Simple Steps Can Take Your Limo Business a Long Way

Simple Steps Can Take Your Limo Business a Long Way

If you want to leave a positive impression of your limo business services with your customers, whether they are repeat clients or brand new contacts, you must know what you are doing and where you are going. That means you are familiar with the routes to the pick-up location so you arrive on time. You know the streets and roads you will need to take to get efficiently to the destination, as well as alternate routes along the way in case you run into traffic delays, and have knowledge of frequently requested destinations, such as airports, bus and railroad terminals, convention centers, hotels, restaurants and other points of local interest. You should also have knowledge of fire and police stations as well as area hospitals along your routes. Don’t assume a GPS system is foolproof. It is much wiser to prepare yourself before you get behind the wheel.

You should always prepare your vehicles before each and every trip as well. A vehicle breakdown can rarely be predicted and you don’t want that to ever happen during a trip if you can help it. So pre-trip inspections are very important and worth your time to identify and fix any possible problems before you leave. Check fuel, oil and windshield washer fluid levels. Check all lights, front and back, as well as high beams, emergency flashers, brake, back-up lights and turn signals. Check tires, brakes, and windshield wipers for proper function, and make sure your heater/air conditioner is in working order. Inspect your vehicle for cleanliness inside and out and get rid of any trash or anything else that makes your limousine look messy or unkempt.

Keep an umbrella, extra paper or cloth towels, an ice scraper and brush and small shovel in your limousine’s trunk to help out if you encounter poor weather. Use television, newspaper or radio reports, or internet services to check weather conditions on your route before you leave, and check on any traffic problems along the way that can delay your trip. Weather and traffic are out of your control, but you can pre-plan to help avoid them.

These simple steps can take your limo business a long way.

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Article source: http://blog.limoinsurancedirect.com/?p=279

PCI Requirements For Restaurants

PCI Requirements For Restaurants

In 2011, the PCI Security Standards Council rolled out new heightened security requirements for certain businesses that accept credit cards. This update clarifies the merchant’s responsibility when it comes to credit card processing and lays out clearer guidelines for the storage of customer credit card information.

Compliance with PCI standards ensures that merchants protect themselves and their customers. As many as 2,000 restaurants were the victim of fraudulent activity during 2010, meaning thousands of customers were impacted. Protecting your customers is necessary to keep them coming back to your establishment.

Required Technology

Restaurants must build a secure network for credit card transactions and data storage. This includes a firewall to protect data and specific requirements for strong password creation. They must also encrypt any transactions of credit card information over unsecured networks. This may sound like a lot of technical information, but there are a number of POS and software providers that offer restaurant-specific programs that incorporate necessary PCI security.

Data Access Restriction

PCI compliance requires that restaurants restrict access to customer’s credit information. This involves a unique log in for every individual and a hierarchy access. Every bus boy, waiter, or waitress does not need access to financial data on a restaurant’s computer. Physical access to data should be equally guarded. This ensures employees cannot leave the building with data regarding customer credit card accounts. PCI also requires that restaurants monitor and track any computer access. This means that a log or database is generated that details what information or software was accessed by each individual. In the case of a data breach, the log can assist with an investigation.

Security Maintenance

All merchants who accept credit cards are required to test their systems, software, and equipment on a regular basis. They should ensure all security measures are working and update firewalls, virus protection, and software with each new update.  Frequently updated and properly working systems ensure that outside entities cannot gain credit card data through hacking.

Keep an SOP

A final requirement for PCI compliance is that restaurants keep a written and detailed policy of their security measures. This policy should also be used to train all staff. When everyone is aware of the need to be PCI compliant, the restaurant is better able to protect its customers.

Experts in data security stress the importance of complying with PCI compliance guidelines. Payment processing can possibly open businesses and customers up to high-level virtual attack. Security consultants report seeing an increase in the type of virtual information thefts that PCI guidelines were created to prevent. A restaurant’s main concern is no longer staff members with magnetic readers, but unknown internet criminals who are intent on stealing large chunks of financial data. If you are looking to process credit cards at your restaurant and seeking more information about PCI compliance feel free to contact us here at National Merchant Services 888-715-8021.

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Article source: http://bx.businessweek.com/merchant-services/view?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.switchcommerce.com%2Fpci-requirements-for-restaurants%2F

Going Green: Tips for Retailers

Going Green: Tips for Retailers

Ways to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle

Retailers who think 'going green' is just another fad or marketing ploy should think again. Consumers are becoming more aware of their overall impact on our communities. Shoppers are developing more of a green attitude as a way of life and retailers need to be there to meet those needs.

