Parcel insurance can be very important depending on what you are shipping and its value.  It can be very costly and confusing too.  Since it is not generally discussed, I thought it might be interesting to see what everyone else is doing about it.  Feel free to make comments.

UPS covers the first $100 dollars in value.  So does FedEx and most of the others.  USPS covers only what you pay extra for at the time of shipping.  Over these values you have to pay extra to the carrier or an insurance company.  There are several companies that cover this at a discounted rate even if you ship with UPS or any other carrer.

UPS, FedEx and USPS carrier information on insurance (or Declared Value) can be found at:

http://www.ups.com/content/us/en/shipping/time/service/value _added/declared_value.html

http://www.fedex.com/us/services/options/dvx/index.html

http://www.usps.com/all/insuranceandextraservices/welcome.ht m

And you can find alternate insurance companies by using Google or Yahoo! and search the key words "parcel insurance".

Read an interesting article in InternetRetailer today (http://www.internetretailer.com/dailyNews.asp?id=22853) and it made me wonder.  If your business is affected by year-end holiday sales, when do you start getting ready?  This may not be a scientific study but it will help new startups business know when SUN members start getting ready.

Yes, especially since the article indicates the early bird will get the worm this year.  That is, if it is correct or just wishful thinking.  But, that is a whole other subject. 

I think you are right about advertising though.  I have found that it must be a building process to be effective.  Last minute ads can be risky investments.

After waiting 45 minutes today as my Windows PC started up I began to think about all the hours I have lost over the years waiting for it to check for and install updates.  At work, we have always used Windows based systems, but at home I have switched this year to an Apple.  When it comes to my Apple, I just start it, use it and shut it down with very little waiting, pauses and interruptions.  Every thing just seems to work when it comes to my Apple.  This being the case I decided to ask SUN community how many have considered regaining all this lost time and use Apple computers in their businesses.

I would really like to hear your feelings on this subject in addition to your vote…

Thank you,

Bert

Don`t know where the `t` came from in Yest??  I guess it has something to do with today`s Window`s update.     I should have used my MAC to do the post.

Thanks for the offer Nikole, I may just take you up on it...

Bert

ElidS, I like the better security with Apples OS too.  I believe Apple`s OS started out and is based on a Unix type OS.  Not having virus software in the way is a definite plus.  It is like you gain an extra hour each day.

Todd, what is overclocking?  Not sure what this means.  Remember I am old school...

I totally agree with the lack of business software issue that is one of the top issues why we have not switched at this time but I have noticed this has been changing.  Apple is selling more boxes right now and this in itself will cause a demand for more applications.  I think the software void will be changing over the next year big time.

Something to think about on the cost front is when your Windows PC consumes 15-45 minutes of your day each day just turning it on?  That would be 50-150 hours lost per year.  If it is happing at a 5 person company you would need to multiply that time loss by 5.  Now you’re talking some serious bucks.  Also if you have used a MAC you will quickly learn adding new hardware and installing software is a breeze.  This is another time saver.  Taking all this into consideration the price looks like a bargain.

Overclocking means you buy a processor say a 3ghz one and when the machine boots up you enter the BIOS to change hardware settings and essential overclock it to run at 4GHZ. On "home-built" machines the multiplyer and clock frequences can be adjusted allowing you to crank up the processor. Depending on where the chip was made and what platform its built on you can get an additional ghz out of it or more! thats`s A LOT more power for free. You can also overclock a video card, your memory, etc. Computers like Dells have a locked BIOS so you can`t overclock them. But home-built machines can FLY. It`s more of a hobby, but it`s fun, kinda like sport-tuning your sportscar but for geeks. I bought a 2.4ghz processor (very well known for overclocking) for 35$ and got it up and running stable 3.36ghz, nice machine now. Some of these guys that run water cooling, which will be the way of the future, can get these new cpu’s to ridiculous GHZ speeds.

If your interested I would suggest going here:  http://www.ocforums.com/

Thats one advantage of a Windows PC their so easy to build, I`ve never seen anyone build a mac. If you can build a plastic model, you can build a PC. For the price, you wont touch a machine even close. Plus like I said its a hobby for me.

Bert I have to disagree Windows has done a pretty good job of making haradware work together effortlessly from windows 2000 on. Sure they don`t support ALL the legacy stuff but thats totally acceptable to me, theres simply too much stuff. Apple can do it because they simply have less mechanical things to worry about. If you compared all the equipment built for a pc to a mac that would be like comparing Mt. Everest to an ant hill.

