How to Choose the Right HVAC system

Posted on June 1, 2021June 2, 2021 by Jessica Bailey

For homeowners across the U.S., there are may be different needs for household air systems. Taking into account geographical area, climate, and budget, various types of HVAC systems and heaters are available for every homeowner need. With that in mind, it’s important that, when shopping around for the right air conditioning unit, you know your options.

Here, we will take a look at the most popular HVAC systems on the market, along with the pros and cons of each technology. No matter your personal needs, these are the most important factors when choosing the right HVAC unit for your home.

Knowing Your HVAC Needs

When making a good choice of air conditioner units, first consider your family’s specific needs. If you have an older home, you may be looking to upgrade to more modern technology. Likewise, if you live in a geographical area with very pronounced seasonal changes, you should consider a unit that provides both cooling system and heating system capabilities.

In recent years, those requirements have been met with a modernized ductless HVAC system, known as a ductless mini split system, or heat pump. One of the major benefits of adding a ductless system in your home is that the innovative technology replaces both the HVAC and heater in a single unit. Ductless systems, as the term describes, even do away with the need for traditional ductwork. Without the same cleaning and upkeep needs, heat pumps have quickly become popular.

It’s important to know the basics of the ductless system’s construction. A heat pump uses an outdoor unit, known as a compressor, and an indoor air handler. The ductless heat pump takes the fresh air from outside the home and either heats it or cools it according to your thermostat. With that conditioned air pumped into the entire home, the heat pump then uses the same vents as a traditional HVAC system in order to circulate the warm or cool air throughout the individual rooms. Aside from eliminating the need for two separate air systems, the outdoor compressor and indoor unit work together using less energy than either a central HVAC system or a traditional heating system. If energy efficiency is a concern to your family, as well as choosing a new system that can increase your property value, then a ductless HVAC system is a great option.

HVAC Systems and Indoor Air Quality

There are instances, however, when a more traditional system can prove economical for homeowners not looking to replace their home’s ductwork and ventilation system. Although window air conditioners and space heaters remain popular alternatives for providing seasonal comfort to individual rooms, a more likely option for the entire home could be a central HVAC system. If you already have an air conditioning unit in your older home, a new central system could be a great option in order to utilize some of the pre-installed operating systems and ductwork.

What remains important for homeowners purchasing a new system that uses ductwork and vents, is that they still keep an eye on the air filters. Although swapping out dirty filters for clean ones may seem like a minor task, the home’s indoor air quality depends upon clean filtration. For example, as your filters catch dust, debris, and other allergens within the mesh, those contaminants are safely removed from your home’s air circulation. However, dirty filtration can quickly clog the airflow, running your system to full capacity and failing to block hazardous allergens and outdoor air pollution. No matter which HVAC system you choose, keep in mind that regular maintenance is the key to keeping your units functioning properly. With both safety and energy efficiency in mind, performing the most important maintenance is as important as choosing the best HVAC system.

Plumbing Jobs You Shouldn’t Do Yourself

Posted on April 23, 2021April 23, 2021 by Siera Brown

We all know you should rarely do your own plumbing or electric jobs. No matter how many times we go on YouTube and watch tutorials, the project almost never turns outright. In the end, it will end up costing you more money and hassle, and you will most likely have to call in the Calvary.

While doing it yourself isn’t a guaranteed bad idea, it’s important that you, as a homeowner, know your limits. There are times when you should just call a professional and let an expert handle the mess, even if you have done a couple of projects successfully in the fast. It’s important to keep in mind that you can risk causing damage to your home or injuring yourself, and no one wants that. Below is a list of projects you should never try on your own.

Cleaning Out a Clogged Sewer Line

Everyone knows that feeling when they go to flush the toilet, and the water starts to rise instead of swirl down. Panic ensues, and you rush for the plunger, but nothing seems to work! At this moment, finding the right plumber is imperative to your toilet’s survival. Since your sewer lines are clogged, this usually means your whole plumbing system will be affected, and no one wants to be in that house whose septic tank erupted on their front lawn.

