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In the latest sign that the The President administration isn’t so concerned about asbestos, the Food and Drug Administration this week withdrew a proposed rule that would have required testing for the toxic asbestos in talc-based cosmetics. The rule, which was proposed by the Biden administration less than a year ago, would have required manufacturers to test cosmetics for asbestos and keep records demonstrating compliance. Exposure to asbestos has been linked to lung cancer, mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, and laryngeal cancer, which is why various health agencies have determined there’s no “safe” level of exposure to this natural mineral. Johnson & Johnson has been the subject of numerous lawsuits related to reports that the company knew about the risk of asbestos in the talc found in its baby powder. Talc is found in many cosmetics because it can be used to absorb moisture, prevent caking, and create a silky feel for these products, according to information on the FDA website. But the current administration seems to have yielded partly to the “highly scientific and technical issues addressed” in the 49 comments received during the mandatory public comment period, according to a legal notice posted to the federal registry and signed by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. “Good cause exists to withdraw the proposed rule at this time,” the order stated. “We are withdrawing the proposed rule to reconsider best means of addressing the issues covered by the proposed rule and broader principles to reduce exposure to asbestos, and to ensure that any standardized testing method requirements for detecting asbestos in talc-containing cosmetic products help protect users of talc-containing cosmetic products from harmful exposure to asbestos.” The FDA didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment from Fast Company. WITHDRAWING FROM BIDEN’S BANS Withdrawing from this proposed rule doesn’t necessarily mean that manufacturers will suddenly start adding asbestos to cosmetics, but rather a guardrail for ensuring the deadly toxin isn’t present in these products is now being reconsidered. The FDA plans to issue a proposed rule related to the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022. A spokesperson for the agency confirmed as much to The New York Times, saying that the FDA will submit a new proposed rule “that offers a more comprehensive approach to reducing exposure to asbestos and reducing asbestos related illness, including identifying safer additives as alternatives, especially when they are less costly.” But both The President administrations have demonstrated some willingness to walk back protections from this deadly carcinogen, allowing asbestos to make a comeback. By contrast, the Biden administration finalized a ban on ongoing uses of chrysotile asbestos in 2024 and also proposed the aforementioned rule for detecting and identifying asbestos in cosmetics. The current The President administration has now taken a swipe at both of these efforts to ban asbestos. In June, the Environmental Protection Agency in June planned to withdraw a proposed ban on chrysotile asbestos, before reversing course less than one month later. OUTRAGE AT ROLLBACK The U.S. continues to be out-of-step with much of the rest of the world, where asbestos is completely outlawed in more than 50 countries. Notably, asbestos is not outlawed in China, where many cosmetics are manufactured. This latest move by the FDA is both baffling and troubling to some consumer advocates. “Nothing could make America less healthy than having a cancer causing product in cosmetics,” Scott Faber, vice president of government affairs with the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit that’s lobbied for stricter regulations around talc, told The Guardian. “It’s hard to understand why we would revoke a rule that simply requires companies to test for asbestos.” And it marks “another horrific rollback” that should outrage consumers, Linda Reinstein, president and chief executive of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, told The New York Times. “It puts the onus on Americans to have to try to identify consumer products that might be contaminated, and the average person can’t do that because you can’t know without testing,” she said. View the full article

Beware of restricting it to tackle England’s huge backlog of criminal casesView the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Black Friday sales officially start Friday, November 28, and run through Cyber Monday, December 1, and Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools before it's over. Follow our live blog to stay up-to-date on the best sales we find. Browse our editors’ picks for a curated list of our favorite sales on laptops, fitness tech, appliances, and more. Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox. Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. On Netflix right now, you can stream the 2025 Richard Linklater film Nouvelle Vague, a low-key hangout movie about the making of Jean-Luc Godard's 1960 French New Wave masterpiece Breathless, but you cannot stream Breathless itself. This is because Netflix owns the rights to the former, but doesn't much care about licensing the latter. And that's the modern streaming landscape in a nutshell. While I would never suggest streaming hasn't been great for the true cinephiles out there—if I can think of a film, there's a very good chance there's a way I can start watching it within seconds, even if I have to pay for a rental or buy a digital copy—the major streaming services haven't always done right by film fans. While Netflix grows increasingly uninterested in hosting anything that isn't a Netflix exclusive, the likes of Warner Bros. and Paramount are removing many classics from their streaming services to emphasize newer "content." But all is not lost—if you look beyond the major media corporations, there are great niche streaming options out there for film freaks. And right now, annual subscriptions to two of the very best are heavily discounted for Black Friday. The Criterion Channel and MUBI are indispensable for film fansI've written before about my love for The Criterion Channel, the streaming offshoot of The Criterion Collection, a boutique media label that has spent more than four decades cultivating a reputation as the ultimate tastemaker for movie obsessives, releasing top shelf home video editions of "important classic and contemporary films" spanning the last century and the entire world. In 2019 Criterion launched The Criterion Channel, which brings the same selective film snob ethos to a monthly streaming service. MUBI, meanwhile, is a British streaming service-turned-film distributor that actually got its start with the help of Criterion back in the mid-2000s. While it has recently become well-known for bringing art house fare like The Substance and Die My Love to theaters, it also operates a highly curated streaming service focused on independent world cinema. It's hard to choose between the two streaming services, because they have such a different focus: The Criterion Channel is essential if you're interested in developing a broad knowledge of classic cinema, with an ever-changing catalog spanning decades, while MUBI tends to be focused on more recent but also more obscure films from around the globe. So why choose? Both are $75 for Black FridayUsually a subscription to The Criterion Channel will run you $100/year (or $11/month), while MUBI is a bit pricier at $120/year (or $15/month). As I try to keep my monthly streaming budget to a reasonable level, I usually limit myself to one of these, but thanks to their concurrent Black Friday sales, I'm going all out in 2026. Right now, you can get a year of either service for a cool $75, or $6.25 per month annualized. That means you can get both for $12.50, or $6 less than the cost of a month of HBO Max without ads. From now through Dec. 1, MUBI's deal is $75 for an annual subscription, with the deal accessible directly from its homepage (though note that you'll auto-renew next year at the usual $120 price). The deal is open to all new and past subscribers. Also through Dec. 1, The Criterion Channel is also $75, but you'll need to use the code BLACKFRIDAY25 at checkout. Your subscription will start after a 7-day free trial, and will auto-renew next year at the usual $100 rate. One caveat: This deal is for your "first year," so if you're a current or former subscriber, you're out of luck unless you want to create a new account with a different email and credit card, and sacrifice your watch history. Whichever option you choose (again, I suggest going big and getting both if you can swing it), you'll have a great year of movie-watching ahead of you. What stores have the best sales on Black Friday?Nowadays, both large retailers and small businesses compete for Black Friday shoppers, so you can expect practically every store to run sales through Monday, December 1, 2025. The “best” sales depend on your needs, but in general, the biggest discounts tend to come from larger retailers that can afford lower prices: think places like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Home Depot. You can find all the best sales from major retailers on our live blog. Are Black Friday deals worth it?In short, yes, Black Friday still offers discounts that can be rare throughout the rest of the year. If there’s something you want to buy, or you’re shopping for gifts, it’s a good time to look for discounts on what you need, especially tech sales, home improvement supplies, and fitness tech. Of course, if you need to save money, the best way to save is to not buy anything. Are Cyber Monday deals better than Black Friday?Black Friday used to be bigger for major retailers and more expensive tech and appliances, while Cyber Monday was for cheaper tech and gave smaller businesses a chance to compete online. Nowadays, though, the distinction is almost meaningless. Every major retailer will offer sales on both days, and the smart move is to know what you want, use price trackers or refer to guides like our live blog that use price trackers for you, and don’t stress over finding the perfect timing. Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $219.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $274.00 (List Price $349.00) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $248.00 (List Price $399.99) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Wireless Security Camera (5-Pack) — $159.99 (List Price $399.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) Shark AI Ultra Matrix Clean Mapping Voice Control Robot Vacuum with XL Self-Empty Base — $249.99 (List Price $599.00) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $339.00 (List Price $399.00) WD 6TB My Passport USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive — $138.65 (List Price $179.99) Dell 14 Premium DA14250 (Intel Core Ultra 7 255H, 512GB SSD, 16GB RAM, 2K Display) — $999.99 (List Price $1,549.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Office for Budget Responsibility says forecasts for public finances were rosier than chancellor suggestedView the full article

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced a groundbreaking achievement for fiscal year 2025 (FY25)—the Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) program has reached an unprecedented $53 billion in combined private capital and SBA leverage. This record surpasses last year’s total of $46 billion and signals a robust investment environment for small businesses across the nation. The SBIC program, established in 1958, serves as a crucial funding avenue for small businesses, enabling them to access the capital necessary to operate, expand, and modernize. Through the licensing of equity and debt investment funds—known as Small Business Investment Companies—SBA provides government-backed loans that match privately raised capital. This partnership enhances the allure of investing in small businesses, potentially improving investment returns. SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler emphasized the significance of this achievement: “Confidence in President The President’s pro-growth economic agenda is driving investment in America’s next generation of category leaders, and the SBIC Program is delivering record capital to support the start-ups and innovators who are revitalizing America’s industrial dominance.” The active engagement of the private sector, brought forth by tax cuts and deregulation, has contributed to what Loeffler describes as a transformative “rocket fuel” for American strength and security. The record investment isn’t just a statistic—it translates to tangible benefits for small business owners. This year, SBA approved 48 new SBIC licenses, expected to facilitate more than $14 billion in investments. Additionally, a record 86 “Green Light” letters for future SBIC licenses are projected to generate over $20 billion in investments. This influx of capital can help small businesses pursue innovative projects, create jobs, and stimulate local economies. Key takeaways for small business owners include: Access to Capital: With the expanded SBIC program, small businesses can tap into more resources for growth and innovation. Investment Partnerships: Collaborating with an SBIC can provide leverage that many small businesses may not have when seeking funding independently. Long-term Growth Opportunities: This increase in capital availability allows small businesses to not only meet immediate needs but also plan for future expansions. While the news is encouraging, small business owners should also be aware of potential challenges. The influx of investment could lead to increased competition for funding. As more firms and startups enter the market, distinguishing one’s business also becomes critical. Furthermore, successfully navigating the complexities associated with securing SBIC funding—such as meeting eligibility requirements and understanding the terms of partnership—can be daunting for some owners. Despite these hurdles, the overall outlook remains optimistic. The SBA’s investment in the small business sector reflects a broader commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation across the nation. Moreover, the connection to the The President administration’s economic agenda suggests a continued push for pro-growth policies that resonate with small business owners. The SBIC program is more than just a funding source; it is a lifeline for countless small enterprises striving to thrive in competitive markets. For many owners, the recent developments signal a promising shift toward greater economic opportunities and support for innovative ventures. For small business owners eager to explore this newly expanded capital landscape, the SBA’s resources offer pathways to maximize these opportunities. Whether considering applying for SBIC funding or exploring partnerships with accredited investment companies, the movement towards greater investment cannot be overlooked. As we look forward to the future of small business innovation in America, it is evident that the SBIC program’s record-breaking year is just the beginning. For more details on the SBIC program and to stay updated on potential opportunities, visit the original announcement at SBA.gov. Image via Google Gemini This article, "SBA’s SBIC Program Achieves Historic $53 Billion Investment Milestone" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced a groundbreaking achievement for fiscal year 2025 (FY25)—the Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) program has reached an unprecedented $53 billion in combined private capital and SBA leverage. This record surpasses last year’s total of $46 billion and signals a robust investment environment for small businesses across the nation. The SBIC program, established in 1958, serves as a crucial funding avenue for small businesses, enabling them to access the capital necessary to operate, expand, and modernize. Through the licensing of equity and debt investment funds—known as Small Business Investment Companies—SBA provides government-backed loans that match privately raised capital. This partnership enhances the allure of investing in small businesses, potentially improving investment returns. SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler emphasized the significance of this achievement: “Confidence in President The President’s pro-growth economic agenda is driving investment in America’s next generation of category leaders, and the SBIC Program is delivering record capital to support the start-ups and innovators who are revitalizing America’s industrial dominance.” The active engagement of the private sector, brought forth by tax cuts and deregulation, has contributed to what Loeffler describes as a transformative “rocket fuel” for American strength and security. The record investment isn’t just a statistic—it translates to tangible benefits for small business owners. This year, SBA approved 48 new SBIC licenses, expected to facilitate more than $14 billion in investments. Additionally, a record 86 “Green Light” letters for future SBIC licenses are projected to generate over $20 billion in investments. This influx of capital can help small businesses pursue innovative projects, create jobs, and stimulate local economies. Key takeaways for small business owners include: Access to Capital: With the expanded SBIC program, small businesses can tap into more resources for growth and innovation. Investment Partnerships: Collaborating with an SBIC can provide leverage that many small businesses may not have when seeking funding independently. Long-term Growth Opportunities: This increase in capital availability allows small businesses to not only meet immediate needs but also plan for future expansions. While the news is encouraging, small business owners should also be aware of potential challenges. The influx of investment could lead to increased competition for funding. As more firms and startups enter the market, distinguishing one’s business also becomes critical. Furthermore, successfully navigating the complexities associated with securing SBIC funding—such as meeting eligibility requirements and understanding the terms of partnership—can be daunting for some owners. Despite these hurdles, the overall outlook remains optimistic. The SBA’s investment in the small business sector reflects a broader commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation across the nation. Moreover, the connection to the The President administration’s economic agenda suggests a continued push for pro-growth policies that resonate with small business owners. The SBIC program is more than just a funding source; it is a lifeline for countless small enterprises striving to thrive in competitive markets. For many owners, the recent developments signal a promising shift toward greater economic opportunities and support for innovative ventures. For small business owners eager to explore this newly expanded capital landscape, the SBA’s resources offer pathways to maximize these opportunities. Whether considering applying for SBIC funding or exploring partnerships with accredited investment companies, the movement towards greater investment cannot be overlooked. As we look forward to the future of small business innovation in America, it is evident that the SBIC program’s record-breaking year is just the beginning. For more details on the SBIC program and to stay updated on potential opportunities, visit the original announcement at SBA.gov. Image via Google Gemini This article, "SBA’s SBIC Program Achieves Historic $53 Billion Investment Milestone" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

