Category: General

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Ways to Cut down the Costs in Logistics

Logistics is the process of delivering goods or services from one place to another and also unloading and unpacking of cargo. Logistics management forms part of the supply chain management.

Logistics cost is a combination of:

  • Coordination
  • Packaging
  • Loading & unloading
  • Transportation
  • Security (insurance, locks, seals, security guards)
  • Taxation
  • Delivery coordination

If you own a logistic company, a closer look and analysis of certain aspects of your business can help you reduce expenses.

Freight

A first rule is checking and investigating invoices for freight. There are always hidden details that can make a difference to the bottom line of a small business.

Managing Logistics Costs

Companies need to manage their logistics with a balance between cost and performance since the lowest-cost transportation path is not necessarily the fastest. Logistics costs relate to the charges for various transportation methods, including train travel, trucks, air travel, and ocean transport. Additional logistics costs include fuel, warehousing space, packaging, security, materials handling, tariffs, and duties.

Inventory controls

Making sure you know what you have on stock and where it goes. It sounds banal, but many businesses are not aware of how many things go missing from one hand and how much junk is taking storage space. Tiny businesses often believe that one can manage without stock control, but then anyone can move, take, or add things to stock without your knowledge and record. This can be a serious leak of funds. Large businesses, on the other hand, can lose sight of the warehouses and end up storing old equipment and marketing materials. This takes space, and when there is an increase in business activity, and you need to stock more, no space is left. It causes immediate and long term issues like damaged stock or the decision to move to a bigger facility.

Know the costs

Knowing the full cost of the product supply chain. It is more complex, but companies often calculate the production cost and the materials costs but do not include the supply chain complexity and expenses it can add. For example, overseas purchasing, import/export regulation, delivery to the customer all can make a huge difference to the bottom line, especially if they go wrong.

Automation

Automated processes lower manpower needs, which helps reduce costs. Lower reliance on manpower also reduces the probability of errors, which again helps keep a check on the costs.

Today’s logistics companies face the challenge of having to provide high-quality services while keeping costs low. With proper planning and training, logistics companies can reduce costs.

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The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Flowers

Whether you are organizing a wedding, a private party, a brand or product launch, or an internal company, planning it will entail paying attention to every little detail. From creating a guest list to deciding on a menu, there’s always the risk of overlooking important details.

Since the décor is just as important as finding the venue, it would be a better idea to get a florist or a caterer to help you out. Considering florists are often booked months in advance, it would be wise to start looking for flowers that will reflect the essence of your wedding theme.

Which Flowers Are Used for Decoration at Events?

There are several things you have to consider when choosing flowers for your event. Among those are the type of event you are organizing, your target audience, and your venue. A smart choice is to go with blooms that are popular all year round. Below is a list of such flowers that are often used at events:

  • Roses

Roses are a classic that looks great in almost any type of receptacle, including fishbowls and wide-based vases.

  • Cherry Blossoms

If cut early enough, Cherry Blossoms can keep fresh for a long time. An additional precaution to take would be to make sure to give each stem plenty of space. 

  • Baby’s Breath

Baby’s Breath are delicate flowers that can be added to virtually any floral arrangement yet still look lovely on their own. 

  • Bells of Ireland

The height of Bells of Irelands can add an interesting dimension to any arrangement. They make a dramatic addition to and draws the eye upwards towards the event venue’s ceiling.

  • Tulips

These beautiful flowers need to be tightly packed in a vase to stop them from drooping. If arranged properly, they make for a gorgeous addition to the decor.

  • Orchids

Orchids are known to look great all year round. To ensure your Orchid arrangement last longer cut off a little bit more stem and avoid placing them in the fridge at all costs.

  • Bouvardia

Bouvardia is gorgeous flowers that can be used as fillers in bridal bouquets.

  • Lilies

If the water is changed regularly a lily arrangement can last up to two or more weeks.

  • Rajnigandha

Rajnigandha, also known as the Mexican Tuberose, is a sultry perennial plant that is also culturally significant to India and is used in particular ceremonies. 

  • Delphinium

Delphiniums come in shades of blue, pink, white, and purple that pair beautifully with hydrangeas.

  • Dusty Miller

Most often used a greenery filler, the dusty miller blooms are an understated addition to the rest of your floral design.

  • Chrysanthemums

Depending on the effect you are going for, it is sometimes a good choice to go for dried chrysanthemums instead of fresh ones.

  • Holly

In addition to being festive, Hollies are budget-friendly flowers that will make a great addition to any winter event.

