Shopping on line can be easy, simple and save you lots of money. It can also take a lot of your time, frustrate you, and result in unwanted purchases. Now the same can be said for regular high street shopping, but with the vast opportunity presented by the Internet it will pay you to spend a few minutes reading this and understanding how to better optimize your Small Business shopping experience:
1. Compare - without doubt the biggest advantage that the Small Business offers shoppers today is the ability to compare thousands of Small Business at a time. This is a great thing, but not necessarily all the time! Too much can be daunting at times so take advantage of the great comparison sites and where possible let them do the hard work for you.
2. Research - if it has been said it will be on the internet. Ignorance is no longer a justifiable reason for buying the wrong thing. Take the time to research in detail everything that you could possible want to know about
3. Testimonials - don't know anybody that has bought a Small Business? Wrong! If the Small Business is good the internet will let you know. Use the Internet as a friend and get testimonials before you buy.
4. Questions - Got a question about Small Business then search the Forums, FAQ's, Blogs etc. Don't be afraid to ask .....
5. Reputation - Never heard of the company selling Small Business? Don't worry, no reason why you should know every company in the world, but you know someone that does! Use the internet to find out what people are saying about Small Business and build up a picture of their reputation for sales, returns, customer service, delivery etc.
6. Returns - still worried that even after all of the above your Small Business wont be what you want? Check out the returns policy. There is so much competition now that someone, somewhere is bound to offer the terms that you are comfortable with.
7. Feedback - happy with your Small Business then let people know, after all you are depending on others people input in your buying decision, so why not give a little back.
8. Security - check for the yellow padlock on the Small Business site before you buy, and the s after http:/ /i.e. https:// = a secure site
9. Contact - got a question about Small Business, or want to leave a comment then check out the sites contact page. Reputable companies have them and respond.
10. Payment - ready to pay for your Small Business, then use your credit card or PayPal! Be aware of companies that don't accept them, there may be genuine reasons but given the huge amount of choice you have when buying online there is no reason at all not to buy via credit card or PayPal.
A
small business may be defined as a
business with a small number of
employees. The legal definition of "small" often varies by country and industry, but is generally under 100 employees in the
United States while under 50 employees in the
European Union (In comparison, the
United States definition of
mid-sized business by the number of
employees is generally under 500 while 250 is for that of European Union). These businesses are normally privately owned
corporations,
partnerships, or
sole proprietorships.
However, other methods are also used to classify small companies, such us annual sales (turnover), assets value or net profit (balance sheet), alone or in a mixed definition. These criteria are followed by the European Union, for instance (headcount, turnover and balance sheet totals).
Small businesses are common in many countries, depending on the economic system in operation. Typical examples include: convenience stores, other small shops (such as a
bakery or delicatessen),
cosmetologist,
tradesman, solicitors,
lawyers, accountants, restaurants, motel,
photographers, small-scale manufacturing etc. Small businesses are usually
independent business.
The smallest businesses, often located in private homes, are called
microbusinesses (term used by international organizations such as the World Bank and the
International Finance Corporation) or
Small office/home office. The term
"mom and pop business" is a common colloquial expression for a single-family operated business with few (or no) employees other than the owners. When judged by the number of employees, the
United States and the European definitions are the same: under 10
employees.
Advantages of small business
A small business can be started at a very low cost and on a part-time basis. Small business is also well suited to
internet marketing because it can be very manageable to serve a niche, something that would have been more difficult prior to the internet revolution which began in the late 1990s.
Adapting to change is crucial in business and particularly small business; not being tied to any bureaucracy inertia, it is typically easier to respond to the marketplace quickly. Small business proprietors tend to be intimate with their customers and clients resulting in greater accountability and responsiveness.