NHG thats not true. Yes you can burn your processor, but to say its useless, oh no. I have a 2.53 thats been running 3.16 for 4 years. Yes machines like Dell`s, Sony`s, any machine you just buy, you CAN NOT overclock, so I guess it would be usless in that case. AMD chips are not locked and pose the highest risk of burn up. Intel chips are heat locked so it`s very hard to burn those up, but you get less power. so.......

Like I said it`s a hobby not recommended for a business machine.

Todd, have you ever used a MAC?

Yep I`ve used a Mac for years. After all I am a graphic designer so by nature you must know it. I personally perfer PCs only because in an office enviornment lots of people dont know how to even turn one on and if they need something from you and your out of the office, they simply must wait or I`m forced to try and teach them how to get the file off the machine. I`ve found it easir to just deal with PCs in the office. Plus back in the day yes MAC`s totally dominated for graphics and PCs just sucked, I dont think thats true anymore, PCs are a great platform for graphics, etc.

as for overlcocking, yes it`s not the easiest thing to do, there`s lots of testing involved to make the machine stable, but like I said out-of-the-box pcs can`t be overclocked anyways. I personally run all my machines at home overclocked, mostly because I know what I`m doing, and have learned from mistakes. Once again, it`s a hobby like I said and not for everyone, but if your a hardware geek, overclocking, water-cooling, and overall machine setups should be fun, right? I find it amazing that people build there own water-cooling systems and what not, very cutting edge for the computer industry.

Noting the fact that not many voted on this poll, but many more did view it makes me think the Apple has not really made a big dent in Windows based PC`s found in most offices yet.  From the comments, I think just the Apple users voted for the most part.  The one thing I have noticed in our own web site analytics, it is showing more and more MAC OS and Safari users are visiting our business web site every month.  This is a big change over previous years.  This tells me that we all need to be aware of the Apple users when we make our web sites.  Personally, I think Apple is slowly gaining ground and it won’t be long before it becomes common place in many more offices.  It is so functional.  It really just needs good business applications for the office work place.  I think that is coming…

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore. woa/wa/RSLID?nnmm=browse&mco=3929D548&node=home/spec ialdeals/mac

I work for a company that started with Mac’s.  They’ve since switched to Windows based PC’s. 

I had an older Mac in my office when I started with the company.  I didn’t like the Mac.  Mac booted up faster than the newer Windows (45 minute wait from a cold boot, a few minutes from a warm boot).  That was the only advantage from my prospective.  I also had to have a Windows based laptop to do everything the Mac couldn’t do.

I am biased, I own and run 2 pc repair stores...

Yes, 15-45 miunutes of boot time is bad and it should not be that way...I recommend you have it looked at...your machine probably has in excess of 50+ processes running...(contact me if you want to see how you can resolve those issues).

Both machines have thier place, as well as the Linux machines. The question that needs to be asked is who will provide you with support when, not if, there is a problem.

I ask you all to remember why you got into business, not to support IT infrasturcture or deal with employees who have problems with the computer. You want and are building a business.

PC support is the easiest and most readily availalbe. Every city has people who can be used for support. Be careful who you choose as they may recommend one path because it is there niche and not what is best for you and your growing company. A pc is more likely to get a virus and spyware, however with a little maintenance it will work with no problems.

MAC`s it is harder to find support unless you have an Apple store close by, they have the Genius bar. These folks are very good at quick issues but generally do not have the expertise to assist with business issues. MACs used to have the market cornered on the graphics world but not the case any more. If you switch from PC to MAC you will most likely have to purchase all the software which can add up quickly.

Linux, pick your flavor (Red Hat, Linspire, etc) is the hardest to get support. The typically user is far more advanced than a person buying a pc. The Linux community is great for passive support and the administrators at the big corps (Fortune 500 type companys) are very focused on one aspect of the Unix/Linux world.

My 2 cents,

Eric

Eric -

Ross, no worries about offending me, I do appreciate the manner of consideration. My comments below are meant in the same discussion not as attacks.

I would add a few points...I believe the reason there are fewer MAC shops and the reason they need "fewer tune ups" is the marketshare.

The reason the viruses and spyaware attacks Microsoft based products is it is the majority. Why go after 3-6 percent when 90+ is avaialbe?

