Ecommerce Solutions

Having your own ecommerce solutions platform can be key for your business to succeed and stand out from competitors. Having your own custom ecommerce solutions platform could attract new customers meaning it delivers a satisfactory shopping experience and ultimately offering the best tools to manage efficiently. An ecommerce platform should be built around your own requirements rather than having to work around standard ones that are already built. When having your own custom platform, you should take into consideration the following:

• Are you PCI DSS certified?
• Are you a visa merchant agent?
• Is it really 100% secure?

The above three are just a few important factors for a good framework, however, ecommerce solutions should be easy for providing easy administration. For example, ease of adding items/pages, editing these and deleting them, the ability to capture and retain customer details, a good product catalogue, product search, an efficient WYSIWYG and additional payment gateway solutions along with other important factors all in all making it as easy to use for the customer as possible.

There are various different standard ecommerce solutions that allow companies to sell their products online but they tend to come with standard functionality which might not let you reach the heights you want to get to as a business and can be quite restrictive in what you want to do. Therefore having a bespoke package created for you, it takes out the generic script that you get with the standard ones meaning your flexibility is greater letting you do more. As the internet is such a competitive world, it can be a tough task finding the right company that have the right ecommerce solution for you. For a prospective customer on an ecommerce site it must be attractive and have offers on there as people now are always on the look out for bargains/deals. Security is another important factor when looking for ecommerce solutions. Many customers will only buy from a site that is trusted and is 100% secure meaning that they have to be assured of this whether through logos or a security page on the site that they can read.

So if you are a new online business and you are looking for a custom made platform, then I suggest using Google to search for ecommerce solutions and see what results you get. It is always good to be on the look out for companies that have won awards for their platform as this gives you a clear indication of who is the best one to use and who isn't.

Smartphone Users

There has been a recent survey of European customers that confirms the trend for shopper to use their smartphones to research products in store. The report which was conducted by Tradedoubler actually found that 42% of smartphone users use their device to compare prices in store whilst 13% of the users claim to have changed stores after finding a better offer elsewhere. According to mobile research company mobileSQUARED , there were more than 32 million smartphone users in the UK in 2001 expecting it to double by 2012. Also, it is estimated that more than 17 million people in the UK will go online via mobile in 2012 rising to more than 20 million by 2015.

Mobiles and the Internet is a part of every day life now especially for businesses and the technology that is now available via mobile is ever growing and has paved the way for unique brand experiences when utilised properly and efficiently by companies. In 2011, mobile search, ecommerce and advertising saw a huge increase in traffic and sales due to having mobile optimised websites. Research has shown that 11% of overall website traffic came from mobile devices. Going into 2012, the expectant growth of mobile is set to soar at a quicker rate as many brands now have mobile optimised sites giving the customer a better user experience.

Many people use their smartphones on the go, at work, in restaurants, on public transport, at a social gathering or on the go. With these facts and figures it makes perfect sense for a company to have a mobile commerce website (if you are an ecommerce company!). With the ever increasing popularity of smartphones and even tablet devices, the Government has pledged to expand the UK's internet capabilities which in turn could see an increase in transactions on mobile and tablet devices.

Tradedoubler’s survey also highlights the importance of mobile optimised sites with a quarter of responsdents said that are more likely to purchase frequently if the websites were optimised for mobile hence the further need to have mobile commerce websites. On the other hand some people can be quite hesitant to buying online due to issues with security with their bank details and people that do buy online via mobile, the value of purchase does tend to be a lower amount rather than buying something of high value via mobile.

From a marketing point of view, there is still a significant amount of catch-up to be done for mobile commerce to become as trusted as standard ecommerce. 

Recession Hit UK

As the U.K double-dip recession is deeper than originally feared it is imperative for any surviving business to help increase and improve cash flow.

The latest revised figures show a sharper decline in the U. K’s economic output during the first three months of this year and with many stating that the U. K’s economy is in a recession with two consecutive quarters of negative growth. The corporate sector has come under fire for "sitting on cash" rather than making investments in infrastructure.

However, despite all this, Prime minister David Cameron has announced an £82 million scheme to help young people wanting to start up a business. Initiative like this could lead to 300,00 or more business being created which would help boost the economic growth here in the U.K

If the United Kingdom had the same rate of entrepreneurship as the US then there would be 900,00 more business which would critical in the repair and growth of the economy.

Even with the new government scheme to help young entrepreneurs, loans still have to be paid back after five years and with interest at 3%. Making sure a new business generates profits is paramount to its survival.

