Important Questions to Ask Your Ecommerce Service Provider

When making a choice of who to use as your eCommerce service provider, one must ask the right questions to ensure that what you are paying for is what you're getting.

Also ensuring that there are no unpleasant surprises or complications down the road that will seriously affect your ability to do business online.

The 3 Success Factors:

The right technology -to fulfil your business requirements Intelligent Support Infrastructure - for effective support, hosting and technical knowhow to ensure that your technology is up and running as close to 100% as possible allowing you to focus 100% on selling and running your business. Professional eCommerce Services - that are geared to helping you sell effectively online, including online merchandising, information architecture, sales strategy and sales focused copywriting.

Important Questions to ask:

How many Ecommerce sites have they done before?

Experience will dictate how well your storefront is built, operate and sells online

What is the core competency of your provider?

If your provider offers web design, logo design, flash design, ecommerce, SEO and a number of other services, please make sure that they truly differentiate themselves in terms of eCommerce.

Does your provider have a fully functional ecommerce system?

Or do they have to "build" one? Can they show you something that really works and does it work for you? If they don't you may wait a long time to start trading online, and even then the possibility is there that the system will not work smoothly.

What happens if something doesn't work?

Do you get charged to fix it? Are there support and maintenance costs? How long will it take to get back up and running?

What kind of technical support do you get?

Do you get charged for this? Can you phone in and expect immediate intelligent answers to question? What is the turnaround time for response?

Do you get access to upgrades?

If so, do you have to pay for them? What kind of upgrades can you expect in future?

What kind of Bandwidth and hosting environment do you get?

How fast is your hosting environment and are you hosted in SA? This makes a difference as to how fast your site loads and whether customers are going to lose patience, leave and never return.

How independent are you?

Do you have to ask your provider to complete critical business tasks such as upgrading orders, adding in new content such as products and prices, running reports, creating affiliate campaigns, changing your design. If so do they charge for this and how fast do they get this done?

What kind of Security Certificates do they provide?

If they do not provide full Thawte (or Verisign) certification, at least 128 bit encryption and SSL (Secure Socket Layer) technology, then they are not providing your customer with a secure place to perform online transactions.

What does your provider advise you to use for your main page?

If there is no mention of placing products, specials or items that will be truly of interest to your customer, then you will know that your provider is not thinking about designing a storefront geared to sell.

Are you tied in to a contract?

If so, for how many months and what are the terms?

Has your provider given you a deadline?

If not you may wait a very long time to get things done and get online and selling.

A Brief History of Bankso, Bulgaria's Premier Ski Resort

The area around Bansko has been inhabited for centuries by the Thracians, Romans, Byzantines and Slavs. There are many ruins of old fortresses and burial grounds around the town.

Bansko first became a settlement in the 9th to 10th century when several neighbourhoods joined together and it is mentioned in the Ottoman register under the name Baniska.

During the 18th Century Bansko was mainly the home of agricultural workers and craftsmen, who worked in the forests and fields around. Many mills were built along the river. Wood products, leather manufacture and fish, olives and tobacco were traded with settlements in the Aegean, Serresa and Drama. Horse drawn caravan trains would take goods across the country and further afield. Those living and working in the Bansko became wealthy and many travelled abroad or sent their children abroad. This led to a wise cultural diversity in Bansko. It also meant that the residents of Bansko were able to build magnificent houses; high stone houses with wooden beams and cladding and heavy fortified gates. The ceilings and walls of the rooms would be covered in colourful murals and religious paintings.

It was not until 1912 that Bansko was freed from Ottoman rule, the day the Balkan war was announced. Bansko's council or local government was set up in about 1850 and consisted of local elected officials from the various local tradesmen. In the 1860's and 1870's the local municipality was particularly involved in fighting against the Greeks for independence for the Bulgarian church and attempting to bring education to the village. The first school was built in 1857. During the Balkan war the Bansko council collected food and clothes for the Bulgarian army.

Due to its location at the base of the Pirin mountains, skiing developed above the town, but initially was only accessible by a mini-bus taking skiers up the steep hillside to the base of the small ski area. It was not until 2003 when the gondola was put in, that skiers could access the skiing directly from the town. Bansko quickly developed into a more modern winter holiday resort with an explosion of hotels and apartment blocks. Marketed as a cheap alternative to skiing in France and Italy, it soon became a popular destination for British.