A business tactic we all hopefully take :)

I have read these statiscs and will try to find them again, this is not intended as MAC bashing. Microsoft and Apple put out the similar numbers of "updates" to operating systems in a given period. The number was about 240+. The point is that all operting systems (APPLE, MICROSOFT, LINUX) are written by humans and nobody is perfect.

My belief is that if the market share were split this discussion would be moot. The bad guys would go after each equally.

Eric

Have a great day,
Excellente journée,
Valerie
--
Valerie Steinier
Managing Director - COO
Tel: +32 2 720 83 80
Fax: +32 2 247 05 05
Skype: valster68.2
valerie@virtual-words.com
http://www.virtual-words.com

If I`m hearing correctly, people like Macs because they start & shut-down fast, and have fewer virus problems.  And, for graphic artists, they seem more intuitive.

My WinXP laptop is 14 months old now, and is still plenty speedy.  It takes about 90 seconds to startup cold, and 10 seconds to start from -or return to- standby.  If your machine takes 45 minutes to startup - you have problems way beyond the operating system - take a look at how many programs you have installed that pre-load internet connected processes... those are big black-holes of time during startup.  Especially when you`re not connected, and you have to wait for each process to time-out before loading the next item in the list.

And - buy a good anti-virus program, watch where you surf, and you shouldn`t have any problems with catching them.  In all my years of using computers (more than 20 now) I`ve never caught a virus (knock on wood).  I guess I don`t visit enough porn sites.

$30 for anti-virus software is a lot less in time and effort than buying a new computer - be that PC or Mac.

I will admit, that I have very limited experiences with Macs, but what little I have was very negative.  It seems to me that Macs try even harder to think for the user than Windows does... and I don`t tend to do things the way the OS expects... so I`d rather be able to turn off all that fancy stuff and just do my work my way. 

If I had to pick a new OS, I`d try Linux before I`d go MAC.  But, all my applications and clients are on Windows OS, so I`m happy to stay with MS.

My pennys worth.

-T

Tina, I will bet if your WinXP machine takes only 90 seconds to start up you are not checking for Windows and Anti-Virus security updates each time you start up at least once per day.  It is my understanding that this is really the only way to be relatively assured that you will not be infected by a virus or some other form of spyware or malware.  I know first hand that any web site or email can potentially infect a PC without you doing any more than just viewing them.  Once you do this your times for start up will change big time.  Don’t be fooled thinking you can avoid viruses unless you unplug your PC from the web.  This is not the case with the MAC.

I have always thought the same thing about viruses but the fact that Apple controls much more of both the hardware and OS software along with the fact that it is based on a Unix type OS in the first place, makes virus hacking much harder to pull off.  It is not just popularity that is keeping it safer.  I have also heard right now the best way to get a virus on a MAC is to install the Windows software emulator.  For those that use the dual machine set up they will have a slower start up because they need the same security setup as a Windows PC.  But right now pure MAC system is time saved...

I use Windows Vista Ultimate which starts much faster than any 45 minutes. Open the laptop`s lid, type in password & we are ready to go! Even shutting it down, installing updates & rebooting didn`t seem like it took that long. Computers seem to get slower the older they get & more stuff on the hard drive loading on start up.

That always seems to be the case with Window`s PCs.  I have had hundreds of them over the years now and they all go through the same cycles.  When you first get them they work great out the box.  But just Window`s updates over time seem to make them get slower and slower.  Some times they are significantly slower in less than one year.  I know there are a lot of variables but I also know I have two MAC’s at home, one over 4 years old and less than one year old.  They are both running the same OS and without any hardware upgrades the older machine still works the same way it did 4 years ago.  I cannot say this about any of the Windows PCs I currently have in my business or have replaced over time.  To be cost effective, business equipment should last longer than one or two years before they need to be replace.  This is especially true when the only reason you need to replace them is to get them to function like they did when you purchased them.

I agree with your all time favorite...Thanks for sharing...

This makes me rethink my next computer purchase. I have all Pc`s and it seems like i always have issues. maybe I`ll buy one to try out.

Erin

This whole conversation is "stupid", let me explain; you can`t turn a PC User into a Mac User or a Mac User into a PC User. Because we are humans and humans are creatures of habit; we do what we`re told and we do what we have to do to get the job done. There are four reasons listed below why someone would use one or the other and its not because they wanted to or had a choice, or heard one was better than the other.

