by Scott Walton, Harbour Results, Inc. Do you know what your direct costs really are? Well, of course you do. As a sound business manager, you work to control these costs every day. Now...do you know what your indirect and transactional costs are? Maybe you do, but not nearly as well as you understand your direct costs. Take a look at the following list and ask yourself if … [Read more...] about Understanding Transactional Costs
Business Strategies
New v. Used – Points to Ponder
by Tom Kirkland, www.tributek.biz There are those who say nothing used is as good as the same thing new. Then there are those who say buying certain things new, especially big-ticket items, is throwing away money. Who is right? A spectrum of new, near-new, reconditioned, running-used, and bone-yard equipment exists in the marketplace, and sorting through it all can be … [Read more...] about New v. Used – Points to Ponder
Surviving in an Economic Downturn
by Staff The belief that small businesses fare poorly in economic slowdowns is a common misconception. Solidly run small businesses actually hold their own during downturns. While we all like to believe our businesses fit the definition of "solidly run," let's take a look at what are some commonly cited best practices for all businesses to be following during a time of … [Read more...] about Surviving in an Economic Downturn
To Decorate or Not to Decorate… That is the Question!
by Jeff Peterson Custom injection molders and other processors often have struggled to determine if decorating the molded parts they produce should be accomplished in-house or through a contract decorating company. The answer certainly is not always cut and dried, and there can be many factors involved in determining the right direction to take. Is the project intended to be … [Read more...] about To Decorate or Not to Decorate… That is the Question!
Time Management – Directing the One Resource You Can Control
by Kym Conis In an industry where customers demand quick turnarounds on jobs that would normally take two weeks; where 24-hour or same-day quotes are not only standard, but expected; and continual advances in technology demand an ever-increasing pace, it's hard not to get caught up in the race against time. And whether procrastination (or the opposite – trying to do too much) … [Read more...] about Time Management – Directing the One Resource You Can Control