By implementing sustainable practices, retail businesses can become more efficient and save money in the process. The small business owner may think the cost and trouble of going green isn't worth the return, but the fact is each eco-friendly idea retailers adopt can make a huge difference to our planet.

Develop a Plan

Now that the decision to go green has been made, where to start? First, contact the local utility company to request an energy audit. Many companies offer an audit at no charge and provide recommendations of ways to reduce costs.

Next, take the list of recommendations and create a plan of action. Examine each area of store operations to determine what processes should be changed and how.

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle

Here are a few ways retailers can reduce, reuse and recycle for improved social-responsibility.

·         Recycle paper, plastic, aluminum, ink cartridges.

·         Reuse packing materials and cardboard boxes.

·         Use double-sided printing when possible.

·         Reduce paper transactions by going digital for bill payment, vendor ordering, invoices, online banking, e-mail and faxing directly from your computer.

·         Eliminate disposable cups, plates and utensils in the break room. Replace with permanent dishware.

·         Switch to rechargeable batteries. Large office supply stores even have collection centers for recycling dead rechargeable batteries.

·         Use eco-friendly cleaning products that are biodegradable and non-toxic.

·         Purchase energy-efficient PCs, printers, and other equipment with the EnergyStar label.

·         Donate or recycle old computers and equipment.

·         Keep up with regular maintenance of all mechanical equipment.

Call a store meeting and share the new business practices with staff. Solicit input and offer employees incentives for submitting green ideas. Reward those staff members that walk, bike or use other alternative methods to get to work.

Enlist the help of store employees with conservation by instituting a policy to turn off equipment when not in use. Other ways to conserve are:

·         Use ceiling fans to reduce the use of air conditioners.

·         Insulate hot water heaters and lower the temperature.

·         Switch to low-energy lighting and compact fluorescent bulbs.

·         Put outdoor lighting on timers.

·         Install air hand dryers in the restrooms.

·         Use low-flow toilets and urinals.

·         Set PCs to power-down when not in use.

Banned Bags

One of the biggest environmental issues encompassing the retailer is the use of plastic bags. Paper may be better for the environment but the plastic vs. paper debate continues to leave retailers without an ideal ecological choice when it comes to disposable shopping bags.

To provide shoppers with a low-cost, green solution consider selling reusable bags at cost. Other shopping bag options include products made of industrial post consumer materials. Certain retailers, depending on the type of product sold, may want to skip the bagging. Many booksellers have opted to forego shopping bags.

Green Marketing

Once you've begun to practice sustainability, don't be keep it a secret. Be sure to announce your new green initiative to customers, staff and even vendors. Let them know the store is committed to saving the environment making responsible choices.

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Article source: http://retail.about.com/od/storeoperations/qt/green-retailing.htm

Limo Company Rules and Standards

Limo Company Rules and Standards

A prepared limo driver is a safer limo driver.

Establishing limo company rules and standards doesn’t just apply to large limousine businesses with hundreds of employees. Any rules and standards you might expect from someone you would hire for a limo company should apply to you as well. The longer you stay in the limo business, the more responsibility you will take on and the better you keep yourself neat, healthy, courteous and organized, the more successful you will be. Be sure to take the time to develop some rules for your business and a set of standards for yourself that you follow during every work situation.

The Department Of Labor website can offer you some ideas about standards that will be helpful for a limousine company business owner. The site also offers help with establishing rules that you yourself should follow so that you make necessary decisions thoughtfully and with confidence. Pay attention to the things you need to practice consistently to keep customers calling you first. For every trip, consider:

§  Time and Schedules: arrivals, departures, waiting, on-duty limits;

§  Safe Driving: following distance, speed, intersections, highway driving, use of signals, avoiding distractions, dealing with fatigue;

§  Your Appearance: cleanliness, grooming, uniform, accessories;

§  Vehicle Condition: pre-trip inspections, cleaning and polishing, maintenance, fuel and oil;

§  Customer Service: pickup/drop off procedures, baggage handling, stops en route, itinerary changes;

§  Billing and Payments: fare schedules, credit, handling cash, extra services, and gratuities.

Be sure to contact your state Department of Motor Vehicles to determine exactly what specific governmental requirements limo companies must comply with before you even put a vehicle on the road. It’s very true that you never get the chance to make a second first impression and you have to keep this in mind whenever you pick up a customer, whether it’s the first time or it’s a job from a repeat client. Giving yourself common sense rules and standards to follow for every trip will help keep you in demand and ahead of the competition.

