Facts about the Holiday Shopping
This year, the Thanksgiving holiday fell on November 23. Thanksgiving Holiday Sales, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the deals, discounts, promos and other things offered in Christmas Sales in the entire December will make it as the longest holiday shopping seasons ever.
Last year, according to Mental Floss, each person spent about $1121 on their shopping. But that number varies, of course, at least each person will spend $935 each year for shopping, and some people even add $500 more.
But not all of the purchases on the shopping are only for other people as gifts. It is true that last year the survey recorded that on average, shoppers bought about 14 gifts for the others, but more than 58% people will also buy products for themselves, with at least $140 at once. But furry friends also have to be counted! Those who have pets are predicted to spend at least $62 on average.
With many people spending their money on holiday shopping, the sales account up to 30 percent of a retailer/company’s sales in a whole year. This 2017, the holiday shopping sales are expected to hit more than $1 trillion only in the US, not to mention other countries! Between $95 and $100 billion of the sales will be online.
Online Deals, What’s the Advantage?
Guarantee that you also have surfed the internet to find many deals, here are the reasons why you should take the advantage of those online deals available:
Smart Tips on Maximizing Your Advantage
Now you already know how to get the best online deals, but still, of course, you have a certain budget. To maximize it, make a list first about the things you are planning to buy. Prioritize the most needed item on the top and ask yourself many times, do you really need it?
Make a list long before the holiday shopping season comes, and do not forget to do research about its real price. Some sellers mark up the product’s price and sell it with big discounts to make it looks extra cheap, but actually, it is at its real price.
How to Stay Safe in Getting the Online Deals
Undoubtedly numerous people will be online in this holiday shopping seasons, and irresponsible parties will take the advantage of this happening to do inappropriate things. So, to stay safe in getting the online deals, there are some things you need to keep in mind.
First, your email address will receive countless promotion emails. If you are interested in one, make sure that it is not fake by hitching famous brands. Make sure not to click everything carelessly since phishing emails could lead you into dangerous links. As your precautions, just directly visit the original website from your browser.
Second, if possible use different passwords for every website/market place you log into. In case one of them put you in a trouble, the rest will not be the same. People tend to use one password for all websites and accounts that make it more vulnerable to cyber crime. Avoid this risk by using some trusted applications that can handle all of your accounts and passwords.
Third, do not use the debit card to purchase and pay online. Use the credit card instead to add more protection. Payment security needs hard maintenance and complicated system that most new websites do not take care of this issue. In case you purchase something via an untrusted website or it is hacked, you can just cancel your credit card anytime.
]]>There is one big thing that became a main difference of this iPhone series, that is iPhone 8 is a continuation of the previous version of iPhone generation. While iPhone X is more devoted as a product to mark the 10th year existence of Apple with its smartphone products. In other words, iPhone 8 is a continuation of the regular edition, while iPhone X is a special edition and different from the previous iPhone editions. For display matter, iPhone X has a 5.8 inch screen width and of course it is different from the iPhone 7. iPhone X also brings a new display technology. At this time, Apple uses OLED display with Super Retina Display technology, which is claimed to have the best quality among all the OLED smartphone screen ever. While from the screen, shape, materials, quality, and even design aspects of the iPhone 8 still resemble the iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus.
Another thing that becomes a difference here is there is no longer Home button found on the iPhone X. Related to this, there are some user experience problems resulted compared to the iPhone series that still use the Home button. Therefore, everything related to the Home button will be designed and re-customized. For example, how to return to the start screen page, where you can do it by swiping the screen from bottom to top. As for switching applications, you can swipe the screen from bottom to top and hold for a while, and so on.
The next difference is related to the camera. Although iPhone X and iPhone 8 bring and have a technology that is not much different, but the location and design on the dual camera is different. Dual camera of Phone X is arranged vertically, in contrast to the iPhone 8 or iPhone 7 which has horizontal arrangement for its dual camera. The camera of the iPhone X has also been equipped with dual Optical Image Stabilization which allows both cameras on iPhone X to support OIS, while on iPhone 8 only wide angle cameras can support OIS.
