It’s possible that in the course of your business dealings, you may (just may) have to deal with a complaint from a customer or client ….

There are two ways you can go about this:

1. You can stand up for your rights (and lose the customer and any possible referrals)

2. You can keep your temper and keep your customer

REPLIES TO COMPLAINTS

Most businesses these days have (or should have) as their policy that the customer is always right. It’s far better business sense to replace a couple of items which don’t need replacing, and reap the reward of customer satisfaction and possible referrals, than to insist on your rights and lose unknown numbers of customers and referrals.

So, the aim of your response to an irate customer is to find out what he/she wants and to give it to him/her. Even if the request appears to be entirely unreasonable, what you earn in Brownie Points, often makes up for what you lose in replacing the item (unless of course it’s a Maserati or the like!).

HOW TO RESPOND

1. Express regret, sincerely. Don’t say, “We can’t understand how this happened,” because this implies that the customer is careless or stupid, since no-one else has had this trouble.

2. Explain how the trouble occurred. Your customer is entitled to know what went wrong (this also reflects well on your business, since it shows that you’ve taken the complaint seriously enough to investigate it thoroughly, and we all like to be taken seriously).

3. Tell the customer what you are going to do to rectify the situation. The best thing to do is exactly what the customer said he wanted. If this is totally impossible, suggest a viable alternative.

Sometimes the customer will be at fault, by forgetting to include a correct address or leaving out the cheque etc.
Again, don’t write anything that might make the customer feel silly.

NOT “… you failed to enclose your cheque …”

BUT “Your goods are packed and ready for despatch. Immediately on receipt of your cheque, which apparently was overlooked in your original letter, we shall send them as requested.”

Sometimes, it’s just not possible to give the customer what he wants; and in this case you must exercise extreme tact in the wording of your letter.

The best way of refusing is as follows:

1. Begin with the refusal. I know it’s painful, but it’s far better to let your customer know how things stand from the very beginning.

2. Explain, in detail, why the request had to be refused. This way, you have the rest of your letter to try to set things right with your customer, and hopefully to end on a positive note (rather than hitting him with the refusal at the end).

Note:

o the expression of regret should sound sincere. “I am sorry…” sounds better than the colder, “I regret to inform you “

o point out all the reasons for refusing the request

o soften the blow by offering some small consideration. It might be a discount on the next purchase; a voucher for a smaller item (a scarf, tie etc); a complimentary gizmo from another business (with whom you have a reciprocal arrangement); flowers; tickets to a film or whatever.

Such sweeteners are worth much more than their cost. Instead of a disgruntled customer, blackening your name, you’ll have a happy person, willing to tell everyone her story’s happy ending. Listeners will see your side and will say things like, ” …well, they didn’t have to do anything really, but wasn’t it nice of them?”

N.B. If the spelling of words like “cheque” in this article worried you, please read this: http://www.write101.com/aus.htm

In order to start and develop your career in music industry, you need to benefit from a relevant qualification – the music business degree. This area of interest seems to magnetize the young generation motivated to accomplish their professional ambitions in music industry.

As a result of an intensive marketing, many students are motivated get trained in this market since they are more than sure that performing a job in music industry, they will experience both fame and financial achievement. You might be one of them, do not let yourself overwhelmed, a music business degree is not the magic formula for such accomplishments, it only opens you the pathway. It is up to you if you are eager to make use of your music business degree for greater accomplishments.

If you strive to develop your career in music industry, verify first what education (more precisely what kind of music business degree) is required to get qualified on the labour field. Any record or production company has established some essential criteria to select the candidates for a vacant position in their company. The main factor is a certification in this market.An accredited music business degree will assist you own more chances to be employed.

Check which music business colleges can help you, select the training procedures that best suit your goals and demands, however keep in mind the eligibility standards. Taking this into account, initiate your career.

multiple choices

Music industry is an exceptionally money making segment. Here business cannot arrive at its own limits, that is why a lot of different careers may be developed in this field.As soon as you have earned a music business degree, you get specialized in certain segments of the entire music industry.You are free to choose between training, music production, promotion or tour management. As long as this industry is on a rising path, you may constantly find unmeasured professional chances.

professional training programs

After a lot of years of experience in this domain, you are certified to say that music vision in music business is everything you need, this being opposed to beginners’ consideration. Colleges and universities will certainly support you get rid of this conception from your beliefs and this will help you earn success.Becoming acquainted with the information and considerable patterns in music industry are given accreditation and relevancy by a music business degree.

expanded alternatives for certification

Colleges are guided by students’ education options, this being highlighted by your options to choose from an associate ‘s or a bachelor ‘s degree in music industry.You could decide on the long or short term substitute that meets your demands. Since college, students have the chance to intensively learn a certain section in music industry, even though they attend classes of each sub domain in music industry.