The old part of Bansko still retains its character and authenticity. There are cobbled streets, traditional stone and wood houses and lively local bars with local musicians. There are over 120 cultural and historical monuments in Bansko old town, including the Holy Trinity Church with its 30 metre high clock town, built by donations from local towns folk in 1835 to 1837 and decorated with murals done by the local art school.

This contrasts drastically with the large number of new developments that have sprung up in the last few years to cater for the number of skiers and holiday makers. The ski area has around 75 kilometres of runs with close to 30 ski lifts and the highest accessed point being at 2,600 metres.

Bansko hosts a number of events each year from music festivals to chess tournaments as well as large sporting events. There is also a golf course and several lakes in the area, as well as the famous Bear sanctuary close by. The next door village of Banya, now more or less joined to Bansko by all the developments, is known for its thermal mineral springs. There is also a narrow gauge railway line running from the village of Dobrinishte to Septemvri and taking a scenic few hours to complete the journey.

Bansko is situated in the south western corner of Bulgaria, right at the bottom of the Pirin mountain range, fairly close to the Greek border. It has an elevation of 925 metres. It is around a two and half hour drive from the capital of Bulgaria, Sofia.

Ways To Stay Safe On The Internet

As more people continue to worry about privacy on the internet, it seems like most people do not really know how they can protect themselves on the internet. There are plenty of occasions of where people get their identity stolen or personal information simply because they were not thinking about the problems that surfing the internet without any precautions can cause. Here are a few things to think about when trying to stay safer on the internet.

Google Chrome Incognito Mode

Some browsers are beginning to follow suit but Google Chrome has made it a priority for people to be able to finally go on the internet feeling completely anonymous. This is a great way for people do all the things that they want without the fear of anything bad going on. Whether you are going through your PayPal account or simply checking your bank account, you want to be able to know that you are safe. This is why Google Chrome has become so popular and more people are using the incognito mode.

Only Work With PayPal

When it comes to making payments on the internet, the best way to really stay safe is by paying everything through PayPal. This is the most efficient and safest way to deal with people on the internet when you are trying to buy and sell things as PayPal is 100% safe. A great way to even take it a step further is to use PayPal while using Google Chrome while browsing PayPal because you will be able to double up the protection.

Never Give Out Personal Information

When it comes to the internet, you can't really trust anyone. If you are serious about making transactions of any kind, do not give out your name, address or any personal information that can be used in any way. Make sure that the websites that you are working with are known to be very safe and are not websites that will try and phish your information. There are plenty of unsafe sites on the internet and there are ways to really tell if the website is legit or not. The best way is to trust Google's recommendations when you search for something because only the most trusted websites will come up when you search for something. Be sure to only use websites through Google Chrome incognito when you ever come across a somewhat unsafe website.

When you are on the internet, always be aware of the website that you are going to and the people that you are talking to. As much as possible you should always be on Google Chrome incognito mode and to only use PayPal when making your transactions. When it comes to giving out information, make sure that you do not give anything out that can cause any problems.

For years people have been worried about the internet and how dangerous it is and you really do have to be aware of your surroundings on the internet. Make sure that you know what your children are doing on the internet and always ensure that you keep a good eye on them. Be safe and always browse with awareness.

When You Should Consider A Workers Compensation Attorney

Workers compensation is a form of insurance that provides for employees when they are injured on the job under certain circumstances. In order for an injury to qualify under a worker compensation claim it must generally meet a two-prong requirement. First the injury must have occurred at the place of employment and secondly the injury must be related to the work performed. An injury that occurs during an employees break or lunch period for example would not qualify since by the very nature of the timing the employee would have been off the clock and not performing a job related task.

If the first two prongs have been met the employee may still have a difficult time having their claim approved if the injury is the result of a cumulative action such as carpal tunnel syndrome or a lumbar back injury. These injuries can be harder to wholly prove based on a medical exam or x-rays and even harder to prove that they are the result of a workplace occupational injury.

In addition, employees who suffer from these cumulative injuries may not file a workers compensation claim in a timely manner and their injuries may be considered "suspect" and denied.

