Thursday, 31 March 2022

Apple Releases a New Budget-Friendly iPhone SE

new budget-friendly iphone se

For business owners and entrepreneurs on the market for a new phone that doesn’t break the bank, then may be be pleased to learn that Apple has released a new budget-friendly iPhone SE.

Apple Releases a New Budget-Friendly iPhone SE

Starting at $429 or from $17.87 a month on a 24-month contract, the new iPhone SE could be the perfect phone for business owners on tight budgets.

With the cost of energy, fuel and many products rising, purchasing an affordable phone that promises the quality we have come to expect from iPhone, the new SE could be a good option for entrepreneurs or small business owners who don’t want to be burdened with the expense of a high-end phone.

Features that are Suitable for Business Users

Asides being an affordable option of iPhone for business users, the new SE boasts many features that make it a suitable model for entrepreneurs and business owners. This includes an improved battery life, better durability, a new camera system that contains advanced features, including Deep Fusion, Photographic Styles and Smart HDR 4.

In today’s fast-paced digital world, businesses simply can’t be left waiting for important information to download and upload on their devices. Having access to fast downloads and uploads is another desirable trait for business owners, something which the new iPhone SE provides.

Kaiann Drance, Apple’s Vice President of Worldwide iPhone Product Marketing, commented on the features that would make the new model a sensible choice for business users. “With 5G, iPhone SE gives users faster downloads and uploads, higher quality video streaming, real-time interactivity in apps, and much more. Delivering the latest generation of technology and performance at this price is something only Apple can do,” Drance said.

New Camera Experience

Taking quality snaps in an instance to use for marketing purposes is synonymous with modern business practices and success. Put simply, the better the photos, the more desirable products will seem.

Featuring an all-new camera system powered by A15 Bionic, with a 12-megaixel with ƒ/1.8 aperture wide camera, the new SE offers computational photography benefits that will help businesses and entrepreneurs showcase their products with maximum impact.

Learn more about the iPhone SE spec and benefits on the Apple website.

Image: Depositphotos

This article, "Apple Releases a New Budget-Friendly iPhone SE" was first published on Small Business Trends



FTC Sues Intuit Over Deceptive TurboTax “Free” Filing Campaign

ftc sues intuit over deceptive turbotax free filing

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed a lawsuit against software company Intuit, for deceiving consumers with advertisements pitching “free” tax filing.

In the lawsuit, the FTC is alleging that Intuit’s advertisements touting their supposedly “free” products mislead consumers into believing that they can file their taxes for free through TurboTax, its tax software.

Intuit Accused of Deceiving Customers with Free Tax Filing Services

The FTC is alleging that Intuit had engaged in a years-long marketing campaign centered on the promise of “free” services. These ads according to the FTC have run during major events, including the Super Bowl, and have also aired during this year’s NCAA Basketball Tournament.

“TurboTax is bombarding consumers with ads for ‘free’ tax filing services, and then hitting them with charges when it’s time to file,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.

According to the FTC, despite the advertising, consumers who took the time to gather their documents, entrust their personal information to Intuit, and began their filing process found that they could not file their taxes for free.

In a bid to prevent more tax filers from being misled the FTC is asking a federal court to put an immediate halt to Intuit’s false advertising and has also authorized the filing of an administrative complaint alleging that the company’s practices are illegal.

Intuit Challenges FTC’s Claims and Vows to Fight Lawsuit

In response, Intuit which also makes TurboTax, QuickBooks, Mint, Credit Karma, and Mailchimp,  announced that it will vigorously challenge FTC’s complaint filed in U.S. District Court in the Northern District of California by the FTC.

“The FTC’s arguments are simply not credible. Far from steering taxpayers away from free tax preparation offerings, our free advertising campaigns have led to more Americans filing their taxes for free than ever before and have been central to raising awareness of free tax prep,” said Kerry McLean, executive vice president and general counsel of Intuit.

Inuit counters that over the past eight years, TurboTax products have helped nearly 100 million Americans file their taxes for free. Its free advertising campaign has only accelerated the use of TurboTax free offerings, driving approximately 60% growth from 11 million free filers in 2018 before the campaign launched to more than 17 million free filers in 2021. Intuit also stated that it had always supported consumers filing for free as a founding member of the IRS Free File program and in its other practices.

Image: Depositphotos

This article, "FTC Sues Intuit Over Deceptive TurboTax “Free” Filing Campaign" was first published on Small Business Trends



Understanding Etsy Fees

etsy fees

Opening an Etsy shop can provide a fun and relatively affordable way to start a business. However, it isn’t completely free. Etsy charges a few fees to sellers in exchange for the increased visibility and transaction services the site provides. Here’s a guide for those thinking of selling on Etsy.

What are Etsy Fees?

Etsy fees are small charges that a seller must make when listing products, increasing visibility, or completing transactions on the site. There are various types of fees that sellers should be aware of, including listing fees, transaction fees, and advertising fees. They are outlined in the sections below. If you are just starting out on Etsy get as much information about the platform as possible. This includes how to start an Etsy shop as well as other topics such as how to be successful on Etsy.