A music business degree involves special business skills that will be later diversified and an endless passion for music is also needed.You certainly ought to get involved in all kinds of activities, you will also get exposed to numerous matters.All you have to perform is to stay positive, and keep in mind one rule – you have to be a step forward to really experience achievement in music. So, follow your own intuition, it really makes the difference.

Child Day Care

Have you ever dreamed of a career working with children in the privacy of your own home. There are several training program that can show you how to start your own child day care facility. You can make good money while providing a much needed service to your friends, neighbors, and your community. There are several programs out there that includes details on licensing, accreditation and certification, working with parents, nutrition program planning, and more. There are also several web sites out there that you can get information about your local cities that will help you in your decisions. You can make $100 or so for each child with limits on the number of children you can keep in your facility.

Floral Design

Creating all kinds of different floral arrangements, you can turn your love of flowers into a rewarding new career. Learn the skills you need to be a Floral Designer – work for an established florist’s shop or even start your own business. There are several online training sites that will give you ideas and the training you need to have a great floral home-based business. With all of the floral training you will be ready to launch a great career. You will need to focus on one or two techniques in the beginning such as weddings or major holidays just so you will get those down and then move to more challenging arrangements.

Pet Groomer

You can turn your love of cats, dogs, and exotic animals into a satisfying career as a Pet Groomer. Pet ownership is on the rise, and so is demand for skilled grooming professionals. Work in an established grooming salon or open one of your own. If you work in an establishment in the beginning just to get a little training and experience under your belt and take some classes you will be ready to start your own pet grooming home based business. You will need to learn details on basic cuts, equipment use and care, specific dog personalities, dog and cat grooming procedures, and also the business side of grooming, and dealing with pet owners. People love their animals just as much as their children, though it seems. If you cut their dog wrong they will probably never come back, so be sure you have a good understanding on how they want their dog or cat groomed.

In conclusion, these are just a couple of home-based businesses that can work for just about anyone. If you decide to do any of these great opportunities, then make sure you are ready for the challenge. If you treat these businesses as a real business you will prosper.

When starting a small business, one of the things every new owner must keep a careful eye on is customer service. Poor customer service can doom a new small business rather rapidly, as dissatisfied customers are much more likely to express their frustration with potential new customers than satisfied customers are to express their delight. Consequently, it is much more important to keep customers satisfied, or even prevent them from becoming customers if the match between your offering and their needs is not a good one.

The best way to achieve this is to target (and fix) your product’s shortcomings, before all your customers have left. You can use email surveys to actively address customer complaints, or feedback cards as a passive method. Also, if your business has already been in operation for some time, you can have someone ask your competition about you. Generally though, most complaints will deal with one of four basic problems:

1. Your product / service is too expensive. (Price)

2. Your product / service takes too long. (Time)

3. Your product / service includes a bad experience. (Value)

4. Your competitors have some desired element which you lack. (Usually trust)

Once you have identified what the issue is, you can proactively create and implement a plan to fix the customer service issue. To verify that your plan is working, you can ask customers the following questions:

1. “Do you feel that our product / service delivers excellent value for the money?” (Price)

2. “Do you feel that our product / service is provided quickly enough for your needs?” (Time)

3. “Do you feel that any part of our product / service could be improved?” (Value)

4. “Could you tell me why you have decided to use a competitor’s offering instead?”

This strategy may not always solve a customer’s complaints, but it gives your business a fighting chance in tough economic times. Of course, if a customer does switch to your business (from a competitor), you can also ask them why they switched. This will give you some insight into what that customer values the most, so that you can make certain you deliver what they expect. After all, delivering what your customers value the most is the best customer service that anyone can provide.

Copyright 2010, Marc Mays.