In addition, iPhone 8 has a frame made from aluminum and glass materials for the rear casing. The colors that offered are space gray, gold, and silver. In terms of size, iPhone 8 is smaller and lighter with dimensions of 38.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm with only 148 grams of weight. While iPhone X has dimensions of 143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7 mm with weight reaching 174 grams. The back side of iPhone X was made of glass, but the frame is made from stainless steel surgical grade. Both series also feature a lightning port located at the bottom. iPhone X is only available in 2 colors, silver and space gray.
For the price, iPhone X is offered from $ 999. While iPhone 8 is cheaper with a price that is in $ 699 range.
]]>One of the most impressive things about this product when it was introduced is related to the application of Augmented Reality or AR via a device called ARKit. In its demonstration, it clearly seems that the application of AR is so easy to accept, the picture is more or less like Pokemon Go. Only, AR contained on the iPhone X has been embedded in the camera phone, so the use can be more diverse. For example, when playing a game or while watching a sport event.
The next important thing from iPhone X is that this series is a manifestation of Apple's principle in producing its products, which is a safety guarantee. On the iPhone X, the safety side is manifested on what is called by Face ID which is become the ultimate safety feature of the iPhone X. This Face ID replaces the long-established Touch ID on the previous iPhone generations. Apple promised that this feature will be more secure and very less likely to be cracked. Even when compared to the Touch ID, the possibility to be cracked is also smaller. In addition, photos, masks, and even a twin face will not be able to penetrate the Face ID security system contained in this iPhone X.
At first glance, Apple only supports the camera with a resolution of 12 MP only. However, when looking at the quality of the image result, it looks more accurate and sharper than the previous iPhone series. This is because for the rear camera, Apple gives a large and much faster sensor, beside equipped with a much richer color filter, as well as a greater pixel density. For the front camera, iPhone X has an additional feature of Portrait Mode and Portrait Ligthing that makes the selfie activity become more maximal.
Apple also equips the iPhone X with advanced processors named A11 Bionic chips. Due to this processor too, iPhone X has new innovations such as the image sharpness quality and AR technology. Else, Apple gave a new breakthrough in emoji side on the iPhone X. Apple assumes this emoji feature is equally vital as do the other features. Emoji new generation introduced by Apple is called Animoji which is a combination of the word Animation and Emoji. The emoji of this new generation as its name can move, and amazingly, the expression of each emoji icon can be suited to the expression of the owner of the iPhone X.
Well, what an interesting series! So, if you want to buy this series, wait for the official D-Day release on October 27, 2017 to come, where the next series is marketed globally since November 3, 2017 to come.
]]>Some of the people still consider that buying products directly in physical stores is a better way if it is compared to online shopping. It may be true in a certain case, but online shopping can also the best idea because it offers different benefits. Some of the benefits are:
Let us consider that money is not a big deal whether you prefer online shopping or offline shopping. However, when we talk about time-efficiency, it seems that online shopping really wins it. You may spend your time to find your favorite clothes when you go to a mall, and sometimes you do not get one. But, when you choose online shopping, finding your favorite product can be as fast as lightning. You can even find your favorite items in a few minutes.
How much money will you spend when you want to buy an item in a mall? Instead of wasting your time, offline shopping can also waste your money. Why? It is all because you also need to pay for the car fare, your car fuel, or transportation fee. It is not a big deal if only the store is not far from your house. What if it is two hours away from your house? Therefore, buying a product online must be the best choice to save money.
You never know that the product prices in a mall will be very expensive unless you check them first by visiting the store. In addition, you also cannot compare the prices from one store to other stores. But, it will be different if you prefer to buy things online because you will know the price tag directly before making the purchase. Besides, you can also compare the prices from one online store to other online stores and then choose the best one.
