The No Frills Business Model

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The No Frills Business Model

The term no frills is used to describe a service were the non-essential features are removed to reduce costs and pass on the saving to the customers.

One of the first companies to operate this business model was the supermarket, two German firms Aldi and Lidl have set the standard across Europe for low cost supermarkets. Regular supermarket shelving is kept to a minimum and replaced by pallets wherever possible, once a pallet is empty a new one is brought in. They tend to only sell private label products and avoid branded goods that sell at lower margins. Plastic bags are only provided at a charge encouraging customers to recycle their old bags.

Perhaps the most common example of a no frills service is the recent introduction of low cost airlines, Easyjet were one of the groundbreaking companies that established the successful business model. No frill airlines operate with a single economy class and save money by not printing tickets instead issuing customers a reference number to use at check in. These type of airlines also tend to use smaller airports just outside large cities, this way they can pay reduced airport fees, for example Easyjet fly to Luton rather than Heathrow. Complimentary drinks are not served on board, instead a paid for trolley service is provided.

There is also a market for no frill holidays by removing services, such as in flight meals, hotel meals, airport transfers and holiday representatives, travel agents can offer customers a cheaper holiday.

Buses operators have followed the no frills example with the introduction of low cost road travel, one such brand offering this service is Meagbus operated by Stagecoach. As with low cost airlines customers buy tickets online and the receive discounts for buying earlier. A reference number is shown to the driver who has a list of all expected passengers, rather than a ticket being printer off.

No frill car hire is a recent development in the low cost market, car rental firm Sixt has introduced a cheaper alternative to expensive car hire in London under the name Sixti. By using smaller cars such as Ford fiestas and Smart cars prices start at just 9 for a days hire.

This is an overview of how the main no frills markets operate, each of these examples prove that is it possible to offer faultless service at a reduced price by removing unnecessary extras.

Next time you are looking to order a product or service why not look for a no frills alternative.

The Most Important Questions That You Should Ask Your Auto Body Repair Shop

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The Most Important Questions That You Should Ask Your Auto Body Repair Shop

When you have been involved in a car accident, you need to get it up and running as fast as possible to prevent your life from being disrupted. However, rushing matters can prove to be costly, not only in terms of money but also in terms of harassment in case the quality of work is unsatisfactory. Some of the most vital questions that you should ask before handing over your car for body repairs:

How Long Will the Car Repairs Take?

This is perhaps the most frequently asked question by car owners, however, the duration that the repairs will take depends on a number of factors like the extent of damage, how busy the repair shop is then, availability of spare parts, the infrastructure, and equipment that the workshop has, not to speak of the number of holidays. According to an industry survey, it can take around 10 days on an average to get your car back. If any of the repairs are outsourced, it could take even longer.

Will A Loaner Car Be Made Available?

You need to find out if your body repair shop will arrange a car either on loan, rental or courtesy while your own car is being repaired. If a car is offered as rental, you should read the agreement carefully, take pictures of the car before taking delivery and when returning it to avoid disputes. Make a note of the odometer as well.

Will the Car Be Insured During the Time It Spends in the Workshop?

It is extremely important that your car remains covered against theft, fire, accidental damage, burglary or even total loss when it is being repaired. Ask the auto body repair in NY shop what insurance policies they have to safeguard your car. Also, ensure that you do not allow your car insurance to lapse while it is under repairs as any lapse in the policy coverage can cost you dearly in penalties. Also, your policy needs to cover any violations by the workshop people when testing your car.

Will the Fresh Paint Match the Rest of The Car?

While earlier proper matching of the paint used to be a major concern, the tension has been taken care of by all modern cars having the paint code somewhere in the vehicle, for example, under the hood, in the door jamb, in the trunk, etc. The paint code specifies the exact shade of paint that has been used by the manufacturer of the car. You just need to make sure that the same paint is used by the body shop. However, the matching of the shades of the fresh paint with the old also requires competent paint finishing and polishing by the workshop.

Conclusion

At the time of taking delivery of your car, you should ask how soon your car can be washed and if it is safe for it to be taken to a car wash using cleansing chemical or friction brushing. Find out what exactly the warranty covers and use your car appropriately.

Author's Bio: 

Barrack Diego is a content writer.

The Latest Trends in Autos

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The Latest Trends in Autos

Fads come and go, sometimes on a whim, other times because of outside forces. Here at the halfway point of the new millennium's first decade, car culture has sure taken some interesting turns.

Those of you who innocently took a test drive of a plain-Jane Nissan Altima when it was new in 2002, floored it, and nearly sprained your necks upon discovery of 240 horsepower, may have suspected that the standards of speed had risen a tad since the 90s. Turns out that was only the beginning. Nowadays, the Volkswagen Passat raised that same family car bar to an excessive 280 horsepower. We have little $30,000 Mitsubishis that can leave Camaros for dead. The 500-horsepower Dodge Viper suddenly seems ordinary, and the once-acclaimed Acura NSX is a joke. Whether or not you're a speed freak, there are two trickle-down benefits: the minimum standard of horsepower has risen from 55 (Geo Metro) to 103, and very few cars in any segment are truly underpowered anymore. Not a bad development.

Cars just won't stop growing. Every redesign has to be bigger than the last one; the new Toyota RAV4 is 14 inches longer than the last, and current Civics now dwarf Accords of years past. It's an inevitable force of marketing; no one wants to pay the same money for less car, right? Bigger also means heavier; our cars pack more pounds than ever.

And there's no rule that contradictory trends can't coexist. Apparently Americans expect their cars to compete with the speed of sound while also using less gas than their walking shoes. The Toyota Prius hybrid heads into its third year with unsatisfied demand, a long line, and a price premium. All this despite an ample supply of the perfectly serviceable Corolla at the same dealers. No automaker wants to be caught with their pants down, and all are rushing to market with a hybrid, even if it means using systems developed by competitors (Nissan's Altima will use Toyota hardware).

We seem to want our cars with more stuff and more personality. The 90s banality in our styling is gone, even on the most banal cars like the Accord and Camry. And notice how almost every car has power windows and locks standard, and how even the Kia Rio comes with six airbags and a powerful stereo. Is it any wonder that the average car now costs $28,000?

Speaking of "cars", we may be moving toward the day when that word will again apply as a general term. SUVs are suddenly for the foolish. They always have been, but now everyone seems to know it, too. Ford's Explorer and Expedition are going down the drain, and the Excursion has already expired. The bigger the SUV, the bigger the sales drop. Little cars are selling better than ever, even old-timers like the Sentra and Neon.