Finance in relation to business is concerned with the task of providing funds needed by the enterprise in terms that are most favorable in the light of its objectives. The finance function of a business is concerned with procurement of funds and its effective utilization in business. It covers financial planning, forecasting of cash receipts and disbursements, realizing of funds, using and allocation of funds and financial control. Financial planning helps in defining financial goals, setting objectives and developing a plan to achieve them. Planning is not master-minding the future, and any attempt to do so is foolishness. Human beings can neither predict nor control the future. For this reason, management has to clarify their objectives and determine what actions must be taken, when, by whom, and at what cost to achieve the cherished goals. Financial planning is the process of evaluating different investing and financing opportunities available to a firm and selecting the best one from the available options.

The planning requires a long-term estimate of profits which in turn involves a projection of sales and costs of operation for a period of years. Accordingly, long range financial planning becomes essential for a company that wishes to grow. The company has to establish objectives and goals as part of a master plan for long range survival and growth. Coordinated thinking forms the basis of financial planning for making an optimum utilization of funds, particularly of cash balances.

Unneeded cash can be invested in income-producing securities. Financial planning is used as a control device to fix standards of performance and evaluation of the results. It is used to pre-test the financial feasibility of various programs and in that sense it is of crucial importance because action once taken becomes difficult to retract.

In U.S, online universities are accredited by any of either national or regional accrediting agencies recognized by the Department of Education. Previously accreditation is the quality assurance of degree programs offered by those accredited online universities. But, today, all online universities, including diploma mills do claim accredited. The only different is “Good” & “Bad” accreditation, but the problem it really confusing and many students accidentally fall into a diploma mills trap due to their accreditation look good to them. So, how to differentiate the good from bad accreditation of these online universities?

It is important for you to know how and where to access the resources needed to make an informed decision about legitimate online degree program before you enroll into the program. When you plan to pursue your degree online, internet is the best place for you to search for your preference degree program offered by various online universities. Here is where diploma mills with a “fake” or “bad” accreditation set up their traps waiting you to fall into and hand over your money to exchange with their fake degree.

As a student and consumer, you must be careful and be smart enough to detect any potential signs of scam. Any online degree program offered by unfamiliar online university and if you are unable to confirm it is from legitimate accreditation, it better to eliminate from your list than taking the risk to enroll into the program. Online universities should provide their contact and address on their website, if not, you should straightly erase them from your list.

In searching for your preference program, you can request detail information from the university. In fact, information request is free of charge; you should utilize this service to get as much information as possible which can help you make your ultimate decision. Before you go and sign up the program, the most important thing that you cannot miss is check the online university that offers your prefer degree program with the accreditation database which is recognized by Department of Education. Go to ope.ed.gov/accreditation/search.php and type in the name of online university or go to CHEA.org and explorer it’s “database and directories” to confirm whether the online university that offer your preference online degree program is listed in the database. If you can’t the online university listed in these databases, don’t take the risk to enroll into the program unless you can confirm its accreditation is from a recognized accrediting agency from other reliable resources.

There too many “fake” accreditation agencies that accrediting diploma mills to make them look like legitimate. Those accrediting agencies are naming their agency sound alike with those legitimate accrediting agency and having website address that is similar but different domain extension. If you did not see it carefully, you will easily think that the online universities are accredited by legitimate accreditation agencies, but in actual they are diploma mills. Hence, you must watch out the details when you do the checking.

People will make complaints if they found they have been cheated. So, a good resource to check for the filed complaints of any online universities is at Better Business Bureau (BBB.org). Other than that, try to look at what other people talk about the online degree program offered by your selected online university, you should get some useful information that can help in your decision making.

In Summary

You want your degree to worth its value. Hence, it is important that you enroll into a degree program offered by online university that is accredited by one of accrediting agencies that are recognized by Department of Education. Always get confirmation on accreditation information of the online university from reliable resources before you sign up the online degree program.

Given the intense concentration of traffic on our nation’s roadways, there are unfortunately bound to be a significant number of motor vehicle accidents. Vehicles classified by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) as “trucks” are involved in more than two-thirds of the crashes that occur annually. The vast majority of these trucks are “pickups, vans, truck-based station wagons, and utility vehicles” which have received a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 pounds. But approximately 10 % of truck collisions involve larger vehicles that can be classified as commercial trucks. Accidents involving trucks with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or greater have the potential to inflict significant property damage and physical injuries upon any vehicles or objects that are struck, a point of particular concern for independent owner-operators or the owners of small trucking fleets.