How Much Does Etsy Charge Per Transaction?

Etsy charges a 6.5 percent transaction fee on all purchases. This is calculated based on the sale price of the item, along with any associated personalization or gift wrapping charges. Sellers must also take other fees, like listing fees, shipping fees, and payment processing fees, into account. But this is the main fee charged when sales are made.

Etsy Seller Fees

Etsy charges several fees for everything from listing products to completing transactions. Here are the main ones Etsy sellers should know.

Listing fee | $0.20 per item

Transaction fee | 6.5 percent of the final sales price

Subscription fee | $10 per month

Payment processing fee | $0.25 plus 3 percent of the sales price

Shipping fee | 5 percent of the shipping price

Etsy Subscription Fees

Etsy sellers who make frequent sales and have positive customer reviews may opt-in to Etsy Plus. In exchange for a small monthly subscription fee, sellers get tools to support growing businesses, like extra shop customization options, discounts on domain extensions, 15 free listings per month, and a monthly ad budget. The Etsy plus subscription fee is $10 per month and is automatically deducted from your shop balance.

Auto-Renew Fee

Etsy sellers can set certain products to auto-renew, meaning the listing will automatically appear in the shop even after a sale. This costs the same as listing a new item — a flat fee of $0.20 per listing, which is charged whenever the item is sold and then automatically renewed.

Multi Quantity Fee

Etsy allows you to list an item with multiple quantities available. You only have to pay the $0.20 listing fee when creating the product. However, if you sell multiple quantities, you’ll be charged an additional $0.20 for each version that sells.

Private Etsy Listing Fee

A private listing is an option if your Etsy store makes custom items. However, the Etsy listing fee still applies. So you’ll pay $0.20 listing fees for each private listing you create.

Transaction Fees

The Etsy transaction fee is charged when purchases are completed. Etsy charges 6.5 percent of the total price, including personalization and gift wrapping.

Shipping Transaction Fee

Etsy also charges a 5 percent fee on the amount charged for shipping. Some Etsy sellers choose to offer free shipping and instead roll it into the item’s total sale price. However, that amount would simply be charged the 6.5 percent transaction fee instead.

Etsy Payment Processing Fee

Etsy offers its own payments service to provide a consistent experience on the site, whether customers pay with a credit card or bank account. For transactions that use Etsy Payments, U.S. sellers are charged 3 percent of the sales price, plus $0.25. Payment processing fees vary by country. And buyers may have the choice of other payments services, in which case you’d pay fees to those services instead.

How much are the payment processing fees on Etsy?

Etsy’s payment processing fee varies by country. U.S. sellers are charged a flat rate of $0.25 per transaction, plus 3 percent of the total sale price.

Currency Conversion Fees

Currency conversion fees are charged if your payment account currency is different than the currency listed in your shop. Etsy automatically converts the amount for you and charges 2.5 percent on the final sale amount.

Advertising Fees

Etsy offers a variety of advertising options, including sponsored listings and offsite ads. You can set your own budget for these, so the advertising fee is whatever you set up in your Etsy ads account.

Offsite Ad Fees

Etsy also purchases offsite ads through various partners like Google Shopping to increase visibility for sellers. Most shops that set an ad budget pay 15 percent on sales made as a result of clicks from these ads. The fee is reduced to 12 percent if your shop has made more than $10,000 in the past year.

Pattern Fees

Pattern is Etsy’s website-building tool. So sellers can use it to increase reach outside of Etsy’s marketplace. The monthly subscription costs $15. And there is a 30-day free trial.

How to Pay Etsy Fees

All the Etsy fees are calculated automatically each month. So the site compiles a bill that you can easily pay in your dashboard. Etsy can also take fees automatically from your payment account if the balance is there. Here’s how to pay your Etsy bill manually:

  1. Go to the Shop Manager section of your dashboard (or More within the Sell on Etsy app)
  2. Click on Finances, then payment account
  3. Select Pay now
  4. Specify the amount you’d like to pay – your amount due should be the default
  5. Choose your payment method (you can use a credit card, bank account, or online service like PayPal)
  6. Click Submit Payment

Etsy Fee Avoidance

Etsy charges fees in exchange for the use of its popular marketplace and payments features. So if you use Etsy to essentially market products while completing purchases in another way, that is considered fee avoidance. This could include messaging with a customer and telling them to pay you via Venmo so you can avoid the transaction fee. This is strictly prohibited by Etsy and may result in your shop being shut down.

How to Reduce Your Etsy Payments

Aside from fee avoidance, some careful shop planning may help you save money while still paying Etsy fairly for their services. Here are some tips for reducing Etsy payments.

Consolidate Listings

Etsy allows you to create listings with multiple quantities and variations in colors and sizes. You’re only charged the initial $0.20 listing fee on this. And you’ll be charged an additional $0.20 on each variation that sells — but you don’t need to create multiple listings and pay fees on items that haven’t yet sold.

Use Private Listings

If you create custom items for buyers, private listings allow you to facilitate those purchases without creating new items in your public storefront. You still need to pay a $0.20 fee for these listings, but the charge is only made once the buyer completes their purchase. With public listings, you’re charged as soon as you publish. So this step can save money if customers change their minds.