Lastly, we're going foreign, and fast. The Big Three's market share was 60% at the early part of this decade; that will stand at or below 50% by the end of it. This is hardly a new trend, but its recent acceleration is alarming. One thing for sure is that in terms of the players, the market has matured. Only two major automakers set up American bases in the 90s (Kia and Daewoo), and the 2000s have brought none.

Cars can't get bigger or faster forever, yet no one can stand still. Hybrids are hot, but the long-term experiences remain to be seen. What will become of all this automotive craziness? Check back in ten years.

The Importance Of Parent Volunteers

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The Importance Of Parent Volunteers

Many parents have lost the art of parenting due to the many demands they face daily. These stresses are no doubt trickling down to their children. Furthermore, today's children are growing at a very drastic speed. Interested parents can become parent volunteers and lend their part in the education of their children thereby making the school life of children more happy and joy filled.

Parents by taking the role of volunteers can go to the school and help teachers in making the classroom experience even more interesting than what it is currently. The role played by parent volunteers is really worth as they are of great help to the children, the teacher and also to the classroom. All parents who are keen in volunteering can be engaged for this program.

Involving parents in the classroom activities is getting accolades by many teachers today. Yet, it is very vital to make out the suitable tasks for delegating to parents. From basic tasks done by a teacher to direct association within the classroom, there are a wide variety of tasks which can be delegated to parent volunteers.

In general, many teachers delegate teaching related works to parent volunteers. A small sized school desk or a table is placed outside the class room for helping parents to do the work delegated to them. Normally, time consuming jobs are the ones that are delegated to such parents. This helps in saving the time of the teacher.

Sort out books in the order required by the teacher, returning books that have been borrowed from the library, helping slow paced students in their work etc are a few simple things which parent contribute as volunteers. However, initial induction needs to be given to all parents who are enrolling in the volunteer program of the school.

Even students can benefit from parents who are volunteering. Generally, all students may not excel or perform in the same manner. There may be a few students who are slow in writing or grasping what is taught to them at school. Parents, who are volunteering, can possibly assist such students in their study activities.

There may also be few children, who would require a little extra time and notice from the teacher than the other children of the class. Such students can be sent out of the classroom in a sequence, so that the parents can assist them in learning the lessons, or doing the homework or so. Also, when a small group of students are being taught by the teacher, parent volunteers can go around the classroom and keep the remaining students engaged in some kind of activity.

The Importance Of Entertainment In Everyday Life

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The Importance Of Entertainment In Everyday Life

People who work round the clock are prone to psychological disorders. The effects can vary from one person to another but they become like background noise - always a part of your personality. Entertainment is only a tool that can minimize or eliminate that negative effect.

All those activities that are categorized as entertainment actually deviate your attention from matters that cause mental stress and pressure. Many studies and researches have shown that a workplace where the environment is stress-free and friendly in nature has a higher efficiency level. Human resource departments often rely upon the presence of entertainment to create a better-working environment. Large enterprises often create a refreshment area for their employees inside the company building. These recreational areas are for the staff and they can come and enjoy their leisure time.

Schools are also asked by education boards to engage their students in extra curricular activities. These activities are very important for improving social interaction skills and character building. They help bring a sense of healthy competition and fair play spirit among the students.

Many people consider some high-risk activities as their source of entertainment. Bungee jumping, off-road traveling, scuba diving and sky dive. These activities can prove fatal but if they are performed under the supervision of professionals, they can be really fun.

The most important thing everyone should do is enjoy some sort of activity during their daily routine that will take away the issues that come up during through the day. Constantly thinking about what goes wrong and what needs to be done keeps your stress levels way too elevated for your own good. You can go for something as simple and as easy as a reading a book in your lunch break - for the brief period when you immerse yourself in that universe you tend to forget about your issues - enough for your brain to take a break from all the madness.

Another interesting alternative is simply taking a break from it all and going for a walk - you would be amazed how truly entertaining a walk can be. Simply take your mp3 player with you, let your favorite songs play and during your lunch break go to your "happy place". There is no better entertainment while you are at work. You can also consider something more eclectic like a PlayStation portable if you are the kind of person that enjoys being challenged at a console game now and then.

It all depends on your wants and needs - entertainment comes in a variety of ways, and picking the one that is right for you will ensure its efficiency in stress-relief matters. Remember that it is important to do exactly what you want - that's why it's called taking a break.

The Importance Of Business Valuation

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The Importance Of Business Valuation

Running a business does not only mean that one should gain profit. It requires intensive study of how to improve in production, marketing and sales. The evaluation of operation and marketing greatly affects its standing. Many business owners fail to see this point leaving them at lost and confused. The Global Recession made way for them to realize it.With the current economic crisis a business owner must be wise enough to deal with the issue before it worsen. A Business Valuation would be able to assist you on this matter.

This procedure is a set of standards that determines its value in the current market. It projects the financial and production status in a certain period of time. This is similar to business appraisals. Appraising it should not be taken negatively for it can help in managing operations better.

Most experts in this field uses the same procedures and tools of those of an appraiser. This allows a clear overview of how business is doing currently. This determines if the business is still an asset to keep or a liability to sell.

When you approach an expert he would ask you for a reason. The circumstances behind this reason can greatly affect the turn out. Most likely it can be determined through the business value standard which is the hypothetical condition of the evaluation determining the elements affecting its value and the premise of value that is the assumptive condition of why the needs to be evaluated. These reasons derive the computation of what is bound to happen in the near future.

Financial analysis determines its value. It gives an insight of its current standing in the market. Normalizing the financial statements could foresee what will happen in six months in advance. This can be the perfect basis for cutting down cost on several areas.

The income, asset and market approach is based on the trend in production, marketing and sales. This determines if the business is required additional investments or should be sold.

Most studies show that having your business evaluated makes it possible for growth and improvement. Those companies with high value should add additional capital for expansion. However if it does not look good might and could not be repaired might as well have it appraised and sold so you can use the money for another. This way you would have funds to use to start over.

The Importance Of Branding And Marketing In Hospitality

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The Importance Of Branding And Marketing In Hospitality

Managers in the hospitality industry should understand marketing and branding. Hospitality marketing prepares future managers with the knowledge needed to ensure that their company, whether it is a well established hotel or a new restaurant, understands the way consumers think. This is extremely important, because the consumer drives the hospitality industry. Understanding the mind of the consumer and why they make the purchasing decisions that they do can prove to be lucrative. It's useful to know what role marketing and branding plays in those decisions and how you can make it work for you. Many hospitality management training courses discuss marketing and branding as a way to improve the company or brand you may work for.

As some experts discuss in hospitality management training courses, brands have something known as "equity." Brand equity is when consumers associate that brand with positive and favorable feelings. A brand's reputation and goodwill adds value to the company. Sometimes, this added value can be worth more for the company than the actual physical assets the company is worth. This is why sometimes new products are released under well-known and well-established brand names.