Several organizations provide help for the smallbusines, like Internal Revenue Service in Small Business and Self-Employed One-Stop Resource.http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/
Problems faced by small businesses
Small businesses often face a variety of problems related to their size. A frequent cause of bankruptcy is undercapitalization. This is often a result of poor planning rather than economic conditionshttp://www.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/start/financestartup/SERV_FINANBASICS.html - it is common rule of thumb that the entrepreneur should have access to a sum of money at least equal to the projected revenue for the first year of business in addition to his anticipated expenses. For example, if the prospective owner thinks that he will generate $100,000 in revenues in the first year with $150,000 in start-up expenses, then he should have no less than $250,000 available. Failure to provide this level of funding for the company could leave the owner liable for all of the company's debt should he end up in bankruptcy
court, under the theory of
undercapitalization.
In addition to ensuring that the business has enough capital, the small business owner must also be mindful of
gross margin (
sales minus variable costs). To break even, the business must be able to reach a level of sales where the gross margin exceeds fixed costs. When they first start out, many small business owners underprice their products to a point where even at their maximum capacity, it would be impossible to break even. The good news is that
cost controls or a price increase can often resolve this problem.
In the United States, some of the largest concerns of small business owners are
insurance costs (such as liability and
health insurance), rising petroleum costs and taxes. In the
United Kingdom and
Australia, small business owners tend to be more concerned with excessive governmental red tape.
Another problem for many small businesses is termed the 'Entrepreneurial Myth' or E-Myth. The
mythic assumption is that an expert in a given technical field will also be expert at running that kind of business. Additional business management skills are needed to keep a business running smoothly.
Marketing the small business
Common marketing techniques for small business include networking, word of mouth, customer referrals, yellow pages directories, television, radio, outdoor (roadside billboards), print and internet. Electronic media like TV can be quite expensive and is normally intended to create awareness of a product or service.
Many small business owners find internet marketing more affordable.
Google AdWords and
Yahoo! Search Marketing are two popular options of getting small business products or services in front of motivated Web searchers. Advertising on Niche market sites can also be effective, but with the long tail of the internet, it can be time intensive to advertise on enough sites to garner an effective Reach (advertising).
Franchise businesses
Franchising is a way for small business owners to benefit from the economies of scale of the big corporation (franchisor). McDonald's restaurants are an example of a franchise. The small business owner can leverage a strong brand name and purchasing power of the larger company while keeping their own investment affordable. However, some franchisees conclude that they suffer the "worst of both worlds" feeling they are too restricted by corporate mandates and lack true independence. McDonald's has even been sued by franchisees who feel they have been exploited with unreasonable costs for materials (cups, condiments etc.) they are required to purchase from the parent company.
Mom and pop small businesses
In North American English small or micro businesses that are family-owned and family-operated may be termed Mom and pop businesses. People who speak of mom and pop businesses often refer to the unique perspective offered by patronizing a family business. Some encourage the unknown experience of entering a mom and pop establishment over patronizing franchise businesses, which typically offer comparable stores and similar consumer experiences, regardless of location. For example, mom and pop businesses are often highlighted in travel guides, because patronizing a family-owned and operated business allows a traveler to more fully experience and understand the people of another culture.
Small business bankruptcy
When small business fails, the owner may file bankruptcy. In most cases this can be handled through a personal bankruptcy filing. Corporations can file bankruptcy, but if it is out of business and valuable corporate assets are likely to be repossessed by secured creditors there is little advantage to going to the expense of a corporate bankruptcy. Many states offer exemptions for small business assets so they can continue to operate during and after personal bankruptcy. However, corporate assets are normally not exempt, hence it may be more difficult to continue operating an incorporated business if the owner files bankruptcy.
Certification and trust
Building trust with new customers can be a difficult task for a new and establishing business. Some organizations like the
Better Business Bureau and the
International Charter now offer Small Business Professional certification, which certifies the quality of the services and goods produced and can encourage new and larger customers. These services may require a few hours of work, but a certification may reassure potential customers. However, the most effective way to earn trust is through customer referrals.
Contribution to the economy
Small Business is the major job provider in most economies. The top job provider is those with less than 10 employees, and those with 10 or more but less than 20 employees comes in as the second, and those with 20 or more but less than 50 employees comes in as the third.
Sources of funding
Small businesses use several sources available for start-up
Financial capital:
- Self-financing by the owner through Cash, Ownership equity loan on his or her home, and or other assets.
