5 Ways To Save Money On Packaging Supplies

Author: Nick Melillo

Anyone who has to purchase packaging supplies knows that they can get to be expensive if not bought through a large vendor because of the overhead that you end up paying for with smaller companies. It is best to select a vendor with at least a 10,000 item product catalog, because this ensures that you are being provided with a comprehensive selection to choose from, in addition to guaranteed in-stock status on virtually all of your packaging supply needs.



When searching for your vendor, take into consideration whether or not they offer same day shipping and ask about any discounts they may have. Chances are, just by contacting them you will be able to negotiate a deal. Remember, the economy is tough right now and people want to sell products. In most situations, there is a little room to haggle with everybody. Ultimately, it's worth a shot; isn't it?



There are many ways you can save money on your packaging supply costs, but here are just a few of my favorites:



1. Purchase your items in bulk and get all applicable discounts.



2. When placing an order, purchase as much as possible each time to avoid paying individual shipping fees on separate transactions.



3. Use a local vendor so that your shipping fees will not be as high.



4. Search online for the best deals prior to committing to any particular vendor.



5. Ensure that you are emphasizing customer service when choosing a vendor, because this will save you money over time and good CRM is always a plus in any business relationship, which decreases the chances of you having to spend money on technical support.



All of the above methods are highly recommended and it will improve your overall experience immensely. Having a company that will work with you hand in hand to cater to each and every one of your packaging supply needs is what counts. Customer satisfaction is the number one reason people stay with a business and it shows that brand loyalty is directly impacted by how well a company interacts with its clients.



I definitely recommend using resources like ThomasNet and other similar platforms which provide a comprehensive list of businesses from which you can review products and services, ultimately making your selection. Many of the companies that you will find on such a directory are established, credible businesses with a large customer base. This will save you money because you will be identifying the best companies suited to provide your industrial supply needs, helping to increase operational efficiency and improving your bottom line.



Having the right resources in place at the right time enables a business owner to streamline their processes and focus on other areas, such as marketing and sales. Do you currently pull your packaging and shipping supply resources from multiple areas? If so, you should seriously look into researching companies and finding one which provides the majority of your needs from one single location. This will save your business a lot of money in the long run.



Happy hunting!

About the Author:
The author recommends http://www.mdcpackaging.com for all of your industrial supply needs, they will meet every one of your expectations!

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - 5 Ways To Save Money On Packaging Supplies

Energy Efficiency: What's it all About?

Author: Jake Marsh

With our heightened concerns for saving money, the idea of energy efficiency seems to pop up more and more when looking at home articles. However, do you really know how to make your home more energy efficient?

Energy efficient housing is beneficial not only for the winter time but also in the heat of the summer. Most of the things that keep your house warm when the temperature outside is cold will keep the heat outside in the summer as well. The energy required in heating up or cooling down your home can cost a bundle and is usually one of the largest ways that you can make a difference to the energy efficiency of your home.

For most people, the most obvious way to make your home more energy efficient is to reduce the amount of transfer between the indoor and outdoor temperatures. Increasing your home's insulation as well as making sure that you have properly sealed windows, doors, and vents are all good ways at reducing heat loss or gain in your home. A less obvious way to reduce that transfer is by making sure that you have properly sealed thermal windows in your home. Any units that may have lost their seal will not help to reduce heat gain or loss to the same extent that well sealed units in non-metal frames will.

The main thing to remember when you've got your house all sealed up like your grandma's couch under plastic is that there will be no transfer between the air in your home and the air outside. While this is good news in regards to heat, it's bad news for air quality. So, the best compromise to this situation is ventilation with a heat recovery system. These systems have a simple counter-flow heat exchanger that transfers the warmth between inbound and outbound air. A good ventilation system can also help prevent build up of volatile organic compounds. In a tightly sealed home a dehumidifier might also be an essential appliance; high humidity can cause problems with mold and mildew.

Some other great ideas for helping keep your home more energy efficient are passive strategies. These passive methods include creative use of window coverings, keeping the heat in or out of your home depending on the season. Landscaping can be a great way to moderate the temperature in your home as well; deciduous trees can shade the sunny areas of your home in the summer while allowing the light and heat of the sun into your home in the winter time when it's welcome.

Energy Star appliances can, for an investment, help your home be more efficient as well. Most appliances are available in an Energy Star rated version which can help you save a fair amount of cash, particularly if you're upgrading from a really old inefficient model. Remember as well that using your appliances less can also make a difference. Wash only full loads in your washing machine or dishwasher, and turn off the drying cycle in the dishwasher. You'll reduce the amount of energy used in your household and also the amount of heat and humidity released as well.

If you take on one area to reduce energy usage or heat transfer in your home at a time as you can afford to, then you will see a reduction in your energy bills. How much you can save often depends on how much you can invest into new appliances because the most efficient ones are usually more expensive. However, any improvements that you make to your home is an investment, not only in regards to your own energy bills but also as home improvements that can add value to your home and in some cases qualify you for a tax break.