  • Daisies

The great thing about Daisies is that they are simple enough to compliment any event décor and are also bold enough to really hold their own and still make the venue look colourful.

  • Gladioli

You have to be careful with these flowers. Ensure that their stems are placed in lukewarm water immediately after you receive them. This will help maintain their look and freshness.

These are great options to consider when you are planning to order flowers for an event. And, in case you were wondering, below is a list of ways to finding perfect flowers.

Basic Rules to Choosing the Perfect Flowers for Your Next Event

Regardless of the type of events you are hosting, the rules below will apply:

  1. If you won’t go for perennial flowers, look at what’s in season. They are going to be more affordable.
  2. Plan with the tone of the event in mind. You don’t want to get dark-coloured blooms for a child’s birthday, for example.
  3. Consider your budget. You don’t have to use big vases. You can instead use vase fillers or consider doing single stem flowers in small, individual vases. This can bring an element of chicness to the décor without you breaking the bank.
  4. Go local. It will cost you a lot less.  
  5. Remember your audience. There are two things you need to bear in mind: know if the flowers hold significant cultural symbolism and if any of your guests have allergies.

Events That Can Use a Little Floral Punch

Other than weddings, flower arrangements can also be used as decorations for the following events:

1. Private Party

You can use flowers to decorate for events, such as birthdays, religious gatherings, and anniversary parties.  

2. Brand or Product Launch

Even brand or product launch events can look better with an elegant flower arrangement.

3. Ceremony and Gala

You definitely need flowers for such events as they demand a certain level of sophistication and elegance.

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The Legend of Owakudani Black Eggs

Traveling through Japan is everyone’s dream as it is one country where you can expect to be welcome as a part of the culture, and you get to see all the advanced technologies created in this amazing country. As someone who is in love with the Asian continent, writing about Japan is a must! So today, we are going to talk about Owakudani and its legend of black eggs. Owakudani, also known as ‘the Great Boiling Valley,’ is a volcanic valley with active sulphur vents and hot springs in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. Created around 3000 years ago due to the explosion of the Hakone volcano, this place has become a famous tourist spot. The scenic views, volcanic activity, and the most famous Black Eggs or “Kuro-Tamago” are the main reason why this place is always hoarding with a ton of tourists from all over the world. Before getting the depth of the subject, let’s discover Owakudani!

Discovering Owakudani

Some 3000 years go during the last eruption of Mount Hakone, Owakudani was created. It was finally formed in the following 100 years due to high volcanic activity. Originally called “Ojikoku” or “Jigokudani,” it was renamed Owakudani in 1873 after Meiji Emperor and Empress visit. It was later that the Owakudani Tourist Center was set up along the vicinity of the volcanic craters and sulphur springs, resulting in a great visit from tourists.

To reach Owakudani, you should make a stop at Hakone as it is in this city that lies the legend of the black eggs. Traveling for about an hour and a half by train from Tokyo, you are greeted by the mountains of Hakone, making this trip a popular one as a getaway from the capital. Often locally referred to as the “The Death Valley,” this place is sandwiched between Japan’s famous Mount Fuji and the ocean, that’s why it is better to experience this scenic paradise than being told about. However, due to volcanic activities and bad weather, the site might close for some days or weeks even, depending on the events. Be sure that it is open before you make any bookings!

What Is the Secret Behind the Black Eggs?

The atmosphere of Owakudani is wild as the white smoke, and the smell of sulphur is floating, giving you a sense of landing on a different planet. As mentioned, the previous name was “Jigokudani,” which literally meant the valley in hell, and if someone visited this place, they would agree to why this name fits perfectly. One of the most popular foods in Owakudani is the black eggs or “Kuro-Tamago.” These are regular eggs boiled in the hot springs found everywhere around the place.

The shell darkens due to the chemical reaction because of the sulphur. The inside of the egg is similar to a normal boiled egg, but it tastes a little bit saltier than regular eggs. It is believed that the guardian deity of children, “Enmeijizo” who represents the longevity, is enshrined in there, so eating one egg would add seven years more to your life. These black eggs are sold at the shop beside Owakudani where other souvenirs and the ice cream made from black eggs are also available.

You can devour some eggs while on the top of the Mount as there are tables placed for visitors to get the taste of these freshly boiled eggs. Well, it is not essential to visit Owakudani if you want the eggs as they are sold in many shops around the town in small bags of six for 500 Yen.