It gives more comfort and reliability for the consumer to trust and try the new product. This is true for the hospitality industry, for example when new hotels are often represented under one same brand name. While learning about hospitality marketing you begin to understand why these people trust these brands, which is something known as brand loyalty.

Brand loyalty is when a consumer insists on continuously buying one particular brand of a product. They stick with that brand for a long period of time and will choose it over any other similar brands, even if the unknown brand costs less. Although being in that position is considered extremely successful in hospitality marketing, it has recently become increasingly difficult to gain loyal consumers. This is due to two causes, one being that brands within the same category have become increasingly similar. The second cause is that sales promotions and lower priced deals are being offered constantly by different brands- making it difficult for consumers to just stick with one brand because they can get a better deal. However, if the quality of a brand is consistently great and no other brand can offer the same, there is a great chance that consumers will be loyal.

This can lead to what experts and marketing professionals in hospitality marketing describe as a "master brand." The master brand is a brand that is so dominant in consumers' minds that they immediately connect it with an entire product category. Branding and marketing is extremely important in getting brands to this position. Even if your brand doesn't reach this level of recognition, there are ways to be successful at marketing it for effective results. For example, good branding can be valuable when you have an easily identifiable brand, whether it is through the name or trademark.

As mentioned previously, another way to be successful at hospitality marketing is through consistent quality and service. As some hospitality management training courses explain, branding is also successful when the location is convenient. There are always better approaches, methods, and techniques to use to make your brand better and increase equity, loyalty, and recognition for the consumer and branding can be a big part of it. These are key concepts to remember and put into practice to establish a successful career in hospitality.

The History Behind Origami Paper Folding

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The History Behind Origami Paper Folding

These days, origami is everywhere.

Its the subject of childrens books like Sadako and The Thousand Paper Cranes. Its being displayed in museums as art. Its even being used as an educational tool to help students learn fractions and problem-solving skills!

But what is the history of origami? How has it evolved over the years?

Read on to find out!

Where And How Origami Started

Even the word Origami has an interesting history behind it. Its actually made from two Japanese words: Ori, which means fold, and kami, which means paper.

Its a word that defines itself!

The art of origami arrived fairly shortly after paper began to be more available worldwide. Around the 6th century, monks began to bring paper to Japan.

However, as paper was still rare (and therefore expensive!) origami was mainly used in religious ceremonies.

Origami was used in wedding ceremonies, where folded butterflies symbolized the bride and groom. It was also folded into good-luck symbols that were worn and given by the Samurai, in the hopes of staying safe in battle.

It even played a part in ancient Japanese legends. For example, many ancient folktales tell stories of folded birds that took flight, transforming into real birds.

Origami: The Next Steps

Of course, it didnt take long for a global interest in origami to develop.

In the late 1400s, origami began to spread to Europe. Here, the folding techniques and created objects were also put to use in daily life.

It was popular in Europe to fold small boxes to hold jewelry or other lightweight items, or even to deliver private messages and letters!

Interestingly, we may owe much of what we know today about origami to kindergarten. The so-called Kindergarten System was created at the start of the 19th Century to help young children learn life skills, and to ease them into an educational setting.

The founder of the Kindergarten System, the German-born Friedrich Frobel, saw that paper folding and binding could help young children to learn valuable coordination and motor skills.

The reality is that many of the earliest kindergarten curriculums were filled with lessons in origami!

More and more European countries began to adopt Frobels Kindergarten System, and origami spread rapidly. In fact, the tiny packs of brightly-colored origami paper that we all first learned to fold on are a direct result of the Kindergarten Systems focus on origami.

Of course, as the idea of kindergarten spread so did origami.

Whats Next For Origami?

Today, there are classes, societies, and even YouTube videos all dedicated to sharing the art of origami with as many people as possible.

Origami never stops evolving, and new techniques are being invented all the time. An especially popular one is called wet-folding. Folders will lightly dip their paper into water and fold it. This helps the paper to hold its shape for even longer.

What will they think of next? Only time will tell.

To learn complex folding techniques, to get ideas from the experts, or just to be inspired by the intricate art form of origami, always keep your eye out for industry websites, museum exhibits, and video tutorial channels.

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The Gig Economy A Legal Opinion

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The Gig Economy A Legal Opinion

The term "gig economy" is one that's thrown about regularly in the context of the courier and transport industry. There's no doubt that the trend towards temporary positions and short-term contracts with independent workers is on the rise and, no matter what side of the fence your opinion falls on, its potential ramifications should not be ignored.
Understanding the Gig Economy

As a particularly hot topic in the courier industry, it's important to understand just what it means for operations of your business, regardless of whether you're a self-employed courier driver or a commercial fleet manager. While the subject garners more than its fair share of negative publicity, it can actually provide a lucrative source of work for the self-employed courier driver. With a number of high-profile cases in the news recently, gaining a legal insight can be very helpful when navigating the minefield of information and opinions on the gig economy.

A Legal Insight

Philip Richardson is Partner and Head of Employment Law at Stephensons, a national law firm. With 14 years' experience as an employment solicitor, Mr. Richardson has extensive expertise across the board, specialising in negotiating terms and agreements, advising on performance issues, grievances, disciplinary and dismissal matters, restructuring, redundancy and defending tribunal claims. As a regular guest speaker at business network seminars, Mr. Richardson has opined on the gig economy in order to redress some of the negativity and offer a legal perspective.

Please note: The following is simply a summary of Mr. Richardson's legal perspective and personal opinion, and is in no way to be considered individual legal advice.

Scrutiny of the Gig Economy

A number of high-profile cases against companies like Uber and CitySprint have been reported on extensively in the media. The negative publicity surrounding the effective use of freelancers as a workforce, therefore skirting legislation requiring the implementation of the national minimum wage, has recently culminated in a successful claim by a bike courier against her employer.

Even if these companies are utilising freelancers on what equates to a full-time job, a loophole in the law means that they are not required to offer those workers any of the benefits of the traditional employment model. The Work and Pensions Committee insist that the government must work to close such loopholes as a matter of urgency, because not only does it allow for the exploitation of workers, but it also has the potential to reduce tax contributions and create pressure on the welfare state.

However, Mr. Richardson does not believe that affording a self-employed courier driver the same benefits as a full-timer (like holiday pay and sick leave) will actually have a huge impact on the financial operations of large companies like Hermes, ASOS and other online retailers that use a workforce of freelancers. He says that, for the majority of consumers who use operations with this kind of online business model, convenience and not solely price points can play a major role. He's of the opinion that many are willing to pay a higher price in return for the convenience of receiving goods delivered to their doorstep.