Since there are so many variants that can come into play with workers compensation claims it is necessary to understand how workers compensation works and when it is important to hire a workers compensation attorney to represent you and your claim. The most important step is to file your claim as soon as the injury occurs. The longer you wait to file, the more likely your claim will be red flagged as a potential false claim. Be prepared to have your employer contest your claim. It comes down to money and the more claims an employer has filed against them the more money it will ultimately cost them.

The insurance carrier will decide initially to either deny or approve your claim. If your claim is denied by the carrier, you will be able to appeal to the board or industrial commission. If they also deny the claim, you can take the claim to court for resolution. At any point in the process you can hire an attorney, but generally you will want an attorney if you are seriously injured or your compensation claim amount is not correct.

Your compensation generally should cover your lost wages up to a certain percentage as well as your medical expenses. If you feel you are not receiving the correct compensation or your medical coverage is denied, you may need an attorney to help correct the situation.

Finally if your employer retaliates or fires you for filing a workers compensation claim against them you will need an attorney to help you fight for your claim as well as your illegal firing.

What Is a Better Deal, Minor DUI or MIP?

If you have been charged with minor driving under the influence of alcohol there are not a lot of plea deal reductions to choose from, since this is a pretty low offense. Therefore it can be difficult to try and come up with a game plan on how best to resolve this type of even.

With a DUI over.08 its pretty simple to come up with plan on how best to resolve the case. Usually there are lesser offenses than the DUI can be reduced to that limits the consequences and penalties of a DUI offense. However minor DUI usually does not carry very many penalties and consequences. Especially compared to its more serious counterpart. However despite not carring all the consequences, and penalties, it still carries the stigma and negative connotation due to the term "DUI" in the charge. And many people want to avoid having that term in their criminal history. So what can be done with a minor DUI.

One option that I think is a better deal, is changing the charge to minor in possession of alcohol. Usually this is a more serious offense, meaning the maximum penalty is higher and comes with a larger possible fine. But to me this sounds a heck of a lot better than having DUI in the title.

Why does an MIP sound so much better you ask? Well first of all it doesn't involve driving. As a parent I think I would prefer my son or daughter have an offense that involves possessing alcohol as opposed to driving with alcohol in their system. When you think of a minor in possession charge this can be something as simple as having a beer at a college party, or having a drink in your hand at a football tailgate.

Secondly this type of offense is more likely to get vacated after their appropriate time frame expires. Why is this? Because again there isn't a driving element associated with it. Most Judges want people to have their record reflect prior DUI charges. This is because of sentencing issues, and the laws with repeat offenders. However a Minor in possession would not fall under this category and a Judge might be more likely to vacate or expunge the charge off the record of the individual or minor convicted of this offense.

In the end this will really be up to the defendant. However in my opinion I think a MIP sounds a lot better, and has a better chance of ultimately being removed than a minor DUI.

Test Your Affiliate Program Before You Commit to It

There are some excellent - and sophisticated - affiliate marketing systems available. However, these systems can be expensive or difficult to learn. They are essential when you've built momentum, but I'm going to suggest an easier way to get started.

Start by finding one person or company you would like as an affiliate. Talk to them; explain the commission deal you're offering; and invite them to be an affiliate.

Then, before you install any affiliate software on your Web site, simply create a special page for that affiliate to promote whatever product you want them to sell. This page is an exact duplicate of the public page on your Web site promoting that same product. But your affiliate's page is private - only they know the address. And you have some way of knowing if somebody orders through that page (For example, you can use a unique product code).

You then ask them to do their promotion for you, and refer people to that private page. You can supply them with sales copy, or ask them to write it themselves.

Now you sit back and wait!

You have an affiliate eager to find you customers; you've chosen your best product for them to promote; and they've sent some promotional material sent to a database. This is about the best scenario possible.

If you get a strong positive response, congratulations! This is a good sign it's worth expanding the program.

However, my guess is you'll be disappointed with the results - because, as I said earlier, most business owners over-estimate their results. That's not necessarily a bad sign, because this was just a test run. It gives you valuable information about what works and what doesn't. You have the opportunity to adjust a few things and try again.

You might even decide an affiliate program isn't right for you just yet. Perhaps the returns were so low you realise it shouldn't be one of your top priorities. Perhaps you didn't realise how difficult it would be for other people to promote your products and services. Perhaps you ended up with too many leads that didn't turn into sales - and hence wasted your time.