You probably want to buy a limited edition dress but you do not want to miss it. So, buying a limited edition dress in an offline store is not possible because a physical store only opens in the morning up to the evening. What if you want to purchase it in the middle of the night? The best way to purchase a limited edition product is to buy it from an online store. Anyway, the online store always opens for 24 hours. It has no time to close and it is always available even in the midnight. Whenever you have a chance to buy your favorite product, then you can always do it.
If you really hate waiting for in the lines when buying products in a grocery, then you can stay at home and shop online. Certainly, buying an online product is a good idea if you do not want to wait in a long line and waste your time. All you need to do is to sit on your chair in front of your computer and then pick your favorite items. After that, you can directly finish the payment.
it is undeniable that there are so many product options if you choose online shopping. Besides, you can also choose some online stores to purchase products if you do not find it in the first store. If you think that the second online store offers better prices, then you can leave the first choice and vice versa. You can buy anything online as long as it is available and legal.
What if you want to buy a new dress collection but it is not available in your country yet? Or you may want to buy something that is not available in your country. Of course, online shopping must be your best choice to do it. You are able to buy a lot of things from other countries through worldwide delivery. You do not need to go overseas just because you want to buy a new iPhone X earlier. All you need to do is to order your favorite item online from a certain online store.
One of the reasons why some of the people today prefer online shopping is because they can find some discount codes for certain products. You can even follow some certain programs and then you will earn discount codes to purchase certain products. Of course, you can save your money after getting the discount. Then, you only need to wait for your ordered item to be delivered.
Another benefit of online shopping is the easy payment method. You do not need cash to make the payment because you are able to use your online banking. For example, you can use your PayPal account to purchase an item online. Besides, you can also use your credit card; discover bank, local bank transfer, and others.
Those are several benefits of buying online products that have changed our society habit in shopping. But, it does not mean that the people do not go to malls or physical stores anymore. In a certain condition, you must buy things directly when you really need the products immediately. This is the weakness of online shopping because you will not get your item instantly because you have to wait for it in a few days. Thereby, even though online shopping may change the people habit in the shopping, they still prefer offline shopping in a certain situation. Whatever it is, you have a right to decide if you prefer to buy things online or offline.
]]>In recent times, materials labeled 'organic' have become people's choice as one of their efforts to obtain a healthy lifestyle in addition to an attempt made to save the earth from the effects of global warming. Not only in food, in textile, raw materials from organic fiber is now become one attractiveness for many people. Organic clothing is material woven from natural fibers, grown without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and other harmful chemicals. The benefits of organic clothing are similar with benefits gained from organic food consumption.
Currently, the organic fiber market is growing rapidly. As raw materials of organic clothing, the type of fiber or organic fabric is very diverse. Some are made from organic cotton, organic wool, even organic flax. Consumers can choose clothing made from organic fibers as their needs. Of the three types of fiber, cotton remains the most popular choice. According to a report released by the American Progress website, major companies such as Levi Strauss, Wal-Mart, American Apparel, and Nike have now offered cotton to their consumers. That's why the big brand companies are now become the largest organic fiber consumers in the world.
The use of organic clothing or materials from organic cotton is increasingly in demand by the consumers. This is probably because the organic labeled materials are free of pesticides and chemicals. So, it is natural that this becomes a healthy choice, not only for convection entrepreneurs but also for the agricultural world. Why is that? Based on Greenpeace research related to the comparison between organic cotton and conventional cotton on Indian farming, it is known that farmers who grow organic cotton are able to reap a profit up to 200% when compared to farmers who grow non-organic cotton. This doubled profit due to lack of production costs because they do not use chemicals.
In addition to reap huge profits, other benefits that can be obtained from the use of organic cotton, among others, organic cotton is more environmentally friendly because it does not use pesticides. The use of pesticides will inevitably pollute the air and surface water produced at the time of washing. In addition, the remaining chemicals attached to non-organic cotton can cause irritation to the consumer’s skin, especially if the consumer has sensitive skin. The color produced from organic cotton was sharper. In addition, when we use organic clothing, it can indirectly reduce the impact of climate change. When chemicals and pesticides are not used, the result of greenhouse gases is reduced by 94% from conventional farming. Furthermore, the soil becomes healthier and CO2 absorption from the atmosphere becomes maximal.