Depending upon the severity of a truck accident and the circumstances which led to the impact, a small trucking company could conceivably experience a crushing setback as a result of such an incident. Legal fees associated with a court case, elevated insurance premiums, workers’ compensation claims, vehicle repair and replacement costs, and other factors can easily leave a business in a position where it is simply struggling to remain a going concern. Freight factoring can offer considerable relief if a ledger filled with unpaid invoices is compromising your ability to address the needs that have arisen due to a truck accident involving your fleet.

Truck Safety and Trucker Fatality Statistics

For the years 1990 to 2007, the number of large truck crashes (GVWR of 10,000+) has generally remained in the same range. 1991 was the year with the fewest crashes (330,347) 1999 had the most (474,920). Apart from being confined within this range, there appear to be no discernible trends. Despite this flat crash frequency figure, large truck occupant fatality rates have exhibited an ongoing upward climb. There were 585 fatalities in 1992 and by 2006 there were 805.

For a Financial Ally

As you attempt to resolve the array of problems that are assaulting your business venture in the aftermath of an accident, it is important that you are not distracted by having to devote your energies to collecting on unpaid invoices. At TBS Factoring Service, L.L.C., our business is helping your business to succeed by giving you access to the resources that you already should have received. Contact our team of freight factoring professionals to learn more.

In October 1992, Wellness International Network, Ltd. (WIN) became a reality. WIN’s Founders, Ralph and Cathy Oats saw the potential for the health and wellness industry and knew they could make a positive mark by providing others with a vehicle to achieve total wellness: mentally, physically and financially.

WIN is headquartered in North Dallas’ prestigious Legacy Business Park campus, while its European affiliate, WIN Worldwide BV , is located in Hoofddorp, Netherlands and its South African affiliate, Wellness International Network S.A. (Pty) Limited, is located in Johannesburg, South Africa. Heading into the company’s 16th year of business, Ralph and Cathy’s vision is ever expanding as they build WIN into a billion-dollar business.

The product line includes new protein shake, an omega-3 supplement and a new hair-care collection. Diving into the latest trend, anti-aging, WIN unveiled a skin-care line using the technology to help wipe away the signs of aging.

You can use Wellness International Network’s products with confidence, the product line ranges from products geared to help increase energy, stamina, weight loss and enhance mental function and mood to a complete line of cellular nutritional products, plus skin- and hair-care products.

WIN’s complete nutritional line is listed in the PDR

Customers play the most important part in any business, be it big or small. Thus providing good customer service becomes very crucial for a company’s success. A successful company is one that provides the best service in terms of continued customer support. One challenge that every customer support professional faces is dealing with customer complaints. Handling customer complaints has always been a challenge, but when armed with the right kind of tools and staff this becomes more of an advantage than a challenge.

Three very common mistakes made by the customer support professionals when dealing with customer complaints are:

Not listening to the customer’s complaint. Not armed with adequate knowledge or information. Not being courteous and polite to the customer.

Listening is the key to dealing with many business problems, and the same holds true when dealing with customer complaints. Jumping in to give a solution without properly understanding the problem tend to lead to more confusion and customer frustration. So listening and understanding the problem should be the first step when tackling customer complaints.

Customer care staff members are the first line of defense, so make sure they are properly trained and are well informed about the product or service the business offers. A well-planned training program needs to be put in place to achieve this. Also make sure the working environment is as stress- free as possible. Organizing regular stress management programs will help them tackle customer complaints more effectively.

When you talk to customers make you deal with them in a professional and appropriate manner. Be courteous, polite and kind while dealing with their complaints. Apologising tends to calm down even the most irate and frustrated customers. Also remember to thank them both before and after the problem has been dealt with.

Finally, do not see a customer complaint as a purely a ‘negative point’ for the business. Look at them as a challenge for improving the product and service which is being offered. Also see complaints as a chance for you and your staff to get to know your customers better. Treating every customer’s complaint in the proper manner will hopefully bring them one step closer to being loyal to your business.

The Iowa State Agency that oversees the collection and reporting of State income taxes deducted from payroll checks is:

Department of Revenue

Income Tax Division

Hoover State Office Bldg.