Regardless of the results, this experiment has been a success. Even if you decide not to continue, it was a fast, inexpensive way to reach that decision.

If you do decide to persevere with your affiliate program, repeat the experiment with a few more hand-picked affiliates. Remember that you engineered the best-case scenario the first time, so it's worth experimenting again. If this still works, you can invest with confidence in proper affiliate software.

How to Prepare for a Whitsundays Yacht Charter Trip

If it is your first time to go to a Whitsundays yacht charter trip, there are things that you have to bear in mind to make your trip an unforgettable experience. Sailing Whitsunday is definitely not any typical cruise because it offers something that is much more exciting and unique. It is the perfect choice if you prefer an intimate trip instead of sailing through a big cruise line.

There are two common types of yacht charter, crewed or skippered and bareboat charter. A crewed yacht allows you to go sailing with a crew. This includes a skipper or captain, chef, stewardesses, deckhands, engineers, professional scuba divers and others. On the other hand, a bareboat charter lets you rent a boat and skipper or drive it on your own. You could also gather up a group and rent the yacht all together. Some bareboat companies offer basic seamanship courses to prepare their clients before sailing on board.

Your Whitsundays yacht charter cruise could easily become the best trip ever especially when you properly prepare for it. Here are some of the things that you need to remember when you are going sailing.

Determine the duration of your yacht cruise. This will help you decide how much food and picnic supplies you will need to bring. Bring extra snacks and pack up some lunch if you will be out all day. But if you are renting the yacht charter for a couple of days, load your kitchen with adequate food supplies. Bring a first aid-kit complete with bandages, alcohol, and other fast relief medicines. If one of the passengers is on some kind of medication, make sure that he has everything he needs. There are some places that have restrooms while others don't. If you don't have your own bathroom in your boat, might as well bring a portable potty and other bathroom supplies that you may need. Don't forget your sunscreen lotion and lip protection balm. Apply a liberal amount of sunscreen unto your skin before you leave and reapply throughout the trip whenever needed. Pack insect repellent lotions and hand sanitizer. You may encounter some bug problems especially when you are planning to go fishing or traveling around on small islands. Don't forget to sanitize your hands before you eat any food. Fill your cooler with a lot of water and other beverage. Do not attempt to navigate a boat if you are under the influence of liquor. Bring extra clothing. Wear your bathing suits, sunglasses, skid proof shoes and hats while on the boat.

Getting the Right Liability Insurance for Your Small Business

When you run a small business, there are several things that you must keep track of. These small details can quickly add up, leaving you overwhelmed and stressed out. However, there is one part of your business that you must absolutely keep in mind, and that is having the right liability insurance for your small business.

Just like any other type of insurance, liability insurance for small businesses will protect the business owners from being sued if an accident happens on their property. This can range from something happening inside the building to even something that occurs out in the parking lot. Regardless of the cause, the business owner may be held accountable and may even be required to assist in paying for the incident. Liability insurance insures that most incidents are covered, letting the business owner have the peace of mind needed to continue running a business.

After understanding the importance of liability insurance for your small business, the next task is to find the right company for you. It is crucial that you take the time to shop around and understand how each company provides services for you. While liability insurance may all appear to be the same at first glance, there are minor details that can alter what you pay for and what is covered. Therefore, understanding each plan and seeing which one benefits you the most is the best way to know that you are getting the most for your money.

While it may help to ask other business owners what types of insurance they carry, do not assume that you can easily transition over to what they are using. The type of business can alter the types of coverage that are given, meaning that the rates and rules will differ from location to location. However, it does not hurt to ask around and see if there is a company that seems to be universally better than others. Reputation is more important than a bargain, as you need to know that you are safe if any incident should occur on your premises. Nothing is more disappointing than having something happen, only to find out it is not covered and that the expenses must be paid by the business and the owner.

Nobody wants to have an accident on their site of business, but it is important to be covered when something does happen. If you do not have insurance, not only could you end up in legal troubles, you will also pay a significantly larger amount than if you had simply had the insurance. Do not risk your business by trying to cut corners, protect yourself and your business by finding the right liability insurance for you.

What Are Plastic Flanges?

Mechanical parts are very important in order for various equipments to function. Each of the parts work together to make the equipment function. No matter how small the parts are, they are still very significant. One of the very important mechanical parts is the plastic flanges. Flanges are used in various mechanical applications. They generally has various uses such as keeping a particular object securely in place. They are also used to join together two different mechanical parts. Flanges may also be used to make the structure sturdier.

