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Flipping Houses: Turning a Wreck into a Gem

About Me

Flipping Houses: Turning a Wreck into a Gem

Five years ago, I decided to start my own side business. Along with keeping my job as a construction worker, I decided to use my savings to purchase an older residence. The plan was to fix up the place and then sell it at a profit. It didn't take me long to figure out that while my side business would take up most of my free time, it would make me a lot of money. Today, I still flip three or four houses a year. My strategy developed through trial and error, and I've learned how to evaluate the potential of a property first, then buy second. I know what must be done in the way of exterior painting, making the place secure, and ultimately finding the right buyer. If you are thinking about trying this kind of sideline, read on. What I've learned will help you a lot.

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Make Shipping Affordable For Your Small Business

8 June 2015
 Categories: Business, Blog

Do you feel like the cost to ship products out to customers is taking up too much of your profits? If so, there are a few things you can do to start saving money. You can create an efficient shipping schedule that saves time and money.

By purchasing the right supplies in advance and taking the time to schedule when you are going to ship out items, you can reduce the amount you have to pay to prepare the items and ship them. Try these things.

Buy in Bulk

If go through tons of bubble wrap because you ship components that are breakable, buy it in bulk and save money. Everything from boxes to labels and Styrofoam can be purchased in large quantities for far less than what you would pay if you waited until you got to the shipping provider. You will also have the items you need on hand, so you don't have to wait in line to get supplies at the post office or shipping store and you can pack things that you have your own staff delivering. Check out websites like http://www.shalomdenver.com for more information about packaging supplies.

Use Corrugated Boxes

Corrugated boxes are boxes that are specially designed to protect whatever it is you're shipping. You can save money by reducing the amount of damaged products you have when you use these specially designed boxes, and you can also avoid insurance fees if you feel the box is going to protect the item.

Set a Standard Shipping Policy

Instead of running around and paying fees for faster delivery, put on your website or tell customers in advance when items will ship. If you only want to ship on Wednesdays and Fridays, put that on the website along with what type of shipping service you will use. Not all carriers have the same delivery policies and delivery options. If they want to pay for expedited shipping, that is up to them, but you shouldn't spend every day at the post office. You also don't want to pay extra because you didn't get to the post office one day.

These three things are going to lower your shipping costs because you won't have to pay for rush shipping; you won't have to worry about items getting damaged and shipped back, which can cost you double in shipping; and you aren't going to use the costly supplies the post office wants you to buy.