As quoted from www.sayitgreen.com, an organization providing organic goods has researched and found that the amount of carbon footprint on organic clothing made of organic cotton was 16% lower than the traces left on clothing made from conventional cotton materials. Organic cotton grown without pesticides is known to reduce the carbon footprint on organic cotton clothing, unlike conventional or non-organic cotton farms that always use pesticides in each process.
"Toxic pesticides that are often used in the conventional cotton farming process contaminate the soil, water, air, and even contaminate our food and clothing. Further, the production and distribution of these pesticides will increase the level of greenhouse gases emitted into the Earth's atmosphere", such the statement of Dominguez-Hultgren, Co-founder and Operational Manager of Say it Green!
Eliminating the use of pesticides in the cotton cultivation is a must. Cotton pesticides are produced by large chemical companies and distributed to cotton farmers around the world. It should be noted that cotton plants require a much higher pesticide level than the average crop. Although it only accounts for about 5% of the area in America, cotton contributes 10% of all US agricultural pesticides. In addition, worldwide cotton production accounts for 25% of all insecticides worldwide (insecticides are a type of pesticides). Organic cotton does not require the use of these toxic pesticides.
However, how poisonous is this pesticide? According to an EPA study in 2001, the EPA considers seven of the fifteen cotton pesticides used in the US as the main chemical cause of cancer. The study was conducted by Andy Hultgren, co-founder of Say it Green!. Andy has conducted numerous research on carbon footprints for various businesses and government organizations, and he is included in the panel of technical experts for The Climate Registry, provider of North American carbon footprint and data reporting standards.
According to Hultgren, "Non-organic cotton actually has a number of complex problems with everything associated with it, for example, the fertilizer used by conventional cotton farmers usually flows into our water, contaminates it and contributes to the growth of massive algae that kill aquatic plants and other animal species". According to records held by the California Department of Pesticides, in 1999 a work crew started working on a cotton field that five hours earlier had been treated with pesticides, and seven members of the crew called for medical treatment and five continued to face health problems.
Based on the World Health Organization, 20,000 people die from cancer and miscarriage every year in developing countries as a result of pesticide chemicals sprayed on conventional cotton. In addition, WHO added that workers on farms around the world often suffer serious health problems associated with exposure to harmful pesticides, including cancer, asthma and neurological damage. What is surprising from the WHO data is that it takes about a third of a pound of chemicals (pesticides and fertilizers) to grow cotton with a number that can become one T-shirt only. More astounding that most products made from "100% cotton" actually contain only 73% cotton. The remaining 27% consists of resin, chemical, and binder materials commonly used in various agriculture and manufacture.
However, for organic clothing or clothing made from organic is not without obstacles in its development. For the price problem, when compared with ordinary cotton clothes, organic cotton clothing is still much more expensive and hard to come by. Because of the environmental awareness, which led many producers of plain t-shirt products and t-shirt convection to prefer using materials from this organic cotton. So if you find a product with 100% organic cotton label, do not hesitate to buy it because the product is environmentally friendly. In addition, if you buy these organic cotton products, it means you have come to support the earth rescue effort from global warming and surely you will avoid skin irritation related to the toxic effects resulted by non-organic clothing fiber fabrics.
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Economic conditions have an impact on all America businesses, though small businesses feel the effect of a change in economy faster than their large business counterparts.
Upswings in America economy typically provide a rush of expanded or even new business opportunities for small operations, whereas the reduction in the economic cycle may lead to severe and lasting impact. Now, let’s start by briefly discussing the impact of a strong economy on small businesses.