Plastic flanges have a very significant use which is why their design must be carefully planned and executed. They must be manufactured by reliable companies that follow strict manufacturing regulations to ensure of their quality and high standards. If the plastic flanges are manufactured below the standards set by the industry or they are considered sub-standard then they will have a very poor performance. The flanges will not be able to perform the purpose for which they were created. Sub-standard flanges can even lead to accidents which could be very dangerous and lead to casualties or even death. This is why the design and manufacturing process of the flanges must strictly follow the guidelines set by the authorized regulating organization.

Plastic flanges come in different sizes. The size of the flange will depend on where it will be used. The common used of flanges made out of plastic is to join together the ends of the pipes. If you need to connect two pipes together, then a plastic flange will be very useful for that task. To connect the pipes, you will need some bolts as well to secure the joints. The plastic flanges will be larger in diameter compared to the measurement of the pipe. The flange has a row of holes on the outer side of the disc.

The holes will be evenly spaced through the entire disc of the flange. The bolts to secure the pipes together will be placed on these holes. Each of the pipes to be connected will be fitted with a flange. To connect the pipes, the two flanges on the ends of both pipes will be connected. It is very important to make sure that the holes on both of the flanges are lined perfectly so that it will be easy to screw in the bolts. Plastic flanges are very economical to use and they are also easy to put into place. They are also very easy to take apart should you need to disassemble the pipes later on.

Low Carb Cookbook Review - 15-Minute Low-Carb Recipes by Dana Carpender

Busy, busy, busy. Today's schedules and fast paced, multi-tasking lifestyles make it difficult for most of us to find the time needed to prepare and serve balanced, nutritious and tasty meals. I am no exception. Since I tend to be a problem-solver by nature, I decided to gather a collection of quick, fast and easy low-carb recipes so I could save time in the kitchen but still stick to my low-carb lifestyle.

I expected it would take quite awhile to get enough recipes together to make a difference. However, thanks to Dana Carpender's newest low-carb cookbook my collection has grown overnight!

15-Minute Low-Carb Recipes by Dana Carpender (Fair Winds Press, 2003) gave my collection a huge boost. From the introduction, I found that the entire purpose of this book is to provide a cookbook filled with recipes that take a maximum of 15 minutes to make-and that includes prep time. Sound intriguing? I thought so, too.

This 253-page compendium offers more than just microwave or "tear open a protein bar" meals. These recipes were all timed and each was considered for health, feasibility and appropriateness to the book's theme. Dana's introduction explains her reasons, her processes, and offers detailed hints, tips and tricks to cut down prep time.

To give you an overview of the contents, there are thirteen chapters divided by food type, such as "15-Minute Eggs," "15-Minute Tortilla Tricks," "15-Minute Main Dish Salads," "15-Minute Skillet Suppers," and Chapter 12, "15-Minute Condiments, Sauces, Dressings, and Seasonings," which has my favorite homemade sugar-free ketchup recipe. Of course, I cannot forget to mention the last chapter, "15-Minute Desserts."

Written in an easy to follow, relaxed style, this book feels like an old friend for those of us who have come to know Dana's work from her 2002 cookbook, the very popular 500 Low-Carb Recipes. If you are not familiar with her previous book, I think you will be pleased with her comfortable, confidant style and helpful insights.

There seems to be recipes to suit most everyone, from low-carb soups to high-protein nuts. I especially appreciate that the recipes have short instructions, are very fast to read-and they are easy to make. A few I have tried and enjoyed include, "Houbyfest Eggs," "Blintzlets," "Parmesan Chicken Breasts," "Sour Cream Ham Supper," and "Cheater's Chowder." And, I am wrapping "Cinnamon Splenda® Nuts" in red plastic wrap tied with a thin velvet ribbon for Valentine's Day mini gifts. (I will wait until next month to tell the recipients the gift was sugar-free!)

15-Minute Low-Carb Recipes by Dana Carpender is available through book retailers on and offline. Get more information on Dana Carpender, her books, projects and e-mail newsletter on her Web site at holdthetoast.com.