Once you reach this amazing place, the first thing that stands out is the smoke and the distinct unpleasant smell of sulphur which is caused by the high level of volcanic activity in the area. The landscape is bare and devoid of any kind of life, but the delicacy of the black eggs make up for it. The famous Owakudani black eggs are also considered to be excellent for fertility and not to mention the increase in lifespan. The process of the boiling of these eggs is simple yet dangerous for the health. The eggs are stacked in a tray and then plunged into the thermal pools, after which they come out looking all black. Visitors are allowed to see only a part of this process as the high presence of hydrogen sulfide, and sulphur dioxide in the air make it toxic for people to breathe.

Is It Worth Going?

Well, apart from Owakudani, there are a lot of places to visit after this fantastic place! You can get into hiking if you are an adventure lover – strap on tour boots and trek on the numerous hiking trails in Owakudani. As the place is already mountainous, there is always a trail somewhere for you to join in. You can also try a cruise on the Ashinoko Warship Boat, where you will be greeted to the amazing view of Mount Fuji.

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Why Is Running a Pre-Employment Background Check Important in a Hiring Decision?

Hiring a candidate is not just reviewing applications and conducting interviews. It involves several steps, such as discussing with the manager to find out everything they expect from a candidate, publishing the job description, sifting through the applications, conducting phone screenings, picking out qualified candidates and setting up in-person interviews.

While the interviews do help the employer find out a lot about the prospective employee, there is some information that the candidates may choose not to disclose. And this is where a background check helps. Below are all the reasons why your business needs to run a pre-employment background check:

1. It’s an easy way of making sure you are hiring the right candidate.

As all recruiters know, finding candidates takes a lot of time. From sourcing to reviewing applications and interviewing the candidates, the screening process can take a lot of time. Since this process is already quite time consuming, you should ensure you hire the right person the first time itself. This is the best way to avoid impacting the productivity of the company.

2. It flags past transgressions that might impact the performance of the employee.

Some background checks can help unearth some issues that may be relevant to the specific job for which you are hiring. For example, if you are looking for a driver, you wouldn’t want to hire a candidate with numerous license suspensions. If you are not hiring a driver, on the other hand, this will hold no bearing on the applicant’s ability to perform the job at hand.

 3. It helps recruiters perform due diligence and decreases liability for the business.

Let’s use the same example as above to illustrate this point. If you do not ask for a background check, you are more likely to hire the applicant who has gotten several DUIs. If the driver gets into an accident, you risk being held liable for the accident because you didn’t run a background check to make sure this person was a fit candidate.

4. It gives you a deeper insight into the potential fit.

Almost no job applicant will volunteer what could be considered damaging information in an interview. They will put on a performance and try their utmost to appear professional and friendly to charm their interviewer. They can even go as far as excluding previous jobs from their resume. Running a background check can help you cut through the façade and find out whether the individual was really upfront about their past.

5. It helps the employer keep their employees and customers safe.

There are probably two types of candidates no employer would want to hire: violent criminals and sex offenders. Just like the point mentioned above, you could be held liable for hiring a sexual predator if that individual assaults or harms someone from your team or one of your customers. So, to keep your employees and customers safe, it would be better to run a background check on all the candidates you are considering for a position.

 6. It helps you keep your company drug-free.

Not only do many employees seek a drug-free workplace, but several customers put a lot of stock in buying from drug-free environments. A background check can help you root out candidates who have been slapped with drug charges in the recent past. Some companies even choose to supplement the pre-employment background check with a drug test to establish a zero-tolerance anti-drug policy at work from the very beginning.

7. It flags dishonesty.

Every applicant who comes to an interview, intend to do everything they can to impress the employer. Some even lie on their resume: they can exclude work histories, makeup others or embellish job responsibilities. The best way to highlight these problems is to give a call to their former employees.

8. It verifies education and certifications.

In addition to verifying their employment history, a background check can also help you make sure that the applicants you are considering have the degrees and professional certifications they listed in their resume. While some jobs may not require the candidates to have specific qualifications, others do. Regardless, the background check will help you establish whether the candidate was honest or whether they are qualified.

9. It gives the business owner and the managers peace of mind.

To avoid having to worry about whether you can trust your employee, a background check can help you dodge those worries. It helps ensure that you did not hire a criminal, a fraud or a thief.

10. It highlights criminal history.

While some companies may hire someone if the criminal charges are minor or out of date, other companies may refuse to do so. In fact, certain companies outsource their business to other companies and their requirements include not hiring anyone who has a criminal history. Running a background check can help flag any criminal convictions in the candidate’s past.