Case-by-Case

Despite recent tribunal decisions being seen by some as a landmark, Lord Justice Underhill (who oversaw the aforementioned case) has recommended caution, warning businesses and individuals against making generalisations, and stressing that all future cases will be taken on their own merits. But Mr. Richardson says that it is also vital that businesses take recent case rulings into consideration if they intend to engage workers on a freelance basis while seeking to place restrictions such as set hours/set rates on them.

Whatever your personal opinion on the gig economy, knowledge is power; it's important to arm yourself with as much information as possible from both sides of the argument to gain a genuine insight into its potential ramifications. Author Plate

Norman Dulwich is a correspondent for Courier Exchange, the world's largest neutral trading hub for same day self employed courier driver work in the express freight exchange industry. Over 5,000 transport exchange businesses are networked together through their website, trading jobs and capacity in a safe 'wholesale' environment.

The Elements of Targeted Global Marketing

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The Elements of Targeted Global Marketing

Global marketing is nothing but marketing done on national and international level and which involves understanding the similarities, dissimilarities and taking advantage of the opportunities to attain the goal. Concentrating on global marketing is as important as concentrating on domestic marketing if a company is aiming to increase sales.

The domestic market has become saturated in most categories of products and services, in all industrialized countries and hence, they started to deal with other countries to increase their sales. Usually in such case, goods that are too expensive for the domestic customers to buy are exported to other well-off countries.

When a company does marketing within the boundaries of a specific county, it has to compete with other domestic companies as well as international companies who are a part of the market. The marketing steps taken by the professionals are based on the taste of a specific audience. The product might not suit the taste of customers at a higher level. The other domestic companies that plan to go global hinder the growth of such companies. They become invisible at the international level as they are unable to cope with the growing competition and might not be aware of potential competitors. The product development is dependant on the need of the local residents. Such kinds of businesses are ethnocentric and are only bothered about their performance in the domestic marketplace.

Companies planning to go global should start with export to a foreign client first. The returns wouldn't be satisfying in the beginning. The export department can be introduced at the headquarters that deals with all the laws. There can be a possibility of becoming secondary exporters by bringing export management company into the picture, who will deal with the language problem, time difference, paperwork and customers. If managing the exports without any help, the export department can be started at an office located abroad. This office works in collaboration with the regional headquarters. But the respective offshore offices take the marketing decisions, as they will have best knowledge about the particular market they are operating in.

Multinational marketing involves marketing in many countries. The marketing is based on the requirements of different countries and the returns are rewarding. Each region should be studied individually based on development, production and marketing. Such kinds of markets are known as region centric. Global marketing involves the whole globe. The entire world is summarized as a single market and the products that are released in the market should fit the needs of any regional marketplace. Marketers all over the world make the marketing decisions. Such a kind of market is known as geocentric.

Automotive industry is one such market that saw a global boost in sales during the last fifty years. Earlier only the local companies like Ford and General Motors used to produce cars in America, but today other international competitors like Toyota and Honda are operating in the same market and have out done the local companies. Another key factor to the global marketing is the Internet, which introduced e-commerce. Businesses went going online and global. This encouraged the sales of the company and the figures are only increasing because of ever increasing Internet users. The geographical location of customers is no longer a hindrance. Global marketing management and business-to-business e-commerce is growing rapidly.

Product, price, placement and promotion are the elements of global marketing. The product created should be such that it can sell anywhere using the same method. It should consider the primary elements of all the markets. However, the language in which the product is named can be changed, where as the content can remain the same. The price is never constant. It should be decided after reviewing the market and the currency of the country. The variables which affect prices are location where the product is being produced, cost of ingredients, transportation charges, labor charges, etc.

Placement is how the product is distributed and how it reaches the targeted market. Like in third world countries, there is a lack of superstores, so they can be placed or sold at ordinary shops. After the product is developed and distributed, it should be promoted precisely known as advertising, promotion is one of the major steps of marketing and consumes major part of the budget. If it is possible to send out the same message worldwide in a relevant and cost-effective way, it sure must be put into practice but the challenge is really big.

I Drive Safely Review - Providing Online Courses for Driver Education.

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I Drive Safely are pioneers in online driver training and education programs with over 10 years experience and claim to have successfully graduated more than 1,500,000 safe and responsible drivers and the first thing I noticed while carrying out the I Drive Safely review was their professional looking website and approach towards online education. The commitment they have to quality has given them a reputation for providing excellent courses, outstanding service and innovations in technologies, they have a membership in the Better Business Bureau and have an A+ rating, which will assure you of their professional service, reliability and great customer support.

The online programs from the I Drive Safely review:

1. Teen Driver Education (driver ed)
2. Traffic School - Ticket Dismissal
3. DMV Sample Test Packages
4. Corporate / Fleet Driver Training
5. Mature / Senior Driver Improvement
6. Defensive Driving Course
7. Insurance Reduction Course

The site and courses are very easy to navigate, even if you're not good with computers. The courses are not hard to understand and can be taken from anywhere that has the Internet. The I Drive Safely Program has a memory feature that allows you to return to the same spot you left your lesson so that you can complete a course on your own time. All the courses that you need to effectively learn how to drive are available at I Drive Safely, everything from learner's courses to lessons on senior insurance discounts. I Drive Safely review their staff and has developed a team of experts that have come up with courses and use proven teaching techniques that use a variety of learning methods. This allows you to learn more information and retain it for a longer time period because it has been broken down into a number of specific chapters allowing you to learn about one subject at a time.

Site features and support:

1. 100% money-back guarantee
2. US based 24/7 customer support team
3. You don't have to know much about computers
4. Live chat
5. There are no downloads or extra software to purchase
6. Study from the comfort of your own home
7. Fixed price cost - no hidden fees
8. Parent's resources area

The only thing I didn't like during the I Drive Safely review was the system for tracking was too good. As I selected a State and moved to look at a different course, the same State page loaded automatically, which required me to enter the homepage to change it. Thus it provides a valuable format for information of the relevant State directly without any delay, which is good news for the student.

As for the written material, it delivers the information in a logical manner so you can learn exactly what you need to learn and nothing more, as the text will be easy to read and understand. The thing I like the most is the teaching method. Using visual aids, such as animation and short films, really helps the information sink in. This will help you to remember all that you have read, and more importantly, when you are being tested on the information and later driving, you can remember the lesson, it will help all things make a lot more sense.

The I Drive safely online courses let you go back and review any topic or lesson you want and you can do it over and over again until you feel like you understand it, this makes it distinct from classroom settings where you either pick it up first time or not at all. If you are a teenager and you want your parents to purchase this course for you, you should let them know that the online defensive driving program on I Drive Safely is known to reduce both traffic violations and collisions.

