BUYER’S GUIDES

Regardless of the size of your business or the nature of your product, you’ll have to find and hire other vendors to provide the essential services you’ll need to succeed. Whether you’re looking for a phone system, an online marketing company, or telemarketing help, this process can be overwhelming. Our Ladies Who Launch Buyer’s Guides, in partnership with Resource Nation, will save you hours of work by connecting you with quality pre-screened vendors in hundreds of business categories.

1. BUSINESS CASH ADVANCE BUYER’S GUIDE: A merchant cash advance, which is sometimes also called “business cash advance” or a “cash advance loan” is a non-traditional financing option for businesses. A cash advance is the exchange of future revenues for an immediate cash payment, or an “advance” on future sales. All types of businesses use cash advance transactions. Click on the links below to learn more.

                    Business Cash Advance Introduction
                    Terms to Know
                    Using Cash Advance and Factoring
                    Who is Eligible for a Cash Advance?
                    How the Cash Advance Process Works
                    Rates and Terms
                    Finding a Reputable Provider
                    Business-to-Business Tips

2. POS BUYER’S GUIDE: “POS” stands for “point-of-sale.” Many businesses, such as retail stores, restaurants, theme parks, hotels, salons and spas use POS systems to record items for purchase, to place orders, and to calculate bills. Click on the links below to learn more.

                    Introduction to POS Systems
                    POS Vocabulary
                    Who uses POS Systems?
                    POS Software Choices
                    Selecting POS Equipment
                    Pricing POS Components
                    Deciding on a Vendor
                    Implementing a POS System

3. PAYROLL OUTSOURCING INTRODUCTION BUYER’S GUIDE: When asked what they like most about running their own businesses, most entrepreneurs don’t put “processing payroll” at the top of the list. Payroll processing isn’t just printing and signing checks- it’s a detailed and often tedious process of computation, paperwork, and money transfers to different sources. Click on the links below to learn more.

                    Payroll Outsourcing Introduction
                    Terms to Know
                    Setting Up a Payroll Outsourcing Account
                    Payroll Outsourcing Options
                    Advantages to Outsourcing Payroll
                    Costs of Using a Payroll Service
                    Finding a Payroll Vendor
                    Tips for Buyers

4. COPIER BG BUYER’S GUIDE: This guide describes the various different features of printer copiers, offers tips for purchasing a machine, and breaks down the costs of copy equipment, supplies, and services. Click on the links below to learn more.

                    Introduction to Office Copiers
                    Copy Machine Terms and Acronyms
                    Using a Multi-Function Office Copier
                    Things to Evaluate Before Buying 
                    Finding the Right Machine
                    Copier Features and Options
                    Copier Costs
                    Buyer Tips

5. WEB DESIGN BUYER’S GUIDE: These days, you can’t have a business without a Web site. But the world wide web can be tangled, and if you don’t understand the difference between html and url, it’s time to learn. Graphics, hyperlinks, videos, software and servers are all important concepts to grasp in order to make your Web site as attractive and as valuable as possible. Whether you already have a Web site or you’re just getting started, this section has the information you need.

                   Introduction to Web Design
                   Services Provided by Web Designers
                   What Your Website Needs
                   Web Design Service Costs
                   Choosing Your Web Designer
                   Qualities of Good Web Design Companies
                   Understanding Web Design Contracts
                   What to Consider Upon Website Completion

6. INCORPORATION BUYER’S GUIDE: Whether you’re an experienced business woman or you’re just starting an entrepreneurial venture, incorporating your company can be confusing. From tax ID numbers to name searches to writing bylaws, incorporation involves many essential steps that, even if you do hire an attorney, can be overwhelming if you’re puzzled and disorganized. This incorporation guide for entrepreneurial business women will keep you on track and up-to-date so that LLCs, non-profits, S-Corps, C-Corps, permits and licenses aren’t so mysterious.