No one can deny that the internet, especially social media, can pose significant dangers. Now, a new survey has found that about one in five parents and carers know—and have supported—a child who has experienced online blackmail. The survey, from the U.K.’s National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC), also showed that one in ten of these individuals’ own children have experienced blackmail online. According to the NSPCC, bad actors often start communicating with young people on public platforms before actively moving the conversation to end-to-end encrypted messaging services—making it more challenging for them to be tracked. Only 43% of parents and carers found tech companies or platforms effective in preventing online blackmail, and just 37% thought the same of the government. “These findings show the scale of online blackmail that is taking place across the country, yet tech companies continue to fall short in their duty to protect children,” NSPCC policy manager Randi Govender said in response to the report. Some participants blamed online platforms for failing to care about children’s welfare. As one said, “They have no interest whatsoever. As long as they get their money from marketing, that’s good enough for them.” Another individual pointed to AI’s role: “I personally don’t feel like they do enough to remove the damaging content fast enough and rely too heavily on AI rather than humans.” The NSPCC also pointed to the role of AI in online blackmail, with bad actors sometimes using generative AI to create compromising deepfakes of children using regular photos of them on social media. Online blackmailing of young people is a global problem While the survey was of 2,558 U.K. parents and carers, online blackmailing of children is also running rampant in the U.S. In 2024, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) reported 29.2 million separate child sexual exploitation incidents sent to its CyberTipline. The FBI also reports an increase in financial sextortion cases, in which a blackmailer—often posting as a young person—convinces a child to send sexually explicit images and then demands the child send compensation or they will release the images. Oftentimes, they publish it whether they’ve received a payment or not. Instances of online blackmail can lead to young people attempting suicide. The role of parents in preventing online blackmailing The NSPCC survey highlights a shortfall in discussions between parents and children about online blackmail. About two in five parents and carers said they’ve rarely or never talked about the subject with their children. They want and need more resources about online blackmailing, but also point to schools as another place children should learn about its dangers. View the full article

Marketing boss says Prime generated €6mn in fare discounts, costing the airline ‘more money than it generates’View the full article

If you’re looking to turn your crafting skills into quick cash, consider exploring seven easy projects that require minimal materials and time. For instance, leather lip balm holders and fabric dog poop bag holders are both functional and appealing. Moreover, DIY garlands and cupcake bath bombs offer creative options for seasonal sales. Each craft can attract buyers seeking unique and sustainable products. Let’s examine these ideas further and uncover how you can maximize your profits. Key Takeaways Leather lip balm holders and fabric dog poop bag holders offer high profit margins and appeal to a wide audience. DIY garlands and cupcake bath bombs are versatile crafts that can be marketed for various occasions, attracting more buyers. Handmade jewelry allows for creativity and personalization, with potential selling prices reaching up to $50 per piece. Upcycled T-shirt bags are eco-friendly, quick to produce, and tap into the growing demand for sustainable products. Engaging in crafting fosters community involvement and can lead to workshops, enhancing both skills and market reach. Leather Lip Balm Holder When you’re looking for a practical and appealing craft to create, consider the leather lip balm holder. This unique craft isn’t just functional but also a stylish accessory that clips onto keys or bags for convenience. With a cost of just $1 to $2, you can sell these homemade products for $8 to $12, making them some of the best crafts to make money. Each holder takes only 15 to 20 minutes to make, allowing for easy batch production, perfect for anyone crafting for money. You’ll need leather scraps, a keyring, and a lip balm for sizing. The leather lip balm holder is an excellent choice among easy crafts to make and sell, attracting a wide audience. Fabric Dog Poop Bag Holder The fabric dog poop bag holder is a practical and stylish accessory designed for dog owners who value convenience during walks. These fabric dog poop bag holders easily clip onto leashes or bags, allowing you to keep waste bags handy. You can create them using fun fabric designs, appealing to pet lovers and enabling customization for unique styles. The cost to make one ranges from $2 to $3, whereas you can sell it for $10 to $15, making it a profitable option among crafts to earn money. Each holder takes only 20-30 minutes to produce, making this one of the easy crafts to make at home, perfect for selling at craft fairs or other venues. DIY Garland Crafting DIY garlands offers a fantastic way to create versatile decorations that cater to various seasons and occasions, making them a popular choice for consumers. These easy crafts to sell require minimal materials, such as string, fabric scraps, scissors, and glue, all of which are low-cost and accessible. Each garland takes about 30-45 minutes to create, allowing you to produce them in batches for quick sales. You can typically make garlands for $3 to $5 and sell them for $15 to $25, resulting in a significant profit margin. Market them as eco-friendly and handmade to attract buyers interested in unique, sustainable decor options. DIY garlands are excellent craft ideas to sell and can boost your income when making crafts to sell. Cupcake Bath Bombs Cupcake bath bombs offer a unique and visually appealing twist on traditional bath products, making them an attractive option for both personal use and gifting. These delightful homemade things are made using inexpensive materials like baking soda, citric acid, and Epsom salts, costing only $2-$3 each to create. You can sell them for $8-$15, resulting in a significant profit margin. The total time to make cupcake bath bombs is about one hour, plus 12-24 hours for drying. This craft allows for creativity, as you can customize scents and colors, appealing to a wide audience. As one of the best craft ideas to sell at farmers markets or on Etsy, they’re an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore money making crafts. Handmade Jewelry In terms of handmade jewelry, you have endless design options that allow you to express your creativity. With material costs typically ranging from $5 to $10 per piece, you can create stunning items like personalized bracelets or unique earrings. This low investment, combined with selling prices that can reach $50, makes handmade jewelry a profitable venture worth exploring. Unique Design Options Handmade jewelry offers a vast array of unique design options that cater to diverse tastes and preferences, ensuring that artisans can express their creativity as they appeal to potential buyers. From necklaces to earrings and bracelets, you can explore various styles that resonate with current trends. Incorporating personalization options, like custom engravings or color choices, improves the appeal of your pieces, making them perfect unique gifts. By researching the latest craft trends and focusing on niche markets, you can develop craft ideas for money that attract buyers at craft markets. With low-cost materials yielding high profit margins, handmade jewelry remains one of the most lucrative things to make and sell in today’s marketplace. Low Material Costs Creating jewelry can be a financially viable venture due to its low material costs, which typically range from $5 to $10 for essential components like beads, wires, and clasps. This affordability allows you to sell handmade jewelry for $20 to $50, yielding significant profit margins. Here are some benefits of this craft: Quick production of simple designs, like beaded bracelets and earrings, in 30 to 60 minutes Customization options for unique personalized items that appeal to buyers Growing demand for handmade jewelry over mass-produced alternatives Easy things to sell online through platforms like Etsy and social media Viable crafts to sell at a farmers market for local customers Painted Flower Pots When you create painted flower pots, you can offer a variety of customization options to attract different customers, including unique designs and lively colors. Seasonal themes can inspire your artwork, making these pots perfect gifts for holidays or special occasions. Additionally, using eco-friendly materials, like terracotta and acrylic paint, not only appeals to environmentally conscious buyers but furthermore improves the marketability of your products. Customization Options Available Customization options for painted flower pots can greatly boost their appeal to potential buyers, allowing you to cater to diverse tastes and preferences. By offering personalized touches, you can create unique home decor items to make and sell. Consider these options: Use various acrylic paint colors for a lively look. Add unique patterns, quotes, or seasonal themes. Incorporate customers’ names or specific color schemes. Offer a range of sizes and shapes for different plants. Market personalized painted flower pots as thoughtful gifts for occasions like housewarmings or weddings. These customization options available elevate your product’s marketability, making them standout handicraft ideas to sell. Seasonal Design Inspirations Painted flower pots offer a fantastic opportunity to embrace seasonal design inspirations that resonate with buyers throughout the year. These easy crafts to do can be customized with lively colors and unique designs, appealing to plant lovers and homeowners. Incorporating seasonal themes, like spring florals or autumn leaves, maximizes your sales potential during specific times of the year. Each pot typically costs between $2 and $5 to create, allowing you to sell them for $10 to $20, yielding a decent profit margin. This is an excellent project for crafts for kids to make and sell, as it can be completed in about 30 to 45 minutes, making it one of the easy things to sell among homemade handicraft ideas. Eco-Friendly Materials Used Creating painted flower pots with eco-friendly materials not only benefits the environment but similarly appeals to a growing number of consumers who prioritize sustainability. By incorporating these eco-friendly materials, you can improve your DIY projects and attract buyers interested in responsible crafting: Non-toxic acrylic paints guarantee safety for both plants and people. Biodegradable sealants protect your art whilst being gentle on nature. Reclaimed or upcycled terracotta pots reduce waste and support sustainability in crafting. Natural dyes derived from plants offer unique colors without harmful chemicals. Organic materials like hemp twine or jute add charm and sustainability. These easy craft ideas to make and sell represent attractive goods to sell from home, aligning with the trend in the direction of eco-conscious consumerism. Upcycled T-Shirt Bags Upcycled T-shirt bags serve as eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastic bags, effectively repurposing old clothing while reducing textile waste. To create these bags, you only need old T-shirts and scissors, making them an ideal DIY project for those exploring crafts to make and sell. The process takes about 15-30 minutes per bag, allowing for quick production, which is perfect if you’re wondering what you can make and sell to make money. With a selling price ranging from $5 to $15, upcycled T-shirt bags can provide a good profit margin for craft businesses. They’re likewise easy things for kids to make and sell, encouraging family involvement in DIY stuff to make at home. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Easiest Craft to Sell? The easiest craft to sell is often handmade jewelry. It requires minimal materials like beads and wire, allowing you to create unique pieces quickly. Furthermore, leather lip balm holders are simple to make and can be produced in about 15-20 minutes, costing only $1-$2 to make and selling for $8-$12. Beaded keychains are likewise quick, costing $1-$3 to produce, and selling for $5-$15, appealing to a broad audience. What Kind of Crafts Make the Most Money? To maximize profits, focus on crafts with high demand and low production costs. Handmade jewelry and scented candles are excellent choices, often yielding a profit margin of 300% or more. For example, jewelry costs between $5-$10 to make and can sell for $20-$50. Similarly, scented candles cost $3-$7 and sell for $15-$30. Furthermore, personalized items, like custom tumblers, can attract niche markets and improve profitability. What Is the Best Selling Homemade Crafts Item? The best-selling homemade craft items often include handmade jewelry, scented candles, and bath bombs. Jewelry can fetch $20 to $50 per piece because of its personalized nature. Scented candles usually sell for $15 to $30, appealing to gift buyers and home decor enthusiasts. Bath bombs, priced between $8 to $15, are popular for their self-care appeal. These items benefit from low production costs and consistent consumer demand, making them lucrative choices for sellers. What Is the Hottest Selling Craft Right Now? The hottest selling craft right now is handmade candles. They’re in high demand because of their appeal as gifts and home decor items. With a projected market growth to $16.9 billion by 2031, candles are versatile; you can customize scents and colors. Furthermore, DIY bath bombs are gaining popularity, offering fun, affordable options with high profit margins. Both products allow for personalization, attracting a broad customer base enthusiastic for unique items. Conclusion To sum up, these seven crafts—ranging from leather lip balm holders to upcycled t-shirt bags—offer practical options for generating income. Each project is designed for quick assembly and involves minimal material costs, making them accessible for beginners and experienced crafters alike. By tapping into the growing market for unique and sustainable products, you can turn your creative skills into a profitable venture. Consider exploring local markets or online platforms to maximize your sales potential. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Easy Crafts to Make and Sell for Quick Cash" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