A sewer backup can often damage your home, and a professional should be there to help fix the issue since it will need special equipment, or else the problem could just be made worse.

Repairing a Burst Pipe

No one wants to deal with a leaky pipe, especially since it can happen at the most inopportune times, and most times, this plumbing repair is an emergency. It’s maybe not like a “the bathtub fell through the ceiling” level of emergency, but it’s still bad. While one small pipe could be tamable on your own, odds are the problem goes deeper, and calling a contractor will save you time and energy. Many of us may choose to use a pipe patch, but that’s only a temporary fix. Most of the time, the pipe is old and will need to be replaced, which is totally the job of a capable master plumber.

Underground Repairs

If you have to go on your hands and knees under a crawl space or into a damp basement, the answer should always be “no.” You’ll absolutely need special working tools for going into the underground infrastructure. You should only attempt to check out the issue in an emergency situation. You may not know that you’ll most likely also need special working permits from your town council, just like you would need a building permit for an expansion. You can get into a lot of trouble if your town finds that you’ve been doing serious repairs without the proper paperwork. Nothing is worse than having a household issue and an unwanted fine from the town.

Faulty Gas Lines

First things first, if you suspect there is a gas leak, get out of your home, and call the gas company. Don’t light any matches nor wait for the proper authorities. Only when a certified inspector appears to assess the situation should you go back near the residence. You should already have your gas lines expected each year, but this situation is when you should have a licensed plumber and reliable professional taking care of business.

If you’re still weighing the pros and cons of hiring a reliable plumber or doing it yourself, take a look at reviews in the local area. While it may save you a few pennies to do it yourself, sometimes the hassle-free and safe option should outweigh the desire to do it yourself.

How to Choose the Best Storage Unit for Your Needs

Posted on April 20, 2021April 20, 2021 by Siera Brown

Have you ever looked around your house and felt you just don’t have enough space? Have you gone in the garage and rolled your eyes at the mountain of clutter? Do you have a small business that needs more than just your home as an operating base?

If you’ve answered yes to any of those questions, it may be time to invest in a storage unit. While you research for a self-storage facility near you, you will also have to figure out just how large enough of a unit you are going to need to make sure that you are taking full advantage of that extra space.

What’s going inside this storage unit?

While you look into storage facilities near you, it is important to consider your storage needs to get a better sense of an estimate on price. If you are putting priceless valuables in that self-storage unit, you’ll want to make sure that you have a climate control unit in a facility that has round-the-clock surveillance to give you some peace of mind.

Consider box size, and the variable of containers when determining your unit size. If you intend to use a self-storage unit to store holiday decor, season clothing, or seasonal equipment, you’ll want something that is just enough to hold those boxes. That’s the best way to assure they are kept safe without having to purchase a unit with too much space that just becomes wasted money on your end.

Is this for business or personal use?

Some storage units are purchased by college students who are clearing out their dorms at the end of the semester. This is where easy access to your storage unit comes in handy, allowing you to easily load and unload when it comes time to pack the car back up and get resettled in. A storage space with drive-up access is in your best interest, as this driveway will save you repeated trips up and downstairs with heavier boxes or larger furniture.

This also comes in handy for people who find that their job keeps them constantly on the go, forced to relocate every so often. It is best to get a reservation put in place, and an understanding that this is either a seasonal stay or will be used for long-term purposes. If there’s a specific item you will find that you need immediately, be sure to have that near the front of your storage unit so are not sent scrambling and searching every time.

How frequently will you need access?

While a trip to a storage unit may be a once in a while trek to grab a box or two, for some people it’s part of a small business operation. Storage unit renters may find themselves spending a good chunk of their day inside assessing inventory levels and filling orders. If this is you, it is important to make sure you are keeping your lungs clean by maintaining a clean unit, sanitized with disinfectant.