Compare Shipping Providers

You’ll end up paying Etsy fees on shipping, whether you charge separately for shipping or roll it into the item’s cost. However, if you can find a cheaper shipping provider, you’ll save on those fees and potentially appeal to more buyers. Additionally, Etsy allows sellers to list digital products like printable artwork, which doesn’t require shipping at all. So this may help relevant sellers list low-cost products and avoid extra shipping costs.

Double-Check Your Currency

Etsy charges a currency conversion fee if your Etsy currency doesn’t match that of your bank account. So make sure your currency is set to your home country.

Only Use Auto-Renew When Necessary

Auto-renew can save sellers time when creating listings. However, you’ll pay the $0.20 fee each time a listing is renewed. So if you have products that are one-of-a-kind or that you’re not sure about offering on an ongoing basis, turn this feature off to avoid unnecessary fees.

How to Calculate Etsy Fees

Calculating Etsy seller fees can help you plan and budget for your payment account. It may also inform your decisions when pricing items. Each seller may have a different situation, and there are Etsy fee calculators available online to simplify the process. Here are the basic fees for sellers to calculate:

  • Take the $0.20 listing fee
  • Calculate product price and take 6.5 percent
  • Add shipping fees at 5 percent
  • Complete payments with a 3 percent fee plus $0.25
  • Consider your self-imposed advertising budget

Etsy Fees Example

Say you’re selling a necklace that costs $50, plus $5 for shipping. Your fees would be:

  • $0.20 listing fee
  • $3.25 transaction fee
  • $0.25 shipping fee
  • $1.90 payment processing fee

Image: Etsy

This article, "Understanding Etsy Fees" was first published on Small Business Trends



Best Office Chair Casters for a Broken Wheel

If you work in an office, safety and comfort are important for your workforce to remain productive. Very often, one might need to coast from one desk to another to grab a file or hold discussions with coworkers. However, most chair casters might not withstand the constant work demands of a busy workplace and will become wobbly and start squeaking through time.

Other times the caster that comes with your office chair might not be compatible with your office floor surface and might start creating skid marks or eat into the carpeting. And this will require replacing them.

If you are shopping for an office chair, you may have realized there are many options to choose from. Here are some of our top picks to help you choose replacement casters for your office chairs.

What are Office Chair Casters?

A caster is a wheeled device mounted to the bottom of each chair leg that allows the chair to quickly move and roll around the floor. A caster’s basic components include the mount, stem, and wheel. Most casters come with twin wheels that often swivel and roll, allowing users to change directions easily. Casters are often durable, so you won’t have to replace them as often.

What are Office Chair Casters?

A caster is a wheeled device mounted to the bottom of each chair leg that allows the chair to quickly move and roll around the office environment. A caster’s basic components include the mount, stem, and wheel. Most casters come with twin wheels that often swivel and roll, allowing users to change directions easily. Casters are often durable, so you won’t have to replace them as often. They can easily be called task chairs as they’re used to performing tasks in the office.

Benefits of Buying Replacement Office Chair Caster Wheel

The office chair wheels might have been worn out due to excess working in the office environment also, there are some office chairs that don’t come with a caster wheel from the beginning. These chairs have some disadvantages looking at the benefits of having an office chair with wheels.

  • Increased comfortability
  • Easy movement in the office
  • 360-degree swivel
  • No need to stand up to pick nearby things

Increased Comfortability

You can be very comfortable while working in the office as you do not need to leave your seat to pick something else rather let your chair do the work for you.

Easy Movement

The wheels on office chairs, in particular, provide a crucial function for workers. The wheels on an office chair allow for flexibility, so you can move around your office and maneuver from desk to desk.

360-degree swivel

Sit in comfort with this 360-degree swivel chair, which was designed to provide you with maximum freedom of movement. The ability to rotate from side to side allows you to move more freely and effortlessly.

No need to stand up to pick nearby things

If you have caster wheels on your office chair, it becomes easier to reach the bookshelf. You can easily roll your chair towards the shelf and get that book within a few swivels

A desk chair mat is not needed for the office floor

Most office chairs typically feature a caster wheel. If you own an office chair with a caster wheel, a floor mat or high pile carpets wouldn’t be needed for the hardwood floor because most caster wheels are naturally coated with smooth polyurethane.

However, one of the major benefits of not having a caster wheel in your office chair is that most office caster chair wheels make squeaky sounds. So, to prevent squeaking sounds, you should own a normal office chair.

Replacement Casters

Owl Office Chair Wheels

Office Owl Caster Wheels for Office Chair

Top Pick: This versatile and universal caster wheel is one of the best caster wheels on the market. It can fit perfectly in all the stem-size chairs and even tables. These are touted to last long and can withstand heavy-duty use while easily gliding on most surfaces. Thanks to its soft texture, it functions without any hitches on short carpets, wood floors, and tiles without causing damage.

However, they are not recommended for tall or thick carpeting. Users can easily change their caster wheels with one single motion without using tools. These units are made from superior-grade steel, weigh? 2.6 pounds and can safely support up to 650 pounds. Each caster wheel comes in at 3 x 4.5 x 6 inches.