If you’re looking to turn your crafting skills into quick cash, consider exploring seven easy projects that require minimal materials and time. For instance, leather lip balm holders and fabric dog poop bag holders are both functional and appealing. Moreover, DIY garlands and cupcake bath bombs offer creative options for seasonal sales. Each craft can attract buyers seeking unique and sustainable products. Let’s examine these ideas further and uncover how you can maximize your profits. Key Takeaways Leather lip balm holders and fabric dog poop bag holders offer high profit margins and appeal to a wide audience. DIY garlands and cupcake bath bombs are versatile crafts that can be marketed for various occasions, attracting more buyers. Handmade jewelry allows for creativity and personalization, with potential selling prices reaching up to $50 per piece. Upcycled T-shirt bags are eco-friendly, quick to produce, and tap into the growing demand for sustainable products. Engaging in crafting fosters community involvement and can lead to workshops, enhancing both skills and market reach. Leather Lip Balm Holder When you’re looking for a practical and appealing craft to create, consider the leather lip balm holder. This unique craft isn’t just functional but also a stylish accessory that clips onto keys or bags for convenience. With a cost of just $1 to $2, you can sell these homemade products for $8 to $12, making them some of the best crafts to make money. Each holder takes only 15 to 20 minutes to make, allowing for easy batch production, perfect for anyone crafting for money. You’ll need leather scraps, a keyring, and a lip balm for sizing. The leather lip balm holder is an excellent choice among easy crafts to make and sell, attracting a wide audience. Fabric Dog Poop Bag Holder The fabric dog poop bag holder is a practical and stylish accessory designed for dog owners who value convenience during walks. These fabric dog poop bag holders easily clip onto leashes or bags, allowing you to keep waste bags handy. You can create them using fun fabric designs, appealing to pet lovers and enabling customization for unique styles. The cost to make one ranges from $2 to $3, whereas you can sell it for $10 to $15, making it a profitable option among crafts to earn money. Each holder takes only 20-30 minutes to produce, making this one of the easy crafts to make at home, perfect for selling at craft fairs or other venues. DIY Garland Crafting DIY garlands offers a fantastic way to create versatile decorations that cater to various seasons and occasions, making them a popular choice for consumers. These easy crafts to sell require minimal materials, such as string, fabric scraps, scissors, and glue, all of which are low-cost and accessible. Each garland takes about 30-45 minutes to create, allowing you to produce them in batches for quick sales. You can typically make garlands for $3 to $5 and sell them for $15 to $25, resulting in a significant profit margin. Market them as eco-friendly and handmade to attract buyers interested in unique, sustainable decor options. DIY garlands are excellent craft ideas to sell and can boost your income when making crafts to sell. Cupcake Bath Bombs Cupcake bath bombs offer a unique and visually appealing twist on traditional bath products, making them an attractive option for both personal use and gifting. These delightful homemade things are made using inexpensive materials like baking soda, citric acid, and Epsom salts, costing only $2-$3 each to create. You can sell them for $8-$15, resulting in a significant profit margin. The total time to make cupcake bath bombs is about one hour, plus 12-24 hours for drying. This craft allows for creativity, as you can customize scents and colors, appealing to a wide audience. As one of the best craft ideas to sell at farmers markets or on Etsy, they’re an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore money making crafts. Handmade Jewelry In terms of handmade jewelry, you have endless design options that allow you to express your creativity. With material costs typically ranging from $5 to $10 per piece, you can create stunning items like personalized bracelets or unique earrings. This low investment, combined with selling prices that can reach $50, makes handmade jewelry a profitable venture worth exploring. Unique Design Options Handmade jewelry offers a vast array of unique design options that cater to diverse tastes and preferences, ensuring that artisans can express their creativity as they appeal to potential buyers. From necklaces to earrings and bracelets, you can explore various styles that resonate with current trends. Incorporating personalization options, like custom engravings or color choices, improves the appeal of your pieces, making them perfect unique gifts. By researching the latest craft trends and focusing on niche markets, you can develop craft ideas for money that attract buyers at craft markets. With low-cost materials yielding high profit margins, handmade jewelry remains one of the most lucrative things to make and sell in today’s marketplace. Low Material Costs Creating jewelry can be a financially viable venture due to its low material costs, which typically range from $5 to $10 for essential components like beads, wires, and clasps. This affordability allows you to sell handmade jewelry for $20 to $50, yielding significant profit margins. Here are some benefits of this craft: Quick production of simple designs, like beaded bracelets and earrings, in 30 to 60 minutes Customization options for unique personalized items that appeal to buyers Growing demand for handmade jewelry over mass-produced alternatives Easy things to sell online through platforms like Etsy and social media Viable crafts to sell at a farmers market for local customers Painted Flower Pots When you create painted flower pots, you can offer a variety of customization options to attract different customers, including unique designs and lively colors. Seasonal themes can inspire your artwork, making these pots perfect gifts for holidays or special occasions. Additionally, using eco-friendly materials, like terracotta and acrylic paint, not only appeals to environmentally conscious buyers but furthermore improves the marketability of your products. Customization Options Available Customization options for painted flower pots can greatly boost their appeal to potential buyers, allowing you to cater to diverse tastes and preferences. By offering personalized touches, you can create unique home decor items to make and sell. Consider these options: Use various acrylic paint colors for a lively look. Add unique patterns, quotes, or seasonal themes. Incorporate customers’ names or specific color schemes. Offer a range of sizes and shapes for different plants. Market personalized painted flower pots as thoughtful gifts for occasions like housewarmings or weddings. These customization options available elevate your product’s marketability, making them standout handicraft ideas to sell. Seasonal Design Inspirations Painted flower pots offer a fantastic opportunity to embrace seasonal design inspirations that resonate with buyers throughout the year. These easy crafts to do can be customized with lively colors and unique designs, appealing to plant lovers and homeowners. Incorporating seasonal themes, like spring florals or autumn leaves, maximizes your sales potential during specific times of the year. Each pot typically costs between $2 and $5 to create, allowing you to sell them for $10 to $20, yielding a decent profit margin. This is an excellent project for crafts for kids to make and sell, as it can be completed in about 30 to 45 minutes, making it one of the easy things to sell among homemade handicraft ideas. Eco-Friendly Materials Used Creating painted flower pots with eco-friendly materials not only benefits the environment but similarly appeals to a growing number of consumers who prioritize sustainability. By incorporating these eco-friendly materials, you can improve your DIY projects and attract buyers interested in responsible crafting: Non-toxic acrylic paints guarantee safety for both plants and people. Biodegradable sealants protect your art whilst being gentle on nature. Reclaimed or upcycled terracotta pots reduce waste and support sustainability in crafting. Natural dyes derived from plants offer unique colors without harmful chemicals. Organic materials like hemp twine or jute add charm and sustainability. These easy craft ideas to make and sell represent attractive goods to sell from home, aligning with the trend in the direction of eco-conscious consumerism. Upcycled T-Shirt Bags Upcycled T-shirt bags serve as eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastic bags, effectively repurposing old clothing while reducing textile waste. To create these bags, you only need old T-shirts and scissors, making them an ideal DIY project for those exploring crafts to make and sell. The process takes about 15-30 minutes per bag, allowing for quick production, which is perfect if you’re wondering what you can make and sell to make money. With a selling price ranging from $5 to $15, upcycled T-shirt bags can provide a good profit margin for craft businesses. They’re likewise easy things for kids to make and sell, encouraging family involvement in DIY stuff to make at home. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Easiest Craft to Sell? The easiest craft to sell is often handmade jewelry. It requires minimal materials like beads and wire, allowing you to create unique pieces quickly. Furthermore, leather lip balm holders are simple to make and can be produced in about 15-20 minutes, costing only $1-$2 to make and selling for $8-$12. Beaded keychains are likewise quick, costing $1-$3 to produce, and selling for $5-$15, appealing to a broad audience. What Kind of Crafts Make the Most Money? To maximize profits, focus on crafts with high demand and low production costs. Handmade jewelry and scented candles are excellent choices, often yielding a profit margin of 300% or more. For example, jewelry costs between $5-$10 to make and can sell for $20-$50. Similarly, scented candles cost $3-$7 and sell for $15-$30. Furthermore, personalized items, like custom tumblers, can attract niche markets and improve profitability. What Is the Best Selling Homemade Crafts Item? The best-selling homemade craft items often include handmade jewelry, scented candles, and bath bombs. Jewelry can fetch $20 to $50 per piece because of its personalized nature. Scented candles usually sell for $15 to $30, appealing to gift buyers and home decor enthusiasts. Bath bombs, priced between $8 to $15, are popular for their self-care appeal. These items benefit from low production costs and consistent consumer demand, making them lucrative choices for sellers. What Is the Hottest Selling Craft Right Now? The hottest selling craft right now is handmade candles. They’re in high demand because of their appeal as gifts and home decor items. With a projected market growth to $16.9 billion by 2031, candles are versatile; you can customize scents and colors. Furthermore, DIY bath bombs are gaining popularity, offering fun, affordable options with high profit margins. Both products allow for personalization, attracting a broad customer base enthusiastic for unique items. Conclusion To sum up, these seven crafts—ranging from leather lip balm holders to upcycled t-shirt bags—offer practical options for generating income. Each project is designed for quick assembly and involves minimal material costs, making them accessible for beginners and experienced crafters alike. By tapping into the growing market for unique and sustainable products, you can turn your creative skills into a profitable venture. Consider exploring local markets or online platforms to maximize your sales potential. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Easy Crafts to Make and Sell for Quick Cash" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Andriy Yermak’s resignation adds to trouble for beleaguered Ukrainian presidentView the full article

As we near the final weeks of the year, platforms of all stripes will soon begin rolling out their annual recap features, which let users see the content they have interacted with most. While numerous tech giants release these recaps, music streamer Spotify is usually the most anticipated. Known as Spotify Wrapped, this look-back lets you see which songs you interacted with most over the past 12 months. So when will Spotify Wrapped 2025 be available? Here’s what you need to know. What is Spotify Wrapped 2025? Spotify Wrapped is the music streamer’s annual year-in-review compilation that allows Spotify users to see which songs, albums, and artists they interacted with most throughout the year. The company also reveals the most-streamed songs, artists, and albums worldwide among all its users. While the feature is ostensibly a year-end gift to users, Wrapped doubles as a massive free marketing campaign for the company. Millions of Spotify users frequently share their Wrapped results publicly on social media and privately in group chats and DMs. This kind of online virality benefits Spotify since, by sharing their Wrapped results, users are essentially advertising the company’s streaming service to their friends and followers. Spotify Wrapped: Release Date History Spotify has historically released its annual Wrapped compilation at the end of each year, but the exact date varies. Spotify Wrapped has existed since 2016 (or 2015 if you count its first “Year in Music” recap), and Fast Company has covered the annual launch nearly every year since. In years past, these are the dates Spotify Wrapped launched: 2024: December 4 2023: November 29 2022: November 30 2021: December 1 2020: December 1 2019: December 5 2018: December 6 2017: December 13 2016: December 14 2015: December 6 (called Spotify’s 2015 “Year in Music”) Spotify Wrapped 2025 Release Date As you can see from the dates above, the annual Spotify Wrapped compilation has been released as early as late November and as late as mid-December. Fast Company has reached out to Spotify seeking more information about this year’s Wrapped launch date. The streamer has not publicly hinted at a date yet, but it does currently have a placeholder page on its website teasing Spotify Wrapped 2025. Based on historical dates, it’s unlikely that Spotify will announce Wrapped 2025 over the weekend. That means the most likely dates for the launch of Spotify Wrapped 2025 would be sometime next week. Either way, Spotify likely wants to achieve maximum press and social media attention for the feature. How do I access Spotify Wrapped 2025? When Wrapped 2025 is released, you’ll be able to access it as you have in years past: through the Spotify app on iOS and Android. On Spotify’s Wrapped 2025 placeholder page, the company provides a QR code that users can scan to download the Spotify app. The page also includes a message telling users to “Get the updated app to experience 2025 Wrapped at its best.” View the full article