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Article source: http://blog.limoinsurancedirect.com/?p=89

Tips on Opening a Successful Restaurant

Tips on Opening a Successful Restaurant

According to the National Restaurant Association, the restaurant business accounted for $604 billion in sales in 2011 and the industry, as a whole, has an economic impact of $1.7 trillion dollars annually. Success in the restaurant business, though, is no sure thing. According to a report published through Cornell University, 26 percent of all independently owned restaurants fail in their first year, and this figure is modest compared to some of the other percentages floated around over the years. While there is no strict formula, factors such as location, menu, and service go a long way in determining a restaurant's success.

Location

o    According to a study reported by H.G. Parsa and published by Cornell University, the number one reason for failure -- and conversely, the most crucial element to success -- is location. While finding a prominent location for your restaurant might seem obvious, landing the perfect place may not always be so simple. The best locations offer qualities such as convenience, ease of parking, street visibility, and proximity to a large number of people. Yet, securing those locations can prove difficult with issues such as budget and competition hindering many restaurant owners from finding the premium location for their restaurant. As a compromise, a restaurant might open on a side street or the site of a recently failed establishment, hoping to make the site work. Compromising location, though, could prove lethal to your business since restaurants rely on foot traffic and word of mouth.

Cash Flow

o    The restaurant business, possibly unlike any other, is cyclical, even within a single week, with lucrative nights, such as a Friday night, and slow periods, like midweek, when cash is scarce. Surviving the fluctuating cash flows of a restaurant business is another key to keeping your doors open. The restaurant business, according to a report in "Restaurant Start-up Growth Magazine", has high variable costs such as cost of food and labor. Keeping a lid on the variable costs will help get your business through the troughs and leave you enough working capital to meet the demand that you know will be coming, either in a few nights, or in a few weeks.

Service

o    Nothing is more frustrating to a patron of your restaurant than poor service. Service, whether it is good or poor, can impact your business. Good service can keep your restaurant running smoothly and growing as happy customers usually become regular customers. Bad service whether resulting from a surly wait staffer or a slow service can result in unsatisfied patrons and lost business. Hiring competent and cheerful employees is a must and having contingencies in the works when someone calls off or is sick makes a difference too.

Menu

o    Ultimately, people decide whether to visit your restaurant based on the quality of the food and the type of menu you present. Deciding on a menu or a theme is not only a personal choice based on the food you like to cook, but also is a business decision. Choose your menu based on your region, your neighborhood, your patrons and your competition. If three Italian restaurants are opened within three blocks of your new site, for example, consider another location or a different style of cooking. Set your menu apart with some unique house specialties, whether they be homemade desserts, special combinations or offering locally grown foods

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Article source: http://www.ehow.com/info_8320958_tips-opening-successful-restaurant.html

Balancing a Cash Register

Balancing a Cash Register

Retailers will benefit greatly by creating a procedure to account for the store's cash. These internal controls are necessary to prevent mishandling of money and to safeguard assets against loss. Not only do strong internal controls promote operational efficiency, they also ensure reliable accounting records.

The process of counting the money, reconciling the receipts and balancing the cash drawer creates an accountability of the day's transactions. This cash management system can be created at the same time store policies are established.

Why Balance?

Store management or cashiers can pull a sales report at any time during a shift. By adding the beginning cash in drawer to the daily sales figure, a retailer will know exactly how much money should be in the cash register at any given time. This is extremely useful:

·         To avoid holding too much cash on the sales floor.

·         If the store is robbed.

·         When a customer complains about too little change.

·         For discovering frequent overages/shortages for particular cashiers.

·         To remove temptation of taking cash without documentation from the cash drawer.

How to Balance a Cash Drawer

Balancing a cash register usually takes place at the end of the day or at the end of a cashier's shift. The cash drawer and its contents should be taken to an office or other secluded area to prepare the report. If balancing the drawer after closing, be sure the sales floor lights are off and the door is locked.

Any overages and or shortages should be investigated. Human nature should be taken into account for minor errors and small amounts. However, frequent discrepancies could be sign of employee theft or may indicate further training is required for a particular cashier.

The starting cash on-hand is put back into the cash drawer and stored for the evening, while the deposit is prepared for the bank. All credit card slips, terminal reports and other register receipts can be stapled to the Daily Cash Drawer Report and filed by date.

Separation of Duties

For more accountability, consider using two people to balance the cash register. One person will count the drawer and create the daily cash report, while the other person prepares a bank deposit. Both staff members should sign the report indicating they are responsible for the figures shown. While no system can prevent fraud, this audit trail will help discourage collusion among employees.