About the Author:

The Affinity Group is a prominent name in Denver real estate, with agents specializing in working with both buyers and sellers of real estate throughout the Denver area. Visit JakeMarsh.com for details about their services, property listings, and information about their service areas, including downtown Denver Colorado real estate.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Energy Efficiency: What's it all About?

Saving Money in a Bank

Author: George Wellington

The rewards for saving money in a bank are many. First and foremost there is the advantage of security. The money is safe from theft and in certain circumstances the money will be insured by the federal government if any problems befall the bank. Another benefit of saving money in a bank is the fact that many of the accounts available will earn interest on your money while you save.



The most common type of account is a savings account. The bank may require a minimum deposit or amount of money to be kept in the account but the bank will pay interest on that amount of money over a set time. The greatest disadvantage of a savings account is access to your money. Most savings accounts limit the number of withdrawals that can be made over a certain period of time. Frequently savings accounts will compound interest daily. This means that you are not only earning interest on the money placed into the savings account but you are earning interest on the interest that is being paid.



In contrast to a savings account for saving money in a bank, a checking account allows unlimited withdrawal from the balance but most checking accounts pay little or no interest. To combine the two many banks will offer a checking account that is tied to a savings account so that patrons may receive interest on part of their money but also have the ability to transfer money from their savings account if necessary to maintain the balance in their checking account.



A third type of account that allows you to save money in a bank is a money market account. Money market accounts allow the owner to save money at rates that are usually higher than savings accounts but the rate fluctuates with the market. Money market accounts usually have a higher minimum balance that checking or savings accounts. Also the number of withdrawals each month is limited usually to between three and six per month. Just as is done with savings accounts many people will tie a money market account to their checking account so that they can earn interest on money that they are unlike to need but retain the option of transferring it into their checking account if necessary.



Banks also provide both credit and debit cards for their customers who are saving money in that bank. A credit card allows the bearer to delay payment or charge a purchase of goods or services and pay for it later. A debit card pays for goods or services with money from the bearer's account, usually a checking account, at the time the purchase is made. These cards give the customer additional ways to save money in a bank by controlling went their money leaves the account.



Saving money in a bank with interest bearing savings accounts and money market accounts is both safe and effective. Bank accounts allow the customer to accumulate wealth and earn interest on that wealth while the bank backed by the federal government protects that investment. Banks also offer many ways for customers who are saving money to use that money easily.

About the Author:
Try a secure bank in Minnesota that provides personal and business banking solutions, including personal checking accounts, savings accounts, credit cards, and certificates of deposit.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/finance-articles/saving-money-in-a-bank-857363.html

15 Money Saving Tips For Families

Author: Dee Adams

There are many big and small ways to save money. Here are some money saving tips for families for these tough economic times and beyond:



1. If you use credit cards, switch to cards that pay you back - either cash dividends, miles, gas, or goods that you can actually use.



2. Cut your kid's hair yourself - you can pick up an easy "how to" book at your local library. This money saving tip has the added bonus of flexibility and convenience - you can do it whenever you feel like it.



3. And speaking of the library - you can spend a lot of money on kids books without even realizing it. You see a book your kid really likes and it's only $5.99 and before you know it you're out $50. Most likely your kid will read it once or twice and get bored with it. Solution: get a library card and visit your local library on a regular basis. Many libraries also have Story Time and other fun activities for kids of all ages that will have your kids looking forward to the weekly visit.



4. You can save huge money by coloring your own hair or doing your own highlights. You can save about $50 for each color ( x 6 times a year = $300) and about $100 for highlights ( x 4 times a year = $400). It's really easy to do once you get the hang of it. You can find kits with instructions at your local beauty supply store.



5. Take with you snacks and drinks for the kids on family outings (unless you go to a place that specifically prohibits outside food and beverages). Bring a bottle of water with you and fill it at the water fountain. Not only will you be saving money, but also time standing in long lines and ending up buying junk food and caffeinated sugary drinks you had no intention of buying in the first place.



6. Bake your own muffins, brownies and cakes (from a ready mix) - as a single mom with a full time job I always have to weigh cost savings vs. time savings. To me, If I have to slave over an elaborate cake for a few hours in the kitchen it's not worth the money savings. But if I buy a ready mix and have a dozen cup cakes ready in minuets and save some money in the process, I'd give it a thumbs up. Better yet - let the kids do the mixing, and you've got another fun activity to add to your list.



7. Buy generic: prescription drugs, over the counter drugs, cleaning supplies, groceries, ink cartridges, and anything else you can find.



8. Let your kids wash your car - what kid would say 'no' to such a fun activity?



9. Instead of buying 3 extra large Pepperoni Pizzas for $60 for your kid's birthday party, make little cute sandwiches with Turkey & Cheese and PB & J. Everybody will love them.



10. Cancel your gym membership and ride your bike with your kids.



11. Some people swear by the savings they get by switching from paper napkins to clothe napkins, but I'm not a big fan. You'd still have to spend money, energy and effort on washing, drying, folding and putting them away. Paper towels are just so easy that it's hard for me to make a case for cloth napkins, but if you like the idea - go for it!