Business expense deductions can play a key role in lowering your taxable income, which, in turn, decreases the taxes you owe. By deducting eligible costs, such as office supplies, travel, and employee benefits, you can greatly improve your financial position. Accurate record-keeping is essential to guarantee you don’t miss out on these deductions. Comprehending the types of expenses you can deduct can further maximize your savings and boost your overall business profitability. What specific deductions should you be aware of? Key Takeaways Business expense deductions lower your taxable income, reducing the amount of tax you owe. Deductible startup expenses can provide immediate tax relief of up to $5,000. Full deductions for travel, legal, and professional fees help minimize overall business costs. Home office deductions allow for additional savings by writing off a portion of home expenses. Accurate record-keeping ensures you maximize deductions and substantiate claims during audits. Understanding Business Expense Deductions What exactly are business expense deductions, and how can they benefit your company? Business expense deductions lower your taxable income, which means you pay less in taxes. These deductions include various costs, such as startup expenses, where you can deduct up to $5,000 if your total costs are under $50,000. You can likewise fully write off the cost of goods sold, utility costs, and office supplies. If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I write off gas for work?” the answer is yes, as travel expenses can similarly be deducted. Furthermore, business meals typically allow a 50% deduction, making them one of the best deductions for reducing your overall tax burden. Comprehending these deductions is key to maximizing your savings. The Importance of Accurate Record Keeping Maintaining accurate records is vital for maximizing the benefits of business expense deductions. The IRS requires documentation to support all claims on your tax returns, so keeping organized records is important. For instance, can you write off gas on taxes for work? You need to document your mileage and gas expenses carefully. Here’s a helpful table to categorize your expenses: Accounting Category Example Expense Significance Vehicle Expenses Gas, maintenance Can you write off gas? Meals & Entertainment Business lunches Verify deductions Office Supplies Paper, ink Important for operations Utilities Internet, electricity Regular business costs Professional Fees Legal, accounting fees Required for compliance Common Deductible Business Expenses Grasping common deductible business expenses is crucial for optimizing your tax strategy and ensuring compliance with IRS regulations. Some sample business expenses include 100% of your advertising and marketing costs, which improve brand visibility. You can likewise fully deduct office supplies like paper and printer ink, helping maintain efficiency without impacting taxes. Business meal expenses are partially deductible—50% of costs for ordinary and necessary meals during client meetings can lead to savings. Furthermore, travel expenses—such as airfare, lodging, and meals—are fully deductible when properly documented and exceeding a full workday. Comprehending these deductions can clarify what’s a profit and loss write off and whether LLC businesses get tax refunds, ultimately benefiting your bottom line. Startup and Organizational Costs When you’re starting a new business, it’s important to understand the limits on your startup and organizational cost deductions. You can deduct up to $5,000 if your total expenses are under $50,000, but any amount over that needs to be amortized over 180 months. Keeping accurate records is essential, as the IRS requires these expenses to be ordinary and necessary for your business operations. Deduction Limits Explained Comprehending the limits on deductions for startup and organizational costs is vital for new businesses aiming to maximize their tax benefits. You can deduct up to $5,000 if your total startup expenses don’t exceed $50,000. Nevertheless, if your costs exceed this threshold, your deduction phases out dollar-for-dollar, hitting zero if expenses exceed $55,000. Common deductible costs include advertising, consulting, and legal services necessary for your business setup. If your costs are higher, non-deductible expenses can still be amortized over 15 years, allowing for gradual tax relief. Keep in mind that thorough documentation is important, as you’ll need organized records to substantiate your claims and determine whether business owners get tax refunds based on these deductions. Amortization of Costs Amortization is a vital concept for new businesses looking to manage their startup and organizational costs effectively. You can deduct up to $5,000 in these costs if your total expenses are under $50,000. If your startup costs exceed $50,000 but are below $55,000, the deduction phases out dollar-for-dollar. If costs surpass $55,000, you can’t claim any immediate deduction and must amortize the entire amount over 180 months. Typical deductible expenses include advertising, market research, consulting, employee training, and important legal services. To maximize your tax benefits, it’s important to track and document all pre-opening expenses incurred before your business begins operations. This careful record-keeping will guarantee you take full advantage of available deductions. Cost of Goods Sold and Inventory Deductions Grasping the cost of goods sold (COGS) is essential for businesses that resell or manufacture products, as it allows you to fully deduct expenses related to inventory. COGS includes raw materials, labor, and production costs. To determine COGS accurately, calculate the value of your inventory at the beginning and end of the tax year. This guarantees you maximize deductions based on inventory changes. Furthermore, direct costs associated with storage, packaging, and shipping can likewise be included in COGS, enhancing potential deductions. Keeping precise inventory records substantiates your claims and can lead to significant tax savings, directly impacting your overall tax liability. Expense Type Example Deductible Amount Raw Materials Wood for furniture $5,000 Labor Costs Wages for production $15,000 Shipping Fees Delivery to customers $2,000 Maximizing Deductions on Office and Utility Expenses When you’re looking to maximize deductions on office and utility expenses, comprehending what qualifies for a deduction is vital. You can fully deduct 100% of utility costs for your office space, including gas, electricity, water, internet, and phone services. Furthermore, everyday office supplies like paper and pens are likewise fully deductible, allowing you to lower your tax liability. If you operate from home, the home office deduction lets you allocate a percentage of your total utility and office expenses based on your office’s size, maximizing your savings. Remember, rental payments for business properties are 100% deductible, providing substantial tax advantages. Keeping organized records of all these expenses is important for substantiating your deductions during tax filings or audits. Travel and Meal Expense Write-Offs After effectively managing office and utility expenses, it’s time to explore travel and meal expense write-offs, which can greatly impact your bottom line. If you travel for business, you can fully deduct expenses like airfare, lodging, and ground transportation, provided your trip lasts over a full workday away from your tax home. Meals during business trips or meetings are typically 50% deductible, but you must document the business purpose and your presence. The IRS allows deductions for travel expenses that include meals and lodging, helping to lower your taxable income. To maximize these deductions, maintain detailed records of itineraries and receipts, as personal travel costs aren’t deductible. In 2024, you can likewise deduct $0.67 per mile for business vehicle use. Employee Compensation and Benefits Deductions Grasping employee compensation and benefits deductions is vital for managing your business’s tax liability effectively. You can fully deduct employee compensation expenses, such as hourly pay, salaries, and bonuses, provided they’re reasonable and for services rendered. Furthermore, deductible employee benefits like education assistance, dependent care assistance, and group medical insurance can boost employee satisfaction and retention. If you’re self-employed, you can write off your retirement contributions, helping to reduce your taxable income as you save for retirement. Nonetheless, keep in mind that sole proprietors, partners, and LLC members can’t deduct their own compensation but can deduct contributions to retirement plans. Accurate record-keeping of all compensation and benefits is significant for substantiating deductions during tax filing and ensuring compliance with IRS regulations. Legal and Professional Fees as Tax Deductions In terms of reducing your taxable income, legal and professional fees can play an essential role. You can fully deduct costs associated with attorneys, accountants, and other professionals as long as they’re directly related to your business activities. Keeping detailed records of these expenses not just helps you claim deductions but likewise prepares you for potential audits. Deductible Legal Expenses Comprehending deductible legal expenses is vital for any business owner looking to optimize their tax situation. You can fully deduct legal and professional fees related to business operations, such as costs for contract disputes or regulatory compliance. This not only helps reduce your taxable income but likewise protects your business interests. Furthermore, hiring tax professionals to prepare your taxes is deductible, guaranteeing compliance as you potentially uncover further deductions. You can likewise deduct expenses for business-related books and publications that improve your skills or knowledge. To substantiate these deductions, it’s important to maintain detailed records, including invoices and receipts, especially during tax filing or in case of an audit. Keeping organized documentation guarantees you maximize your deductions effectively. Professional Services Costs Business owners often overlook the potential savings that come from deducting professional services costs. Legal and professional fees, such as those paid to attorneys, accountants, and consultants, are fully deductible if they relate directly to your business activities. This means you can lower your taxable income considerably. To maximize your deductions, keep detailed records and receipts of all services, including tax preparation and legal advice on contracts. Below is a table summarizing common deductible professional expenses: Type of Service Examples Legal Fees Contract advice, litigation Accounting Fees Bookkeeping, tax preparation Consulting Fees Business strategy, market analysis Research Services Industry studies, reports Compliance Costs Regulatory consulting, audits Contracted Labor Deductions Comprehending the benefits of contracted labor deductions can have a considerable impact on your business’s tax liabilities. When you hire independent contractors or freelancers, their fees are fully deductible, especially if you pay them $600 or more in a tax year. To claim these deductions, you’ll need to issue Form 1099-NEC to each contractor, ensuring proper reporting. Moreover, legal and professional fees, such as those for attorneys and accountants, are likewise fully deductible, aiding in effective business management. Maintaining clear contracts with contractors supports your deductions by proving expenses are ordinary and necessary. By diligently tracking and documenting all payments, you can potentially achieve substantial tax savings, greatly lowering your overall tax liability. Strategies for Optimizing Your Business Deductions To maximize your business deductions, it is crucial to implement effective strategies that can greatly reduce your tax liability. Start by carefully tracking all business-related expenses throughout the year, ensuring you capture every potential deduction. If your total startup costs are under $50,000, don’t forget to claim the $5,000 deduction for immediate tax relief. Utilize the home office deduction by claiming a portion of your home expenses, either through the simplified method or the regular method. In addition, claim 100% of your advertising and marketing expenses, as they are fully deductible. Finally, consider hiring independent contractors, as their fees are likewise deductible. Strategy Description Track Expenses Keep detailed records of all business-related costs. Startup Costs Deduction Claim up to $5,000 for expenses under $50,000. Home Office Deduction Deduct a portion of home expenses for business use. Advertising Expenses Claim 100% of all marketing and advertising costs. Frequently Asked Questions How Do Business Expenses Reduce Taxes? Business expenses reduce taxes by lowering your taxable income. When you incur expenses like office supplies, travel, or advertising, you can deduct these amounts from your gross income. For instance, if your income is $60,000 and you deduct $5,000 in expenses, your taxable income drops to $55,000. This reduction can lead to lower tax bills since you’re taxed on a smaller income. Properly tracking and reporting these expenses is crucial for maximizing your tax savings. How Do Tax Deductions Save You Money? Tax deductions save you money by lowering your taxable income. When you deduct expenses like business travel, advertising, or professional fees, you effectively reduce the amount of income that’s subject to taxation. For example, if you claim $10,000 in deductions and fall into the 24% tax bracket, you could save $2,400 in taxes. This process improves your cash flow and allows you to reinvest more resources back into your business. What Is the Benefit of a Business Expense? The benefit of a business expense lies in its ability to lower your taxable income. When you deduct ordinary and necessary expenses, like advertising costs or office supplies, you reduce the amount you owe in taxes. This can free up cash flow, allowing you to reinvest in your business. For example, deducting start-up costs can ease initial financial burdens, whereas vehicle expense deductions can greatly lower tax liabilities for transport-related businesses. How Does the 20% Small Business Deduction Work? The 20% Small Business Deduction allows you to deduct 20% of your qualified business income from your taxable income if you’re an eligible business owner. This deduction is primarily for pass-through entities like sole proprietorships or partnerships. On the other hand, it excludes certain service businesses if income exceeds specific thresholds. To claim it, you’ll need to accurately document your income and deductions on Form 1040, ensuring you meet all eligibility requirements to benefit fully. Conclusion In conclusion, utilizing business expense deductions is vital for reducing your taxable income and improving your financial health. By keeping accurate records and comprehending the various deductible expenses—such as travel, meals, and employee benefits—you can maximize your tax savings. Implementing strategies to optimize these deductions can further improve your bottom line. In the end, being proactive about your business expenses not just helps you save money but additionally supports the long-term growth and stability of your enterprise. Image via Google Gemini This article, "How Can Business Expense Deductions Save You Money?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Business expense deductions can play a key role in lowering your taxable income, which, in turn, decreases the taxes you owe. By deducting eligible costs, such as office supplies, travel, and employee benefits, you can greatly improve your financial position. Accurate record-keeping is essential to guarantee you don’t miss out on these deductions. Comprehending the types of expenses you can deduct can further maximize your savings and boost your overall business profitability. What specific deductions should you be aware of? Key Takeaways Business expense deductions lower your taxable income, reducing the amount of tax you owe. Deductible startup expenses can provide immediate tax relief of up to $5,000. Full deductions for travel, legal, and professional fees help minimize overall business costs. Home office deductions allow for additional savings by writing off a portion of home expenses. Accurate record-keeping ensures you maximize deductions and substantiate claims during audits. Understanding Business Expense Deductions What exactly are business expense deductions, and how can they benefit your company? Business expense deductions lower your taxable income, which means you pay less in taxes. These deductions include various costs, such as startup expenses, where you can deduct up to $5,000 if your total costs are under $50,000. You can likewise fully write off the cost of goods sold, utility costs, and office supplies. If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I write off gas for work?” the answer is yes, as travel expenses can similarly be deducted. Furthermore, business meals typically allow a 50% deduction, making them one of the best deductions for reducing your overall tax burden. Comprehending these deductions is key to maximizing your savings. The Importance of Accurate Record Keeping Maintaining accurate records is vital for maximizing the benefits of business expense deductions. The IRS requires documentation to support all claims on your tax returns, so keeping organized records is important. For instance, can you write off gas on taxes for work? You need to document your mileage and gas expenses carefully. Here’s a helpful table to categorize your expenses: Accounting Category Example Expense Significance Vehicle Expenses Gas, maintenance Can you write off gas? Meals & Entertainment Business lunches Verify deductions Office Supplies Paper, ink Important for operations Utilities Internet, electricity Regular business costs Professional Fees Legal, accounting fees Required for compliance Common Deductible Business Expenses Grasping common deductible business expenses is crucial for optimizing your tax strategy and ensuring compliance with IRS regulations. Some sample business expenses include 100% of your advertising and marketing costs, which improve brand visibility. You can likewise fully deduct office supplies like paper and printer ink, helping maintain efficiency without impacting taxes. Business meal expenses are partially deductible—50% of costs for ordinary and necessary meals during client meetings can lead to savings. Furthermore, travel expenses—such as airfare, lodging, and meals—are fully deductible when properly documented and exceeding a full workday. Comprehending these deductions can clarify what’s a profit and loss write off and whether LLC businesses get tax refunds, ultimately benefiting your bottom line. Startup and Organizational Costs When you’re starting a new business, it’s important