P.O. Box 10457

Des Moines, IA 50306-0457

(515) 281-3114

(800) 367-3388 (in state)

http://www.state.ia.us/tax

Iowa requires that you use Iowa form “IA W-4, Centralized Employee Registry Reporting Form/Employee Withholding Allowance Certificate” instead of a Federal W-4 Form for Iowa State Income Tax Withholding.

Not all states allow salary reductions made under Section 125 cafeteria plans or 401(k) to be treated in the same manner as the IRS code allows. In Iowa cafeteria plans are not taxable for income tax calculation; taxable for unemployment insurance purposes. 401(k) plan deferrals are not taxable for income taxes; taxable for unemployment purposes.

In Iowa supplemental wages are taxed at a 6% flat rate.

State W-2s are not applicable in the state of Iowa.

The Iowa State Unemployment Insurance Agency is:

Department of Workforce Development

1000 E. Grand Ave.

Des Moines, IA 50319-0209

(515) 281-5387

http://www.iowaworkforce.org/wc/index.html

The State of Iowa taxable wage base for unemployment purposes is wages up to $19,700.00.

Iowa has optional reporting of quarterly wages on magnetic media.

Unemployment records must be retained in Iowa for a minimum period of five years. This information generally includes: name; social security number; dates of hire, rehire and termination; wages by period; payroll pay periods and pay dates; date and circumstances of termination.

The Iowa State Agency charged with enforcing the state wage and hour laws is:

Iowa Workforce Development

Labor Services Division

1000 East Grand Ave.

Des Moines, IA 50319-0209

(515) 281-5387

http://www.iowaworkforce.org//labor/index.html

The minimum wage in Iowa is $5.15 per hour.

There is also no general provision in Iowa State Law covering paying overtime in a non-FLSA covered employer.

Iowa State new hire reporting requirements are that every employer must report every new hire and rehire; independent contractors over $600. The employer must report the federally required elements of:

Employee’s name Employee’s date of birth. Employee’s health insurance. Employee’s address Start date of contract. Employee’s social security number Employer’s name Employers address Employer’s Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)

This information must be reported within 15 days of the hiring or rehiring.
The information can be sent as a W4 or equivalent by mail, fax or electronically.
There is a penalty contempt of court for a late report in Iowa.

The Iowa new hire-reporting agency can be reached at 515-281-533 or on the web at http://icer.dhs.state.ia.us/.

Iowa does not allow compulsory direct deposit.

Iowa requires the following information on an employee’s pay stub:

Gross and Net Earnings straight time and overtime pay hours worked itemized deductions

The State Wage and Hour Law provisions concerning pay stub information in Iowa is that it must be provided within 10 days of employee’s request, only once a year unless earnings, hours, or deductions are changed.

Iowa requires that employee be paid no less often than monthly, semimonthly, or biweekly.

Iowa requires that the lag time between the end of the pay period and the payment of wages to the employee not exceed twelve days after pay period; excluding Sundays and holidays.

Iowa payroll law requires that involuntarily terminated employees must be paid their final pay by their next regular payday; 30 days for commissions and that voluntarily terminated employees must be paid their final pay by the next regular payday; 30 days for commissions or by mail if employee requests it.

There is no provision in Iowa law concerning paying deceased employees.

Escheat laws in Iowa require that unclaimed wages be paid over to the state after one year.

The employer is further required in Iowa to keep a record of the wages abandoned and turned over to the state for a period of 4 years.

Iowa payroll law mandates no more than 40% of minimum wage may be used as a tip credit.

In the Iowa payroll law there is no provision covering required rest or meal periods.

There is no provision in Iowa law concerning record retention of wage and hour records therefor it is probably wise to follow FLSA guidelines.

The Iowa agency charged with enforcing Child Support Orders and laws is:

Child Support Recovery Unit

Department of Human Services

Hoover Bldg., 5th Fl.

Des Moines, IA 50319

(515) 242-3237

(888) 229-9223

http://www.dhs.state.ia.us/dhs2005/dhs_homepage/financial_support/child_support/index.html

Iowa has the following provisions for child support deductions:

When to start Withholding? 10 days after receipt of order. When to send Payment? Within 7 days of Payday. When to send Termination Notice? “Promptly.” Maximum Administrative Fee? $2 per payment. Withholding Limits? Federal Rules under CCPA.

Please note that this article is not updated for changes that can and will happen from time to time.