Office Owl Office Chair Wheels

Buy on Amazon

 

Oasis Office Chair Caster Wheels

The Office Oasis Original Rollerblade Chair Wheels

Runner Up: Manufactured by the company they were the first to introduce rollerblade wheels for office chairs, Office Oasis’ caster wheels are a good option for replacement casters. They can be considered the original rollerblade chair wheels because they were the first company to manufacture this kind of wheel.

This unit weighs 2.6 pounds and is sturdy enough to hold up to 650 pounds. It has versatile applications as it is compatible with 95% of all office chairs. With a stem size of 7/16? in diameter and 7/8? in length, it can be used for desks and tables as well.

The Office Oasis Original Rollerblade Chair Wheels

Buy on Amazon

 

Lifelong Office Chair Caster Wheels

Office chair wheels replacement rubber chair casters

Best Value: Lifelong Office’s replacement rubber casters are made from industrial-grade steel, including precision ball bearings, durable polyurethane, and alloy durable steel chair casters. This caster does not scratch, smudge, or damage wood, hardwood, laminate, vinyl, tile, or carpet floors.

Weighing 2.88 pounds, it comes with a rim size of three inches, with a stem size of 7/16? x 7/8? and can fit 98% of all chairs excluding IKEA chairs. The wheels are ? 6 x 3 x 4.5 inches and are rated for over 500 pounds.

Office chair wheels replacement rubber chair casters

Buy on Amazon

 

Slipstick CB690 Chair Caster Wheel

Slipstick CB680 2 Inch Rubber Caster Wheels

This caster features a standard size 7/16-inch x 7/8-inch diameter and a stem length of two-inch twin caster rubber wheels. Made with rubber, this caster can glide on hardwood, laminate, tile, slate, and all other hard floor surfaces.

This caster is rated for up to 330 pounds, weighs 3.2 pounds, and comes with a five-year replacement guarantee. Installing these casters comes easy. You simply pull off the old caster and snap in the new one without any tools.

Slipstick CB680 2 Inch Rubber Caster Wheels

Buy on Amazon

 

STEALTHO Replacement Caster Wheels

STEALTHO Patented Replacement Office Chair Caster Wheels

Strongest Chair Wheels: STEALTHO’s office chair swivel wheels are safe for any kind of hardwood floors, parquet, laminate, linoleum, tiles, and carpets. The refined geometry of its heavy-duty casters prevents axial run-out bearing of the rubber roller wheels. The combination of elastic polyurethane and industrial-grade steel makes this unit durable.

The inclusion of luminophore makes the wheel glow in the dark and is even sturdy enough to roll over cables. It comes in 7/16×7/8-inch dimensions and weighs 3.36 pounds, and the wheels are fitted with two additional thrust ball bearings in the cage that prevent them from falling out. These replacement wheels have a U.S. utility patent, and they can support up to 660 pounds.

STEALTHO Patented Replacement Office Chair Caster Wheels

Buy on Amazon

 

Clever Productions Universal Fit Caster – Perfect for Office Chairs

Office Chair Wheels - 95% Universal Fit Caster Wheels

These caster wheels by Clever production won’t damage your flooring, be they carpet, title, office floors, wood, hardwood, laminate, or vinyl. They won’t scratch or leave any markings on wooden or carpeted floors made from polyurethane. Thanks to their rollerblade design, they make for a highly smooth rolling experience.

This unit comes in at 8.1 x 5.2 x 3.8 inches and can support up to 500 pounds. They weigh about 2.6 pounds and fit 95% of all standard stem five-wheel office chairs, measuring three inches. When it comes to installation, all you have to do is just take your old casters out and push your new ones in, and you are done.

Office Chair Wheels – 95% Universal Fit Caster Wheels

Buy on Amazon

 

Hivexagon RGB Color Changing Replacement Caster Wheels

Hivexagon Office Chair Caster With RGB Color Changing Lights

This RGB color-changing caster wheel can automatically display the RGB light while it is rolling. It comes with shockproof technology offering super quiet and smooth-rolling and can rotate 360 degrees.

This replacement caster comes with three-inch wheel sizes with 8.1 x 5 x 3.7-inch dimensions. Made with polyurethane material, it helps protect hard floors, tiles, slate, and other surfaces without leaving any marks or scratches. It weighs about 2.5 pounds and is made with high carbon steel, and can hold a combined load of 385 pounds.

Hivexagon Office Chair Caster

Buy on Amazon

 

Flash Furniture Set of 5 Replacement Rollerblade

Flash Furniture Set of 5 Replacement Rollerblade

Flash Furniture’s office chair caster replacement set is constructed of a non-marring, soft polyurethane material over rollerblade style wheels to protect your floors and carpets. This set of 5 ball-bearing casters with polyurethane tires are ideal for replacing worn-out casters on any office chair, including desk chairs and rolling computer chairs. They are also perfect for protecting hardwood or laminate flooring from damage caused by unsecured furniture legs and rolling patio chairs. These replacement ball-bearings can be installed in minutes without the use of tools, allowing you to easily upgrade the casters on your existing chair.