The Hushed Willow - A Review

The Hushed Willow by Lorna Joy Knox nee Ramsamugh is a collection of poetry that will stir your emotions as you embark on a rollercoaster ride through life. As the title suggests the poetry contained in The Hushed Willow is that of emotions and feelings that are kept silent, feelings of sadness, loss, betrayal and hurt. The author has an exceptional gift of portraying such vivid emotions in such few words and is a joy to read. The words of her poetry flow together so gracefully with images from nature jumping up to meet you as you read.

This book takes us through the many adventures of life and recalls a multitude of emotions on its way. Lorna Knox is an extremely talented poet who endeavours to portray so much in so few words. Lorna uses modern free style poetry but maintains the constant rhythm necessary for great poetry.

Containing so many wonderful works of poetry it is quite difficult to choose a favourite or even favourites, however, one poem that really grabbed my attention was "Despair", this poem contains very powerful emotions especially those in the second verse as the poet describes love as a dream. I was also really taken by the poem "Magic", a short and uplifting collection of words where I found myself smiling as I reached the end. The last two lines of this poem really help to sum up this feeling - "To sit among a band, That will soothe me into never, never land."

At the end of this wonderful collection of poetry, Ms. Knox has concluded by giving us a taste of her other skills by including a short story titled "Bound in Friendship --- The Story of Two Friends". A remarkable story, well written that tests the boundaries of friendship in a light romantic story.

The Hushed Willow is a must for anyone with lust for poetry. There is a poem for everyone in this book, if you've lived at all you will definitely find a poem to relate to.

Lorna Joy Knox nee Ramsamugh is also the author of "Flames of a Rose" which can be purchased from all major bookstores including Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Telescoping And Fiberglass Extension Ladders - Tips For Choosing The Right Ladder For Your Home

Having the proper set of home maintenance tools is very important when keeping your house in tiptop shape. These tools can range from a set of screwdrivers, hammers, basic saws, and ladders. Nowadays, telescoping and fiberglass extension ladders are very important to keeping the exteriors of a home well-maintained. These types of ladders are very useful because you can use them to reach high places like rain gutters and second floor windows.

Investing in a good and sturdy ladder like telescoping and fiberglass extension ladders is definitely something that you should consider for keeping up with your home. You may have to spend some money to acquire a good ladder but in the long run, you will enjoy the benefits because you no longer need to rent or hire professionals to do mundane chores like clearing your rain gutters of dried up leaves.

Before you buy a ladder for your home maintenance needs, there are a few things that you would need to keep in mind while trying to decide about what type of ladder to get. First of all, you would need to decide on the size of the ladder you need. Make sure that you tell the sales clerk how many floors your house has so he or she would be able to recommend the right height.

The next thing that you need to consider is where you will be storing the ladder so you can make a choice of aluminum or telescoping and fiberglass extension ladders. Both aluminum and telescoping and fiberglass extension ladders are equally durable in their own right however, aluminum can deteriorate when subjected to harsh weather and fiberglass can weaken when exposed to too much sunlight.

For this reason, it is important that you consider where you will be storing the ladder when it is not in use for you to choose the right model. Mobile work platform ladders are highly useful because you can transport them from one place to another with ease. You don't need to carry these types of ladders around because they come equipped with wheels that allow you to just push the ladder to where you will be working.

Lastly, safety is of utmost importance when choosing a ladder. Pick a ladder that has slip-proof steps so there are fewer risks of you slipping when you are busy reaching high places like your roof or your second story windows. Also, if you will be using the ladder to fix electrical wirings and such, it is best that you steer clear of aluminum models because metals are electrical conductors and these can cause you to get electrocuted if by chance anything goes wrong.

Jobs Selling Air Filters

Every day, people breathe in harmful pollutants, allergens and pollens, pet dander and dust, and many of these irritants are inside the home. More and more consumers are in need of products that can assist them with keeping the air in their homes clean and fresh. There are various air filtration products that work to filter the air and remove the irritants, and since there is such a high demand for these products, there are many jobs available for individuals who are interested in selling air filters.