to understand the limits on your startup and organizational cost deductions. You can deduct up to $5,000 if your total expenses are under $50,000, but any amount over that needs to be amortized over 180 months. Keeping accurate records is essential, as the IRS requires these expenses to be ordinary and necessary for your business operations. Deduction Limits Explained Comprehending the limits on deductions for startup and organizational costs is vital for new businesses aiming to maximize their tax benefits. You can deduct up to $5,000 if your total startup expenses don’t exceed $50,000. Nevertheless, if your costs exceed this threshold, your deduction phases out dollar-for-dollar, hitting zero if expenses exceed $55,000. Common deductible costs include advertising, consulting, and legal services necessary for your business setup. If your costs are higher, non-deductible expenses can still be amortized over 15 years, allowing for gradual tax relief. Keep in mind that thorough documentation is important, as you’ll need organized records to substantiate your claims and determine whether business owners get tax refunds based on these deductions. Amortization of Costs Amortization is a vital concept for new businesses looking to manage their startup and organizational costs effectively. You can deduct up to $5,000 in these costs if your total expenses are under $50,000. If your startup costs exceed $50,000 but are below $55,000, the deduction phases out dollar-for-dollar. If costs surpass $55,000, you can’t claim any immediate deduction and must amortize the entire amount over 180 months. Typical deductible expenses include advertising, market research, consulting, employee training, and important legal services. To maximize your tax benefits, it’s important to track and document all pre-opening expenses incurred before your business begins operations. This careful record-keeping will guarantee you take full advantage of available deductions. Cost of Goods Sold and Inventory Deductions Grasping the cost of goods sold (COGS) is essential for businesses that resell or manufacture products, as it allows you to fully deduct expenses related to inventory. COGS includes raw materials, labor, and production costs. To determine COGS accurately, calculate the value of your inventory at the beginning and end of the tax year. This guarantees you maximize deductions based on inventory changes. Furthermore, direct costs associated with storage, packaging, and shipping can likewise be included in COGS, enhancing potential deductions. Keeping precise inventory records substantiates your claims and can lead to significant tax savings, directly impacting your overall tax liability. Expense Type Example Deductible Amount Raw Materials Wood for furniture $5,000 Labor Costs Wages for production $15,000 Shipping Fees Delivery to customers $2,000 Maximizing Deductions on Office and Utility Expenses When you’re looking to maximize deductions on office and utility expenses, comprehending what qualifies for a deduction is vital. You can fully deduct 100% of utility costs for your office space, including gas, electricity, water, internet, and phone services. Furthermore, everyday office supplies like paper and pens are likewise fully deductible, allowing you to lower your tax liability. If you operate from home, the home office deduction lets you allocate a percentage of your total utility and office expenses based on your office’s size, maximizing your savings. Remember, rental payments for business properties are 100% deductible, providing substantial tax advantages. Keeping organized records of all these expenses is important for substantiating your deductions during tax filings or audits. Travel and Meal Expense Write-Offs After effectively managing office and utility expenses, it’s time to explore travel and meal expense write-offs, which can greatly impact your bottom line. If you travel for business, you can fully deduct expenses like airfare, lodging, and ground transportation, provided your trip lasts over a full workday away from your tax home. Meals during business trips or meetings are typically 50% deductible, but you must document the business purpose and your presence. The IRS allows deductions for travel expenses that include meals and lodging, helping to lower your taxable income. To maximize these deductions, maintain detailed records of itineraries and receipts, as personal travel costs aren’t deductible. In 2024, you can likewise deduct $0.67 per mile for business vehicle use. Employee Compensation and Benefits Deductions Grasping employee compensation and benefits deductions is vital for managing your business’s tax liability effectively. You can fully deduct employee compensation expenses, such as hourly pay, salaries, and bonuses, provided they’re reasonable and for services rendered. Furthermore, deductible employee benefits like education assistance, dependent care assistance, and group medical insurance can boost employee satisfaction and retention. If you’re self-employed, you can write off your retirement contributions, helping to reduce your taxable income as you save for retirement. Nonetheless, keep in mind that sole proprietors, partners, and LLC members can’t deduct their own compensation but can deduct contributions to retirement plans. Accurate record-keeping of all compensation and benefits is significant for substantiating deductions during tax filing and ensuring compliance with IRS regulations. Legal and Professional Fees as Tax Deductions In terms of reducing your taxable income, legal and professional fees can play an essential role. You can fully deduct costs associated with attorneys, accountants, and other professionals as long as they’re directly related to your business activities. Keeping detailed records of these expenses not just helps you claim deductions but likewise prepares you for potential audits. Deductible Legal Expenses Comprehending deductible legal expenses is vital for any business owner looking to optimize their tax situation. You can fully deduct legal and professional fees related to business operations, such as costs for contract disputes or regulatory compliance. This not only helps reduce your taxable income but likewise protects your business interests. Furthermore, hiring tax professionals to prepare your taxes is deductible, guaranteeing compliance as you potentially uncover further deductions. You can likewise deduct expenses for business-related books and publications that improve your skills or knowledge. To substantiate these deductions, it’s important to maintain detailed records, including invoices and receipts, especially during tax filing or in case of an audit. Keeping organized documentation guarantees you maximize your deductions effectively. Professional Services Costs Business owners often overlook the potential savings that come from deducting professional services costs. Legal and professional fees, such as those paid to attorneys, accountants, and consultants, are fully deductible if they relate directly to your business activities. This means you can lower your taxable income considerably. To maximize your deductions, keep detailed records and receipts of all services, including tax preparation and legal advice on contracts. Below is a table summarizing common deductible professional expenses: Type of Service Examples Legal Fees Contract advice, litigation Accounting Fees Bookkeeping, tax preparation Consulting Fees Business strategy, market analysis Research Services Industry studies, reports Compliance Costs Regulatory consulting, audits Contracted Labor Deductions Comprehending the benefits of contracted labor deductions can have a considerable impact on your business’s tax liabilities. When you hire independent contractors or freelancers, their fees are fully deductible, especially if you pay them $600 or more in a tax year. To claim these deductions, you’ll need to issue Form 1099-NEC to each contractor, ensuring proper reporting. Moreover, legal and professional fees, such as those for attorneys and accountants, are likewise fully deductible, aiding in effective business management. Maintaining clear contracts with contractors supports your deductions by proving expenses are ordinary and necessary. By diligently tracking and documenting all payments, you can potentially achieve substantial tax savings, greatly lowering your overall tax liability. Strategies for Optimizing Your Business Deductions To maximize your business deductions, it is crucial to implement effective strategies that can greatly reduce your tax liability. Start by carefully tracking all business-related expenses throughout the year, ensuring you capture every potential deduction. If your total startup costs are under $50,000, don’t forget to claim the $5,000 deduction for immediate tax relief. Utilize the home office deduction by claiming a portion of your home expenses, either through the simplified method or the regular method. In addition, claim 100% of your advertising and marketing expenses, as they are fully deductible. Finally, consider hiring independent contractors, as their fees are likewise deductible. Strategy Description Track Expenses Keep detailed records of all business-related costs. Startup Costs Deduction Claim up to $5,000 for expenses under $50,000. Home Office Deduction Deduct a portion of home expenses for business use. Advertising Expenses Claim 100% of all marketing and advertising costs. Frequently Asked Questions How Do Business Expenses Reduce Taxes? Business expenses reduce taxes by lowering your taxable income. When you incur expenses like office supplies, travel, or advertising, you can deduct these amounts from your gross income. For instance, if your income is $60,000 and you deduct $5,000 in expenses, your taxable income drops to $55,000. This reduction can lead to lower tax bills since you’re taxed on a smaller income. Properly tracking and reporting these expenses is crucial for maximizing your tax savings. How Do Tax Deductions Save You Money? Tax deductions save you money by lowering your taxable income. When you deduct expenses like business travel, advertising, or professional fees, you effectively reduce the amount of income that’s subject to taxation. For example, if you claim $10,000 in deductions and fall into the 24% tax bracket, you could save $2,400 in taxes. This process improves your cash flow and allows you to reinvest more resources back into your business. What Is the Benefit of a Business Expense? The benefit of a business expense lies in its ability to lower your taxable income. When you deduct ordinary and necessary expenses, like advertising costs or office supplies, you reduce the amount you owe in taxes. This can free up cash flow, allowing you to reinvest in your business. For example, deducting start-up costs can ease initial financial burdens, whereas vehicle expense deductions can greatly lower tax liabilities for transport-related businesses. How Does the 20% Small Business Deduction Work? The 20% Small Business Deduction allows you to deduct 20% of your qualified business income from your taxable income if you’re an eligible business owner. This deduction is primarily for pass-through entities like sole proprietorships or partnerships. On the other hand, it excludes certain service businesses if income exceeds specific thresholds. To claim it, you’ll need to accurately document your income and deductions on Form 1040, ensuring you meet all eligibility requirements to benefit fully. Conclusion In conclusion, utilizing business expense deductions is vital for reducing your taxable income and improving your financial health. By keeping accurate records and comprehending the various deductible expenses—such as travel, meals, and employee benefits—you can maximize your tax savings. Implementing strategies to optimize these deductions can further improve your bottom line. In the end, being proactive about your business expenses not just helps you save money but additionally supports the long-term growth and stability of your enterprise. Image via Google Gemini This article, "How Can Business Expense Deductions Save You Money?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Frame TVs are famous for their unique ability to transform the big black box in your living room into a chic design feature, functioning as both an entertainment system and a framed piece of art when not in use. And right now, the usually-pricey Samsung 75-Inch The Frame Pro is on sale for $1,997.99 (originally $2,997.99) this Black Friday, marking its lowest price ever. While the other sizes are also discounted by 33%, this TV offers the biggest savings for the largest size, making it the best overall value. Samsung 75-Inch The Frame Pro $1,997.99 at Amazon $2,997.99 Save $1,000.00 Get Deal Get Deal $1,997.99 at Amazon $2,997.99 Save $1,000.00 With its generous screen size, this QLED TV delivers a cinematic experience and doubles as a visual conversation piece. Its 4K resolution and NQ4 AI Gen3 Processor ensure bright, sharp images with reliable color accuracy, and it supports gaming speeds of up to 144Hz. Smart features allow you to stream directly and easily connect consoles and other devices. Another perk is its Wireless One Connect box, which contains four HDMI ports, two USB-A ports, a 3.5mm RS-232C port, an optical audio output, an Ethernet port, and an antenna/cable connector. It wirelessly streams audio and video to the TV, meaning you only need to hide a single cable rather than a tangle of obvious cords and devices. However, this also could introduce undesirable latency for gamers. The main draw is Art Mode: when you’re not watching TV, it transforms into a framed piece of art with customizable bezels, made even more realistic by a matte, anti-glare finish. You can purchase art through the Samsung Art Store for $4.99 a month or $49.99 a year, or buy high-res art from Etsy vendors and museum or archive sites and load it onto a USB. PCMag notes that while the matte screen, dual functionality, and color performance are all excellent, black levels are less impressive, and contrast is somewhat mediocre. If your priority is a TV that performs well for everyday viewing while doubling as a digital picture frame to elevate your interior design, the Samsung 75-Inch The Frame Pro is a great choice, especially at its current discount. However, it may not be ideal if you’re looking for an ultra-bright picture with deeper contrast or a display optimized for gaming. How long do Black Friday deals really last?Black Friday sales officially begin Friday, November 28, 2025, and run throughout “Cyber Week,” the five-day period that runs from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, December 1, 2025. But Black Friday and Cyber Monday dates have expanded as retailers compete for customers. Expect sales to wind down by December 3, 2025. Does Amazon have Black Friday deals?Yes, Amazon has Black Friday sales, but prices aren’t always what they seem. Use a price tracker to make sure you’re getting the best deal, or refer to guides like our live blog that use price trackers for you. And if you have an Amazon Prime membership, make the most of it. What stores have the best sales on Black Friday?Nowadays, both large retailers and small businesses compete for Black Friday shoppers, so you can expect practically every store to run sales through Monday, December 1, 2025. The “best” sales depend on your needs, but in general, the biggest discounts tend to come from larger retailers that can afford lower prices: think places like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Home Depot. You can find all the best sales from major retailers on our live blog. Are Black Friday deals worth it?In short, yes, Black Friday still offers discounts that can be rare throughout the rest of the year. If there’s something you want to buy, or you’re shopping for gifts, it’s a good time to look for discounts on what you need, especially tech sales, home improvement supplies, and fitness tech. Of course, if you need to save money, the best way to save is to not buy anything. Are Cyber Monday deals better than Black Friday?Black Friday used to be bigger for major retailers and more expensive tech and appliances, while Cyber Monday was for cheaper tech and gave smaller businesses a chance to compete online. Nowadays, though, the distinction is almost meaningless. Every major retailer will offer sales on both days, and the smart move is to know what you want, use price trackers or refer to guides like our live blog that use price trackers for you, and don’t stress over finding the perfect timing. Our Best Editor-Vetted Black Friday Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $219.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $274.00 (List Price $349.00) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $248.00 (List Price $399.99) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Wireless Security Camera (5-Pack) — $159.99 (List Price $399.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) Shark AI Ultra Matrix Clean Mapping Voice Control Robot Vacuum with XL Self-Empty Base — $249.99 (List Price $599.00) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $339.00 (List Price $399.00) WD 6TB My Passport USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive — $138.65 (List Price $179.99) Dell 14 Premium DA14250 (Intel Core Ultra 7 255H, 512GB SSD, 16GB RAM, 2K Display) — $999.99 (List Price $1,549.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