Strong Economy in U.S
Nearly all businesses enjoy greater prosperity in a strong Economy. Unemployment is slow, Disposable income is high, and consumer confidence prompts people to pump their money back into the economy by purchasing important and not so important goods and services. The impact of a good American economy to small businesses are in two-fold: as business increases, the need for a small business to keep pace with demand by hiring additional employees also increases, increasing retail space or adding new product lines.
While this may seem more like positivity, the downside is that if the economy becomes weak, many small businesses find themselves overextended, which can lead to a mass layoffs and business failures. Now, let’s highlight what happens during American slow economic period.
Slow Economy
During an economic slowdown, small businesses face several challenges. Consumers start worrying about their job stability and, in turn, might start getting cautious with expenditures, which in turn results to decreased revenue for small business owners.
A slow profit stream can make it hard for them to repay creditors, which can proffer a negative effect on its long-term viability.
Businesses facing financial struggles are far less likely to qualify for loans useful for capital expenditures and operations, which will certainly limit growth opportunities. They are also forced to reduce the size of their workforce in this economic trauma. This leads to a limitation in their ability to serve customers and in turn contributing to the rate of unemployment, which furthers slows the economy.
Way out, please!
The way out is simply by going for the American made products. These products are simply of high quality because it is made by hard working men and woman that made America and its goods.
Those who dedicated their precious lives to help others and grow their community little by little to make a nation that brings pride and love to everything they do. Of course, they are small business owners. To help our home business experience that growth it deserves, we all need to support ourselves.
Furthermore, we have to keep an open mindset to our purchasing product and think of what our purchase will result into. This little decision change may go a long way into helping many small family, business as well as economy grow. To say it all, to drive American business, get bigger, cheaper and better products, we need to start buying things made in America. I mean American made products.
References
http://businessgross.com/2013/01/11/will-america-small-business-survive-this-economic-crisis/
http://smallbusiness.chron.com/economys-effects-small-businesses-10269.html
http://www.wctv.tv/home/headlines/33117094.html
]]>As we watch our country teeter back and forth, holding up on numerous false promises and consistent inflation, the question remains, “how long are we going to continue producing nothing at all?” well, I’m afraid for a very short time. Now, our American factories keep closing day by day and we seem not to do anything!!! We pay less or even no attention to where our products are made. All we do is give an excuse to cover up our nonchalant attitude to American made products.
Let’s date back to history, since far back as the 1960s, we import more goods than we export. The 1980s featured a drastic increment and in 2010, we estimated a trade deficit of about $500 billion! Alas, we imported $500 billion more worth of goods than we exported. The question is what role will you and I need to play to help the community as well as American job market grow?
I realize that there is more to this than just a question. We really need to trade neutrally. There is a need to increase exports, tariffs, taxes, free trades, shipping costs and lot more. We need to incur the habit of self-sufficiency, use more USA made goods, and as well increase our exports.
As sellers of American products, we can’t just throw money at customers and say, “buy more” hoping that somehow, the economy will be rejuvenated. We need to educate buyers on trade and make them understand that we are the architect of our debt to countries like china. We need to make them know that our act of greediness in importing goods to make short run profits without caring about the long term effect (trade deficit) has led us into this mess.
For buyers, our role is to be informed. Spend a little more moment the next time you make a purchase, check out where your purchase product was made, and compare it to American made product similar to it. You can as well write to your favorite retail store informing them of the need to start carrying products made in the US only. You can as well search online for your products.
I believe in American made product and I think every American when going for a product should try and spend an extra minute(s) to check if it is “Made in the USA” before purchasing. By doing this, you are equally playing a great role in helping the American job market grow.
References
http://madeinusaforever.com/toptenreasons.html
https://smallbiztrends.com/2013/05/made-in-america-matters.html
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2013/02/made-in-america/index.htm
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When we buy American made goods, we actual boost and support safe and clean working environments. How so? This is because the atmosphere within which the American goods are made are extremely safe and do not support child labor. There are specific laws of working in factories where American-made goods are manufactured. Thus, when you buy American made goods you are actually supporting the decline of child labor and the increase of clean working atmosphere.