At the beginning of the next shift, each casher should be assigned their own cash drawer. Have the cashier recount the cash in the drawer to verify the beginning balance. If accepting checks from customers, create a system to restrictively endorse all checks promptly as received. The internal control cycle of balancing a cash register starts all over.

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Article source: http://retail.about.com/od/storeoperations/qt/drawer_balance.htm

Tips for Success in the Limousine and Car Service Industry

Limo Business Advice: Tips for Success in the Limousine and Car Service Industry

In today's slumping economy, many would consider it risky to enter or be involved in a luxury service based business venture. The limousine and car service industry would fall into that category. While it may be true that business is not what it once was, there is still more than enough opportunity to be both successful and profitable. If you've ever considered becoming involved in or actively run a limo service, it is important to recognize some of the key aspects and details necessary to make you one of the next success stories within the industry.

Being behind the scenes and not the wheel fail to expose you, an office person, to the many tales of horror that are often discussed in a car. These prior car service experiences are at times the conversation of choice coming from what should be the most important priority of your limo business: the customer. Customer service is at the tip top of the list when it comes to building and maintaining not only an honest relationship but a returning base as well. The customer will take everything from their first phone call and follow it through the entire experience. Behind the scenes, the customer service baton is quietly handed off from the office to the dispatch department, into the hands of the chauffeur and left up to them to deliver. It is important for the driver to be on time, properly attired and ready to greet the customer with a smile and a handshake. Small things such as bottle of water or a glass full of mints can also go a long way to improve upon the image of your service. A problem and incident free ride results in a happy customer and a happy customer is always a returning customer. Let the mistakes others, through your customer service, be your ticket to company growth.

A beat up vehicle with high mileage and a mediocre ride is no definition of the word luxury! It is important to remember that characteristic when maintaining or shopping around for the golden eggs of your business: the fleet. If customers do not have standards that must be met, they will surely go the budget friendly route and use a taxi. As a luxury service provider, it is important maintain a clean image and provide vehicles that are newer, clean and also properly maintained. Smoking in a vehicle this day in age is almost grounds for disaster and must be avoided at all costs. Routine oil changes, staying current with maintenance, repair, and quality car washes not only extend the life of your vehicles but will also aid in the resale value when it comes time to upgrade or expand. Also, be sure to keep track of all of your vehicle costs and service records as they do play a role in determining what you can expect to charge your customers. A customer riding in style is yet another reflection of your business and the tight ship you run. It is critical to not neglect what truly is the driving force of your business.

Think like a customer while preparing an effective marketing campaign and target those outlets. Once you've accumulated a client base and have a niche for delivering the quality of service that meets not only the customer expectation but your own as well, it's time to find new business. While every market is different and the target audiences vary, the objective always remains the same. Being a bit more aggressive with your marketing is often the key to finding new business. Set aside a budget but also be prepared to spend money for the new target audience. It takes money to make money. A more aggressive marketing approach can include your internet campaign. Is your website up to par at the very least? Can people even find your website? Search engine optimization (SEO), search engine marketing (SEM) and social media are to be considered when looking to build your company profile or rank your website among search requests on the big search engines: Google, Yahoo and Bing. Make sure to target keywords and search phrases that generate volume and strive to place your company website within first two pages of results. While professional marketing materials such as brochures and business cards are still effective and nice to have in this day in age, the internet is the king of advertising this generation. Also do not neglect the power of word of mouth through quality of your service. Many referrals come from the mouth of customers who have been happy and satisfied with what you have provided.

Finally, affiliates are your friends. There is plenty of work to go around and let's face it; there will be times where you will be in over your head no matter how big you may get to be. Having that reliable someone to turn to in such an event is the key to not only keeping your business running problem free but also your peace of mind. Whether it be the one car operator or an established business, look to build these quality relationships and be sure to treat affiliate clients with the same level of service as if they are your own. Doing business together is one of the more underrated outlets for income in this industry and also a critical backdoor to turn to when you get stuck in a bind. As with life itself, it is better to make and have more friends than enemies.

To go above and beyond not only your personal expectation but also the services provided by most others will be critical in establishing and maintaining your loyal customer base. Remember to never cut corners and always put these customers at the forefront of your operation. Failure to perform at the level expected is the only reason why many services fail to stay alive in this industry. Being ambitious, creative and using due diligence in your decision making will ultimately determine just how far you go within the limousine and car service industry.