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Retire Planning: The Earlier You Begin, The Better It Is.

Retirement planning should start from the moment you get your first job. It is not a simple process but is actually a multi-step process that evolves over time.

 For a secure, comfortable, and fun retirement, you will need to build the financial cushion that will fund everything you need and want. If you want your retirement to be stress-free and enjoyable, you will have to tackle the serious and perhaps boring part from the get-go: planning how you’ll get there.

This post will, therefore, cover the 10 things you must absolutely do (no matter what your age) to build a solid retirement plan.

Tip #1: Saving Starts Very Early On

If you are already saving, keep going! Whether it’s for your retirement or another goal, you need to save and keep saving. If you haven’t started saving yet, it’s time to get started. It’s a very rewarding habit, and the more you save, the more you’ll want to keep saving. The important part is to devise a plan, set goals and stick to them.

Tip #2: Know your needs

You have to be realistic when planning your retirement. Retirement is expensive and if you want to maintain your standard of living when you stop working, you will have to plan ahead and take charge of your financial future. Think about your spending habits and the things that you’d like to cross off your bucket list when you plan.

Tip #3: Check your employer’s pension plan

Check to see if you are covered by the plan and find out everything you can about the plan from your employer. You must understand how it works. You can even ask for an individual benefit statement to see what your benefit is worth. Also, remember to find out what will happen to your pension benefit before you change jobs.

Tip #4: Contribute to your employer’s retirement savings plan

If you are in the US, your employer may offer a retirement savings plan, such as a 401(k) plan, while if you are in Canada, the retirement plan they offer may be the Registered Retirement Savings Plan. The good thing about these plans is that they are tax-deductible. Sign up and contribute!

Tip #5: You Can Suggest that Your Employer Start A Retirement Plan

If your employer doesn’t offer a retirement plan, you can always ask them to start one. It will not only benefit you, as there are some simplified plans out there that can help both you and the employer. There is a wide range of retirement saving plan options available in almost every country.

Tip #6: Consider Investment Principles

Essentially, this means that you’ll have to calculate inflation and the after-tax rate of investment returns to assess the likelihood of the portfolio producing the desired income. Hence, how you save will be just as important as how much you save.

Tip #7: Consider Putting Money in an Individual Retirement Account

Individual Retirement Account (in the US) or Tax-Free Savings Account (in Canada) can be just as helpful. When you open an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), you have two options – a traditional IRA or a Roth IRA. You can put up to $5,000 a year into the Roth IRA and the Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA).

Tip #8: Don’t Withdraw from Your Retirement Savings Until You Retire

This is pretty straightforward. Touching your retirement savings before you retire, you will not only lose principal and interest but you may also lose tax benefits. In some cases, you may even have to pay withdrawal penalties.

Tip #9: Don’t Be in a Hurry to Collect Your Social Security Benefits

In some countries, you can receive benefits as early as age 60 even though the retirement age is at 65. In other countries, you can start accessing your social security benefits at 62. While you may be tempted to start collecting them as soon as you can, it’ll be better to delay these benefits until you reach full retirement age.

Tip #10: Reduce Debt and Avoid New Debt as You Age

The more debt you have, the more interest you pay. So, not only will that mean one less monthly bill that you will have to worry about after you retire, but it also means you will be able to save more. Try the snowball method: you start by paying off the smallest of your debt and then gradually move to the largest ones.

Most Importantly: Do Not Be Afraid to Ask Questions

While the tips we outlined in this post are meant to point you in the right direction, you’ll most likely need more information. You can talk to your employer, your bank, your union, a financial adviser or an insurance company, such as Nonmed Insurance Inc. to get practical advice. Do not hesitate to ask them as many questions as necessary and make sure you understand the answers.

10 Ways to Live More Fully

We all have different explanations of what happiness is and what it means to each of us. No matter what challenges, crossroads, and lifestyle changes you come across in your life, at the end of the day, your happiness is what truly matters most. Whether you’re in a relationship, have children, have a busy work life or whatever the circumstances are, it’s important to know how to be happy alone. When you know what makes you truly happy, practice self-care, take care of yourself and get out of your comfort zone, you will be able to see how powerful being happy alone can be.

In this article, you will discover 10 ways you can use to be all alone and feel completely happy while doing it!