When you purchase an American made good, you are actually adding to the fair wage of a fair’s day work of someone. What can be better than that? Your choice is benefiting someone’s effort and sweat. This also brings in chances for new job opportunities to pop in the USA. It also helps in preserving the economy.
When you buy something, all you want is quality. You feel the fabric, you taste a brownie; next time, you won’t buy it, if the quality doesn’t satisfy you. When you get goods shipped abroad, in lower prices, you don’t notice the fact that you actually comprise in quality. But when we talk about American made goods; there is no way that the quality is moderated. You will always enjoy the benefits of excellent quality and amazing services. Even when the prices are low; there is no doubt that whatever you will receive, will be eye-catching.
For people living in America, it is great to support American made products. Why so? When you buy domestically American made goods, you actually pool in to help for keeping yourself employed. How? Through this you not only contribute to keep your customers employed but also aid in keeping other Americans employed as well. You see how the cycle works? So supporting American made goods is extremely beneficial for people residing in America.
So you are not just BUYING American made goods; you are actually helping yourself and others for a better future. I guess this becomes a must do now.
USA is a growing world power and they are extremely independent. They grow their own raw material as well. By buying American made goods, we support independency and the US economy as well. This is an inspiration for the world that they are not relying on any other country for their raw material or produce making sources.
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So what do we mean by hard working men and woman that made America and its goods? The people! Who dedicated their lives to help others and growing their community little by little to make a nation that brings pride and love to everything they do. Unlike most general product we buy, there is always a different feel and emotion to each item made in America. Some tell a story; some solves a problem or some simply shows that it is made with much love with no compromise. On the negative note, the small businesses in the States are struggling to keep that mind state, and the reason is consumer are targeted to buy cheaper products which become harder and harder for our home business owner to compete in a market where love, quality, and craftsmanship doesn’t count the cost does. To help grow our home businesses we all have to support ourselves. Show that our hard working people are still rewarded keeping this dream well and secure is our responsibility. Proving that we are different, hardworking men and women who have unconditional commitment representing American pride and its dedicated people.
Let us differentiate between the two and compare the actual value we get with our purchase buying an American product. In America most people I know and the media sources I have seen tells and shows their pride towards the jobs and the work that they do. The item and service which they provide are not comparable with an oversea manufacturer whose goal is to cut cost and save money to sell its goods with a cost value proposition. U.S builders and manufacturer take the extra time and steps to meet the quality standard that represents the benchmark of the best in world standards. This also includes the standard that is developed by the industry leading individuals who live and breath the career they are focused on. It is a mechanism that is used to make sure the out most performance and quality are achieved while staying complained of environmental and government rules. These policies and standard are not followed by the foreign manufacturer or they don’t have to follow certain guideline or processes which become a significant cost saving value. By not following these policies the damage to these items or product usually results in poor material quality and unreliable products. However, buying American made goods we have total assurance that the things are made with finest material or ingredients, which resulting in the best product a consumer can love and enjoy. This shows that brands in the USA are still leading name brands known to most people around the world.
Which people are responsible for making these products? And how do we know that the products are designed with great innovation with a revolutionizing idea? In short how these products are made would have been a right question. Each product from design face to actual manufacturing, every option and techniques are explored to make it best as possible. This requires some innovative ideas and many skills where the best of the engineers, doctors, so forth are needed to forge the best product possible. The detail and quality are maintained as if each object is crafted with a meaning behind them and love as if it was meant to be used by the actual craftsmen himself. When using these products, the item lasts for years to come and paid itself off over time.
Inclusion we have to keep an open mindset to what we are purchasing and think of what our purchase is resulting. This small change of decision can help many small families and help many businesses grow. Cheaper product means cheaper labor, cheaper materials, and cheaper manufacturing hence cheaper cost. However, if products are manufactured at a higher scale, it gives manufacturers the ability to produce the product cheaper. All in all, to drive American business and help them give us cheaper and better products we have to look and buy things made in America. And this is why we should buy American made products.
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