1. They use it at work because when they got the job and sat down at their desk, that`s what was sitting in front of them so one would have to learn the new OS to keep their job.

2. It`s what they grew up with and they are comfortable with the OS so naturally you would go back to the same company, cost or durability doesn`t matter, Perfect example, General Motors: I used to sell cars and it is next to impossible to anything else but a GM to a current GM owner because thats what their parents had, and that was their first car, and it lasted 20 years, even though there`s probably something better out there.

3. Probably the most important deciding factor is "Necessity" if you need graphic design and multimedia your probably going to buy a MAC (even though PC`s are getting better in that department), If you need it for business in order to be campatible with 90% of other businesses in the world wether its from your laptop or you have a windows based PDA Phone or you want to play video games you`re going to get a PC.

4. Last, Someone threw it away, you walked by, picked it up, plugged it in and it worked, you needed a computer so what the hell why not use it.

The point is that one isn`t better than the other its what you need in order to get the job done and get it done right. Everyone is going to have their opinions and  preferences about what`s the best, but think about this, Have you ever talked to anyone who swore they were driving the best car or had the best cell phone  and everything else sucks? of course you have, we all do it, so why don`t we change because we are scared to experiance what the world has to offer and THATS WHAT WE ARE USED TOO. 

P.S. I`m in graphic design and I use both MAC and PC. Mac is used for design and creation and nothing else more and my PC is used for business and pleasure.

Only two years ago, the only thing Apple I owned was an iPod.  In fact, I swore no business in there right mind would use an Apple because there were no business applications for it.  But then Vista came out.  I saw millions of fairly new PC’s heading for landfills over the next few years that had a long life still left in them.  The environmentalist in me began to panic.  I saw reports of so many problems with drivers, application and hardware incompatibility that the switch was very concerning.  The software professional in me dreaded the bumpy road ahead.  Then I remembered helping my daughter set up her Apple two years previously and she had had no problems using it with little to no help.  I also remember how very easy it was to set up on my home network.  I remember how well built my iPod was.  All this being the case I decided before I did my Vista update and had to replace my large investment in hardware and software, I would take a look at Apple as they potentially would give me a greater product life.  In shopping around I found all my Microsoft Office and Adobe applications were available for or could be transferred to an Apple.  I purchased a book on switching from Windows to Apple and discovered nearly everything would work.  It just boiled down to the fact that I would just need to relearn some new very minor things.  So I decided to make the switch.  I am now running three of my many ventures and all my personal business using my MAC.  Yes, there were some things I now do differently because I now use a MAC but the overall experiences have been very uplifting and positive.  I also discovered there were a lot of myths out their when it comes to the business usability of the MAC.

So, Labellt, I respectfully disagree with some of your statements.   In my eyes “entrepreneurship” means being different and willing to constantly change until you get it right.  Fear has no place in an entrepreneur’s life.  SuN is great place for entrepreneurs to share their successes and failures.  So I don’t feel this or any other subject that questions the status quo is stupid at these forums.  In fact I find them extremely useful.  Many times they are the seeds for great business ideas.  This forum topic and its replies, even yours, I find very interesting and helpful.

Ya that`s great and all, And yes I do agree that this website is one of if not one of the best sources for entrepreneurs out there right now because its real people with real problems. Ok now that we both have established that, I don`t exactly agree with what you have said either because on page five you said your Apple computer has been running the same since you had it four years ago, but on page six right above you wrote "only two years ago, the only thing Apple I owned was an iPod." which in my eyes throws your credibility right out the door. Are you a lobbyist for Apple trying to get all of these new companies to make the switch :)  But anyways given the debate at hand, the battle between MAC and PC has been going on for 25 years now, the truth is that no company is better than the other its just that they both have their niche markets and it just so happens that one niche market is substantially larger than the other. You have to buy a computer based on your needs, PERIOD, so what if one is a little slower or faster than the other, because the four dour model is going to hold a lot more than the much sportier coupe. 

As far as Apples market share goes its pretty amazing what its doing and where its going, I feel a lot of it is attributed to the iPod and iPhone, of course, but numbers don`t lie and computer sales have been at an all time high since Apple released the first iPod so its fair to say that people are making the switch, but on a global level it is still very minimal. I don`t know the year but years ago (Iwas still young) Apples stock took the biggest jump ever in history and that record still hold true to today.