Flash Furniture Set of 5 Replacement Rollerblade

Buy on Amazon

 

Monkeymoon Office Chair Caster Wheels

Office Chair Caster Wheels

Monkeymoon chair caster wheels are compatible with most office chair brands and are available in different stem sizes. They are precision ball bearing and come with a twin-wide transparent polyurethane design, enjoy smoother rolling on any type of floor, and won’t ruin your floors. These chair caster wheels come with a precision ball bearing and standard stem size easy to install. They are made of durable steel material and don’t require extra tools to install on your office chairs.

Monkeymoon Office Chair Caster Wheels

Buy on Amazon

 

Houseables Office Chair Wheels

Houseables Office Chair Wheels

Do you want to improve the quality of your day? Then it’s time to upgrade your office chair! These high-quality desk wheels will transform your office chair into a swivel-rolling thrill ride. With an independent diameter of 11mm, these wheels allow you to smoothly glide over any terrain – even over that annoying desk mat that always keeps getting in the way. These roller-style casters will outlive your current desk chair, so you can easily transfer them onto the new one when it comes time for an upgrade.

Houseables Office Chair Wheels

Buy on Amazon

 

Hirate Office Chair Caster

Hirate Office Chair Caster

Update your office furniture with a new set of casters that breathe new life into your old chair. These 3-inch casters will add 1-2 inches of height to your chair, so you don’t have to replace a whole expensive chair if you want to upgrade. These heavy-duty durable polyurethane casters in sleek appearance will make your desk chair looks like the coolest chair in offices. They are strong enough to support 650 lb max capacity as a set of 5.

Hirate Office Chair Caster

Buy on Amazon

 

Universal Office Chair Caster Wheels Replacement

Universal Office Chair Caster Wheels Replacement

Are you looking for a new rolling chair wheel or casters? If so, consider Universal Office Chair Caster Wheels Replacement. It is wrapped in a soft polyurethane material. Our roller wheels are guaranteed not to scratch or leave marks on any surface. So feel free to finally toss that old computer chair floor mat! Reliable heavy-duty construction – entire support bracket and internal parts are made of high-grade steel, providing years of effortless rolling and durability. Produced using roller skates technology.

Universal Office Chair Caster Wheels Replacement

Buy on Amazon

 

How to Choose the Best Office Chair Caster for Your Business

Caster wheels are one of the most overlooked components when shopping for a new office chair. Besides offering you comfort and easy mobility, good replacement caster wheels help prevent scratches on your flooring. Some replacement casters in the market can also be applied to desks and other furniture. There are many casters feature you should look out for and they are;

Things to look for while buying casters include:

Weight Capacity

You must check the weight capacity of your casters. Look for those with a high weight threshold that can tolerate even more weight—those with a lightweight capacity risk getting damaged.

Single Wheel Vs Twin Wheel

Dual wheel casters can carry more weight than a single wheel. Plus, they’re easier to maneuver since they can be placed closer to the ground. A dual wheel caster can also be used to create lower height if necessary.

Not only is the dual wheel swivel caster design more ergonomic, but it also requires less effort to maneuver. When you get a dual-wheel swivel caster, it will be much easier to change directions and get the job done right.

Dual wheel casters have a longer lifespan because of their unique design. They are often used to carry heavier loads, which is why they tend to last longer.

Dual wheel casters are better in applications where it is important to protect your floor. With a polyurethane tire, you can still use a dual-wheel caster over a single-wheel caster. But this second caster has the same load-bearing capacity as a single-wheel steel caster.

How to Attach Casters to Your Office Chair

Casters are very important to your office chairs and it’s important to fix one on your chair to prevent scratches on the floor. Here is a step-by-step process on how to fix casters on your chair.

Step 1. 

The base of the chair can be removed from its casters. For chairs with one set of wheels, the screws are usually Phillips-head and can be unscrewed with a screwdriver or an Allen wrench.

Step 2. 

Layout your caster and make sure you know how to attach it based on how many casters you have.

Step 3.

When attaching casters to a chair, place the caster in the original wheel’s base and secure it in place. If you are using more than one caster, repeat the process until all four wheels are attached.

Step 4. 

If you’re using four casters, position them evenly around the base of the office chair and attach each one by screwing it into place with a Phillips head screwdriver or Allen wrench. Be sure they fit snugly in their sockets before tightening down completely.

Step 5. 

Screw in your seat back with a Phillips head screwdriver or Allen wrench.

Step 6.

Slide your chair onto the new casters to see how they roll.

Step 7.

Tighten all screws firmly with an Allen wrench, but don’t go too far.

 

FAQs

How do You Fix a Broken Chair Caster?

Step 1:

Turn the chair upside down. Position it so that the wheels are facing up, allowing for easier access and enabling you to work from a more comfortable angle.

If you can’t get your chair to turn upside down on its own, enlist a friend to help you.

Step 2: 

Remove a threaded caster by turning it clockwise. To see if your castor is the threaded type, try twisting it and see if it moves. If the stem moves in the direction you’re twisting, just keep going and it should come out.

