buy board games, look to play party games. Go to your local library and take out a book on party games, write down some of your favourite games and play those. A simple mime game can keep the children entertained for hours.

Crackers:

Why buy a box of expensive crackers when you can have just as much fun with a box costing a lot less? The contents are basically the same so why spend more?

Christmas tree:

Why buy a fresh tree which will cost more and have the inherent problem of how to clear up the fallen needles when you can buy a plastic tree for much less? Apart from not having to worry about the clearing up of needles the plastic tree has the added benefit of being re-useable making it a very economical proposition.

Decorations:

Why buy expensive baubles to decorate the Christmas tree when home made decorations can be just as effective without incurring the cost.

Involve the children. It is their Christmas, after all! Get them to paint, colour, cut, design and make their own decorations for the tree.

They can also be shown how to make a variety of decorations for the house including decorative seasonal paper banners, place setting tags, paper candles and paper lanterns.

By involving the children you will give them a sense of achievement and a certain amount of pride in what they have accomplished. That has to be more meaningful than just buying some costly decoration and placing it on the tree?

Food:

Why buy an expensive turkey when a chicken can be just as tasty and less costly? It will also take less time to cook thereby saving on the electricity bill.

Shopping:

When you do your Christmas shopping try not to be influenced by all the clever marketing ploys used to get you to spend more money. Still look for the bargains and continue to shop wisely. Select items that are on special offer. Select items that offer "Buy one - Get one free".

Planning:

With a bit of planning you will be surprised at how much you can save. Here is a useful shopping tip that will save you at least 50% on the cost of all Christmas decorations, Christmas cards, Christmas crackers and wrapping paper. Wait until just after Christmas when the supermarkets begin to hold their after Christmas sales.

You can then buy all the cards, crackers, candles, baubles, wrapping paper and other decorations at very low prices. They can then be used for the following year.

If you follow the above advice you will save money. The money you save can go towards paying for a summer holiday.

You may freely reprint this article provided the author's biography remains intact:

About the Author
John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help UK homeowners find the best available loans via the www.directonlineloans.co.uk website.

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Friday, August 22, 2008 

Selecting the Most Attractive Credit Cards :: Freebies For You

Selecting the Most Attractive Credit Cards

The credit card has been actively promoted for the last decade and more. Promotions for credit cards have become commonplace all across Asia, from aggressive telemarketing to classy freebies being thrown at the prospective customer.

If you're a user in Asia, here are some tips you can take advantage of to make the most of your credit card experience. If you are not in Asia, perhaps there are some similarities in the use and administration of the cards business that will provide some insights into how to maximize your card usage.

When shopping for a card, there are several things you should look out for; the cost, the interest rate and the rewards, amongst others. The cost of the card refers to the annual fee or membership fee for the use of the card. Membership fees differ depending on the type of card applied for, ranging from the ordinary blue, green or silver cards, to more expensive gold and platinum cards. The difference is that more expensive cards come with more privileges, such as concierge services and priority golf for platinum cards.

In Asia, most banks and card companies give out cards for free for the first year, or even up to three years. If you would like to minimize the costs associated with the usage of a credit card, select one with a longer fee-free period. Otherwise, try out the more expensive cards and feel free to cancel the card after the fee-free period is over.

Interest rates on card unpaid balances do not differ much amongst different cards available today, generally ranging from 18% to 24% per annum. This refers to the interest you will have to pay if you do not pay your outstanding balances in full by the payment due date. Tied in with this is what is referred to as the interest-free period, the time between the purchase date and the date payment is due. For most card companies, the maximum interest free period ranges from 45 to 60 days, so you could buy something in the middle of June and not have to pay for the purchase till the end of July, interest free.

One thing to bear in mind is that if you roll over your balances, that is, if you do not make payments in full, the interest free period will no longer apply to subsequent purchases until the payment is made in full. From the example above, if you did not make full payment at the end of July, even purchases made at the early part of July would accrue interest at the stated rate. So if you're a person who rolls over your balances, it would make sense to pay attention to the payments made and not made, in order to avoid interest payments on new purchases.