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Article source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Limo-Business-Advice:-Tips-for-Success-in-the-Limousine-and-Car-Service-Industry&id=6961461

How to Open a Diner Restaurant

How to Open a Diner Restaurant

Diners are synonymous with short wait times, home-style foods and vibrant atmospheres. They tend to have low overhead for their size and maintain relatively low labor costs because of the small staff size. Like all things in business and culinary arts, preparation work is vital for success. Developing a solid business plan and securing financing is imperative prior to beginning and will take up much of the restaurateur’s time. Outsourcing an experienced chef to assist in the kitchen startup allows the owners to focus on their administrative duties without having to work overtime in the food side of the business.

1.      Develop a business plan. A business plan is integral to financing any endeavor, particularly restaurants. Business plans familiarize you with your competitors, such as diners within a 50-mile radius, introduce you to areas of the industry you might not have exposure in, such as selecting a prime location and how to determine profit projections. Well-rounded business plans contain an executive summary or overview, a description of the company you will operate the diner as, an analysis of your target market, your number of employees and hours of operation, your management and your funding.

2.      Determine if you want to take over an existing establishment or build one, at least in concept, from the ground up. Taking over an established diner has several benefits, such a built-in customer base and dependable influx of revenue. You cannot, however, alter the concept or you lose the aforementioned benefits. New diner concepts allow you to exercise your creativity, but you must dedicate at least one year to developing a strong revenue stream.

3.      Determine the style of food. It is important to maintain the food diners are synonymous with, such as club sandwiches, minute steaks and hamburgers. To elevate your establishment above others and stand out, you must improve upon the food offerings without changing them. For example, if grinding your own beef in-house raises your labor costs slightly, it is made up for by the lower cost of the product.

4.      Focus on your first diner before considering expanding. Many restaurateurs experience minor, yet explosive, success with their initial establishment and begin to expand. Although a concept might work well in the initial year or two, it takes a solid five years of turning a profit before a diner is ready to expand

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Article source: http://www.ehow.com/how_12092537_open-diner-restaurant.html

10 Ways to Better Your Retail Business

10 Ways to Better Your Business

Retailers all have the same basic path to success. That is, we must increase sales and reduce expenses in order to improve profitability. The goal is the same but how we achieve each milestone may vary. Take a look at the following ways to better your business.

1. Reduce Shrinkage

You may believe employee theft and shoplifting aren't a problem in your business, but simple pricing mistakes can also cost retailers quite a bit. The average shrink percentage in the retail industry is about two percent of sales. Learn to identify and reduce sources of shrink.

2. Increase Sales Opportunities

Whether you're up-selling to a customer or planning an expansion into a multi-channel environment, retailers should learn to notice and take advantage of every possible opportunity to sell.

3. Improve Customer Service

One easy way to better your business is to improve customer service. Retailers should develop customer-friendly policies, train employees to provide outstanding customer service, and learn how to create customer loyalty.

4. Add New Products or Product Lines

One way to keep customers returning to your shop is by offering new and exciting products. When adding new products or expanding product lines, keep in mind that not only should there be a demand for the item, but it must also be profitable and something you enjoy selling.

5. Buy from Vendors with Best Value

The vendor who sales an item at the lowest price isn't necessarily the vendor you want to buy from. When selecting a supplier, consider shipping, terms of sale and other factors to determine the vendor with the best value. These small details may erode a retailer’s bottom line.

6. Increase Marketing

How often have you said you can't afford to advertise right now? Maybe once business picks up you'll place an ad or maybe you're holding those advertising dollars until the holiday shopping begins. Either way, you could be losing potential customers right now. Begin tailoring your marketing efforts to your target audience. If you don't spread the word, no one will know you exist.

7. Lower Expenses

To better your business and return more profits to your bottom line, learn where you can cut operating expenses. Look around your shop. Could buying instead of leasing save money? Are you outsourcing something you could easily do?

8. Get Out of the Store

Attend a trade show or other retail expo. These conferences are developed in order to give retail owners, buyers and managers the opportunity to meet existing suppliers, conduct business meetings, network with others in retail and investigate new products.

9. Add One New Time or Money Saving Piece of Technology

Every time we invest in a new piece of technology, we're always amazed at the results and wonder how we lived without it for so long. Find one new money or time saving piece of technology to implement in your store this year. For example, if you are using manual cash registers, consider a POS system.

10. Provide Training for Staff

Once you've determined how to best implement the nine ways to better your business listed above, pass that information on to your staff. Your retail employees are the ones on the front-line every day and should be trained to reduce shrink, improve customer service and increase sales opportunities.

Article by: Maria

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Article source: http://retail.about.com/od/storeoperations/tp/better_business.htm