Utilisation of an open payment system would help to increase cash flow and therefore maintain a healthy turnover. The Open payment system can be used for any online payment, mobile, payment telephone payment or plug in payment system.

Here are just a few benefits:

Security
1. PCI DSS Compliant - Level 1 certification
2. 3D Secure - Verified by Visa and Mastercard source card
3. Backups - OPS makes live backups of all transactions and date that are stored within it

Online
1. Customers can make a payment from any desktop computer and browser at any place and at any time
2. Customers will be able to pay their invoices on the internet
3. Your bank account will be credited directly with payments.

Mobile
1. Provides real-time reports of cash takings before your staff get back to the office
2. Ideal for sales forces who need to close the deal
3. Field based staff can access customer account history and activity

Telephone
1. Transfers can be transferred from one account to another by making a telephone call
2. Customer does not need an internet connection to make payments
3. This is system is extremely useful for call centres
4. Fully compliant with the disability Discrimination Act

Plug in
1. Transactions can be posted directly to sales ledger via a simple file transfer
2. Full analysis of of refunds, rejections and transactions
3. Accepting payments on account is made easier

Countertop Basins

Whether your bathroom basin is one of the most important features in your bathroom or not is entirely your decision. What you must remember that though is it is used by everyone in your home and more than likely any visitors that come to your home therefore it must be resilient and easy to clean. If you are looking at replacing your current basin then there are a number of different things to take into consideration. For example, if you have quite a small bathroom, then you necessarily don't need a small basin but you don't want a large basin to look out of place so it is about getting the balance right for you. Another thing to take into consideration is that if you have children then the height of the basin on the washstand might be a problem as they might not be able to reach it!

Countertop basins fit perfectly on the top of any freestanding bathroom furniture, for example, a washstand or a vanity unit. It works by being 'invisibly' plugged in and doing so it creates a great focal point to any bathroom. Countertop basins are generally available in round, square or oval shapes and come in two sizes – small or large. Whatever countertop basin you choose you will need to make sure you also buy some taps as they come without tap holes. A tall mono mito bathroom tap would be the perfect addition as it is stylish and has a stunning chrome finish.

There are three different brands of countertop basins you can get which are Paz, Cora and Poco basins all of which provide the same type of basin just different sizes.

With the countertop basins being freestanding, you may need additional storage so why not take a look at the freestanding furniture on offer. Modern freestanding furniture tends to be made with real wood veneers which adds a contemporary feel to your bathroom making them ideal for any countertop basin to sit upon. The 900mm washstand would contemplate the basin perfectly as it provides enough space for the basin, tap and any extra storage space needed.

Installing your freestanding basin can be quite tricky if you are unsure on how to do it properly. You must decide on the final position of the vanity unit before cutting any holes in the basin and also read the instructions that will be provided carefully to familiarise yourself on how to carry out the process. If you are still unsure on how to do this then it could be a good idea to ask someone to help you.

A good number of latest and highly desired and stylish bathroom basins and taps are ready to buy online at great prices to modernise and transform your bathroom.

Jigsaw Blades

A jigsaw is an extremley versatile power tool used to cut curves and patterns into a variety of materials. Generally jigsaw blades are used for more aesthetic purposes than your every day hole saw. They do tend to be quite safe to use as they move through the materials only as fast as it is pushed through but still remember to be cautious when using a jigsaw blade. Jigsaw blades tend not to be very expensive and come in a variety of patterns. Some things to remember whilst using your jigsaw blade are:

• Let the saw do the work – you must be slow and careful as if you are having to push too hard then you are probably using the wrong type of blade.
• Pay attention – every material is different and will require different amoutns of strengths to be cut so remember to follow the pattern of each different material and try not to work against the pattern.

Are you unsure what shank you should use? For your jigsaw blade, you can use a t-shank/universal shank, a black and decker shank or a makita shank – all of which would work perfectly. For reciprocating blades, the best type of shanks to use are a universal shank or a u-shank. If you are using an airsaw blade then the type of shank you need to use are ober-pneutec or chikago pneumatic shank or an SIG/flex shank.

T Shank (Bosch/Universal/Bayonet) Jigsaw Blades

The t-shank jigsaw blades are also known as the Bosch or universal shank and is the most popular end fitting for jigsaw blades. It can be used on the following makes of machines:

• AEG (Atlas Copco)
  
• Boasch
  
• Elu
  
• Flex
  
• Hitachi
  
• Holz-Her
  
• Lenox
  
• Mafell
  
• Makita
  
• Metabo
  
• Milwaukee
  
• Sparky
  

Black & Decker Shank
This shank was first designed by Black & Decker to be used with their jigsaw blade machines but it can also be used on the Kress, Ryobi, Skil, Stayer and Wolf machines.