Do one thing at a time. Single-task, don’t multitask. When you’re pouring water, just pour water. When you’re eating, just eat. When you’re bathing, just bathe. Don’t try to knock off a few tasks while eating or bathing or whatever else. Even though multitasking [may make] us feel more productive, studies show that we make more errors when juggling tasks and don’t retain information in working memory. Taking on one task at a time has us go more deeply into the task at hand, allowing us to think creatively and utilize problem-solving skills, which in turn enables us to get more meaning from the task. Though there can be a rush that comes with multitasking, ultimately connecting deeply with one activity leads to greater feelings of fulfillment.”

Stop trying to be perfect: You already are. Yes, each one of us is a work in progress, but that work is perfect in its state of evolution. When you are driven by perfection, you are unable to appreciate who you already are. Try instead to look at what is right about you.

Stop Trying to Impress Others: The people who want to be impressed (in the way I am talking about here) are not worth your time. The people who will judge you without knowing you or based on some criteria that are not even important to you are just not your people. The people who matter will think you are amazing. Pay more attention to them.

Stop Trying to Be Someone Else: If you are comparing yourself to someone who has different talents than you do or if you think that you should be doing things a different way than is natural for you, instead start to appreciate how you do things and what your talents are.

Find What You Love: When you let yourself be yourself, you will naturally be drawn to what you love. But, what you love also shows you something about who you are. If you don’t know what you love, experiment. If you like it, try doing it again and see if it grows into something.

Give Yourself Permission to Do What You Love: Once you find the things you love, do them a lot. The more that you do what you love, the happier and the more satisfied you will be with your life. If you know what you love but you are not doing it, get the support you need to give yourself permission to be happy.

Don’t Waste Time Doing Other Things: Why bother doing things that you do not enjoy? Yes, I understand life has some practicalities that need to be addressed, but once they have been attended to-are you still wasting time not doing what you love? If so, start a plan to cut out the things that are not in line with who you want to be or what you love, and then take action.

Slow Down: We can all get a bit ahead of ourselves. It is not about doing more or doing it faster, it is about really enjoying our life. We can’t do that if we are moving so fast that we don’t even know what is happening. Start by building some real breaks into your schedule.

Pay Attention to What Is Working (Most of the Time): Most of us would benefit from being a bit more positive. There is a place for looking at what is not working, but when we pay attention to what works, we often learn more about it and therefore can have more of it. We also feel better about what we are experiencing. If you see yourself getting negative, find one thing that is working.

Express Gratitude: Being grateful is one of the most effective ways to be happier. When in doubt, find something to appreciate. And don’t forget to apply it to yourself!

Learn to Fully Receive: The emphasis on doing that most of us have been enculturated into leaves us less skilled when it comes to receiving. But how can we have a full and rich life if we can’t receive it? The next time someone compliments you, take it in.

Ready for more wisdom? Keeping reading so that you can create the life you desire – and deserve!

Protect Your Business, Property and Assets by Hiring Security Guards

It’s undeniable that crime has evolved beyond traditional break-ins. And this is all through the advancement of technology. It is evident that thieves take advantages of the growing number of technologies and advanced equipment that can be maliciously manipulated to commit felonies.

Hence, what with all the opportunities available to criminals, it is even more important to find the best ways to safeguarding our premises. One of these ways includes having security guards patrolling in your premises. On top of that, it is imperative to find good security guards that fit your company’s profile. This blog post is going to help you along the way!

What are The Benefits of Hiring Security Guards?

1. Security Guards Act as a physical visual deterrent to theft.

There’s a reason why a great number of companies hire security guards on top of high-tech security options: a physical presence onsite tends to ward off criminals. If the security guard is attentive and reasonably fit, criminals will be less likely to target your business for fear of being caught and arrested.

2. If A Crime Occurs, You Will Have the Assurance that Someone Responsible is On-Site

While it is true that common trespassers like teenager hooligans or homeless folks are very likely to be deterred by a security guard, those with more nefarious intentions tend to be bolder. If spotted, they might be tempted to run after committing an offence.

Having a security guard on-site means greater chances of resolution as he or she has the appropriate training to approach trespassers and finding ways to resolve the issue.

3. Security Guards Offer Security to Your Clients as Well.

Provided the proper training, a security guard can offer visual security and assistance for existing and potential clients alike. Whether as uniformed representatives or direct employees, the security guards can be yet another helpful face to boost the customer experience.

So, How to Go About Hiring Security Guards?

Below are 5 simple steps you can follow to find the best security guards for your company:

Step 1: Know your company profile

You can’t start the hiring process without first knowing the security needs of your company. Generally, this process will involve working alongside a security adviser. The security adviser will take into account the surface area and the layout of the building before eventually offering you advice on what exactly you’ll have to look for.