If you had say who`s the best with all personal opinions set aside just look at the numbers, because numbers don`t lie.

Are you kidding me I love this stuff!

In accordance with your BMW remark, I think i`m at liberty to say since I own one, your correct but how many old BMW`s do you see on the road compared to GM`s? That proves that more expensive doesn`t mean longer lasting even though they have been out for the same amount of time. Curious, how much does it cost to fix a BMW? Better quality doesn`t mean in any shape or form lower cost of ownership. And lower market share means its harder to find parts, in return the cost of ownership goes up because labor is twice as much and its harder to fix and not to mention the lead time is a lot longer for you to get it back. For what it cost you to own a BMW for 5 years is the same as owning a GM for 15 yrs. and nobody can argue with that. If my PC broke I could go to the neighbors house and he could probably fix it for free and if doesn`t know the next person will. If you have an Apple and do the same good luck finding a person in whole neighborhood that even has one let alone that knows how to fix it. I have just as many problems with my Apple as I do with my PC but it takes twice as long to get my Apple back. They both perform exceptionally well for what I need them for but if I go outside of those parameters I won`t be happy with one or the other. So maybe the answer is just buy one of each then you really can`t lose.

Reality Check Ross: We`re living in a world today were everyone wants instant gratification, You put the Mac n Cheese n the microwave and boom instant meal in two minutes, no more unlocking your car doors you have a button for that, and screw the library because you just go to the internet and surf around on your high speed internet. Point: nobody wants to buy an Apple and learn a whole new operating system that no one else uses, these days it just takes to long, why read the directions when you can just snap it together (PC). Thats why they are so popular and its amazing that PC doesn`t have 100% of the market.

If you walked up to me today and asked me not who makes a better computer but who has a better operating system on a more convenient platform. I would say Apple.

If you asked me what would be better for someone who is starting a business. I would say PC because everyone here has started a business whether you were successful the first time or still trying succeed, we all have one thing in common and its that we all have to keep our cost down. Today PC`s are cheaper than ever sometimes its cheaper to buy a new one than to fix it. With that in mind it just makes sense.

You just have to weed through all of the negativity, most importantly DO YOUR RESEARCH and figure out what fits your companies profile the best. That way you are able to insure yourself that you made the right desicion for your business because after all it is your business right?

Dustin, the four year old Apple I spoke of was my daughters in both threads.  The iPod was the only Apple product I owned personally starting two years ago.  My daughter currently lives at home, so I referred to it as mine even though I never used it, it resides in my home and I set it up for her.  I just purchased my MAC a few months ago.  Sorry I confused you but I have to admit you pick though what I say like a lawyer so I will be on my toes now.

As for being Apple lobbyist, give me a break!  I have been involved with DOS and Windows based software development for over 30 years now.  My livelihood currently comes from Windows based software sales only.  And I figure that will be the case for years to come.  Up until when I bought my MAC, I would have been considered head of the anti-Apple club because nothing I did supported Apple computers.  Now I think it is time to wake up and smell the roses.  I have nothing to gain from pushing Apple but I have a lot to gain by knowing others are now buying them.

As for the numbers, they are increasing at a pretty steady pace.  You don’t have to look to what the Apple or Microsoft say.  If you do web analytics at your web site you will see this is going on big time.  Apple OS or browsers did not even show up in our site statistics until just this last year.

I think Apple is definitely making its way into the home market and with time it is going to be a big business player too.  Internet based applications are making it much easier to use an Apple, when in the past business applications were harder to find.  Microsoft is aware of this threat, just look at where they are going with Microsoft Live.  On top of this there are a number of development houses now looking at making Apple versions of their software.

I think times are changing as they have done many times in the past…

First look at what I added at the bottom of page six. Thanks, But anyways I have nothing against Apples, I use one everyday, they make a wonderfull computer but the world isn`t ready for them. What I don`t get is that they make an iPod Nano that can hold a million songs but why can`t they make portable devices to support their much larger operating system counterparts. If they want to grow they are going to have to go mobile and its not going to happen any time soon. And I`m not talking cell phones because the i Phone is  the most incompatible platform that Apple has created yet.

It really depends on your definition of support.  I have found everything I needed so far but I only use my computers for business.  I will admit that I had to learn some new things but even that has been pleasantly easy.  The interface is extremely easy to adapt to coming from the Windows environment and has some very nice additions.  The following book made things easy moving my data and finding the right applications to use.