JPMorgan Chase is stepping up its efforts to combat financial fraud and scams with a significant new initiative aimed at empowering consumers and small businesses alike. As part of a groundbreaking strategy launched in response to rising threats, Chase will host over 20 educational workshops across the U.S. during International Fraud Awareness Week. This multifaceted approach promises to enhance awareness and provide crucial resources for small business owners navigating an increasingly complex financial landscape. The initiative comes at a time when fraudulent activities are on the rise, putting both individuals and businesses at risk. Chase highlights a staggering $12 billion that it successfully protected customers from losing due to fraud attempts last year. “Protecting our customers from fraud and scams requires a united front—banks, technology companies, social media platforms, and law enforcement all have a role to play,” said Jennifer Roberts, CEO of Chase Consumer Banking. This statement underscores the critical need for collaboration in the face of growing threats, a sentiment many small business owners can appreciate. Chase’s workshops, offered in collaboration with local law enforcement and community organizations, aim to equip participants with tools to identify and avoid scams. They are tailored for mixed audiences, providing valuable insights not only to individuals but also to small business owners who are often targeted due to their vulnerabilities. Attending these workshops could be a low-cost investment in a business’s overall security strategy. Small business owners can particularly benefit from several innovative features integrated into Chase’s fraud prevention initiative: Scam Warnings: Advanced technology will monitor accounts for suspicious activity, enabling proactive measures, such as in-app warnings or transaction blocks for potentially risky payments. This real-time monitoring mechanism can help prevent costly mistakes before they materialize. Trusted Contact Person: A new feature allows customers to designate a trusted contact who can be notified of specific transactions. This could be invaluable for businesses, offering an extra layer of oversight against fraudulent activities. Collaboration with Law Enforcement: By sharing insights and trends with law enforcement agencies, Chase aims to enhance the effectiveness of crime-fighting efforts. Small businesses may find value in understanding these insights, as they can better navigate their risk environments based on real data. Dedicated Scam Interruption Team: Trained professionals constitute this specialized team, equipped to respond swiftly when scams occur. This direct support during times of distress can serve as a crucial lifeline for small businesses facing immediate threats. Support for Vulnerable Populations: Chase has a dedicated team focusing on elderly and vulnerable adults, ensuring that this group receives the attention and training necessary to combat potential abuse. This initiative expands the safety net for all customers, reinforcing the need for thorough training among employees. Best-in-Class Training for Bankers: Ongoing training keeps Chase staff up to speed on the latest scams, enabling them to assist customers effectively. Small business owners can rely on these professionals for informed guidance. While these initiatives offer substantial benefits, small business owners should consider potential challenges. Implementing a robust fraud prevention strategy requires time and resources, which might strain budget-conscious operations. Additionally, staying current with the latest security technology necessitates ongoing investment, potentially diverting funds from other operational areas. Nonetheless, as the financial environment becomes increasingly fraught with risks, adapting to these changes seems essential for survival. Engaging with Chase’s resources not only protects against immediate threats but also fosters a culture of awareness among staff and customers alike. For more information about Chase’s fraud prevention efforts and strategies for safeguarding your business, visit Chase.com/security. As small businesses continue to face the realities of modern financial threats, investing in education, technology, and partnerships—like those offered by Chase—will be vital in creating resilient operations that can withstand the test of fraud and scams. Explore the opportunities presented by this comprehensive initiative and take proactive steps to secure your business. For detailed information on JPMorgan Chase’s fraud prevention initiative, visit the original press release at Chase Media. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Chase Launches Historic Initiative to Combat Fraud and Empower Consumers" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

JPMorgan Chase is stepping up its efforts to combat financial fraud and scams with a significant new initiative aimed at empowering consumers and small businesses alike. As part of a groundbreaking strategy launched in response to rising threats, Chase will host over 20 educational workshops across the U.S. during International Fraud Awareness Week. This multifaceted approach promises to enhance awareness and provide crucial resources for small business owners navigating an increasingly complex financial landscape. The initiative comes at a time when fraudulent activities are on the rise, putting both individuals and businesses at risk. Chase highlights a staggering $12 billion that it successfully protected customers from losing due to fraud attempts last year. “Protecting our customers from fraud and scams requires a united front—banks, technology companies, social media platforms, and law enforcement all have a role to play,” said Jennifer Roberts, CEO of Chase Consumer Banking. This statement underscores the critical need for collaboration in the face of growing threats, a sentiment many small business owners can appreciate. Chase’s workshops, offered in collaboration with local law enforcement and community organizations, aim to equip participants with tools to identify and avoid scams. They are tailored for mixed audiences, providing valuable insights not only to individuals but also to small business owners who are often targeted due to their vulnerabilities. Attending these workshops could be a low-cost investment in a business’s overall security strategy. Small business owners can particularly benefit from several innovative features integrated into Chase’s fraud prevention initiative: Scam Warnings: Advanced technology will monitor accounts for suspicious activity, enabling proactive measures, such as in-app warnings or transaction blocks for potentially risky payments. This real-time monitoring mechanism can help prevent costly mistakes before they materialize. Trusted Contact Person: A new feature allows customers to designate a trusted contact who can be notified of specific transactions. This could be invaluable for businesses, offering an extra layer of oversight against fraudulent activities. Collaboration with Law Enforcement: By sharing insights and trends with law enforcement agencies, Chase aims to enhance the effectiveness of crime-fighting efforts. Small businesses may find value in understanding these insights, as they can better navigate their risk environments based on real data. Dedicated Scam Interruption Team: Trained professionals constitute this specialized team, equipped to respond swiftly when scams occur. This direct support during times of distress can serve as a crucial lifeline for small businesses facing immediate threats. Support for Vulnerable Populations: Chase has a dedicated team focusing on elderly and vulnerable adults, ensuring that this group receives the attention and training necessary to combat potential abuse. This initiative expands the safety net for all customers, reinforcing the need for thorough training among employees. Best-in-Class Training for Bankers: Ongoing training keeps Chase staff up to speed on the latest scams, enabling them to assist customers effectively. Small business owners can rely on these professionals for informed guidance. While these initiatives offer substantial benefits, small business owners should consider potential challenges. Implementing a robust fraud prevention strategy requires time and resources, which might strain budget-conscious operations. Additionally, staying current with the latest security technology necessitates ongoing investment, potentially diverting funds from other operational areas. Nonetheless, as the financial environment becomes increasingly fraught with risks, adapting to these changes seems essential for survival. Engaging with Chase’s resources not only protects against immediate threats but also fosters a culture of awareness among staff and customers alike. For more information about Chase’s fraud prevention efforts and strategies for safeguarding your business, visit Chase.com/security. As small businesses continue to face the realities of modern financial threats, investing in education, technology, and partnerships—like those offered by Chase—will be vital in creating resilient operations that can withstand the test of fraud and scams. Explore the opportunities presented by this comprehensive initiative and take proactive steps to secure your business. For detailed information on JPMorgan Chase’s fraud prevention initiative, visit the original press release at Chase Media. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Chase Launches Historic Initiative to Combat Fraud and Empower Consumers" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Black Friday sales officially start Friday, November 28, and run through Cyber Monday, December 1, and Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools before it's over. Follow our live blog to stay up-to-date on the best sales we find. Browse our editors' picks for a curated list of our favorite sales on laptops, fitness tech, appliances, and more. Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox. Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. A video doorbell is one of the smart home basics that can make the biggest difference, and Amazon's Ring series offers some of the best options around—including the Ring Battery Doorbell, which is now down to $49.99 (originally $99.99) for Black Friday. Ring Battery Doorbell 1440p Head-to-Toe Video (2024 Release, Satin Nickel) $49.99 at Amazon $99.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Get Deal $49.99 at Amazon $99.99 Save $50.00 I've tested several Ring doorbells and cameras through the years, and have always found them to be simple to set up and reliable to use. (The accompanying app is straightforward and intuitive, too.) Going for a battery-powered option means you won't have to mess around with wires or drilling, though you will have to recharge it every few months or so. You get head-to-toe coverage of people arriving at your door, and a high definition 1440 x 1440 pixel video feed you can tap into from your phone whenever you like. With support for two-way audio you can even chat to people at the door (whether you're at home or not) and there's color night vision here as well, so you can still see what's happening outside during the hours of darkness. Certain extra features, including video archives and person and package detection, require a Ring subscription. Does Amazon have Black Friday deals?Yes, Amazon has Black Friday sales, but prices aren’t always what they seem. Use a price tracker to make sure you’re getting the best deal, or refer to guides like our live blog that use price trackers for you. And if you have an Amazon Prime membership, make the most of it. Are Black Friday deals worth it?In short, yes, Black Friday still offers discounts that can be rare throughout the rest of the year. If there’s something you want to buy, or you’re shopping for gifts, it’s a good time to look for discounts on what you need, especially tech sales, home improvement supplies, and fitness tech. Of course, if you need to save money, the best way to save is to not buy anything. Are Cyber Monday deals better than Black Friday?Black Friday used to be bigger for major retailers and more expensive tech and appliances, while Cyber Monday was for cheaper tech and gave smaller businesses a chance to compete online. Nowadays, though, distinction is almost meaningless. Every major retailer will offer sales on both days, and the smart move is to know what you want, use price trackers or refer to guides like our live blog that use price trackers for you, and don’t stress over finding the perfect timing. Our Best Editor-Vetted Black Friday Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $219.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $274.00 (List Price $349.00) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $248.00 (List Price $399.99) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Wireless Security Camera (5-Pack) — $159.99 (List Price $399.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) Shark AI Ultra Matrix Clean Mapping Voice Control Robot Vacuum with XL Self-Empty Base — $249.99 (List Price $599.00) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $339.00 (List Price $399.00) WD 6TB My Passport USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive — $138.65 (List Price $179.99) Dell 14 Premium DA14250 (Intel Core Ultra 7 255H, 512GB SSD, 16GB RAM, 2K Display) — $999.99 (List Price $1,549.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Black Friday sales officially start Friday, November 28, and run through Cyber Monday, December 1, and Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools before it's over. Follow our live blog to stay up-to-date on the best sales we find. Browse our editors’ picks for a curated list of our favorite sales on laptops, fitness tech, appliances, and more. Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox. Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. The Dyson Airwrap is one of those things people bookmark, revisit, and debate buying for a long time before finally pulling the trigger. So when the new Airwrap i.d. drops in price, it's always worth noting. Right now, the hair-styling device is at its lowest price ever, according to price trackers—$499.99, down from the usual $649.99. Even with the discount, it’s still very much a premium splurge, but the appeal of the Airwrap starts to make sense once you actually use it. This is not a simple blow-dryer: It is a multi-styler built around airflow rather than extreme heat, which matters if you style often and want to avoid frying your hair in the process. For some buyers, that alone justifies the cost, especially if they have thick or color-treated hair that reacts badly to heat plates. The Airwrap i.d. builds on Dyson’s standard attachments and adds Bluetooth pairing through the MyDyson app, which may seem like a strange match for a hair tool. But in practice, it comes in handy when you’re figuring out what works for you by letting you save styling preferences by hair type, length, and texture. The app also offers step-by-step styling guides and recommends attachments based on your desired look. Compared with the standard Airwrap, the i.d. stands out mostly for this personalization. Where the tool falls short is the same place older versions do. It is still expensive, even with this discount, and travel cases or extra attachments raise that cost. The kit includes six attachments: a smoothing dryer, two curling barrels (for each direction), a round volumizing brush, and two paddle brushes. It also dries and styles at the same time, which cuts down the usual back and forth with multiple tools. That said, the learning curve is real, especially if you’re used to traditional curlers. The results depend a lot on your hair texture and patience, and not everyone ends up with salon-level curls in the first week. Still, for anyone seeking gentler, customizable hair styling, this deal on the Airwrap i.d. is one of the more meaningful price drops of the season. How long do Black Friday deals really last?Black Friday sales officially begin Friday, November 28, 2025, and run throughout “Cyber Week,” the five-day period that runs from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, December 1, 2025. But Black Friday and Cyber Monday dates have expanded as retailers compete for customers. Expect sales to wind down by December 3, 2025. Does Amazon have Black Friday deals?Yes, Amazon has Black Friday sales, but prices aren’t always what they seem. Use a price tracker to make sure you’re getting the best deal, or refer to guides like our live blog that use price trackers for you. And if you have an Amazon Prime membership, make the most of it. What stores have the best sales on Black Friday?Nowadays, both large retailers and small businesses compete for Black Friday shoppers, so you can expect practically every store to run sales through Monday, December 1, 2025. The “best” sales depend on your needs, but in general, the biggest discounts tend to come from larger retailers that can afford lower prices: think places like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Home Depot. You can find all the best sales from major retailers on our live blog. Are Black Friday deals worth it?In short, yes, Black Friday still offers discounts that can be rare throughout the rest of the year. If there’s something you want to buy, or you’re shopping for gifts, it’s a good time to look for discounts on what you need, especially tech sales, home improvement supplies, and fitness tech. Of course, if you need to save money, the best way to save is to not buy anything. Are Cyber Monday deals better than Black Friday?Black Friday used to be bigger for major retailers and more expensive tech and appliances, while Cyber Monday was for cheaper tech and gave smaller businesses a chance to compete online. Nowadays, though, the distinction is almost meaningless. Every major retailer will offer sales on both days, and the smart move is to know what you want, use price trackers or refer to guides like our live blog that use price trackers for you, and don’t stress over finding the perfect timing. Our Best Editor-Vetted Black Friday Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $219.