Rewards and other benefits. As the cards market grows and saturation rate grows, competition amongst card companies has led to the development of intricate rewards programs with flashy products. In some markets, the cost of the card is tied to the rewards program; in Asia, this is not necessarily the case. In shopping for a card, look out for the rewards to spending ratio, that is, how much does the customer have to spend before being able to redeem a certain gift or voucher. You might also want to select the card, which gives added rewards points at selected merchants, or a card that gives double or triple the points. Being able to redeem shopping vouchers is almost the same as an outright discount on your purchase.

Hot tip. With a quickly saturating market, active promotion of cards comes in the form of telemarketing and road shows. Along with this is the offer of attractive freebies, such as dining vouchers, radios, sports bags and watches. Such offers might only be available at promotion booths or through telemarketers. If you can wait, do not apply for the card directly, but look out for such promotions to obtain your free gift.

With the above information, you are now equipped with the knowledge to make an informed decision about the most attractive card for your needs.

Michael Russell

Your independent guide to Credit Cards


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Choosing a Wedding Tuxedo for the Groom :: Freebies For You

Choosing a Wedding Tuxedo for the Groom

When you�re getting married a lot of the attention is focused on the bride and her wedding dress, but let�s not forget about the groom. While you can look for tuxedos or other formal wear for the groom as early as you want, you really shouldn�t be making any final decisions until the bride has chosen her dress. Once the wedding gown has been selected then it�s time to start considering formal wear options.

Set aside an afternoon to go looking at formal wear. Try to bring a picture of the bride�s gown and swatch of material if possible. If you�ve already selected the gowns for your bridesmaids try to bring a picture and swatch from their gowns as well. When you are shopping talk to the salesperson about your tux, mention any themes you are going to have. Also be sure to bring up the date, time and if any part of the ceremony will take place outside. If you are having an outdoor ceremony or reception it will definitely have an impact on the material.

You should visit at least 3 different stores and you should try on at least 3 different tuxedos to get a feel for what you like and what you don�t like. Once you find something you like make sure you go over some of the details. Let them know how many people are in your wedding party, be sure to include the father of the groom and bride in addition to the ushers and groomsmen, see if you can negotiate a discount. Find out how much you have to leave as a deposit and when the balance is due. Know what their policy is for loss and damages. Are shirts, shoes, cummerbunds, suspenders, cufflink, and studs included, if not what are the extra charges? When will they need measurements and final fittings? Do they offer delivery and pickup? While this may seem like a lot of questions it can keep you from getting hit with any hidden charges later on.

� Copyright FlawlessWedding.com, All Rights Reserved.

Danielle Black is a staff writer at http://www.FlawlessWedding.com a wedding information website, with articles about wedding dresses, wedding receptions, wedding finances, and honeymoon planning.


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Sunday, August 17, 2008 

11 Deadly Mistakes When Applying for a Mortgage :: Daily Deal News

11 Deadly Mistakes When Applying for a Mortgage

11 Deadly Mistakes When Applying for a Mortgage

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"...avoid disappointment and SAVE thousands by taking a few minutes to acquaint yourself with these potential mistakes.."

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Not Knowing How Much Money You Can Put Down
It�s important to know how much you can afford to pay in down payment and closing costs when you apply for your mortgage. The more you put down the better rates and terms you�re likely to get. At the same time you also need to stay within your means and comfort level.

Working With A Mortgage Broker Who Has A Poor Performance Record
Industry insiders know that the most common reason that a sale fails to go through is that the mortgage fails to go through. Ask your mortgage broker about her/his performance guarantee.

Not Understanding The Process
Most of us don�t shop for a mortgage very often. As a result it isn�t something we become familiar with. Work with a mortgage broker who will take the time to answer your questions and uses terms you understand.