Step 3:

The best way to remove a grip stem caster is to apply lubricant and, with both hands on the caster, give it a pull. However, if you can’t remove the caster, apply lubricant to the meeting place between the caster and the chair. Place one hand on the caster and one hand on the chair leg.

Step 4:

If you’re trying to remove a caster and it won’t budge, try using a flat-head screwdriver and a pry bar with a nail-pulling slot at the end. The casters could be rusted in place and you’ll need a wide tool to dislodge them.

Step 5:

Push the screwdriver on where the caster meets the chair and turn it slowly. Once you get in between the caster and the chair, you can use it to pry the caster up. If this doesn’t work, try rotating the caster around its own axle.

Step 6:

Pry the caster out. This process may take more than one try if the caster is stubborn. In some cases, it’s necessary to use a pry bar. First, position the nail-pulling slot over the stem and pull it out. Next, position the pry bar and slide it in between the caster and chair where there is an opening. Pull on the pry bar and you should see some movement. If not, repeat until the caster pops out of place.

How do You Measure for Replacement Casters?

To find the wheelbase, measure from the back of the wheel to the center of the kingpin on a level surface. You can do this using a measuring tape. However, here are some tips you can follow

  • The caster must be replaced if the plate height is different by more than 1/16″.
  • Check the bolt holes if they are aligned.
  • Measure the overall height of the caster and top plate, including the washer and nut.
  • Check that the swivel radius is 3.5″ or less; a swivel radius of 4″ or greater may cause damage to home furniture.

Are All Office Chair Casters the Same Size?

While most office chairs are between 2 and 2.5 inches in size, the style of the castor stem determines whether wheels will fit a chair. Although most chairs use grip ring-style stems, some may require a ball bearing or star-handle style castor to fit them.

Save money on shipping costs for your Amazon purchases. Plus, enjoy thousands of titles from Amazons video library with an Amazon Prime membership. Learn more and sign up for a free trial today.

Image: amazon

This article, "Best Office Chair Casters for a Broken Wheel" was first published on Small Business Trends



Should You Get a Women Owned Business Certification

women owned business certification

Female business owners have traditionally faced unique challenges when seeking funding and government contracts. To balance those disadvantages, there are now certain programs and contracting dollars that are reserved just for women-owned businesses. However, owning a business as a woman isn’t enough; there are specific certification requirements companies must meet to be eligible.

What is a Women-Owned Business Certification?

A women-owned small businesses certification is an official designation through the U.S. Small Business Administration. Companies that achieve this certification process are eligible for programs and contracts set aside for women-owned small businesses.

Types of Certification for Women-Owned Businesses

There are two main types of women-owned small business certifications through the SBA: Women-owned small businesses and economically disadvantaged women-owned small businesses. Here’s a guide to each.

  • Women-owned small businesses: This is the basic women-owned certification through the SBA. Companies must be at least 51 percent owned and run by women to qualify for this designation.
  • Economically disadvantaged women-owned small businesses: This designation goes a step further. In addition to being owned and run by women, EDWOSBs must also have an 8(a) certification, which specified businesses that are owned by economically disadvantaged individuals. These businesses may qualify for contracts that are set aside both for women and economically disadvantaged businesses.

Woman-Owned Small Business Benefits

Wondering why you may want to designate your company as a women-owned small business? Here are some benefits to consider:

  • Qualify for more government contracts: Certain government agencies are required to earmark a certain amount of their contracts to women business owners and those who have faced an economic disadvantage. Decision-makers can filter through contractors to find these providers for various products and services. So getting a certification may increase visibility and open your company up to more opportunities.
  • Grow your customer base: Many large corporations also have diversity goals, which include supporting women entrepreneurs. So you may receive contracting or sales opportunities from more than just the federal government.
  • Network with other female business owners: There are plenty of networking events and opportunities specifically for women-owned businesses. So a certification may help you find and make the most of these contacts.
  • Access educational resources: The SBA and third-party organizations also provide guides and educational resources for women-owned businesses. You may find valuable information about seeking financing, marketing, or expanding your operations. The Amazon SBA Program is such a resource.
  • Find business mentors: You may also benefit from learning from other women who have been in similar situations. WOSB or EDWOSB certification can help you find and reach out to potential mentors.

Female Owned Business Certification Requirements

To qualify for the benefits listed above, you must meet the following criteria.

  • Be a small business: The SBA has specific size standards that apply to a variety of contracting and incentive programs. The definition varies by industry, but most are required to have less than 1,500 employees.
  • Be at least 51% owned: Women must own and control at least half of the company. They must also be U.S. citizens.
  • Have women in management roles: The female business owner(s) or managers must also be responsible for day-to-day operations and making long-term business decisions.