- Loans from friends or relatives
- Private stock issue
- Forming partnerships
- Angel Investors
- SME finance, including Collateral based lending and Venture capital, given sufficiently sound business venture plans
Some small businesses are further financed through
credit card debt - usually a poor choice, given that the interest rate on credit cards is often several times the rate that would be paid on a line of credit or bank
loan. Many owners seek a bank loan in the name of their business, however banks will usually insist on a personal guarantee by the business owner. In the
United States, the
Small Business Administration (SBA) runs several loan programs that may help a small business secure loans. In these programs, the SBA guarantees a portion of the loan to the issuing bank and thus relieves the bank of some of the risk of extending the loan to a small business. The SBA also requires business owners to pledge personal assets and sign as a personal guarantee for the loan.
International differences
The challenges facing small business owners vary from country to country, based on the overall business climate as well as the regulatory framework of each geographic location. It is extremely important for business owners to understand the legal requirements and obligations in their particular country of operation.
References
See also
A
small business may be defined as a
business with a small number of
employees. The legal definition of "small" often varies by country and industry, but is generally under 100
employees in the United States while under 50 employees in the European Union (In comparison, the
United States definition of
mid-sized business by the number of
employees is generally under 500 while 250 is for that of
European Union). These businesses are normally privately owned corporations, partnerships, or sole proprietorships.
However, other methods are also used to classify small companies, such us annual sales (turnover), assets value or net profit (balance sheet), alone or in a mixed definition. These criteria are followed by the European Union, for instance (headcount, turnover and balance sheet totals).
Small businesses are common in many countries, depending on the economic system in operation. Typical examples include: convenience stores, other small shops (such as a bakery or delicatessen), cosmetologist,
tradesman,
solicitors, lawyers, accountants,
restaurants, motel, photographers, small-scale
manufacturing etc. Small businesses are usually independent business.
The smallest businesses, often located in private homes, are called
microbusinesses (term used by international organizations such as the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation) or
Small office/home office. The term
"mom and pop business" is a common colloquial expression for a single-family operated business with few (or no) employees other than the owners. When judged by the number of employees, the
United States and the European definitions are the same: under 10 employees.
Advantages of small business
A small business can be started at a very low cost and on a part-time basis. Small business is also well suited to
internet marketing because it can be very manageable to serve a niche, something that would have been more difficult prior to the internet revolution which began in the late
1990s.
Adapting to change is crucial in business and particularly small business; not being tied to any
bureaucracy inertia, it is typically easier to respond to the marketplace quickly. Small business proprietors tend to be intimate with their customers and clients resulting in greater accountability and responsiveness.
Several organizations provide help for the smallbusines, like Internal Revenue Service in Small Business and Self-Employed One-Stop Resource.http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/
Problems faced by small businesses
Small businesses often face a variety of problems related to their size. A frequent cause of bankruptcy is undercapitalization. This is often a result of poor planning rather than economic conditionshttp://www.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/start/financestartup/SERV_FINANBASICS.html - it is common rule of thumb that the
entrepreneur should have access to a sum of money at least equal to the projected revenue for the first year of business in addition to his anticipated expenses. For example, if the prospective owner thinks that he will generate $100,000 in revenues in the first year with $150,000 in start-up expenses, then he should have no less than $250,000 available. Failure to provide this level of funding for the company could leave the owner liable for all of the company's debt should he end up in bankruptcy court, under the theory of undercapitalization.
In addition to ensuring that the business has enough capital, the small business owner must also be mindful of
gross margin (sales minus variable costs). To break even, the business must be able to reach a level of sales where the gross margin exceeds fixed costs. When they first start out, many small business owners underprice their products to a point where even at their maximum capacity, it would be impossible to break even. The good news is that
cost controls or a price increase can often resolve this problem.
In the United States, some of the largest concerns of small business owners are insurance costs (such as liability and
health insurance), rising
petroleum costs and
taxes. In the
United Kingdom and Australia, small business owners tend to be more concerned with excessive governmental
red tape.