Working With A Lender Who has Only One Investor
Not all lenders have a range of options when it comes to investors. What if that investor doesn�t offer the type of mortgage you need? Or worse yet, what if you need to change loan products after you�ve started the process? Working with a mortgage broker who has many investors enables you to address these issues without starting the process over again.

Making Large Purchases Prior to Your Mortgage Application
Many people think that it is in their best interest to get large purchases completed prior to applying for their mortgage. As total debt is a key component in determining the amount of home you qualify for it is best to wait until after your home purchase has closed to make such purchases.

Over Shopping Your Loan
Each time you call a lender seeking the best possible rate and terms you have your credit report pulled. Every time your credit report is pulled you risk decreasing your credit score and thus possibly decreasing the likelihood of getting the best rate and terms. Experts recommend that you select a mortgage broker with a number of investors and do your shopping with her/him.

Hiding Things From Your Mortgage Broker
Most of us have experienced times of financial difficulty at some point. While it can be embarrassing to discuss issues like this, your mortgage broker is there to help you get loan approved despite such issues. Your mortgage broker can only help you with those things with which s/he is aware.

Making Late Payments
Late payments, especially those within the last year, can be very detrimental to getting the best rate, terms and even the difference of being approved at all. While this might seem like unnecessary advice, ALWAYS pay on time.

Over Using Credit Cards
Credit cards are a convenient way to make purchases, but if not paid off or balances kept low you might find it more difficult to get the best rates and terms on your mortgage. Keeping your total debt as low as possible helps you get the mortgage that best meets your specific needs.

Cosigning On Someone Else�s Loan
While it can be a great service to a friend or loved one, signing to guarantee someone else�s loan is often a big head ache for the cosigner. Before cosigning you decide if you�re willing and/or able to assume the liability.

Not Getting All The Facts
It is important to learn the total cost of your mortgage loan, both at closing and for the life of the loan. While mortgages can look a lot alike there can be subtle differences which can save or cost you thousands of dollars. Get all the facts and know what to expect.

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Mortgage regulations have changed significantly over the last few years, making your options wider than ever. Subtle changes in the way you approach mortgage shopping, and even small differences in the way you structure your mortgage, can cost or save you literally thousands of dollars and years of expense.

Get the Right Information - Whether you are about to buy your first home, or are planning to make a move to your next home, it is critical that you be informed about the factors involved.

Everyday people have their mortgage loan turned down because of one or more of these mistakes. By taking these few minutes to acquaint yourself with the "11 Deadly Mistakes When Applying For A Mortgage" you can save thousands on your mortgage.

About the Author
Mortgage professional for the past 5 years. Helping people find the right mortgage for their individual needs. Specializing in Zero Down purchases thru out the United States
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DSMax Bags :: Daily Deal News

DSMax Bags

Today there are so many people who are busy and on the go, and for these people it is important that they have the proper bags to carry all their belongings from place to place. There are so many types of bags today that people have a ton of options, and can choose a bag based on size, color, fabric, functionality, or simply their own special taste in fashion. Shopping online for bags is easy, and brings together the wide variety of options into one easy-to-use and central location. These DS-Max bags have a wide range to meet everyone's needs.

Some people's choices in DS-Max bags are based on practical and functional decisions, such as the need for a large backpack to carry books and schoolwork, or a laptop bag to keep computers safe and secure. Shopping online, there are bags that are great for these needs, and can work for people of all ages with all types of lifestyles. They come in different colors and fabrics. In order to look presentable in during business trips to the big city, it is great to have the look and feel of a smooth leather briefcase. However, those can be easily tossed aside and swapped for a backpack with multiple pockets that are perfect for weekend excursions and hiking adventures.