How to Get an SBA Women-owned Business Certification

If you’re interested in getting a women-owned business certification, you’ll first need to apply through the SBA or an affiliated group. Here’s a basic look at the certification process:

  1. Check eligibility: WOSB must have proof that the business is at least 51 percent owned by a woman or women who are U.S. citizens. And EDWOSBs must also prove an economic disadvantage. The SBA offers an online Q&A tool to determine eligibility before you start the application process.
  2. Gather essential documents: You’ll need business and personal documents to prove you meet the eligibility requirements. These may include proof of U.S. citizenship, business trust agreements, articles of incorporation, partnership agreements, and stock ledgers.
  3. Apply online: The SBA offers an online application tool that asks questions and allows you to upload relevant documents.
  4. Connect with a third-party certification provider: Alternatively, there are four outside organizations approved by the SBA to perform third-party certifications. Each has its own processes and associated costs. So contact them directly to learn about applying. The four organizations are the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, National Women Business Owners Corporation, U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.

How Much Does a Certification Cost for Women-owned Small Businesses?

The SBA certification process for a women-owned small business is free. However, third-party certification may come with costs. These groups help you through the certification process, so you’re essentially paying for their services. Certification is often free for members of those groups but may cost a few hundred for non-members.

What is the Difference Between WOSB and Edwosb?

WOSB stands for women-owned small business, which simply requires that a small business be at least 51 percent owned and operated by women who are U.S. citizens. EDWOSB stands for economically disadvantaged women-owned small business, which must meet the requirements for WOSBs, and also prove the owner comes from an economically disadvantaged background. This includes having a low personal net worth and other qualifications. EDWOSB certification may open a business up to even more government contracting opportunities, though both provide benefits. Whether you’re considering WOSB or EDWOSB certification, you’ll need to submit information about company ownership and management to the SBA or third-party certification providers.

How Long is a WOSB Certification?

The SBA grants WOSB or EDWOSB certification for a three-year period. There are re-certification options at that point, which are generally simpler than applying for initial certification.

Image: Depositphotos

This article, "Should You Get a Women Owned Business Certification" was first published on Small Business Trends



Bank of America Launches New Credit Card and Line of Credit for Small Business

new credit card and line of credit for small business

The Bank of America has announced new secured credit offerings and digital resources aimed at helping entrepreneurs launch their ventures and grow.

The offerings comprise of the Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured credit card, Business Advantage Secured Credit Line, and the Start a Business Center.

Bank of America Launches New Credit Card and Line of Credit for Small Business

Securing credit and the right resources for growth can be difficult for small businesses and entrepreneurs, especially in today’s challenging environment. The Bank of America’s latest products and resources are specifically aimed at small businesses aspiring to grow or build their business’s credit history.

Speaking of the objective of the new credit resources for small businesses, Sharon Miller, president of Small Business and head of Speciality Banking and Lending at Bank of America, said: “Bank of America is committed to providing small business owners with innovative solutions and advice that can help them grow their business and establish long term financial wellness.

“These latest offerings are designed to empower entrepreneurs by providing them with access to resources that will help them to start or strengthen their businesses,” Miller continued.

Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured credit card

The Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured credit card is designed to help entrepreneurs establish, strengthen, or rebuild their business credit while providing myriad benefits.

The credit card comes with no annual fee and holders can receive credit lines from $1,000 to $10,000. Business card holders receive 1.5% cash back on all purchases, with no annual rewards earn cap. The tool also features Preferred Rewards for Business eligibility, providing access to a range of rewards, benefits and savings, with no fee to join or participate.

Secured Business Advantage Credit Line

On top of the credit card, the Bank of America is offering a Secured Business Advantage Credit Line for small business owners. The initiative is due to launch later in 2022.

Providing straightforward and convenient access to capital, the credit line will provide credit ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, convenient access to funds via online banking, convenience checks and linked Visa card, and an annual renewal fee of $150.

Start a Business Center Digital Experience

This new resource is aimed at assisting those starting a new small business. The business center offers advice and guidance on starting and growing a business. It also offers a discount on business formation for clients of Bank of America through Incfile.

In these precarious times, it is more important than ever that small businesses have the right resources, tools, and sufficient credit to get off the ground and sustain growth. The Bank of America’s latest offerings for small businesses provides straightforward and convenient access to capital and business guidance.

Image: Depositphotos

This article, "Bank of America Launches New Credit Card and Line of Credit for Small Business" was first published on Small Business Trends



Questions on Estimated Taxes for the Self-Employed and How to Handle Them

questions on estimated taxes for the self employed

The federal tax system is a pay-as-you-go model. Generally, employees meet their tax payment obligations through wage withholding. But there’s no withholding (yet) on self-employment earnings. Usually, self-employed individuals meet their tax payment obligations through estimated taxes. The following are some general questions about federal estimated taxes and what to do.

What are estimated taxes?

Estimated taxes are not a separate type of tax, but rather a way to pay taxes. Unless your current annual tax is minimal (no more than $1,000) or you had no tax liability in the previous year (and meet other conditions), you can’t choose to pay your tax bill when you file your annual income tax return. Doing so likely will result in penalties.

Federal estimated taxes cover not only income taxes but also:

  • Self-employment on net earnings from self-employment to pay Social Security and Medicare taxes
  • Alternative minimum tax (AMT) if it exceeds the regular tax
  • 3.8% on net investment income, including business income for an owner who does not materially participate in company activities (i.e., a passive investor)
  • 0.9% additional Medicare tax on net earnings from self-employment and wages if modified adjusted gross income exceeds a threshold amount geared to filing status
  • Employment taxes on wages for your household employees

When must estimated taxes be paid?