Switching to the Mac: The Missing Manual, Tiger Edition

by David Pogue, Adam Goldstein, Adam Goldstein

ISBN: 0596006608

Thanks!  Good article. 

After looking at the the new operating system over the weekend, I think it is going to happen at even more businesses in the near future.  Just wish I had bought Apple stock last year when I was considering it!

Bert

I posted this on Aug. 29, 2007 and I cannot believe it is still going! 

Regardless, my family has now switched to using Apples, personally and at work.  I am using mine for everything.  I have gone Apple crazy.  I even have an iPhone and multiple iPods.  I just cannot get enough.  I have been using PC’s since the 1970`s and I can say these are some of the more exciting products I have used in years.  This stuff just works and makes me much more productive.  Isn’t that what you buy a computer for? 

My only wish is that some of the companies that offer fitness, GPS, running and cycle data collection devices along with web sites like Active.com would get their acts together and support Apples better.  They are losing out on a great market.  Other than that, Apple rules!

Today UPS released a press release/study that says most US small businesses are missing global opportunities.  The story can be found at:

http://pressroom.ups.com/pressreleases/current/0,1088,4930,0 0.html

I decided it would be interesting to see if this is true among of the US members of SuN.

Please feel free to comment.  It would be interesting to know if you haven’t gone global yet, why this is the case.  It would also be good to hear about some success stories from those that have gone global.  I feel going global is much more complicated than just doing a new marketing campaign.  There must be a reason so many have not started doing it yet...

Thanks for the replies! 

I really think a lot more people need to voice their opinions on this subject.  After all even our government says we should be going global and they even say they will help.  I know our government has been spending a lot of our tax money supporting businesses going global.  But as this study says, small businesses are not taking on the opportunity.  That does not sound like entrepreneurs to me, so something must not be right.  Being both a small business owner and a big environmental supporter, I can see the negative side.  That’s easy!  But where is the silver lining everyone is talking about?

Janie - I am a little dense, explain what you mean?  I value your point of view...

Paula - Let me let you in on a little secret, this is not a quest for info so much as I would like to see small businesses state their side of this point.  I am tried of hearing our government and big businesses say small businesses are missing the boat when we all feel like the boat is sinking.  I really wish more people at SuN would vote on this and state their side of this issue.  And thank you for making your view clear…

Janie,

Thank you for your response and I am sorry that I have not been able to thank you before now.

From the lack of response to this poll I feel that there are many issues keeping SuN members from going globally and they just don’t want to talk about it.  A SuN first!  Paula response indicates to me there are some very deeply seeded concerns that I am sure are being felt by many.  The problem is as entrepreneurs we need to be constantly looking for opportunity as market change.  Whether we like it or not our government and big business has opened the global flood gates.  I agree, as US entrepreneurs in it for the long term, we need to help bring back our jobs and businesses.  This will now mean that we will need to start thinking how to sell our products to the countries where our money, jobs and businesses are now going.  I know one can say, “stop buying foreign and buy only US”.  That is always sounds a good, but I think it is time for us to all wake up and buy US AND sell globally.   That is a much better long term plan.  This is our new market place whether we like it or not…

Bert

Jeannie,

I went to your web site and looked at your product.  Cool idea and a great gift for a graphic artist!  I am simply amazed at all the neat products offered by SuN members.  Your product looks like one that should be on the shelves of  big office and computer retailers.

Regardless, I see how you are dividing up the handling of orders by domestic and international on your order page.  If you don’t mind, can you explain why you separate them?  Also, what carrier do you use to ship your international products and have you had any problems doing it?  I am sure your product can be shipped to other countries easier than Janie’s jerky but have you had any problems the first time you did it?

Bert

PS.  On an unrelated matter, seeing your note at the top of your order page indicates you might like to look at my free paper at http://www.BusinessShipper.com.