While functionality is important to some, what is even more important in our culture is fashion! Owning a great accessory, like a fashionable DS-Max bag or purse allows people to express themselves, and make their own personal fashion statement. Some choose to go for a more elegant designer handbag or evening clutch, while others stick to the down-to-earth comforts of a brown leather hobo bag. Whatever your style or your desire, it is always easy to find what you are looking for when you shop online.

www.ds-max.com
http://sbd.bcentral.com/bc__303801.aspx
www.kellysearch.com/us-company-900225650.html
www.epinions.com/hmgd-Shop_Tools-All-DS-Max_Brand


Copyright Jigar Shah - http://www.ds-max.com/


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Saturday, August 9, 2008 

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FINDING THE RIGHT MATTRESS AND THE BEST DEALS ONLINE :: Get More For You Money!

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FINDING THE RIGHT MATTRESS AND THE BEST DEALS ONLINE

The daunting task of buying a mattress made easy with the use of the Internet.

Buying a mattress is one of the most important purchases you'll make this year. The Internet will be a major tool to help you locate the product and the price that is right for you, but this shopping spree will demand a combination of both Internet and store shopping. So be prepared. Before you order and pay for any mattress online you really should visit a store and try it out. You know, sit on it, bounce on it, lie on it, roll over on it. There's no other way. The Internet will help you research everything you need to know about buying a mattress that is right for you, it will help you understand what you should be looking for in a mattress and, most importantly, it will help you pin point the exact bargain price you are willing to pay, but before you buy, you simply must try. It's just too important.

A good mattress is vital for healthy living. The perfect mattress will do wonders for the pain you are experiencing in your back. A well designed mattress with improve your disruptive sleep patterns. A well chosen mattress with simply do wonders for your stress levels.

But mattress buying (as with everything, really) is a daunting task. There is just so much choice. That's why you need to start by browsing the Internet and collating the information you find. Use a web search to locate and gather manufacturing and pricing details on these mattress types: air mattress, (or airbed mattress) memory foam mattress, foam mattress, tempurpedic mattress, futon mattress, sealy mattress and adjustable mattress.

Compare the cost of each type of mattress with the benefits. Also note warranty information, as you would with anything you'd buy. The ultimate choice will be made once you've test-driven, so to speak, the mattresses of you choice. But first, let your fingers do the walking and stay in front of the computer. There's a lot to learn.

Each mattress is manufactured according to detailed specifications which are then promoted to the potential consumer. There is a mattress out there for everyone. If you like the idea of being able to adjust the amount of support you get and the level of firmness of the mattress then look for an adjustable air mattress. Memory foam mattresses, like the Temperpedic and Viscopedic ones, conform to your body shape when you sleep, but return to their original shape when you get out of bed. These are very popular mattresses. Some mattresses have removable covers so that they can be washed. Latex mattresses are a good choice if durability and a long-life is high on your priority list.

Remember, keep a pencil and paper by your keyboard. Make notes. Record questions you may want to seek clarification for when you make your way into the store. Be informed.

About the Author
Dean Erickson. Journalist, and web site builder Dean Erickson lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of mattress-finder.info on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.
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Idaho Mortgage - What to Expect When Buying a Home in Idaho :: Value Deals

Idaho Mortgage - What to Expect When Buying a Home in Idaho

Maybe you are buying your first home in Idaho, or perhaps you�re relocating to Idaho from another state. Either way, it�s important that you educate yourself on Idaho home loans before shopping for a home and mortgage. This article explains what you will need to know before buying a home in Idaho:

The median price of a home in Idaho is $106,300. Recently, homes in Idaho have been appreciating at rates slightly below the national average. Therefore, affordability is favorable in the state of Idaho. In fact, Idaho has the highest rate of home ownership in the nation.

The price of homes in Idaho varies widely between zip codes. For example, in Boise, Idaho, the median price of a home in the summer of 2005 was $195,000; however, in Meridian, Idaho, the median price of a home was $177,000, and in Eagle, Idaho, it was $210,000. Average interest rates in Idaho are equal to the national average.

Idaho is one of only 14 states that uses a �Deed of Trust� as a mortgage. This means that a trustee holds the title of a house for a lender rather than the mortgage company itself.