Step 2: Decide on the number of security guard you need

The next step involves determining the number of security personnel you really need. To decide how many security guards you really need, the security adviser will consider the doors and entries that will need to have security personnel manning those choke points. The larger the company, the larger the force you will need. This is simply because you will have to ensure that each entry or exit point within your premises are covered by guards that will go around patrolling as mobile sentries.

Step 3: The interview process can now start

The interviews can be conducted in two phases: phone interviews and face-to-face interviews. Let’s look at phone interviews first. It’s normal to get several applications for one job. Once you’ve sorted through these resumes and chosen the best candidates for your business, take some time to call them. A phone interview should not last long. You can generally complete one within 10 minutes. During the interview, you can cover the basics:

  1. find out why they left their previous job or why they want to leave
  2. ask for their salary expectations
  3. question them about the notice period.

This will help you reduce the list of potential candidates and ensure that you call only the best candidates for face-to-face interviews (which can last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour).

Step 4: Remember to ask for references

At the end of the interview, ask the candidate for references. Asking for character references is an inherent part of employment and good candidates will generally come prepared and will have a list of references ready to give you. Take the time to do these background checks, it will give you a better idea of the candidate’s work ethic and attitude.

Step 5: Do Not Trust Everything You Saw in Their Portfolio

Once the interview is over and you have shortlisted the candidates you believe will fit your business needs, there is one less step we believe is worth your time: Checking their credentials.

Nowadays, it is easy to fake certificates. So, even if this step is time-consuming, take the time to do it as it will tell you if you really can to hire that person or if you need to consider other candidates.

To Sum Up

This post covers the several critical areas which need to be addressed when looking for potential candidates. In addition to that, below is a list of other areas that need be taken into account before making any commitments:

  • Cost
  • Full licensure according to state and local laws
  • Full insurance coverage
  • The equipment they are allowed to use
  • Management policies
  • Responsiveness
  • Feedback from previous clients
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Tips for Choosing a Motel

When traveling, it’s common to only need accommodation to get you through the night before transiting to some other city, state or country. Considering the amount of money you are already spending, you might want to spend the night someplace that’s not too expensive so it fits in your entire travel budget. That’s when it is a good idea to pick a motel instead of a hotel.

There are a lot of options when it comes to motels. But too many choices can get overwhelming. Whether you are a sightseer or just a business traveler who needs to catch an early train or flight back home, you need to carefully choose a place where you can safely spend the night. To help you choose wisely, we’ve put together a list of simple steps to follow when choosing a motel.

Want to save time and reduce frustration? Keep reading.

Find Out What You Would Consider Important in a Motel

How will you ever be able to pick a motel if you don’t even know what you want? So, before even beginning the hunt for a hotel, sit down (with your partner if they are accompanying you) and prepare a quick list of the things that you believe is compulsory to have a good night’s stay.

What Are the Non-Negotiables?

Regardless of who you are and what are your reasons for booking a room at a motel, the basic checklist for choosing a motel tends to remain the same. The basics usually include cleanliness and tidiness. If your foremost priority is cleanliness and tidiness along with access to good amenities and facilities, consider spending a little more money and getting a better motel with cleaner and higher quality facilities. A surefire sign that the motel will not suit you is if the motel is rundown.

If there’s one thing you don’t want to overlook when it comes to cleanliness is the presence of insects and bugs in the motel. Some bugs have the ability to cling to your clothes and will follow you everywhere you go, meaning running the risk of bringing these pesky pests back into your home. If you don’t want to regret choosing another motel elsewhere, scout out the place for cleanliness. Unless the place is in good condition, chances are high that the place has hygiene issues – leading, of course, to it becoming a hotspot for insects and bugs. Do not think twice about spending too much money on these kinds of places.

Determine Your Requirements

After having identified the non-negotiables, you are ready to then branch out to other things. But not everyone will have the same list when it comes to their list of added requirements. To break it down simply, we’ve included below a list of questions you should ask yourself before booking a room in a motel. Remember that not all of these things will be important to you. Just pick and choose those that are essential to you. Based on that you can eliminate the motels that do not offer the things you’re looking for.