It's straightforward to take, handy and best of all it gives great confidence to pass driving tests and be a much improved and safe driver, so this is the final word on the I Drive Safely review.

To discover more on the I Drive Safely review along with driving tips and info, plus reviews of the best online driving course and products, read more from Dave Treadstone at Driving Test Training.

How to Wholesale Bank Owned REO Foreclosure Properties

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Wholesaling is one of the most popular approaches to real estate investing. It appeals to both beginning and seasoned investors.

With the market in its current condition more and more investors find that they are coming across hordes of motivated sellers. However, this windfall of prospects all seem to have one trait in common. They don't have any equity! This little dilemma is causing many investors to turn their efforts toward bank-owed foreclosures.

The single biggest advantage associated with REOs is the fact that equity can be created instantly either by finding a hot deal or through shrewd negotiation. There's nobody telling the bank that they owe too much on a property and can't lower the price a bit. In theory...any house could be sold for as little as a dollar.

In fact, there is only one downside to wholesaling REO properties. Non-assignability. When an investor gets a bank owned property under contract it always comes with multi-page addendums that make the deal non-assignable.

Many investors stop right there and turn away to other paths such as short sale negotiation or subject-to investing not knowing that there are in fact four different methods to workaround this roadblock.

Method #1 - Add to Contract, Then Quit Claim

Most banks do not have an issue with adding an additional party to a contract, they just do not want the ORIGINAL parties removed from it at any time. So Ivan Investor can get an REO property under contract for $50,000. Ivan calls Louie Landlord and after talking about the deal Louie agrees to pay a total of $60,000 for the property.

Ivan calls the bank up and requests that an addendum be drawn up that adds Louie to the contract and title. The Bank agrees and everyone shows up on closing day.

Louie brings TWO certified checks. One for $50,000 for the purchase of the property, and one for $10,000 made out to Ivan. Everyone closes on the property at which time both Ivan and Louie are the owners of the home. Louie hands Ivan the $10,000 check and Ivan signs a quit claim deed removing him from title on that property. Pretty simple, right?

Pros: The advantage to this method is that there is only one set of closing costs. It's a rather simple and straight-forward method that works for most deals. It works around the 90-day deed restriction that comes packaged with many Fannie/Freddie properties.

Cons: Here are the negatives that come with this method. This does NOT work for HUD properties because HUD does not allow any changes to the parties that are on the original offer and the end buyer usually cannot be getting a mortgage because a mortgage company won't allow you to be on title if they are lending someone else money against the home.

Method #2 - Simultaneous Double-Close

The simultaneous double-close (also known as a simul close or a "dry" close) is actually two transactions. An investor is buying from the bank and then instantly reselling to a third party in a separate transaction. It follows a typical A-to-B-to-C deal flow.

The "twist" that comes with this method is that the wholesale investor never actually brings any money into play. The end-buyer's funds are used to fund BOTH transactions. This is possible because, as long as both closings take place on the same day, it doesn't matter which one closes first for the title company's accounting purposes. The second transaction (B-to-C) could take place a 9am with all the paperwork for that transaction taken care of at that time while the first transaction (A-to-B) doesn't close until 2pm.

What really matters is that the deeds are RECORDED in the proper order when filed with the county. It's important at that time to have the A-to-B deed filed first with the B-to-C deed following on record.

Pros: This works well for those who have zero cash as long as they have a good title company that will still do these types of transactions. It still works even with end buyers that are getting conventional financing if the end buyer is getting their financing through the right lender.

Cons: This method does NOT work if the end buyer is getting FHA financing. This method also does NOT work for Fannie/Freddie foreclosures in most cases because these super-banks put a deed restriction in place that prevents you from reselling the property to ANYONE for a full 90 days.

Also, with all double-close deals there are two sets of transfer taxes, recording fees, and other closing costs that cut into your profit. Of course you can just build that into the deal by lowering your offer price in order to circumvent this small annoyance.

The biggest roadblock to getting these transactions closed is the fact that fewer and fewer title companies are comfortable with the "dry" simultaneous close where the wholesale investor brings in no cash to the deal. In fact, they are often refusing to close these deals at all!

Method #3 - True Double Close

The true double close (also known as a "wet" close) is the same as the simultaneous close in that the investor is buying the foreclosure property and instantly reselling it to the end buyer for a profit. However, the wholesale investor is actually bringing in his own cash to fund his end of the deal.

This little difference makes the title companies happy but it doesn't work so well for beginning investors that don't have piles of cash sitting around to make the deals work.

Then came Flash Funding. There are "transactional funding" lenders will lend you all the money you need to do these same-day double-close deals...for a price. Most will never run a credit check or request an appraisal on the property.

The pros and cons to this method are pretty much the same as the simul close, except that on the good side more title companies are willing to do business with you if you go this route and on the bad side you have additional costs in the form of Flash Funding fees chewing away at your profits.

Method #4 - Sell The LLC

This last method has been popularized by Steve Cook who's said that he swiped it from commercial real estate investors who have been using it for years to avoid paying transfer taxes.

The idea is that an investor would submit an offer in the name of an LLC. If he was writing an offer on 123 Main Street, he might put the offer in with the buyer as "Main Street Holdings LLC". If the offer is accepted, the investor immediately faxes in his LLC articles of organization and creates the company to match the Buyer on the purchase agreement.

From there the investor finds his end buyer and they agree that on closing day the end buyer will purchase the entire LLC from the original investor for the amount of the wholesale fee. From there, as the new owner of the LLC, the end buyer is empowered to close on the original transaction and purchase the property.

Pros: The upside to this method is that you workaround the extra costs in the form of transfer taxes and/or Flash Funding fees that come with the two Double-Close methods, and for those who are concerned about guarding their privacy, your name never goes on the deal.

Cons: The major obstacle to this one is that the end buyer has to pretty much be paying cash. Banks do not loan traditional mortgages (either to owner occupants or investors) in company names. You have to buy it in your own personal name to get a mortgage. Other concerns are that if you do this often enough you may attract the attention of state regulators who are confused as to why you start and sell 5-10 LLCs each month.

These four major methods are pretty much all an investor needs to know in order to start wholesaling bank owned REO foreclosures. None of these methods require the wholesaler to bring his or her own cash into play other than the initial earnest money deposit and none require a credit check. One of them will work for pretty much any situation, whether the end buyer is paying cash or getting financing enabling you to earn large checks on a consistent basis by wholesaling REO foreclosure properties.

How to Use Seminars as a Morale Boost at Work

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Employee morale can be a fickle enemy that comes and goes with wavering stability. Perhaps the energy in your workplace has suddenly changed with a new season approaching.