It’s recommended in environments like this with limited filtration to wear a mask to encourage healthy breathing. A half mask respirator provides maximum protection and a comfortable fit for someone who may have to wear the mask for an extended period of time. The T-60 half-face respirator comes with a silicone seal that keeps a half-mask stabilized, protecting the wearer from dangerous particles like mold. This is recommended especially in outdoor units where moisture may build up over time. This extra level of protection also comes in handy for use during the current COVID-19 crisis where mask mandates remain in place in some parts of the United States.

Is downsizing in your future?

If you notice a massive amount of clutter taking up your garage, or your business having stacks of boxes blocking the water cooler, it’s time to scale back. A storage unit can come in handy to clear out some space in your household. This especially comes in handy if you are getting ready to move into a new place. Moving is a great time to assess your personal inventory levels, and determine what should make the trek to your new home. A self-storage unit can hold any appliances or furniture that you plan on selling, or even keep what belongs to you safe before you can place it in your new house.

In due time, you’ll see your use of this site start to wane. Small businesses may find a low-cost unit to hold important documents that they have no room for on-site. This is a common procedure for some medical and law offices because of the security features of these self-storage facilities. With round-the-clock surveillance, both video and in-person, those documents are safe under lock and key. This self-storage solution is also easily accessible in the event that it needs to be entered.

Why It’s a Good Idea to Clean Your Indoor Air

Posted on April 5, 2021April 5, 2021 by Derek Grant

As a homeowner, there are many routine tasks to ensure the safety and comfort of your family. Although your HVAC system and ventilation need to be in perfect working order for the hot summer months, there are many reasons for maintenance year-round. One crucial element is your home’s air quality, which ensures you and your family have the cleanest, most breathable oxygen. Here, we will look at the most important reasons why it’s a good idea to clean your indoor air, as well as how to keep it clean throughout the year.

Possible Contaminants in the Air

Your indoor air quality has a tremendous effect on your family’s health, as many pollutants and contaminants are airborne and invisible to the naked eye. Through the ventilation system’s ductwork, your air conditioner pumps natural air containing any number of common items known to cause allergy symptoms.

For example, fungi microorganisms, germs, mold spores, pet dander, dust, and mildew all work their way into your family’s indoor air. While these may seem like a minor problem at first, keep in mind that, over time, each one of these factors can build up and clog the HVAC unit completely. Eventually, you’ll end up getting less air from the air conditioner unit, causing unnecessary wear and tear, as well as running up your monthly energy bill.

While changing out your air filters is a crucial practice (HVAC experts recommend this approximately every 1-3 months), there are other strategies to prevent the damage that dirty indoor air can have on the long-term health of you and your family. Recent studies have indicated that UV lamps clean indoor air, and HVAC technicians are now able to install systems to provide the needed ultraviolet light needed for just that purpose.

As the wavelength of UV light is known to kill bacteria, mold spores, and other microorganisms hazardous to breathable indoor air, Modern HVAC units can have additional ultraviolet light sources attached in order to shine through the ductwork, working as an air purifier using “germicidal irradiation.” For the latest technology in home indoor air quality, this method is truly state-of-the-art.

Additional Indoor Air Quality Tips

Although most threats to your home’s indoor air quality are of natural origin, there are other small foreign substances that can accumulate and affect your family’s health and wellbeing. For example, if you’ve recently had your home painted or have had your car detailed in the garage, the infinitesimal particles can become airborne. This is called “paint overspray,” and can be a major contributor to indoor air pollution once the paint residue enters your home’s ventilation system.

Aside from paint itself, overspray is also a common byproduct of lacquer, and should always be properly removed for the safety and health of those inside the home. The process to remove overspray isn’t a particularly difficult one but is important for your air quality. Buffing the surface area of the recently painted object can be successful in paint overspray removal, as well as wet sanding. However, to guarantee that the overspray problem is addressed properly, the services of a professional consultant should be retained.