Makita Shank

These types of shanks are made in Germany by MPS and can be used for a variety of different materials ranging from wood, acrylic glass, metal and other abrasive materials.
Unsure on how to use a jigsaw blade? Then follow the simple instructions below:

1. Select the type of jigsaw blade
2. On the material, mark the design you want to cut
3. Clamp the material firmly to a work table
4. Always remember to put safety goggles on as this will prevent any chips or splinters from damaging your eyes
5. Start by using the corner of the material
6. Once you have begun cutting, remember to move the machine in a smooth slow motion
7. To finish the cut you either stop the machine or wait till the blade has stopped moving and pull the blade out of the material or finish on the edge of the material and gently guide if away from the material.

Range Of Bathroom Furniture

Your bathroom is one of the most used rooms in your house so you want to make sure you make the right choice with how you want to make it look. One of the many things you need to think about is firstly, how much space you have in your bathroom and how your bathroom is shaped. Over the last few years, more and more people are spending more money on refurbishing their bathroom adding character and uniqueness.

Whether it's fitted furniture, freestanding furniture or white gloss furniture, the market is flooding with bathroom furniture along with accessories that are certain to compliment each other making it distinctive and individual.

White Gloss Bathroom Furniture

This is a new fashion trend in contemporary homes, encompassing any piece of furniture with a shiny and highly reflective finish. Having white gloss furniture in your bathroom gives your bathroom a fresh and clean look about it and the great thing about it is that is goes with pretty much anything so any colour scheme you want to go with, whitegloss bathroom furniture will match! Another advantage of having white gloss furniture is that is it relatively easy to clean just by using a warm soft cloth and a non abrasive cleaner.

Freestanding Bathroom Furniture

Freestandingbathroom furniture can be made from real wood veneers in a modern design adding a contemporary and stylish feel to any bathroom. There is a huge range of this type of bathroom furniture, whether you are looking for something for a smaller bathroom or a larger bathroom ranging from a small 450mm washstand to a larger item such as a 900mm furniture unit. The freestanding furniture mainly consists of the washstands but why not add a countertop basin too as they perfectly complement each other.

Fitted Bathroom Furniture

Fittedbathroom furniture offers great storage if you are wanting a clutter free bathroom. Many come ready to be assembled so you may some need help assembling it! Also, they tend to come with everything included apart from taps which you may have to purchase separately – all you need to decide on is the combination you'd like. If you are struggling for size in your bathroom then these furniture packs are a great idea as you do find that they are cleverly laid out without reducing your floor space a great deal.

If you choose the right fitted, freestanding or fitted bathroom furniture for your home and look after it, it will last for a great number of years to come.

A Guide To How To Wire A Plug & A Plug Socket

Wiring a plug is not the toughest of jobs but needs to be done correctly as a large number of people always seem to get it wrong. If you are uncertain then follow the instructions below!

Step 1:

• Unscrew the back of the plug, some simply click in and out of place.
• Take off the exterior cable sheathing to reveal the insulated wires.

Step 2:

• Remove the covering on each wire leaving about 1cm of exposed metal on each wire.
• Twist the strands of wire together.

Step 3:

• Make sure the wiring is set to the right terminals. For example, the brown live wirte joins the terminal marked L, the blue neutral wire joins the terminal marked N and the earth wire (green and yellow) joins at the top marked E.

Step 4:

• Fit the exposed metal of each wirte through or around the terminal and screw the back on the plug tightly.

Also remember, sometimes the fuse would need replacing too!

How To Wire A Plug Socket

It is amazing how many people don't know how to wire plug sockets as it is a minor task! However, if done wrong, it can turn out to be a more complex job than first thought. Firstly, you need to turn off the breaker that gives power to that particular socket. Remember to check you have done this correctly first by plugging something in and making sure it isn't live and only go ahead when you are 100% sure that there is no power running through it!

Firstly, you need to remove the screws out of the faceplate meaning you can then take the faceplate off the wall then drag the socket out as far as it will come out but remember to be careful not to damage any of the loose wires. Next, you should take note of where the wires are connected to the socket as you will need to reconnect these as a later stage. The wires are usually colour coded as they are when re-wiring a plug. Undo the wires from the old socket and reconnect them in the new socket tightening the screws aswell making sure that no wires with another colour are touching each other. Making sure the wires are fastened into place, push the socket back in and screw it in then replace the face plate and turn your power back on and see if it works!