Perhaps theres even been some tension between coworkers.

When it comes to a successful business, everyone needs occasional help to stay engaged and motivated. A morale boost is sometimes necessary to get your team back on track and headed swiftly towards their goals.

Through exciting team building exercises, your employees wont roll their eyes at quarterly seminars. Whats more, you can reignite the fire beneath your team.

Have no fear, the ultimate guide on how seminars can boost your workplace morale is here:

1. Communication-Based Seminars Provide A Morale Boost

Transparency between manager/boss and employees is essential. During your seminar, utilize communication building. Create activities to help your team understand that communication in your workplace is a free-flowing highway.

Let your employees feel informed through a seminar that focuses on respect, gossip, and effective ways of communicating. At the end of the seminar, have an open discussion.

Invite your employees to ask whatever questions theyd like to.

Present upcoming changes or new goals in your seminary through open communication. Keep the seminars regularly scheduled and invite all leadership and employees. Improve your relationships through communication-based seminars.

2. Make Seminars Fun for the Ultimate Morale Boost

Make your seminars fun to avoid having your team dread them every month. Remind your employees through a fun and interactive seminar that their career field doesnt always have to be mundane and boring. For the ultimate morale boost, consider incorporating fun into the workplace

Surprise your employees in a seminar with an upcoming project that ends up being the reveal of a long weekend or a day off. Suprise them with half-days or long weekends after seminars that are heavy and work-related.

For the ultimate seminars for your team in the coming year, consider SeminarFest 2018.

3. Focus on Team-Building and Individuality

Seminars based on team-building can help your employees cope with change. Seminars can help your team understand management. Through understanding management needs, theyll understand what is expected of them.

Let your staff share who they are as individuals so they feel they can bring their personality to work. Letting your employees shine individually will make them feel special, needed, and will give a huge morale boost. When people feel they are valued, their work ethic improves.

4. Be Creative

Consider holding your seminar in an escape-room. Your team will have to move throughout the office and solve problems before moving on to the next step. Let your team play games that involve problem-solving.

Through a seminar that is creative and engaging, youll hold your employees attention. Give them the information they need in a way that will help them retain it.

Find ways to teach your team whats necessary through creative tactics. Use positive articles in an entertaining powerpoint to help maintain positive energy in your workforce.

Go Big

When it comes to seminars, think big. Make them bold, engaging, fun and creative. Let your seminars be a welcome reprieve to you and your team. A happy workplace is a successful workplace.

For more tips and tricks on self-improvement, motivation, and a positive workplace, click here!

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How to Use Parkinson's Law to Increase Your Productivity

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Back in school, I remember learning about Parkinson's Law. It was taught in one of my classes. Parkinson's Law states, Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion. I remember reading that with a yawn. At the time, it didn't mean much to me, nor did I fully understand it. But as I got older, I realized that Parkinson's Law is a really important concept.

Maybe you've learned about Parkinson's Law too. Parkinson's Law means that if you have, say, 10 hours to complete a task, then it'll take you 10 hours to complete it. If you have 2 hours to complete the task, then you'll take 2 hours to complete it.

You've probably seen evidence of it in your own life. Whenever you were faced with a tight deadline, you instantly worked harder and more productively. Failing to meet the deadline was not an option. Somehow, you miraculously got the work done and met the impossible deadline.

On the other hand, when you had all the time in the world to complete a task, it was easy to slack off. After all, the work didn't need to be done so soon. So you probably worked much less productively.

When you have a tight time limit or deadline, it forces your brain to figure out a way to get it done on time.

When I was 16, my teacher gave the class a programming project: Make the game Monopoly. We were given 2 months to complete it. I completely underestimated how long it would take. 2 months seemed like a long time, so I took my time working on the project.

When the due date came near, there was still a lot of work left to do. It seemed almost impossible to get it done on time. The night before the due date, I frantically programmed and worked feverishly to get it done. I stayed up all night working at it and didn't sleep, working until the morning. Somehow, I miraculously got it done and handed it in on time (and enjoyed my A on the project).

If I didn't have such a tight deadline, it would have taken me much longer to complete the project. I wouldn't have worked as productively.

But productivity is important for your business. The higher your productivity, the more you get done in less time. And the more results and income you generate for your business.

So how do you apply Parkinson's Law to boost your productivity? Whenever you have a task, give yourself a time limit to complete it. Make the time limit short, but realistic at the same time. You must take the time limit seriously, just like client deadlines, otherwise it's too easy to break the time limit and be unproductive. Do whatever it takes to get the task done within the time limit.

If the task is large and will take more than a day to complete, you can give yourself a deadline instead of a time limit. Make the deadline realistically short, just like for time limits. You could also try breaking the task down into smaller tasks and use time limits for the smaller tasks.

So if you want to increase your productivity, give Parkinson's Law a try.

How to Use a Travel Log App to Capture Memories

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If you want to make your vacation one to remember, youll want to do your best to put together some memories.

Those photos and videos of the family trip could be just what you need to remember some great times and share them with others.

One of the best ways to go about this is through a travel log app.

Such an app will make sure you have the nifty bells and whistles to keep all of those vacation memories.

With this in mind, lets explore more about using these apps.

#1: Find The Best Travel Log App

The beauty of using a travel log app is that there are plenty to choose between.

When youre looking to get started with them, put together a list of the ones that have the features that you need.

For instance, Google Trips is an app that allows you to plan out your trip, keep accurate notes and store your itinerary. Since its linked to Google technology, youll also have up to date info on hotels, places to eat, things to see and do and traffic patterns.

As you might guess, this is excellent to have in your pocket when planning a road trip across multiple states.

If you need to rent a vehicle, Turo is great in this regard. They point you in the direction of third-party car owners who lend their vehicles for rental.

Mile IQ is a great travel log app to keep as well since it logs your mileage automatically any time that you drive. Having this app is particularly important if you drive for a living such as a commercial truck driver.

This app logs the miles so you can receive government reimbursement. Couple this capability with an app like Comfreight trucker load boards, and youll also be able to find freight jobs seamlessly.

#2: Make The Best Use Of Your Hard Drive Space

If youre planning to use a travel log app when on the go, its best that you clear space on your phone for it.

Rather than just delete items, youd be best served adding a large SD card. Photos and video files can get huge, so never rely on your phones built-in hard drive.

It may also be worth your while to sync to cloud storage so that youre never worried about taxing your phone. Apps like Instagram keep photo and video files on your phone after you post, so you can also free up clutter when you have duplicates.

#3: Stay Prepared And Charged Up

Finally, the best thing you can do is keep some chargers and adapters handy at all times.