  1. At what time will you check-in? If it’s within their normal check-in time, you should be fine. But if you are arriving late at night, it would be a good idea to check if they have a 24-hour reception. Even if they don’t, you can simply notify the motel of your arrival time and they will make sure someone is available to let you in. It’s always a good idea to check with the motel before booking because some places do not accept guests past a certain time.
  2. Are you a breakfast person? If yes, find out if breakfast is included in the room charge or not. Some motels even offer free breakfast.
  3. Do you prefer small properties where the staff will learn your name and be friendly?  Or do you prefer more professional types of properties?
  4. If the décor matters to you, check photos uploaded by previous guests to find out if the décor is old-fashioned décor or business-like.
  5. Does the motel offer WiFi in the rooms and throughout the hotel? Or just in the common areas, such as the lobby. Remember to also ask if the WiFi is free or if you’ll have to pay an additional fee for access.
  6. Does the bed size matter? What bed sizes do they have in their rooms?
  7. Are you allowed to smoke in your room? Or are all rooms non-smoking areas?
  8. Do you need any toiletries? Does the motel provide any?
  9. Do you plan to bring a hairdryer? If not, will you be able to get one at the motel?
  10. Will you need an airport transfer? Will the motel be able to provide you with a taxi?
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Maintaining Your Elevator: Answers to Questions You May Be Asking Yourself

Just as with everything else, prevention is better than cure. Investing in the maintenance of elevators will help you in the long run. And while it’s true that repairs are going to cost you a fortune and that regular maintenance will increase the lifespan of lifts, there’s another reason for maintaining your elevator: the safety of the passengers.

If your elevator is in a corporate office skyscraper or an apartment building, it is your responsibility, as the property owner or manager, to ensure that maintenances are scheduled regularly. Regular maintenance is even mandated by the local cities and towns, for good reasons.

Elevator inspection, maintenance, and repair should be done only by a professional. But before you go on the hunt for a perfect professional, below are the answers to questions you may be asking yourself:

1. At what frequency must elevator maintenances be scheduled?

Although regulations vary from one country to another and one state to another, it is generally recommended to get inspections done on elevators at least once a year. Since every lift must have a certificate of operation, which must be posted in the elevator itself, the inspection must be successful. Hence the need for regular maintenance.

Therefore, in addition to ensuring the elevator stays in top-notch condition for a long time and ensuring the passengers remain safe, annual servicing also ensures that the elevator stays in compliance with state and federal regulations.

2. I already ensure that maintenances are conducted on an annual basis. I’m all good then?

Sure, regular servicing is good as it ensures that all regulations are met. However, you don’t want to have maintenances too far apart. Instead, you want to be proactive. In fact, the further apart the maintenances are scheduled, the more likely it is you will have to face costly repair issues.

To avoid being blindsided by heavily damaged parts that may put passengers at risk or inconveniencing tenants due to lifts being out of service, you will have to stay on top of the elevator maintenance. The best way to ensure that is by adopting a preventive attitude rather than a reactive one. This approach entails thinking about getting upgrades done at the right time and modernizing the lifts if necessary.

3. What can I expect from a maintenance task?

You cannot expect the elevator units to be in top working order all the time. With every maintenance, you might have some parts to replace and others to repair.

Maintenance tasks would generally reveal the problems, such as:

  1. A broken pit light
  2. A broken top light
  3. A dirty car top dirty
  4. Water or debris in the elevator pit
  5. A faulty door reversal device
  6.  A fire recall service that is not working properly
  7. Malfunctioning emergency lights
  8. Cable measurements that are not in compliance
  9. Missing door restrictor

4. What about the machine room? Do I need to schedule maintenance for that as well?

The elevator machine room refers to the lift motor room. That room houses the machinery and electrical controls needed to operate a lift. It will typically contain:

  • Counterweight governor
  • Deflector sheaves
  • Drive motor
  • Electrical disconnects
  • Encoder
  • Fire alarm devices
  • Geared, gearless and drum-type machine
  • Hoist beam
  • HVAC equipment
  • Light control switch
  • Light fixtures
  • Machine brake
  • Motor generator set
  • Rope gripper
  • Selector

And just like elevators, lift motor rooms have to be in good working order as well. Maintenance will ensure that the elevator machine room is up to code. Part of the inspection will involve ensuring that:

  1. The motor drives are well aligned.
  2. The machine room is self-closing and locking. (this ensures that only authorized personnel can get in.)
  3. The sheaves don’t get worn down.
  4. The room features adequate lighting.
  5. The bearings don’t get too noisy.
  6. The bearings don’t malfunction.
  7. The room is not being used as a storage room.

5. Is there anything I can do on my own?

Lifts are so complex machines that their servicing is better left to experts. In an inexperienced hand, even a little dabbling can lead to disastrous consequences.