Just a general starting point for those ready to try global commerce, I have found some of these sites good information sources:

U.S. Trade Information Center (General export information)

http://www.export.gov/exportbasics/exp_001602.asp

U.S. Department of Commerce (for a Basic Guide to Exporting)

http://www.unzco.com/basicguide/index.html

U.S. Department of Agriculture (For Food Products like jerky)

http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7_0_A/7_0_1OB?navid= EXPORTING_GOODS&parentnav=MARKETING_TRADE&navtype=RT

Shipper`s Export Declaration (SED) to the Automated Export System (AES)  (Some of the paper work needed)

http://www.aesdirect.gov/register_help.html

US Customs (More general information)

http://www.customs.ustreas.gov/xp/cgov/home.xml

International Monetary Fund - SDRs per Currency unit and Currency units per SDR (Dollar conversion rates)

http://www.imf.org/external/np/fin/data/rms_five.aspx

Paula,

Sorry I gave you that impression because that is not the case at all.  The truth is I am very much for localization as a good thing.  This is why I say buy USA.  It is just not the only thing to be considered.  I think there is money to be made everywhere, locally and globally.  As long as it is done responsibly, I see nothing wrong with going global to tap new revenue as along as you make a profit when you do it.  The same is true when you do things locally.  By creating a successful business locally or globally builds a stronger economy and is good for the US.  For anyone to say there is a movement to stop globalization, I think is the natural opposition to change at work.  There are always those that oppose change, those that are for it and those that seek to exploit it.  I am not sure if there will be any winners in the big picture because we all tend to compromise long term.  This can be both bad and good.  But one thing I do know is there are those who see change as opportunity and there are those who fight it to their demise.  I try to gravitate toward the opportunity side of things as long as it is done honestly, environmentally and is what I feel is good for our county.

I hope this better clarifies by position.  As for your links, these are great links that deserve some serious consideration and thought.  I have read many of them in the past and feel they have merit.

Bert

Just as a follow-up there was one additional release on the subject of small business from a large company study point of view.  If you read this make sure you read it all including who did this study.

http://pressroom.ups.com/pressreleases/current/0,1088,4946,0 0.html

I am not sure if I totally agree with this study.  For example look at how few people voted on this poll even though several read it.  I think the silent readers said more about this issue that those that voted.

Bert.

"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and
leave a trail."  Ralph Waldo Emerson

Janie, sorry to be so slow in replying but I find your comments interesting and well thought out as usual.  Export management companies can be a solution for some, but just like any form of out or in sourcing, you must be careful.  I am sure I do not need to tell you this but, check everything out and make sure your decision will be profitable.  I cannot believe how many companies do it just because they think it is an easy way to go “global”.  Every foreign market can be a different challenge and one exporter may only open up a single market for you.  There are definite risks involved with giving one firm everything.  I have seen outsourcing ones globalization yield in poor results maybe even more times that I have seen successes.  If you are turning over everything to a total service, you need to make sure they have something significant to lose if they do not meet their goals or stated offerings.  You need to make sure they have the infrastructure to support their claims.  Many of them are one or two man operations.  Check references and get more than one.  Don’t allow them to lock you in with no recourse for lack of results.   Many are good at talking the talk but they cannot walk the walk.  Just like you do with your current business, you need to be in total control.  At least this is my two cents, if it is even worth that…

Katherine, as for the cost of shipping individual items, remember the US dollar lower than it has been for years in markets.  We have seen a definite growth in many Internet retailers shipping individual packages to foreign markets and I feel the value of the US dollar has something to do with it.  The growth is not huge, but it is happening.  Customers in foreign markets do not see the high cost of shipping as we do since their money is worth more than in the past and they have a desire for US products.  The biggest problem is marketing to foreign markets but the Internet is making this easier too.  Many times just making sure your web site is seen in foreign markets and telling them you are willing to ship to them, is all that is needed.  Many Internet based companies have no idea that their web site is not showing up in foreign market just because they check the wrong boxes when they set their web site up years ago with search engines, for example.  As for shipping paper work, there is software out there that will help you get it done.

As for your local comment, I would agree with you if everything I saw at the local stores any more was not from China.  As long as our government supports the ever expanding global policy with no regard to our environment, we need to all start figuring out how to get some of our money back that we are all sending overseas before we run out.  So in theory, I agree we should be buying local and believe me I try!  I am just not sure if it is the total answer in our complex world.  Buying less is also good, but does any small business want to hear that?

Janie,

Please feel free to email me here at SuN any time, visit our web sites or just give us a call.  There are several people here that can help you at our company if I am not available when you call.  We truly enjoy helping any size company get their products shipped the best way.

Bert.