The most wonderful travel memories and information will be lost if your battery is dying. Todays smartphones use a crazy amount of data, so you owe it to yourself to have a backup charger in place whenever these processes become draining.

Even when traveling abroad, bring some portable chargers that keep you in the game. The last thing youd want is miss out on photos of Italys countryside because you let your phone die.

What travel log apps do you use? Leave us a comment below!

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How To Upgrade The Sound System Of VW Caddy

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The Volkswagen Caddy is not new to the marketplace, few vehicles have had the impact on the market the small VW van has had. In less than three years the Caddy has gone from zero to hero and now dominates the small van market segment. The current version is not technically new but instead a thorough overhaul of the 2003 version with a brand new appearance plus a premium quality inside. In terms of refinement and comfort, there is little else this dimension that can match the Caddy apart from the most recent Ford Transit Connect.

The inner comfort and goodies comprise the radio and CD player, which is MP3 compatible, supported to find the best sound quality and that strong base, by the 6-speaker audio system, for your love of audio and amusement. Automobile owners often seek to customize their automobile stereos with aftermarket stereo parts. The first step in their upgrade is most likely replacing the factory stereo unit with the aftermarket head unit.

You won't need to unplug your car radio from the battery, but if you plan to do it or accidentally unplug the Quadlock you will need the car's radio anti-theft activation code (4 digit code) to turn your radio on again. You will find this code in the car radio's documentation you got from the garage.

Initiative consists in removing the stock head-unit. The Radio didn't come with any removal tools as there are no slots in the fascia, unclip and remove the OEM panel all clips release with pry pressure. This is the most difficult part of the tutorial. To extract the car stereo I've used some plastic cards (SIM holders, plastic coupons or old phone cards). You must carefully put them into the small gap between the car stereo and the outer frame. Pull off the surround. No tools required and the drawers don't need to be open. Pry left edge of car stereo trim panel from dash releasing clips, pry right edge of car stereo trim panel from das releasing clips, remove trim panel and set to side.

The radio unit is held in with four Torx T20 screws unscrew the four screws below the center cabinet. Remove car stereo from dash note which connections are on the back - you can see the quadlock on the left and the aerial connections on the right squeeze the trigger on connector into connector to release and remove. At the bottom of the quadlock, flip the lever and it'll pop out. The antenna connections pull out by squeezing the tabs, remove the antenna and remove car stereo|remove car stereo, remove the antenna and pull out by squeezing the tabs and with that, the radio is out.

A new head unit gives you better sound and newer features. A Volkswagen Caddy Single din Facia adaptor plate fit stereo to a single din size, with this you will be ready to fit your aftermarket head unit, i.e. a Pioneer, Sony, Kenwood etc. The high quality finish, colour and texture are designed specifically to maintain the original look of your vehicles interior. Double din facia will convert your non din-sized aperture left after removing the factory fit stereo to a double din size.

Slide the new stereo into the VW radio mounting kit, connect the wiring harness adaptor to the original harness and slide the VW antenna adaptor onto the original wire. Plug the wiring harness adaptor and antenna into the back of the new stereo and slide the entire assembly into the dash until it clicks into place.

How to Unregister a Vehicle

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Regardless of why you are getting rid of your car or disposing of it, you need to take the necessary steps to deregister your vehicle. There are a number of reasons why someone would be doing this and it can be to change owners of the car or the car may no longer be in driving conditions. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you look into doing this to ensure things are done properly.

One of the first things you should do is call your local insurance company where the car is insured. They can help you with getting to the right places and they can also help you alert the DMV that you want to unregister your car. You need to cancel the insurance on the car itself as well.

If you are going to be changing owners, both parties need to contact a transport agency within a 7 day time frame and you as the seller need to complete a form showing that you have sold the car to someone else. These forms are often referred to as a MR13A and you can typically get them at your local post office. You should get everything copied document wise for both parties in case there are any errors or issues along the way or in the future. Desguaces en Vizcaya.

If your car is in an accident and is considered to be no longer drivable, there are also steps to take to unregister it. You need to cancel insurance as well as all license plate and registration tags on the car. You need to determine if the car will go to a scrap yard or if you are going to temporarily deregister it. If you plan on sending it to a scrap yard you can fill out an application online to deregister the car and obtain a transaction pin. You will have 5 days from the time you complete your application to send it to a scrap yard and you will need to take them the application form as well as and road tax fees.

There are some people that need to unregister a car that has been stolen or damaged at some point. You need to deregister your vehicle no more than 3 months after the incident and if your car has been reported stolen or lost you have an extended time frame to get your car deregistered.

Keep in mind that driving a vehicle that is not registered is a crime and can result in fines and other penalties. If you need to get it somewhere, you will need to have it towed and you are responsible for the charges needed.

How to Treat Shingles on the Face - Medication and Natural Remedies

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Shingles is a painful, sore rash that forms blisters and rashes on the skin, as a result of a viral infection. It can also form on the face, and leave you in agony for quite some time. The worst thing about shingles is that even after the rashes have disappeared, the pain can last for years and leave you with extremely sensitive skin. This painful state is known as 'postherpetic neuralgia.' The good news is that an early treatment can effectively heal shingles and return your skin to normal. Everyone has the right to a clear, healthy skin, and if you follow some basic rules, you can have it too.

Usually, shingles are not that severe, and the mild symptoms can be treated without the help of a doctor. However, having shingles on your face is especially dangerous. If you have rashes around eyes that are sore, you must run to your doctor at the earliest, as it can lead to permanent eye damage. An early treatment is particularly crucial for people with weak immune systems. The risk of other bacterial infections of the skin increases when you have shingles. There is also a risk of damage to the eyes and ears, and a facial paralysis. Hence, you must consult your doctor and follow the treatment religiously to avoid complications. You must not take any chances if you shingles on the face.

Depending on the severity of your case, your doctor will plan out a treatment. Anti-virals are a usual choice, alongside anti-inflammatory drugs. More powerful drugs may be necessary if the pain persists. Topical lotions and antibiotic ointments are necessary to keep the blisters dry and ensure quick healing. Injections of vitamin B12 provide pain relief.

Besides these, there are some easy, self-help, natural remedies that can be followed at home in order to relieve pain and itching of rashes on the face. Firstly, you don't want the infection to spread or make way for any bacterial attacks, so keep your rashes clean and dry. Apply ice packs and cool towels to your face regularly. Apply fresh pulp of aloe vera along with some cayenne pepper in it. Coconut oil, olive oil or eucylyptus oil are other good options. You can gently massage the skin of your face with these natural oils.