Another problem for many small businesses is termed the 'Entrepreneurial Myth' or E-Myth. The mythic assumption is that an expert in a given technical field will also be expert at running that kind of business. Additional business management skills are needed to keep a business running smoothly.
Marketing the small business
Common marketing techniques for small business include networking, word of mouth, customer referrals, yellow pages directories, television, radio, outdoor (roadside billboards), print and internet. Electronic media like TV can be quite expensive and is normally intended to create awareness of a product or service.
Many small business owners find internet marketing more affordable. Google AdWords and Yahoo! Search Marketing are two popular options of getting small business products or services in front of motivated Web searchers. Advertising on
Niche market sites can also be effective, but with the
long tail of the internet, it can be time intensive to advertise on enough sites to garner an effective Reach (advertising).
Franchise businesses
Franchising is a way for small business owners to benefit from the economies of scale of the big corporation (franchisor). McDonald's restaurants are an example of a franchise. The small business owner can leverage a strong brand name and purchasing power of the larger company while keeping their own investment affordable. However, some franchisees conclude that they suffer the "worst of both worlds" feeling they are too restricted by corporate mandates and lack true independence. McDonald's has even been sued by franchisees who feel they have been exploited with unreasonable costs for materials (cups, condiments etc.) they are required to purchase from the parent company.
Mom and pop small businesses
In North American English small or micro businesses that are family-owned and family-operated may be termed Mom and pop businesses. People who speak of mom and pop businesses often refer to the unique perspective offered by patronizing a family business. Some encourage the unknown experience of entering a mom and pop establishment over patronizing franchise businesses, which typically offer comparable stores and similar consumer experiences, regardless of location. For example, mom and pop businesses are often highlighted in travel guides, because patronizing a family-owned and operated business allows a traveler to more fully experience and understand the people of another culture.
Small business bankruptcy
When small business fails, the owner may file bankruptcy. In most cases this can be handled through a personal bankruptcy filing. Corporations can file bankruptcy, but if it is out of business and valuable corporate assets are likely to be repossessed by secured creditors there is little advantage to going to the expense of a corporate bankruptcy. Many states offer exemptions for small business assets so they can continue to operate during and after personal bankruptcy. However, corporate assets are normally not exempt, hence it may be more difficult to continue operating an incorporated business if the owner files bankruptcy.
Certification and trust
Building trust with new customers can be a difficult task for a new and establishing business. Some organizations like the
Better Business Bureau and the International Charter now offer Small Business
Professional certification, which certifies the quality of the services and goods produced and can encourage new and larger customers. These services may require a few hours of work, but a certification may reassure potential customers. However, the most effective way to earn trust is through customer referrals.
Contribution to the economy
Small Business is the major job provider in most economies. The top job provider is those with less than 10 employees, and those with 10 or more but less than 20
employees comes in as the second, and those with 20 or more but less than 50
employees comes in as the third.
Sources of funding
Small businesses use several sources available for start-up
Financial capital:
- Self-financing by the owner through Cash, Ownership equity loan on his or her home, and or other assets.
- Loans from friends or relatives
- Private stock issue
- Forming partnerships
- Angel Investors
- SME finance, including Collateral based lending and Venture capital, given sufficiently sound business venture plans
Some small businesses are further financed through credit card debt - usually a poor choice, given that the interest rate on credit cards is often several times the rate that would be paid on a line of credit or
bank loan. Many owners seek a bank loan in the name of their business, however banks will usually insist on a personal guarantee by the business owner. In the United States, the
Small Business Administration (SBA) runs several loan programs that may help a small business secure loans. In these programs, the SBA guarantees a portion of the loan to the issuing bank and thus relieves the bank of some of the risk of extending the loan to a small business. The SBA also requires business owners to pledge personal assets and sign as a personal guarantee for the loan.
International differences
The challenges facing small business owners vary from country to country, based on the overall business climate as well as the regulatory framework of each geographic location. It is extremely important for business owners to understand the legal requirements and obligations in their particular country of operation.
References
See also
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