In monitoring your home’s indoor air quality, there are a few other inexpensive tips to keep in mind. Aside from the mold, dust, pet dander, and other allergens that a clean HVAC system and thorough ventilation cleaning can eliminate, there are other factors that depend solely on the weather and season. For example, depending upon where you live, humidity may reach a high level, causing a large amount of water to saturate your indoor air. As this can actually be a very serious health factor to family members with breathing issues, such as asthma, either a whole-house humidifier or dehumidifier are both cost-efficient options.

Ways That You Can Help Your Troubled Teen

Posted on March 19, 2021March 19, 2021 by Clara Kelley

Whichever way you slice it, adolescents have it rough. As if hormone shifts weren’t enough, young people also have to contend with rapidly changing bodies, peer pressure, navigating the travails of romance, and trying to ace their high school classes. Is it any surprise that they sometimes exhibit negative behavior and even turn to substance abuse to relieve the stress?

Even though we may understand the pressures that young people experience, that doesn’t make it easy to be a parent to adolescents. Quite the opposite. The teen you love almost certainly has a mind of their own regarding everything from engaging in psychotherapy or counseling to the best way to achieve academic success. How can a parent contend with the teen challenge that’s before them? It takes a world of strength.

Nonetheless, depending on the needs of the adolescents in question, there are things that you can do. Whether you’re in New York City, New Jersey, or anywhere in the United States, you are probably facing similar challenges if you parent a teen. Let’s take a look at some of the things that can help you through the teen years’ mess. Remember, you may all emerge stronger on the other side.

Try to sit them down for a one on one conversation.

Depending on your relationship with the troubled teen in your life, having a one-on-one conversation may be a good starting point. A healthy relationship is one in which everyone involved can be open and vulnerable without fearing judgment. This difficult conversation may mean that you have to hear things you don’t want to or that you need to admit things about your own behavior. Even though it’s hard to admit that your actions may play a part in the behavioral issues your teen is exhibiting, it’s powerful for them to hear you be open about your own challenges. If you feel comfortable, you can share what it was like for you when you were a teenage boy or girl. Hiring about your teen challenge experience might ease the pressure they feel about their own experiences.

Speak to a school counselor or a professional psychotherapist.

If the behavioral issues are getting worse and you fear that your troubled teen may not finish the school year, it might be time to talk to someone at the school. A high school counselor can point you in the direction of New Jersey and New York psychotherapists, or psychotherapists who practice elsewhere in the United States. Maybe the answer is family therapy, or maybe your teen needs to see a psychiatrist about a mental health issue that requires medication. The right treatment plan is out there, and the right psychotherapist or psychiatrist can help your figure it out.

MLikeADHD, anxiety disorders, or OCD, mental health challenges often show during the teenage years for the first time. If your teen is exhibiting behavioral changes, it might be time to make an appointment with a clinician and do whatever you have to do to get your teen there.

If the issue is substance abuse, consider rehab or addiction treatment.

Substance use is not something that is going to go away on its own. This is true, even if we don’t want to know about it. Therefore, if you have a troubled teen who uses drugs or alcohol to get through the school year, it’s time to think about rehab. Teen rehabs are diverse in their approaches to drug addiction and anger management. Some substance abuse treatment centers are inpatient, while some drug rehab treatment programs are outpatient. If your family is religious, there are Christian rehab options and group counseling options if your teen resonates with group therapy more. Take some time to think about the unique needs of your specific teen, and there will be a treatment option that’s right for you.

Consider changing your vision for the school.

Maybe you have your heart set on a certain high school in Los Angeles or New York City for your teen. Maybe the high school that got you to adulthood is the one you always envisioned your teen going to. It’s important to remember that your teen is not you and that enrollment in a high school should, ultimately, be their own choice. The first place you imagine may not be the best place for them. Ask yourself (and them) what supports will help boost their self-esteem and passions and what framework will help them become a productive member of society. If your teen has a history of drug use, make sure you’re choosing a school that supports their sobriety. Maybe that is in Los Angeles, but maybe it’s a private Catholic high school in Holmdel, NJ. Whatever your choice, make sure that your teen is involved in the decision-making process.