12. Same goes for making your own play doh - some mothers just love making it themselves and love the money savings, but for me it's just too much work and not enough savings. But again, if you like the idea - go for it!



13. Only run your dishwasher and washing machine when they are full. Another oldie but goodie.



14. Switch your Premium Cable package to Basic package and get Netflix instead.



15. You can find and print free eCards on the Internet for all holidays and any kind of occasion. You can also have your kids make their own cards for Valentine's Day, their buddies birthday parties, and holidays. Those Hallmark cards are SO expensive!



To find more tips, birthday clubs, coupons and discounts, please visit the "Cool Parents Resources" section of our "Cool Kids Places" website: http://www.cool-kids-places.com/parents-resources/articles/money-saving-tips-for-families.html.

About the Author:
Dee Adams is a mom to an 8 year old boy and the owner of Cool Kids Places, a website for parents looking for fun and interesting places to go with their kids.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/15-money-saving-tips-for-families-799707.html

Quick Tips to Save on Gas

Author: Tom Tessin

The time is right now when it comes to saving on the amount of gasoline that your vehicle consumes. There are many things that you can do that will cut down on how much your vehicle will use when it comes burning gasoline fruitlessly. You should make sure that your vehicle gets regular tune-ups, the spark plugs are kept clean and replaced when need; also make sure that you check your transmission fluid periodically. The motor to your vehicle will burn less gasoline if the above steps are kept up on a continuous basis. Your vehicle is just like a family member that needs constant care and consideration. Other things that can help you with your vehicle in saving on the gasoline are not expensive but a bit time consuming.



You need to make sure that the pressure in your tires is at the right amount by checking them monthly with a proper tire gage. The lack of enough air can cause you to have an accident that could be fatal as well as causing you to burn more gasoline. You should not set in long lines such as drive-ins for food or at banks as this causes your engine to use more gasoline. You should watch when you are in traffic back-ups to turn off the engine and restart it again when the traffic is flowing. It is not necessary to keep your motor idling as this burns more gasoline than when you start up your vehicle. Do not use an expensive gasoline this will not help you save on your gasoline expense. There are some very good fuel additives that will help you save on gas giving you better mileage and performance for your vehicle.



Many times people tend to speed up their vehicle on a major highway thinking that this will help save on gasoline it actually burns more gas. You need to keep your vehicle going at an even speed when doing highway driving. It is very wise to use your cruise control if your vehicle is equipped with one. You should also consider using a GPS as this will help you not to take longer alternative routes or get stuck on your regular route with traffic back-ups. The GPS tracker is great to prevent you from getting caught on a highway that has construction back-ups, resent accidents, or closed due to bad storms. You need to be aware of what is happening around you before you decide to take an alternate route and that is what a GPS tracker enables you to do. Take a few tips and you will find that you can save a lot on your gasoline consumption.



When it comes down to saving on gas, you have to remember that 99% of the time it's based on the user. If you drive wreck less and don't care about your gas consumption, your wallet is going to show it. There are many ways to save on gas. Do your research online and find some great ways to cut your gas bills by 25%.

About the Author:
Save on gas with gas cards at FINDgascards.com, where you can find even more of Tom's work.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/quick-tips-to-save-on-gas-785135.html

3 Tips To Reduce Your Electricity Bill

If you use electricity, chances are that you could reduce your electricity bill by making a few simple changes. And who doesn't use electricity? So, here are three things that you can do to slash your electricity bill.
1. Think about the way that you use electricity at home. Do you leave on lights or appliances in rooms that you are not even in? Do you make turning off lights when you leave a room a habit? Do you sometimes leave on the TV when you are not even watching it? Do you ever leave your computer on when you're not using it without putting it into power-save mode?

Think about everything in your house that uses electricity, such as lights, TVs, and stereos, and make sure you only use them when you need to, in order to eliminate wasted energy (that you pay for). Turn off lights in rooms that you are not in, TVs that you are not watching, and computers and stereos that you're not using. If you don't turn off your computer when you're not using it, at least put it into power-save mode or turn off the monitor. Making these changes will do a lot to lower those electricity bills.

2. Consider investing in energy-saving power utilities, such as light bulbs. Replacing your incandescent light bulbs with energy-saving options, such as fluorescent bulbs, will reduce your electricity bill by using less energy. I would recommend energy-saving, full-spectrum light bulbs as a replacement for incandescent bulbs, and a better option than compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs.

3. Use your appliances more efficiently:

Only use the washing machine when you have a full load of clothes to wash.
Minimize the use of the geyser.
Use your air conditioner as little as possible. When it's hot outside, keep the temperature at the highest possible temperature that still keeps you cool. When it's cold, keep the air conditioner at the lowest temperature that still keeps you warm.
That's our three tips for saving money on your electricity bill! If you start making these energy-saving tips into habits, you should definitely start seeing reduced electricity bills.

Did you know that it's easy to make your own alternative energy at home? It can help you eliminate your electricity bill completely. Try this guide to making your own power and stop paying for electricity.