If the blisters are really sore, opt for cotton balls dipped in coconut oil and aloe vera and rub it all over the affected area. Use peppermint oil or lemon oil, which not only relieve pain but also work against viruses. This has several advantages?it relieves pain, keeps the skin dry by absorbing moisture, and helps the blisters to heal quickly.

Another important part of shingles treatment is a good diet. Eat as much fresh fruits and vegetables as you possibly can for 1 to 2 weeks. Include oatmeal in your regular diet. Eliminate sugar, caffeine and meat from your diet. Alkaline water speeds your recovery. Green tea has great anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties and will increase overall health as well.

Thus, you can successfully treat shingles on your face with the help of your doctor and these natural methods. Good medication, along with these effective, organic oils and diet tips is the best treatment method for shingles.

How to Travel Like a Local in the Dominican Republic

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We know what kind of traveler you are.

You bring the same appetite to street food as youd bring to an upscale restaurant.

Youd rather find your way to the beach (or museum, shop, restaurant, etc.) yourself than go with a tour.

Youll take a locals advice over a guidebooks every time.

Bottom line: You embrace local flavor. You want to travel like a local.

And youve picked the right place. The Dominican Republic offers some of the friendliest people, best food, most beautiful beaches, widest choice of accommodations and the most diverse range of activities in the Caribbean.

Heres what you need to know to enjoy it all.

When to Go

There are no bad times.

June through December, roughly, is hurricane season, and some resorts close in October. But assuming no hurricanes, temperatures are steady, rooms are discounted and crowds are smaller.

March through July is shoulder season.

Santo Domingo on the southern coast will likely see frequent, brief rain that may continue into October. And days can get breezy. But temperatures are balmy. May and June will see partly cloudy days with an occasional afternoon shower.

Mid-December through February and the week before Easter constitute the high season, meaning higher prices and bigger beach crowds.

(Note that water sports are prohibited throughout the country during the week before Easter.)

What to Pay and Where to Stay

Youll find accommodations in virtually every price range and category, from all-inclusive resorts and the Dominican Republic villas to hostels and budget hotels.

In the budget range, you can get by on about US$60 per person per day, including a hotel room or hostel for one person, meals, and transportation via local motorcycle taxis (motoconchos) and minibusses (guaguas).

In the mid-range, figure an average daily cost of US$110-$150, including first class bus transportation between cities and entertainment including guided tours.

With a luxury budget, average daily costs are typically north of US$200 for a luxury hotel or all-inclusive resort and upscale dining.

The local currency is the Dominican Republic peso, so dont forget your currency conversion calculator.

And dont be alarmed at the 28% service charge typically tacked onto your restaurant bill; it includes a 10% tip (though you can add more).

By the same token, hotels build in a service charge, although a couple of U.S. dollars per night for housekeeping will always be appreciated.

Where to Go and What to Do

Beaches

Most resorts have beaches. But in a country noted for its beaches, you can do a lot better with a bit of traveling.

The calmest waters are those on the south side of the island. The beaches at Punta Cana, La Samana, and Puerto Plata are on the Atlantic and the water is likely to be a bit rougher, especially between December and February.

Specifically, Boca Chica is a gorgeous, white sand beach just a few miles east of Santo Domingo. But its proximity to the city is also its biggest deficit, as Boca Chica tends to be very crowded with families from the city.

Juan Dolio beach a few minutes further east is quieter. And there are plenty of alternatives, including the beach at the small town of Las Terrenas, Cayo Levantado near the Bay of Samana (only accessible by boat), El Rincon beach and for a gorgeous coral reef and great diving Playa Cofresi.

Wherever you go, remember that on Sundays, accessible beaches are likely to be more crowded with locals.

But the Dominican Republic is about a lot more than just beaches.

The Capital

Santo Domingo is the countrys capital and cultural center. It features museums, parks, upscale restaurants and street food, music and nightlife.

The Colonial City is a particularly fascinating historic area.

And Malecon, the seafront promenade, is a great place for a drink at sunset at one of the many hotels, casinos, and restaurants facing the Caribbean.

Inland

Unlike some Caribbean destinations noted for their beaches, the Dominican Republic also features mountains and lush jungle.

Mount Isabel de Torres is notable for its spectacular city views and the cable car ride to the summit. There are also steep hiking trails if youre feeling adventurous.

The Cascades of Damajagua feature a series of pools and waterfalls. The climb to the top is strenuous and you may require assistance. But the payoff is an exhilarating slide back down to the bottom.

Sportfishing is also a major pastime in the Dominican Republic, and multiple operators operate zipline adventures and canopy tours in the jungle.

Other popular activities include diving with whales, swimming with dolphins, kiteboarding, mountain biking and dune buggies.

Finally, if you really want to travel the Dominican Republic like a local, take some time to brush up on your Spanish, the national language.

And whatever you do, dont forget to send us a postcard.

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How To Start a Trout Farming Business

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Trout farming has become an industry that reached its plateau more than two decades ago having experienced a rapid growth phase during the 1970s and 1980s. However there is still opportunity for somebody with access to the appropriate resources to develop a lucrative sideline business farming trout.

For a mainstream trout farm investment it is necessary to look for a production unit capable of producing at least two to three hundred tons each year in order to make the investment worth while. Unfortunately there are no longer any suitable sites available that would support this level of production and any that are still undeveloped would likely be more suitable for more profitable enterprises these days.

However, for landowners or persons with access to a small plot of land, which need be no more than an acre in size, and a suitable water supply, it is possible to develop a lucrative side line business farming trout.

The important aspect of the water supply is that it is not only of sufficient quantity and quality, but also flows uninterrupted 24 hours each day. It is no good if the supply dries up in the summer or is vulnerable to a farmer upstream closing a valve or dumping a load of waste fertilizer in it!

The most cost efficient method for getting started is to dig Danish style earth ponds and install glass fiber sluices at the inlets and outlets. These are easily available from aquaculture suppliers. The ponds should be filled and checked carefully for flow and integrity before fish are stocked. These will be added to the ponds one or more times a year from good quality hatcheries.

The ponds will be covered with netting to keep predatory herons and cormorants out and also have automatic fish feeders attached. It is possible to get these fabricated locally at low cost or they can again be purchased from an aquaculture supplier. They must be filled regularly with an appropriate size of trout pellet for the size of fish that is bought from one of several commercial trout food producers.

The fish will take 12 to 18 months to grow to a portion size and may need grading along the way as trout tend to grow at different rates. When ready for harvesting the biggest will be graded out and the rest allowed to grow again until the next harvest date. Thus a smooth and regular output can be obtained.

For any landowner or person with access to a plot of land with a spring or stream setting up a modest trout farm business can provide a valuable side line income to any existing businesses.