                      Incorporating Your Business
                      Incorporation Terms You Should Know
                      Characteristics of Legal Entities
                      Forming a Legal Entity
                      Choosing a Location for your Legal Entity
                      Choosing the Right Incorporation Service
                      Costs Associated with Incorporation
                      How to Have Legal Entity Success

7. VoIP BUYER’S GUIDE: VoIP stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol and is simply the transmission of voices over the internet, eliminating the large fees associated with local, long distance, and international telephone calls. For this reason, and because it is easy to install and to use, VoIP is becoming more and more popular with business women and entrepreneurs. This guide to VoIP includes valuable information on Analog Telephone Adapters, VoIP phones, and soft phones to help you understand this cutting-edge technology.

                    Everything You Need to Know About VoIP 
                    VoIP Benefits
                    VoIP Terminology
                    VoIP System Costs
                    Finding a VoIP Vendor 
                    Things to Consider with VoIP
                    Installing VoIP in Your Office
                    Final Tips
 

8.  PHONE SYSTEMS BUYER’S GUIDE:  Even though rotary phones are a thing of the past, telephones are still an essential office supply. But finding the right system can be confusing. Conference calls, voice mail, hold music, head sets, and even voice over IP (VOIP) are all options you’ll need to consider, along with cost and implementation. Click on the links below to get started on your search for the service that’s right for you.
                    
                     Choosing a Phone System for your Business
                     Phone System Terminology 
                     Assessing Your Business’ Phone System Needs
                     Phone System Options
                     Exploring VoIP
                     Phone System Costs
                     Choosing Your Phone System Vendor
                     Helpful Buyer’s Tips

9. ONLINE MARKETING GUIDE:  Recognizing the importance of online marketing is easy; knowing how to use it to your advantage is the hard part. This online marketing guide contains all the information you’ll need to embark on a campaign and start building business. Key word research, strategies and search engine optimization are all here. The internet is one of the most effective ways to get the word out. Click on the links below to learn all about it.
                      
                      How to choose an online marketing company that works for you
                      A guideline of online marketing terms
                      How interactive marketing works with keyword analysis
                      What search engine optimization services does your website need?
                      The benefits of pay per click services
                      Using email as a simple marketing tool
                      The benefits of search engine marketing services
                      Making social media work for you
                      Tips for the best online marketing strategies

 10. FACTORING BUYER’S GUIDE:  During the process of factoring, a business sells its invoices at a discount to a financial institution, a “factor,” thus generating cash quickly, allowing it to invest and grow. Is factoring right for your business? Click on the links below to learn more about the benefits of this income-building option.
                      
                      Key Factors to Know About Business Factoring
                      Important Factoring Terminology
                      The Pros and Cons of Accounts Receivable Factoring
                      The Types of Businesses that Benefit from Factoring Services
                      Types of Business Factoring
                      Things to Look for in a Factoring Company
                      Factoring Discount Rates and Fees
                      Information on Factoring Contracts and Agreements
                      Important Tips for Buyers

11. TELEMARKETING BUYER’S GUIDE:  When used effectively, telemarketing can be an incredibly valuable business-building tool. But connecting with the right telemarketing firm is just the beginning. You’ll need to understand the strategies, laws, and expenses associated with this direct marketing tactic in order to craft your campaign correctly. Click on the links below to learn more.
                      
                      An Introduction to Business Telemarketing
                      Outsourced Telemarketing: Does it Work for You?
                      What Telemarketing Services are Offered and How to Begin Your Search
                      Tips for Evaluating Telemarketing Firms
                      Required Expenses for Telemarketing
                      Steps toward Telemarketing Success
                      The Laws of Telemarketing

12. CREDIT CARD PROCESSING:  No matter how high-quality your product is, if paying for it is a hassle for potential customers, you’re going to lose business. Giving people the option of paying by credit card can certainly solve this problem, but is not something to take lightly. It’s important to understand the fees involved, how to choose the right credit processing service, and how accepting credit will affect your business. Click on the links below for more information.
                      
                      Things to Remember When Choosing a Credit Card Service and Company
                      Credit Card Processing Terms
                      Qualifications for a Merchant Account
                      Determining if your Business is a High Risk
                      Types of Credit Card Processors
                      How to Hire a Qualified Credit Card Processing Provider
                      Choosing the Right Credit Card Service for your Business Needs
                      The Costs Involved with Credit Card Processing Services