What you can do, instead, is to spot the parts that are the most vulnerable to damage. If you know where you run the highest chances of trouble, it will be easier for you to anticipate these repairs. This leads to better budgeting and, in turn, faster repairs.

An example of a part that often malfunctions are the unit doors. About 70% of elevator maintenance calls are due to this. If you know that you may face the problem with the lifts in your building, you can plan ahead and integrate a solution that will reduce the risks of that happening.

Hopefully, this blog post has answered questions you may be asking yourself! If you are looking for a contractor who can handle the maintenance of your lifts, contact March Elevator Limited. They will be able to help you out.

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Getting Approved for a Home Mortgage Loan

Do you think you are finally ready to buy a house? Excited to go home shopping?

Stop.

We hate to rain on your parade but trust us. You do NOT want to rush this. You are not ready to go home shopping unless you’ve seen your lender first.

Potential buyers who consult with their lenders before even going home shopping have the added advantage of obtaining a pre-approval letter. How is that helpful, you ask? Well, sellers would be more willing to negotiate for one. And why do you ask? Well, that letter is proof that you can obtain financing and that you are a serious buyer.

You may read that interest rates are set to lower even more in 2020 and you are ready to start looking so you can make a buy as soon as it drops, but really, don’t rush into homeownership without knowing more about mortgage. Because, here’s the thing: the process of getting a home loan is not the same as getting a car loan or renting an apartment. So, to avoid being disappointed because mortgage loan application has been denied, make a meeting with your lender your number one priority.

Your lender will cover loan options available to you as well as budgeting. Another benefit of talking to your lender from the very beginning is that the possibility of unearthing any potential problems very early on. The lender will check your credit to do that.

At this point, the lender will tell you if you are eligible for a home loan and will communicate to you the maximum amount you can borrow. This will help you set the price range for the house. Here’s one thing you want to remember at this stage: do not go for the top of your spending limit. Instead, determine what monthly repayment amount you are comfortable with, and use that to decide the amount you’ll be borrowing.

5 Documents You Need when Trying to Get Your Mortgage Pre-Approved

What is pre-approval? Is it the same as pre-qualification?

Short answer? No.

A pre-qualification is when your lender gives you an estimate of how much you can afford to spend on a home.

A pre-approval, on the other hand, means the lender your credit has been checked and the documentation to approve a specific loan amount has been verified. A final loan approval will be needed once the appraisal of the property has been done.

Below is a list of documents you will need to assemble for the pre-approval process:

1. Proof of Income

Documents that can serve as proofs of income include wage statements, recent pay stubs, and proof of any additional income such as alimony or bonuses. You may also be required to present your most recent tax returns.

2. Proof of Assets

This proves that you have sufficient funds for down payment and closing costs. You also need to prove that you have some cash reserved. Bank statements and investment account statements should do the job.

3. Good Credit

The lower your score, the larger will the down payment have to be. If your score is high, on the other hand, you may be able to enjoy better interest rates.

Your score is below the accepted range? Fret not. Most lenders will suggest ways on how to improve your score if it’s too low.

4. Employment Verification

For lenders to lend you money, they need to make sure that you will be able to make the monthly payments. So, in addition to pay stubs, they may also call your employer to verify that you indeed have stable employment.

If you are self-employed, you will be expected to produce the two most recent years’ tax returns instead.

5. Other Documentation

These may include proof of your identity, for example. You may be asked for your driver’s license, your Social Security number (SSN) and your signature. This is to help the lender pull your credit report.

5 Tips to Get Your Mortgage Approved

Below are  few tips to ensure your application gets approved:

1. Check Your Credit Score

Make sure you review your credit score and credit history before submitting a home loan application.

Factors such as several missed payments, frequent lateness, low credit score, credit fraud and other derogatory credit information can stop mortgage approvals dead in its tracks.

2. Save

You might have to cough up some cash during the mortgage approval process. So, to avoid any delays in the approval procedure, make sure you have some cash saved up.

3. Do Not Change Jobs

Since lenders take into consideration your jobs during the pre-approval process, leaving your stable job to be self-employed or for a lower salary may throw a wrench in your plans.

4. Pay Down Debt

While banks and lenders won’t require that you have no side debts, the less you owe your creditors, the better. The more debts you have to pay, the less amount you may be able to acquire from your lender.

5. Know What You Can Afford

As mentioned above: do not get a loan that you cannot afford to pay. Remember that you have other expenses, such as insurance, groceries, and fuel.

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