If you�re buying a home in the state of Idaho, you qualify for both federal and state housing assistance. Low income borrowers can qualify for down payment assistance, and borrowers with special needs can receive certain types of assistance with buying a home. These programs are available through Idaho�s HOME program.

Jessica Elliott recommends that you visit Mortgage Lenders Plus.com for more information about Idaho Mortgage Rates and Loans .


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Saturday, August 2, 2008 

Instant Online Credit Report Pros and Cons :: Coupon World News

Instant Online Credit Report Pros and Cons

Knowing what is on your credit report is important and with the plethora of companies that offer instant online credit reports for free, getting a copy of yours is easier than ever. There are good reasons to take advantage free online credit reports, but with anything that contains your personal information, there are reasons to be cautious.

Benefits of getting an instant online credit report

Having instant access to your credit report can come in handy. If you are heading out to go car shopping, you might want to quickly peruse your current credit report so you know your credit worthiness before you talk to the finance people at the dealership. Often companies that offer these services provide you with a consumer friendly report that is much easier to read and understand than the official credit reports offered through the 3 credit bureaus.

Risks to consider when getting an instant online credit report

As with anything that requires you to enter your personal information, it is important that you only deal with reputable companies. Over the last few years, there as been an upswing in fraudulent companies offering free credit reports and then stealing personal information from their customers. Typically the victims are solicited through emails advertising free instant online credit reports, so be skeptical of any advertisements for free credit reports that show up in your email inbox.

When you have found a reputable company to request your free instant online credit report from, make sure you know all the terms and conditions that come with the free report. Some free reports are only available if you sign up for a monthly credit monitoring service for which you will be billed. This isn�t a problem if you are interested in having your credit monitored, but can be inconvenient at best and expensive at worst if you have to pay monthly for a service you really don�t want.

View our recommended sources for a free instant online credit report.

Also, check out our recommended online companies to help you with debt recovery, or view our recommended problem credit home loan companies online.


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The Best Car Insurance Rate-- How to Make Sure You Get It! :: Best Online Retail News

The Best Car Insurance Rate-- How to Make Sure You Get It!

Alright, let�s go car insurance shopping. We are on an endless search for the best car insurance rate in the market today. There is only one problem with that kind of approach. The cheapest rate just may cost you in terms of service. Comparing one company to another is very difficult without knowing the intangibles when it comes to policy and claim service. We will take the intangibles for now and concentrate on the things that make up the rate.

Bodily Injury Liability � This portion of the auto policy protects you in the event that you are at fault in an automobile accident that causes bodily injury to another driver. Some companies split the limits. For example: 100/300. This means $100,000 per person limit and a $300,000 per accident limit applies if more than one person is injured. You need to compare the same limits when shopping for rates.

Property Damage Liability � This is the last liability coverage in the split limit policy. For example: $100/300/50. The $50,000 represents the property damage liability limit which covers the damage to other vehicles and or property. Make sure that you are comparing the same PD limit when shopping.

First Party Benefits � These are benefits that apply to the policyholder if involved in an automobile accident.

1. Medical Payments � benefit amount paid for medical treatment in or out of the hospital.

2. Income Loss � a monthly benefit paid if you lose work because of an automobile accident.

3. Funeral Expense � Final Expense benefit

4. Accidental Death � benefit paid for accidental death in an automobile accident.

Physical Damage � The Collision and Comprehensive portion of your policy that applies to damage to your auto. Make sure the deductibles are the same.

Tort Option � Full tort or limited tort is a huge choice in some states. This has to do with your right to sue. Limited tort is sometimes 20% to 30% less.

Uninsured and Underinsured � This protects you against the driver who carries no car insurance or the driver with very low limits.

These 5 benefits are what collectively total nearly 100 % of your rate. Make sure that you are comparing apples to apples on them and you should get a good idea how one company compares to another.

To view our recommended source for insurance quotes, visit these pages
Auto Insurance
Quote

Affordable Health Insurance
Home Insurance
Quote


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