Working From Home Selling Air Filters Many people are looking for a second job where they can work from the comfort of their ownhomes in order to earn a supplemental income. There are various companies where individuals can sell air filtration products from their homes. The internet is an amazing tool that allows people to work remotely, and companies like Vollara (formerly EcoQuest International) and Greene Irene are always looking for new representatives to sell their filtration products. Greene Irene is a well known eco-consulting business that teaches prospective consultants all they need in order to sell air cleaning machines and HVAC filters to individuals who are looking to create a safer living environment for themselves and their families. Vollara is a legitimate home based business that offers a variety of air filtration products designed to promote a healthy environment by purifying the air that they breathe in daily. Consultants are paid via commissions and bonuses. This is a great choice for anyone looking for a second income.

Start Your Own Business In today's economy, many people are taking their futures into their own hands and getting into business for themselves. Starting your own air filter business is a great way to remain in control of your income while selling a much needed product. The first thing to do when starting your own air filtration business is decide what products you are interested in selling. Besides air filtering systems, you may wish to add other products that may complement the filtration system. If you are selling products to promote a healthy environment, you may wish to add products like allergy free bedding or air purifying plants to your inventory, just to have something a little different to offer your customers. Once you have selected a supplier, you can promote your business with business cards, online advertising, flyers, and social networks. You can also offer home demonstrations. By promoting your business and believing in your sales skills, you will start to generate customers, and that means generating income. Air filters often need replacing, so once you have a steady client base, you can expect follow up calls for replacements.

Air Filtration Is a Big Business Selling air filters and air purifying products is a great way to earn money. Many people are looking to incorporate a more green environment into their homes in order to keep their families healthy. Air filtration systems offer comfort, safety, and a clean and healthy environment, so they are a product that any sales person would be proud to promote.

Casting Silver Bars - Things You Ought To Know

Silver is used in various applications ranging from tableware, coins and jewelry to photo processing and electronic gadget components. Generally, all finished products such as jewelries and coins begin their existence from casted silver bars. These bars of silver are manufactured and sold by refining companies to silversmiths according to weights and purity. Casting is the process which mined silver nuggets and/or scrap silver is melted and poured into prepared molds to form silver bars. There are many different casting techniques used in making precious bars and each are utilized for to its specific advantage. Some of them are quite simple and can be done in a small workshop using basic tools while others are quite complex and need technical knowledge to utilize properly.

The most basic method of casting silver bar is the open casting method. This method is similar to making gelatin dessert or ice cubes. The scrap silver or silver nuggets are put in a carrying crucible and heated in high temperature in an induction furnace. Once the silver turns to liquid, it is then poured in molds, covered to avoid shrinkage and absorption of oxygen, and allowed to cool to solidify.

Closed casting on the other hand is done by pouring molten silver in a closed mould using a gating system and then closed to allow the silver to cool and harden. Sometimes water is poured on the mould to accelerate hardening. This is one of the most widely used procedure in making silver bars.

The vacuum pressure casting is done with sophisticated machine that is specifically designed for the purpose of casting silver. The initial procedure of liquefying silver is similar with other methods but the sequence of pouring molten silver in the mold is automatic and dependent on the machine's specification. The advantage of vacuum pressure casting machine is reflected on the quality of the finished product it produces. This machine is usually utilized in making fine silver bars and coins that have delicate designs.

The molds that are used in casting silver bars are usually made of stainless steel. This material may last a lifetime but is quite expensive and is generally used for large scale production of precious bars. An alternative material used by many small scale manufacturers is graphite and ceramic. Graphite or ceramic mold, although may last only after a few rounds cost far cheaper than stainless steel mold. They are also commonly used by big manufacturers as test molds before making a final mold of stainless steel.

Since 2008, more and more refineries utilize open-cast when making silver bars and began modifying their method of melting. This was due to safety and health concerns brought up by the London Bullion Market Association. The organization also insisted that only open-cast bars will be accepted as London Good Delivery starting from January 1, 2008. According to the organization, they are produced by closed-casting (or gated molds) have sharp edges on the part where the sprue was removed; this pose as a problem when handling. The method of pouring water to accelerate the cooling of the mold also produces some cavities on the bar that could trap water inside. The trapped water within the silver bars may cause a very dangerous steam when the bar is remelted and may sometimes cause a molten metal explosion.

Aside from open-cast method in making silver bars, the LBMA also implemented some basic requirements in order for a refinery to gain the accreditation of London Good Delivery. Included in the requirements is the overall appearance of silver bar. This means, no surface cavities, excessive shrinkage and bubbles; and the bar must have no sharp edges for easy handling, and can be stacked safely.