Estimated taxes, which are made in four installments, are referred to as quarterly payments; they don’t fall neatly each quarter. The payments are due April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 of the following year, with the date, extended for a weekend and/or holiday. For 2022, estimated taxes are due April 18, 2022 (April 19 for those in Maine and Massachusetts), June 15, 2022, September 15, 2022, and January 17, 2023.

Note: Those with income from farming and fishing have different estimated tax rules.

How are estimated taxes paid?

Estimated taxes are paid to the U.S. Treasury. You can do so via:

  • Check sent by mail, along with a voucher (Form 1040-ES). Caution: Because of IRS backlog, actions may mail make not be credited in a timely manner and you may prefer to use the electronic payment options below.
  • Credit or debit card via an IRS-approved service provider. There’s a processing fee for this option.
  • Direct Pay authorizes payment from your checking or savings account. It is available only within certain business hours, but no registration is required.
  • EFTPS, which enables 24/7 to you authorize payment from your bank account to the extent you specify (the government can’t access your account for any other reason). The benefit of this option is the ability to schedule payments up to 365 days in advance. You have to register to use EFTPS.

You can use your mobile device to access these payment options. Download IRS2Go for this purpose. Or you can call a credit/debit card service provider or EFTPS to authorize payment.

Do not pay estimated taxes for 2022 along with any taxes due for 2021. These are separate payments.

How can estimated taxes be avoided?

To avoid paying estimated taxes, you need to find another way to meet your payment obligation. Some ways to do this include:

  • Relying on a working spouse who agrees to increase his/her wage withholding to cover your obligation (assuming you file a joint return).
  • Electing S corporation status if you’re a limited liability company (LLC). Doing this lets you take a salary from the business from which withholding can be made.

If you have a job as well as run a business in which you’re self-employed, you can increase withholding from your wages to cover the tax on your business profits.

How much must be paid to avoid penalties?

How do you know at the start of the year what you need to pay? That’s why it’s called “estimated” taxes. You do your best to make projections and can adjust payments throughout the year if things change dramatically. You want to pay as much as necessary to avoid penalties, but not so much that you have to wait for a refund when you file your return for the year. Set aside a portion of earnings—perhaps in a separate bank account—to have the funds on hand to meet your estimated tax needs.

You can rely on a safe harbor to figure out what to pay, which also avoids any underpayment penalties. Pay at least:

  • 90% of the current year’s taxes, or
  • 100% of the prior year’s taxes (110% if your adjusted gross income in the prior year exceeds $150,000, or $75,000 if married filing separately).

The underpayment penalty may also be waived if the failure to make estimated payments was caused by a casualty, disaster, or other unusual circumstance and it would be inequitable to impose the penalty.

Conclusion

Work with your CPA or another tax adviser to figure out what you need to pay in estimated taxes. Learn more in IRS Publication 505, Withholding and Estimated Tax

Image: Depositphotos

This article, "Questions on Estimated Taxes for the Self-Employed and How to Handle Them" was first published on Small Business Trends



Wednesday, 30 March 2022

Small Businesses Add 90,000 Jobs

adp national employment report march 2022

Small businesses saw an increase in 90,000 jobs during February, making a huge dent in the jobs last during January.The numbers were released in the ADP National Employment Report Wednesday.During January 2022, small businesses lost 96,000 jobs. Although the 90,000 job growth during February was strong, small businesses continued to struggle, according to ADP Chief Economist Nela Richardson.

Tight Labor Supply

Richardson said that the tight labor supply continues to create a barrier for small business hiring. “It’s a competitive environment for talent,” Richardson said. “On the flip side, large businesses are booming (with hiring) because they have larger budgets.” “There’s an elevated level of ‘quits’ with people changing jobs,” she added. “With the reduced numbers in the overall work force, you’ve seen that dynamic play out.”

Construction Industry Numbers

Richardson said that the construction industry is suffering “a dearth of available workers.” The industry is also struggling with the availability of construction materials. “Lumber and steel prices and shortages, and labor, are issues in new home construction,” Richardson said. “You may have the worker but not the material.”

Struggle to Find Workers

Richardson described the tension in the labor market as “an unhealthy level of tightness.” Job openings are at 7% (the percentage of available jobs that are not filled). During the 5 years leading up to the pandemic, job openings were steady at an average of 4%.

Small Business Employment Report Jobs Breakdown

Job gains for small, medium and large businesses were 455,000 during March, according to the report.Small businesses gained 90,000, with 37,000 gains in very small businesses (1-19 employees) and 53,000 in small businesses (20-49 employees).All the job gains were in the service provider category, up 94,000. In the goods producing category, there was a loss of 5,000 jobs.

Franchises

Franchises gained 11,200 jobs, with the majority of those gains in auto parts/dealers (7,700) and accommodations (2,200). Other gains were modest, with both restaurants and business services gaining 400 jobs each, and food retailers and real estate gaining 200 jobs each.

Image: ADP

This article, "Small Businesses Add 90,000 Jobs" was first published on Small Business Trends