Raising a teen is a challenge, that’s for sure. With these tips, you can raise your teen all the way to adulthood and be sure your kids end up wonderful young men and women.

Smart Tips for Opening a Salon or Spa

Posted on March 12, 2021March 12, 2021 by Rosie Bennett

Always dreamed of opening up a salon or spa but don’t know where to start? A nail salon, hair salon, or spa can be a profitable business venture with the right planning and team to assist you. You can instantly make it a successful salon with a strong social media presence that caters to the clientele you want to attract. The salon industry is saturated, so it is also important to market yourself uniquely to set yourself apart from the competition.

To avoid some unnecessary headaches in this process, here are some smart tips to keep in mind when opening your new salon or spa.

Create a business proposal.

When opening your own salon, the first step is to create a proposal that outlines all the information pertinent to staff, investors, and contractors. This can include the location, the salon’s name and logo, the salon space, and the budget. Your business plan is the vision for your salon that you want to convey to the public, so you must clarify how it will look and what services you want to offer.

It is also vital in the early stages to decide how much money you want to allot to construct the space, renovation, decoration, amenities, utilities, and staff salary. If you are a new business owner, it is important to research everything that should be included in your business plan to ensure you have covered all the bases before proceeding with the project. Finding the right location that is a perfect fit for your new salon should be the top priority. Your best option is in a retail area that is easily accessible to the public.

Optimize your space with a design plan.

The next step to opening up your salon or spa is to invest in the right equipment and tools. Your clients will expect the best treatment and why it is important to find the highest quality materials that will keep them coming back. If you are opening up a hair salon, your clients will be spending all their time in a salon chair so focus your budget on comfortable furniture. It is also vital to decide on your salon’s layout and ensure that you don’t make the space too crowded. If you are opening up a nail salon and spa, invest in the best manicure table on the market.

Choose from dark or light wood-stained manicure tables to match your spa’s aesthetic. Your nail station furniture will get a lot of use, and why you should invest in something durable that will last years. It is also critical to saving some of your budget for decorations; the addition of some throw pillows or funky lamps or artwork can add a pop of color and instantly upgrade your space. Your floor plan should also include an extra closet for storage space to keep clutter away from customers’ view. Remember that accommodating as many clients as possible at a time is not always a good idea. People go to a salon for a relaxing experience, and your customs can feel uncomfortable and rushed if the space is too crowded.

Hire a marketing expert.

Your new business’s presence on social media can determine whether your new salon will be successful or not. Investing in the right advertising and marketing tools can help you expand and grow your business. Consider hiring an expert who can assist you in coming up with an advertising strategy and goals. A professional can provide you with expertise that will put your salon above the competition.

For example, if you are opening a new nail salon, post content on your social media sites that show off your skilled nail technicians and the designs they can create. If you offer your own exclusive product line of beauty products like gel nail stickers or nail polish, send them to influencers on social media who can promote them for you and drive traffic to your pages.

4 Tips To Help Capture All Your Special Memories

Posted on March 6, 2021March 8, 2021 by Siera Brown

Life is made up of a series of moments, special ones and general moments of everyday living. When you look back and think of all the great times and special memories, you fill with gratitude. It’s important to look back at the people, places, and things that have made you who you are today. And reflecting on great memories is a way to remind yourself of how happy and joyful you felt during those times.

Of course, everyone chooses to remember and reflect on things differently. Sometimes it’s great to just share stories, other times you may be interested in looking through old photos or scrapbooks, other times you may be able to look through old notes or messages. There are also moments you’re living through that you may not immediately realize will be a huge memory down the line. As you’re going through your daily life, there are the milestones you know you’ll want to remember like weddings, graduations, and birthdays. However, there are also plenty of moments you won’t realize the significance of until they’re gone. Late night trips to McDonald’s with your besties, sleeping in with your significant other, laughing so hard that water comes out of your nose. These are the moments that make you think of that quote from The Office: “I wish there was a way to know you were in the good old days before you’ve actually left them.” You deserve to capture every special moment and memory. Here are just a few tips for how to do so.