Innoword,

I can totally relate.  We have been in multiple foreign markets over the past 25 years and only those that we could focus on have worked out.  No matter how much “opportunity” we saw or “outsourcing” we did, it all boils down to control and finances.  In our experience, it is always better to take on what one does best in a market where they can focus and afford to take it on.  This is true for local, national or international efforts.  A successful business must know its limitations and strengths.  I don’t know how many fast growing companies I have seen take on new “opportunities” just to see them kill the entire past successes by getting in over their head.

You make a very good point.

Bert.

Katherine,

Sounds pretty smart to me.  I was looking at your web site and cannot tell how you are taking orders yet since it is under construciton.  What are the money and payment issues?

Bert

Can`t merchant services used by your shopping cart system handle your money and payment issues for you?

Darryl,

In my experience the US Department of Commerce is a great place to start.  They can be found at:

International Trade Administration
U.S. Department of Commerce
1401 Constitution Ave NW
Washington, DC 20230
1-800 USA TRADE
http://trade.gov

If you are looking for a local office, you can also visit:
http://www.buyusa.gov

For the meat industry you might also try:

U.S. Meat Export Federation
USMEF Headquarters
1050 17th Street, Suite 2200
Denver, CO 80265
Tel: 303/623-MEAT (6328)
Fax: 303/623-0297
info@usmef.org
http://www.usmef.org

If you have specific countries you are targeting, you should also consider contacting their Chamber of Commerce offices.  Many times they can link you up with the right people.  For example, if China was your target you should viist http://www.apucc.org/ for Asia Pacific-USA Chamber of Commerce (a SuN Member).  The most important thing is to do your homework and check anyone out carefully before you sign on the dotted line.  Make sure what they are offering is what it will take to get the job done.  I would suggest that you start with baby steps and do one country at a time.  Going global takes patience, time, open-mindedness and flexibility.

I hope this helps you to find a good rep…

Bert

Joseph,

Thank you for your comments.  There are definite pitfalls in importing and exporting, but there are also many rewards when done correctly.  This is something where taking your time and doing your research before you act can go a long way.  Having the right people and/or organizations to help you can also make a huge difference in ones success.

Bert

iyazam - you make some very good points with which I mostly agree.  But, one of the big problems for small businesses to sell outside the US is the fact that many countries we buy from, make it difficult for us to sell to.  Mexico and Asian countries are good examples.  Marketing, exchange rates, paperwork and regulations can be a real challenge for a small US company.  Our own government has many issues too.  For example, it has just put laws in place that can results in major fines just for an SED not being filled out and handled correctly.  What were they thinking!

Large US companies can set up off shore operations that circumvent many of the issues small businesses deal with in going global; including taxes, labor laws, health care costs, environmental regulations and labor expense.  But, small to medium size US companies have to deal with the system at hand as they cannot afford these types of adjustments.

Today, the US market is still a good market on its own, even for US companies, but things are changing.  Having a good market here makes it is hard to convince small US companies to take the step to going global but this is also changing as our market is getting a little tougher.

So I agree with you we need to start thinking global, but from our perspective it is to keep from facing a huge transfer of wealth.  We need to all realize that we are all now in a global market whether we like it or not.  If we do not adjust, I feel that we will not remain the target market you speak of in the long run.  I have faith in US small businesses.  It will just take time…

After seeing the huge response to Jamies’ poll on the election, I have to wonder how businesses here at SuN feel the bailout will affect them.  Do you think it is important to approve or not?  And why?  How does this affect your business? 

Before you vote on this poll you might want to know the new title of the bailout bill that is going to the House.  It has now changed to:

“A bill to provide authority for the Federal Government to purchase and insure certain types of troubled assets for the purposes of providing stability to and preventing disruption in the economy and financial system and protecting taxpayers, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend certain expiring provisions, to provide individual income tax relief, and for other purposes.”

Information on the Senate vote can be seen at :

http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_c all_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=110&session=2&vote=00213

You can also see what Wall Street thinks at:

http://money.cnn.com/POLLSERVER/results/42243.html

OK but doesn’t anyone feel that credit will dry up if this bailout bill is not passed like people on Wall Street and in Washington are telling us?  Or do SuN members not rely on credit cards or short term bank loans to survive? 

Remember this is what we are being told will disappear if it is not passed.

The bill has passed and  I guess we were all wrong and just did not understand.

I would recommend you look at how your state`s official voted so you know how to vote in the up coming election.  It is our turn now.

Thank you all for voting on this poll.

And the Senate...