1. Snap your photos.

Pictures are one of the best ways you can capture a moment. Pictures last forever and remind you of exactly where you were and how you were feeling on special occasions or at ordinary moments. Several decades ago, a picture was a big deal, whereas now you can snap a photo on your mobile device without even thinking about it. This means there are even more ways to capture memories. Just be sure you have a way to store those moments afterward. Your online photo storage needs to be the best of the best. One hard drive or Dropbox or smartphone storage may not do the trick. Rely on unlimited storage options that will keep every pixel of your photo storage service updated and fabulous. This way you never have to worry about losing those special memories and pictures.

If you are someone who documents and photographs every moment to put away in photo storage, remember to get candid shots as well. Posed images of your life aren’t the messy parts that make it fun and interesting. So take those pictures when you are maybe off your guard a little bit, but feeling genuinely happy. You’ll be amazed at how these kinds of memories will stand out down the line.

2. Write it out.

Another great way to remember your special moments is to document them with your words. While keeping a diary may seem like a habit of a middle school girl, it can actually be a great option to keep a journal or reflect on your own life. It’s like having a subscription to your own life. Looking back you can remember how great it felt to accomplish something or even see how much you learned from a more unfortunate circumstance.

The beauty of having your own journal and a written record is that nothing is too small to write about. If you had some wild-caught gulf shrimp that you absolutely loved, write about it! Have a memory maker that isn’t necessarily blasted all over social media or shared. Writing out your experiences and memories can be a great way to capture a more raw side of things.

3. Take a video.

Pictures aren’t the only media that can help you remember great moments. While you typically think about looking back on favorite photos, taking videos to remember things can also be a great option. People have now started the habit of recording big reveals or surprises that make for an excellent memory. For example, telling your children you’re going through the legal process of a second parent adoption can be a huge moment for your family members. Consider recording the big reveal on your smartphone as the best way to remember that moment in parenthood. By recording a video, you are remembering that exact moment forever.

4. Remember the feeling.

While capturing moments and memories can be important, you always want to be sure you’re still enjoying them in the moment. Don’t be so dedicated to remembering the moment in the future that you forget to experience it in the present. Ultimately, if you are truly engaged with an experience, you can look back on that moment and share stories of the experience and feel the joy come flooding back. Sometimes remember the feeling is the best way to capture the memory.

4 Benefits of CBD

Posted on March 5, 2021March 9, 2021 by Clara Kelley

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the many cannabinoids (chemical properties) found in the marijuana plant. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is another popular cannabinoid best known for its psychoactive properties. Knowing this, the fact that CBD has no psychoactive effects makes it an appealing option for those seeking relief from pain and other health conditions. Available in oil, edible, topical, and vape form, CBD is quickly gaining popularity in the wellness industry. Keep reading as we explore four reasons for this below.

Always consult with a health professional before using any CBD products.

1. Skin Care

The antioxidant properties of CBD oil make it one of today’s go-to beauty products. This is because the powerful antioxidants present in CBD works by alleviating the appearance of fine lines, and other visible signs of aging.

CBD-infused skincare products assist with free radicals which are weak atoms that damage cells and are consequently responsible for aging and other illnesses. By helping with free-radical damage, CBD anti-aging creams and serums may help to alleviate skin issues related to deep lines, wrinkles, acne, crow’s feet, dry skin, eczema, and other skin conditions.

2. Mental Health Wellness

Baking, yoga, and gardening (consider these local options for plant deliveries) are small self-care practices we incorporate as we begin to care for our mental, physical, and emotional well-being. But CBD also shows some promising signs in mental health wellness as researchers suggest that CBD may be able to help you manage occasional anxiousness. A recent study found that CBD alters how your brain’s receptors (protein messengers that attach to your cells and aid your cells in response to stimuli) react to serotonin.

Serotonin is a natural mood stabilizer that aids with your body’s eating and sleeping functions. Given that serotonin helps your body to regulate its moods naturally, its presence in the brain can also arise feelings of happiness, an overactive mind, and a change in mood levels. Low levels of serotonin have even been linked to depression.

Other benefits of CBD for mental wellness can include stress relief, decreased physiological effects of anxiousness, such as an increased heart rate, and inducing sleep.

3. Insomnia

Lack of proper sleep has consequences on our health. For starters, it can weaken our immunity, while putting us at risk of various health conditions. Knowing this, many people are now turning to CBD for help with insomnia and other sleep disorders.

Insomnia can arise from a number of reasons‚Äîstress, physical pain, and poor sleep hygiene. Given that CBD shows promise in relaxing an overly active mind, it’s no wonder more people are seeking it out to help them get a good night’s sleep.

4. Chronic Pain Management

Most individuals living with a chronic disease are also likely to experience chronic pain as a symptom of their illness. To remedy this, research shows that CBD oil is fast gaining popularity as a natural remedy for chronic pain relief. CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties have been found to offer relief to arthritic, migraine, and neuropathic pain‚Äîto mention a few.

Although prescription and over-the-counter medications are often recommended in the treatment of chronic pain, most people also explore alternative homeopathic therapies like acupuncture, nutritional supplements, and CBD oil. The most common reason for this is that most patients wish to bypass some of the common side effects associated with standard pain medication, such as kidney damage.

Just as you would be aware of things to consider while planning for pregnancy which can include reducing alcohol intake, taking prenatal vitamins and folic acid supplements, and scheduling a preconception appointment with your obstetrician, you may also want to be on top of all the ways to manage your chronic pain.

3 Ways to Maintain Your Reputation as a Merchant

Posted on March 4, 2021March 4, 2021 by Thomas Bennett

Selling goods and services can be very rewarding. However, there’s a right way and a wrong way to go about it. Without a customer base, you have no active market. Therefore it’s imperative to build and maintain a good customer experience as a merchant.

Most companies feel like building a robust business model, hiring a good sales force, selling fewer products for more money, or creating fake discounts on their products is what they need to maximize profit. This is not entirely true.

Gaining your customers’ trust would build a stronger foundation and long-term growth for your business. To ensure that you maintain a good reputation for your target market, achieving good customer satisfaction should be one of your main goals. On that note, here are three ways to maintain your reputation as a merchant.

1. Get a good customer service team or individual.

Owning a business requires lots of commitment. It’s also tough to run one on your own, especially if you have a high-risk or large-scale business. That’s why it’s best to hire a team to manage your customer needs, concerns, inquiries, etc. Your team could be responsible for the customer service side of things. This includes customer data management and taking handling phone calls. Having a good customer service team cannot be overemphasized. It would help you maintain your reputation and that of your brand with less effort on your part.

However, you’d need a team who can address your customers politely and professionally. Negative experiences stick to people’s memories much more than positive ones. Worse yet, customers aren’t afraid to share these experiences. Using salesforce contact center integration would make this interaction with customers much easier.

2. Be accessible to everyone in your community.

There’s no need to market your goods if it’s not accessible to people. Being accessible to your customers in all capacities would also help give your business a good reputation. When concerning accessibility, we’re not just referring to the business’s location but also the payment methods and product variety offered.

For example, you have to consider that not everyone likes to carry cash around for security reasons. So, it’s crucial to have various payment options that also include POS payments and online debit/credit card payments (especially if you have an online shop). Currently, there are no federal laws in the US that address online payment services in particular. This means that there’s a high risk of credit card fraud with no legal consequences. Because of this, Mastercard came up with the MATCH list.

This makes it easy to detect high-risk merchants by monitoring their charge-back ratios and other data. Banks can also screen out potential fraudulent merchant accounts thanks to the MATCH database. As a merchant, you need to stay off this list to ensure you maintain a good reputation. If you’re on the MATCH list, banks will flag your account as a high-risk, and you’ll lose credibility.

3. Give back to the community.

The fact that your community has chosen to patronize your business should encourage you to give something back. In addition to this, companies who give back earn customers’ trust and loyalty. So, you can help by offering resources lacking in that community or even sponsor education and vocational skill-training. That being said, it’s essential not to limit your idea of what a community is. It may not only mean the neighborhood you live in also your social media followers.

All in all, learn and improve your communication skills, be inclusive, respect everyone’s opinions and beliefs and try to be benevolent. This will help you understand what is lacking and how you can lend a helping hand. There’s nothing more attractive than a business that truly cares for its customers’ wellness and livelihood.

4 Luxury Purchases You Shouldn’t Pass Up

Posted on February 18, 2021March 9, 2021 by Thomas Bennett

Life is short. After a long year and a global pandemic, the ability to treat ourselves here and there can make a big difference to our overall mental wellbeing. If you’ve been feeling down, lonely, isolated, or bored, here are some products that may lift your pandemic fatigue and have you feeling pampered in no time. For four luxury items, you deserve, read on.

1. Beauty and Self-care Products

Self-care is critical to maintaining a healthy spirit and overall mental well-being. One great way to treat yourself is with beauty products. Fortunately, the global pandemic has made the global market easier to access than ever. If you’re looking for ways to improve your look or to get back into the swing of old beauty routines, there are many options out there that you can order safely.

From magnetic lashes with liner, magnetic eyeliners, magnetic eyelashes, and falsies that will have you flirting confidently, you can be flirting with confidence for the first time in months if a beauty makeover is something you’d enjoy. If you’re someone who prefers natural lashes and a natural look, there are new toners, skin cleansers, and makeup removers on the market that could keep your skin feeling refreshed and be the perfect addition to your beauty collection, too.

2. Luxury Jewelry

After learning how to apply those gorgeous false eyelashes, why not splurge on a luxury watch? A testament to the time you’ve spent surviving unconventional times, you could even use it as a reminder to make great use of your time after the pandemic. Rolex Datejust Watches are huge this year and could be exactly what you need to feel ready to return to work or the classroom. Whether your days after the pandemic will be in at school for your career in academia or at the clinic for your work as a clinician, a new watch made of solid gold or other precious metals could be exactly the perfect gift to pick your spirits up and motivate you again.

3. Adventure and Freedom Options

Many people have struggled with isolation during the pandemic. Even those who’ve worked as essential workers in fulfilling careers in pharmaceuticals or patient care haven’t had much chance to travel. Between travel restrictions and the risks involved with Covid-19, now might be the time to consider a luxury RV purchase.

No one can predict for sure when the pandemic will end. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t begin to fill your wanderlust needs and head out for a road trip safely. If you’re tired of being stuck at home, an RV, converted van, or camper could be in order.

4. Subscription Boxes

If you’re someone who enjoys surprises or has a special interest, a subscription box could be the perfect gift to yourself. Based on themes and interests, subscription boxes can be great for people who love receiving mail. With boxes in nearly every niche, a book lover might be surprised with a new read monthly, while a movie buff could expand on their favorite collection. If you’ve never heard of them, it’s time to start some subscription box research. With boxes curated for people of all ages, you’re sure to find a perfect fit for you.

At the end of the day, whether you splurge on an 18-karat gold ring or a Class B RV for travel, buying yourself a luxury item can be a great way to get through difficult times. Even if you’ve been feeling great and don’t need extras, these luxury items could make great gifts, too. Whatever you decide, in taking some time to do a little online research, you’ll be sure to find a luxury item right for you or someone you care about.