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $274.00 (List Price $349.00) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $248.00 (List Price $399.99) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Wireless Security Camera (5-Pack) — $159.99 (List Price $399.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) Shark AI Ultra Matrix Clean Mapping Voice Control Robot Vacuum with XL Self-Empty Base — $249.99 (List Price $599.00) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $339.00 (List Price $399.00) WD 6TB My Passport USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive — $138.65 (List Price $179.99) Dell 14 Premium DA14250 (Intel Core Ultra 7 255H, 512GB SSD, 16GB RAM, 2K Display) — $999.99 (List Price $1,549.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Reeves’ Budget shows she’s serious about spending other people’s money — but not about growth or jobsView the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Black Friday sales officially start Friday, November 28, and run through Cyber Monday, December 1, and Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools before it's over. Follow our live blog to stay up-to-date on the best sales we find. Browse our editors’ picks for a curated list of our favorite sales on laptops, fitness tech, appliances, and more. Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox. Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. A good floodlight camera usually costs a lot more than most people want to spend, which is why this Black Friday price on the Arlo Wired Floodlight Camera stands out: It's discounted to $94.99 on Amazon from its regular price of $149.99, and that's the lowest price it's ever hit, according to price-tracking tools. For under $100, you get a bright dual-lamp setup and a sharp camera that works well for anyone trying to improve visibility around the house. The housing is weather-resistant and feels sturdy, and its two LED lamps reach 2,000 lumens, bright enough to cover a driveway or the far corner of a backyard. The camera sits right below them and records in 2K with a wide 160-degree field of view, which helps avoid the frustration of narrow or grainy clips that do not show much. There’s some actual substance in the features, too. The lights help activate color night vision, though the unit can also default to black-and-white with infrared for added contrast. Video quality in the daytime looks crisp and well-balanced, and nighttime footage holds its own, according to a review from PCMag. You also get two-way talk and a built-in siren. It works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT, so it’ll fit into most smart homes, but not all. (If you’re a dedicated HomeKit user, this isn’t the camera for you.) And it’s worth noting that most of the advanced functionality, like saving footage, receiving smart alerts, and setting motion zones, requires a subscription to Arlo Secure, which starts at $7.99 a month. Without it, you can still livestream footage, but that’s about it. Installation isn’t as simple as sticking it to the wall and walking away. This is a hardwired floodlight camera, which means you’ll need to connect it directly to your home’s electrical setup. Arlo’s app walks you through the process with QR code instructions, and some reviewers report a quick install with the right tools and an existing junction box. Still, if you’re not comfortable flipping breakers and wiring connections, hiring someone is the safer call. All things considered, though, this is a solid mid-range security camera with a floodlight that’s rarely this affordable. How long do Black Friday deals really last?Black Friday sales officially begin Friday, November 28, 2025, and run throughout “Cyber Week,” the five-day period that runs from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, December 1, 2025. But Black Friday and Cyber Monday dates have expanded as retailers compete for customers. You can get the same Black Friday sales early, and we expect sales to wind down by December 3, 2025. What stores have the best sales on Black Friday?Nowadays, both large retailers and small businesses compete for Black Friday shoppers, so you can expect practically every store to run sales through Monday, December 1, 2025. The “best” sales depend on your needs, but in general, the biggest discounts tend to come from larger retailers that can afford lower prices: think places like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Home Depot. You can find all the best sales from major retailers on our live blog. Are Black Friday deals worth it?In short, yes, Black Friday still offers discounts that can be rare throughout the rest of the year. If there’s something you want to buy, or you’re shopping for gifts, it’s a good time to look for discounts on what you need, especially tech sales, home improvement supplies, and fitness tech. Of course, if you need to save money, the best way to save is to not buy anything. Are Cyber Monday deals better than Black Friday?Black Friday used to be bigger for major retailers and more expensive tech and appliances, while Cyber Monday was for cheaper tech and gave smaller businesses a chance to compete online. Nowadays, though, the distinction is almost meaningless. Every major retailer will offer sales on both days, and the smart move is to know what you want, use price trackers or refer to guides like our live blog that use price trackers for you, and don’t stress over finding the perfect timing. Our Best Editor-Vetted Black Friday Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $219.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $274.00 (List Price $349.00) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $248.00 (List Price $399.99) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Wireless Security Camera (5-Pack) — $159.99 (List Price $399.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) Shark AI Ultra Matrix Clean Mapping Voice Control Robot Vacuum with XL Self-Empty Base — $249.99 (List Price $599.00) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $339.00 (List Price $399.00) WD 6TB My Passport USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive — $138.65 (List Price $179.99) Dell 14 Premium DA14250 (Intel Core Ultra 7 255H, 512GB SSD, 16GB RAM, 2K Display) — $999.99 (List Price $1,549.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

To improve your revenue, comprehension of effective sales strategies is essential. You might consider approaches like Value-Based Selling, which emphasizes customer needs, or Consultative Selling, where you act as a trusted advisor. There are additionally methods such as SPIN Selling and Solution Selling that rely on targeted questioning and customized solutions. As you explore these strategies, you’ll find each offers unique benefits that can transform your sales approach and boost overall results. Key Takeaways Implement value-based selling to understand customer pain points and build stronger relationships, leading to a 20-30% increase in sales effectiveness. Utilize account-based selling (ABS) to focus on high-value accounts, fostering personalized engagement that can achieve 208% more revenue growth. Leverage referral programs to capitalize on existing customers, increasing new customer acquisition by 30% to 57% with double-sided incentives. Adopt consultative selling techniques to act as a trusted advisor, enhancing customer satisfaction and potentially increasing revenue by 24%. Tailor solutions to meet specific customer needs, significantly improving engagement and conversion rates through personalized offerings. Value-Based Selling Value-Based Selling is a strategic approach that prioritizes grasp of the unique needs and challenges of each customer, rather than merely pushing products based on features or price. By focusing on recognizing customer pain points, you’re more likely to build meaningful relationships. This sales strategy example encourages you to engage in active listening and ask insightful questions, revealing the true value your solution offers. Research indicates that companies employing Value-Based Selling can achieve a 20-30% increase in sales effectiveness, thanks to improved customer engagement. By emphasizing solutions that deliver significant value, you can differentiate your offerings, making it easier to justify pricing and close deals. In the end, this approach nurtures long-term relationships, leading to repeat business and referrals, showcasing effective sales strategy examples. Consultative Selling While many sales strategies focus solely on pushing products, consultative selling stands out by prioritizing the unique needs and challenges of customers. In this approach, you act as a trusted advisor, nurturing long-term relationships. Research shows that 78% of buyers prefer salespeople who understand their specific problems and offer customized solutions. By focusing on these needs, consultative selling can greatly boost your conversion rates; studies indicate a 74% increase in sales effectiveness when teams adopt this methodology. To succeed, you’ll need strong communication skills, as 80% of sales success comes from actively listening and asking insightful questions. Training in these techniques can lead to a 24% revenue increase from existing customers, enhancing overall team performance. SPIN Selling SPIN Selling is an influential method that revolves around four key question types: Situation, Problem, Implication, and Need-payoff. By mastering these questions, you can shift your focus from selling products to comprehending your customer’s unique needs and challenges, which is essential for effective engagement. In the following sections, we’ll explore how to implement these questions effectively and maximize your success in sales conversations. Question Types Explained How do effective questions drive sales conversations? In SPIN Selling, you use four types of questions to uncover customer needs. First, Situation questions help you gather background information about their current environment, providing context for your approach. Next, Problem questions pinpoint specific challenges the customer faces, allowing you to position your solution effectively. Then, Implication questions explore the consequences of those problems, encouraging the customer to reflect on the broader impact on their business, which can heighten their sense of urgency for a solution. Finally, Need-payoff questions prompt customers to express the value of your solution, helping them visualize the benefits and reinforcing their desire to make a purchase. Each question type plays an essential role in driving meaningful conversations. Implementation Tips Implementing SPIN Selling effectively requires a strategic approach to each type of question, ensuring you engage the customer in a meaningful dialogue. Use the following tips to maximize your effectiveness: Question Type Purpose Tips for Implementation Situation Understand the customer’s context Ask open-ended questions for detail Problem Identify specific challenges Encourage customers to elaborate Implication Highlight consequences of their problems Use probing questions to create urgency Need-payoff Articulate the value of your solution Ask customers how your solution helps Solution Selling Solution Selling is all about comprehending your prospects’ specific needs and challenges rather than merely pushing products. By engaging in meaningful conversations, you can tailor your recommendations to effectively address their problems, positioning yourself as a trusted advisor. This approach not solely nurtures long-term relationships but additionally improves customer satisfaction and retention. Understanding Prospects’ Needs Why is comprehending your prospects’ needs crucial in sales? Recognizing their specific challenges allows you to move beyond merely selling products to providing solutions that truly matter. Solution selling emphasizes engaging in consultative conversations where you ask probing questions to uncover deeper insights into your prospects’ requirements. By focusing on their needs rather than just product features, you can showcase the unique value your offerings deliver. This approach improves customer relationships, positioning you as a trusted advisor. Research indicates that implementing solution selling often leads to increased average deal sizes, as customized solutions can justify premium pricing. In the end, grasping your prospects’ needs can greatly boost conversion rates and cultivate long-term partnerships, driving sustained revenue growth. Tailoring Product Recommendations When you tailor product recommendations to your customers’ specific needs, you greatly improve the effectiveness of your sales strategy. Solution selling focuses on comprehending the unique pain points of each customer, allowing you to recommend products that directly address their issues. Research shows that 70% of customers are more likely to purchase when they feel the solution aligns with their needs. By leveraging customer data, you can create targeted product bundles that resonate with individual profiles, increasing upsell opportunities. This approach not just boosts conversion rates but additionally improves the overall customer experience, resulting in a 20% increase in satisfaction ratings. Companies implementing these strategies often see an average revenue increase of 15% per customer, promoting deeper engagement and loyalty. Building Long-Term Relationships Building long-term relationships with customers is a fundamental aspect of effective sales strategies, particularly in solution selling. This approach emphasizes comprehension of specific customer needs and problems, allowing you to serve as a trusted advisor instead of just a vendor. By focusing on delivering customized solutions, you can greatly improve customer satisfaction and loyalty. Research shows that businesses utilizing solution selling can see a 20-30% increase in sales effectiveness compared to traditional methods. Furthermore, cultivating these relationships through consultative interactions opens up more upselling and cross-selling opportunities. Implementing solution selling also streamlines the sales process, reducing sales cycles by up to 50% as you quickly identify and address client needs, leading to faster decision-making and increased revenue. Challenger Selling Challenger Selling is a sales methodology that stands out for its unique approach to engaging customers. By challenging customers’ thinking, you provide new insights that can lead to higher engagement and conversion rates. This method positions you as a knowledgeable advisor, educating customers on their needs and the implications of their choices. Research indicates that teams using Challenger Selling techniques achieve a 20% higher win rate than those using traditional methods. Key Skills Description Teaching Educate customers on their needs Tailoring Solutions Customize solutions to address pain points Control of Conversation Lead discussions confidently Building Trust Cultivate deeper connections with clients Master these skills to differentiate yourself from peers. Account-Based Selling Account-Based Selling (ABS) reshapes the sales environment by concentrating on specific high-value accounts rather than casting a wide net. This strategic approach targets key customers in B2B sales, emphasizing personalized engagement with important stakeholders. By creating customized sales packages that meet each account’s unique needs, you can greatly boost conversion rates and customer satisfaction. ABS likewise encourages collaboration between your sales and marketing teams, ensuring that strategies align with the targeted account’s objectives and challenges. Research shows that companies using ABS can achieve 208% more revenue growth compared to traditional methods, showcasing its effectiveness. To successfully implement ABS, investing in CRM systems and analytics tools is often necessary for tracking interactions and measuring the impact of your personalized outreach efforts. Referral Programs How can you effectively leverage your existing customer base to drive new business? Implementing a referral program can raise your new customers by 30% to 57%. Referred customers are more likely to purchase than those gained through traditional marketing. Offering double-sided incentives, like a 20% discount for both the referrer and the referred, can greatly improve participation. This strategy often leads to “referral contagion,” where each new customer generates additional referrals over time. Customers gained through referrals usually have a higher lifetime value, often spending 25% more than non-referred customers. To maximize impact, promote your referral program across various channels, including social media and email marketing, to increase visibility and encourage participation. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Best Strategy to Increase Sales? To increase sales effectively, focus on comprehending your target audience and personalizing your marketing efforts. Implement a consultative selling approach to address customer needs, nurturing long-term relationships. Simplifying the checkout process by offering multiple payment options can reduce cart abandonment. Moreover, develop a robust follow-up strategy, such as sending reminders for abandoned carts, and leverage customer feedback to refine your sales techniques, ensuring you adapt to changing market demands. What Is the 3 2 1 Sales Strategy? The 3 2 1 Sales Strategy simplifies your sales approach by focusing on three key value points, addressing two primary objections, and presenting one clear call-to-action. By highlighting crucial benefits, you make it easier for prospects to grasp your offering. Addressing objections directly builds trust, whereas a single call-to-action streamlines their decision-making process. Implementing this strategy can improve your communication, in the end increasing your chances of closing deals effectively. What Are the Four Methods to Increase Revenue? To increase revenue, you can focus on four primary methods. First, acquire new clients, which adds entirely new spending. Next, increase sales to existing clients through cross-selling and upselling opportunities, leveraging established relationships. Third, consider raising prices; though challenging, this can boost revenue considerably if approached transparently. Finally, improve customer retention strategies to reduce churn, ensuring your current clients remain satisfied and engaged, contributing to consistent revenue growth over time. What Is the Most Successful Sales Strategy? The most successful sales strategy combines various approaches customized to your audience. You should integrate inbound methods, like content marketing and SEO, with outbound tactics such as cold outreach. Focus on value-based selling by addressing specific customer needs, which improves satisfaction and conversions. Furthermore, adopting a consultative approach builds trust and loyalty. Regular training for your sales team on industry trends is essential, as is leveraging data analytics to refine your strategies effectively. Conclusion Incorporating these seven proven sales strategies can greatly improve your revenue potential. By focusing on customer needs through Value-Based and Consultative Selling, utilizing targeted questions with SPIN Selling, and tailoring solutions with Solution Selling, you can effectively engage clients. Furthermore, adopting Challenger and Account-Based Selling techniques, along with implementing Referral Programs, allows you to build stronger relationships and drive sales growth. By applying these methods, you position your business for sustained success in a competitive market. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Proven Sales Strategy Examples to Boost Revenue" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

To improve your revenue, comprehension of effective sales strategies is essential. You might consider approaches like Value-Based Selling, which emphasizes customer needs, or Consultative Selling, where you act as a trusted advisor. There are additionally methods such as SPIN Selling and Solution Selling that rely on targeted questioning and customized solutions. As you explore these strategies, you’ll find each offers unique benefits that can transform your sales approach and boost overall results. Key Takeaways Implement value-based selling to understand customer pain points and build stronger relationships, leading to a 20-30% increase in sales effectiveness. Utilize account-based selling (ABS) to focus on high-value accounts, fostering personalized engagement that can achieve 208% more revenue growth. Leverage referral programs to capitalize on existing customers, increasing new customer acquisition by 30% to 57% with double-sided incentives. Adopt consultative selling techniques to act as a trusted advisor, enhancing customer satisfaction and potentially increasing revenue by 24%. Tailor solutions to meet specific customer needs, significantly improving engagement and conversion rates through personalized offerings. Value-Based Selling Value-Based Selling is a strategic approach that prioritizes grasp of the unique needs and challenges of each customer, rather than merely pushing products based on features or price. By focusing on recognizing customer pain points, you’re more likely to build meaningful relationships. This sales strategy example encourages you to engage in active listening and ask insightful questions, revealing the true value your solution offers. Research indicates that companies employing Value-Based Selling can achieve a 20-30% increase in sales effectiveness, thanks to improved customer engagement. By emphasizing solutions that deliver significant value, you can differentiate your offerings, making it easier to justify pricing and close deals. In the end, this approach nurtures long-term relationships, leading to repeat business and referrals, showcasing effective sales strategy examples. Consultative Selling While many sales strategies focus solely on pushing products, consultative selling stands out by prioritizing the unique needs and challenges of customers. In this approach, you act as a trusted advisor, nurturing long-term relationships. Research shows that 78% of buyers prefer salespeople who understand their specific problems and offer customized solutions. By focusing on these needs, consultative selling can greatly boost your conversion rates; studies indicate a 74% increase in sales effectiveness when teams adopt this methodology. To succeed, you’ll need strong communication skills, as 80% of sales success comes from actively listening and asking insightful questions. Training in these techniques can lead to a 24% revenue increase from existing customers, enhancing overall team performance. SPIN Selling SPIN Selling is an influential method that revolves around four key question types: Situation, Problem, Implication, and Need-payoff. By mastering these questions, you can shift your focus from selling products to comprehending your customer’s unique needs and challenges, which is essential for effective engagement. In the following sections, we’ll explore how to implement these questions effectively and maximize your success in sales conversations. Question Types Explained How do effective questions drive sales conversations? In SPIN Selling, you use four types of questions to uncover customer needs. First, Situation questions help you gather background information about their current environment, providing context for your approach. Next, Problem questions pinpoint specific challenges the customer faces, allowing you to position your solution effectively. Then, Implication questions explore the consequences of those problems, encouraging the customer to reflect on the broader impact on their business, which can heighten their sense of urgency for a solution. Finally, Need-payoff questions prompt customers to express the value of your solution, helping them visualize the benefits and reinforcing their desire to make a purchase. Each question type plays an essential role in driving meaningful conversations. Implementation Tips Implementing SPIN Selling effectively requires a strategic approach to each type of question, ensuring you engage the customer in a meaningful dialogue. Use the following tips to maximize your effectiveness: Question Type Purpose Tips for Implementation Situation Understand the customer’s context Ask open-ended questions for detail Problem Identify specific challenges Encourage customers to elaborate Implication Highlight consequences of their problems Use probing questions to create urgency Need-payoff Articulate the value of your solution Ask customers how your solution helps Solution Selling Solution Selling is all about comprehending your prospects’ specific needs and challenges rather than merely pushing products. By engaging in meaningful conversations, you can tailor your recommendations to effectively address their problems, positioning yourself as a trusted advisor. This approach not solely nurtures long-term relationships but additionally improves customer satisfaction and retention. Understanding Prospects’ Needs Why is comprehending your prospects’ needs crucial in sales? Recognizing their specific challenges allows you to move beyond merely selling products to providing solutions that truly matter. Solution selling emphasizes engaging in consultative conversations where you ask probing questions to uncover deeper insights into your prospects’ requirements. By focusing on their needs rather than just product features, you can showcase the unique value your offerings deliver. This approach improves customer relationships, positioning you as a trusted advisor. Research indicates that implementing solution selling often leads to increased average deal sizes, as customized solutions can justify premium pricing. In the end, grasping your prospects’ needs can greatly boost conversion rates and cultivate long-term partnerships, driving sustained revenue growth. Tailoring Product Recommendations When you tailor product recommendations to your customers’ specific needs, you greatly improve the effectiveness of your sales strategy. Solution selling focuses on comprehending the unique pain points of each customer, allowing you to recommend products that directly address their issues. Research shows that 70% of customers are more likely to purchase when they feel the solution aligns with their needs. By leveraging customer data, you can create targeted product bundles that resonate with individual profiles, increasing upsell opportunities. This approach not just boosts conversion rates but additionally improves the overall customer experience, resulting in a 20% increase in satisfaction ratings. Companies implementing these strategies often see an average revenue increase of 15% per customer, promoting deeper engagement and loyalty. Building Long-Term Relationships Building long-term relationships with customers is a fundamental aspect of effective sales strategies, particularly in solution selling. This approach emphasizes comprehension of specific customer needs and problems, allowing you to serve as a trusted advisor instead of just a vendor. By focusing on delivering customized solutions, you can greatly improve customer satisfaction and loyalty. Research shows that businesses utilizing solution selling can see a 20-30% increase in sales effectiveness compared to traditional methods. Furthermore, cultivating these relationships through consultative interactions opens up more upselling and cross-selling opportunities. Implementing solution selling also streamlines the sales process, reducing sales cycles by up to 50% as you quickly identify and address client needs, leading to faster decision-making and increased revenue. Challenger Selling Challenger Selling is a sales methodology that stands out for its unique approach to engaging customers. By challenging customers’ thinking, you provide new insights that can lead to higher engagement and conversion rates. This method positions you as a knowledgeable advisor, educating customers on their needs and the implications of their choices. Research indicates that teams using Challenger Selling techniques achieve a 20% higher win rate than those using traditional methods. Key Skills Description Teaching Educate customers on their needs Tailoring Solutions Customize solutions to address pain points Control of Conversation Lead discussions confidently Building Trust Cultivate deeper connections with clients Master these skills to differentiate yourself from peers. Account-Based Selling Account-Based Selling (ABS) reshapes the sales environment by concentrating on specific high-value accounts rather than casting a wide net. This strategic approach targets key customers in B2B sales, emphasizing personalized engagement with important stakeholders. By creating customized sales packages that meet each account’s unique needs, you can greatly boost conversion rates and customer satisfaction. ABS likewise encourages collaboration between your sales and marketing teams, ensuring that strategies align with the targeted account’s objectives and challenges. Research shows that companies using ABS can achieve 208% more revenue growth compared to traditional methods, showcasing its effectiveness. To successfully implement ABS, investing in CRM systems and analytics tools is often necessary for tracking interactions and measuring the impact of your personalized outreach efforts. Referral Programs How can you effectively leverage your existing customer base to drive new business? Implementing a referral program can raise your new customers by 30% to 57%. Referred customers are more likely to purchase than those gained through traditional marketing. Offering double-sided incentives, like a 20% discount for both the referrer and the referred, can greatly improve participation. This strategy often leads to “referral contagion,” where each new customer generates additional referrals over time. Customers gained through referrals usually have a higher lifetime value, often spending 25% more than non-referred customers. To maximize impact, promote your referral program across various channels, including social media and email marketing, to increase visibility and encourage participation. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Best Strategy to Increase Sales? To increase sales effectively, focus on comprehending your target audience and personalizing your marketing efforts. Implement a consultative selling approach to address customer needs, nurturing long-term relationships. Simplifying the checkout process by offering multiple payment options can reduce cart abandonment. Moreover, develop a robust follow-up strategy, such as sending reminders for abandoned carts, and leverage customer feedback to refine your sales techniques, ensuring you adapt to changing market demands. What Is the 3 2 1 Sales Strategy? The 3 2 1 Sales Strategy simplifies your sales approach by focusing on three key value points, addressing two primary objections, and presenting one clear call-to-action. By highlighting crucial benefits, you make it easier for prospects to grasp your offering. Addressing objections directly builds trust, whereas a single call-to-action streamlines their decision-making process. Implementing this strategy can improve your communication, in the end increasing your chances of closing deals effectively. What Are the Four Methods to Increase Revenue? To increase revenue, you can focus on four primary methods. First, acquire new clients, which adds entirely new spending. Next, increase sales to existing clients through cross-selling and upselling opportunities, leveraging established relationships. Third, consider raising prices; though challenging, this can boost revenue considerably if approached transparently. Finally, improve customer retention strategies to reduce churn, ensuring your current clients remain satisfied and engaged, contributing to consistent revenue growth over time. What Is the Most Successful Sales Strategy? The most successful sales strategy combines various approaches customized to your audience. You should integrate inbound methods, like content marketing and SEO, with outbound tactics such as cold outreach. Focus on value-based selling by addressing specific customer needs, which improves satisfaction and conversions. Furthermore, adopting a consultative approach builds trust and loyalty. Regular training for your sales team on industry trends is essential, as is leveraging data analytics to refine your strategies effectively. Conclusion Incorporating these seven proven sales strategies can greatly improve your revenue potential. By focusing on customer needs through Value-Based and Consultative Selling, utilizing targeted questions with SPIN Selling, and tailoring solutions with Solution Selling, you can effectively engage clients. Furthermore, adopting Challenger and Account-Based Selling techniques, along with implementing Referral Programs, allows you to build stronger relationships and drive sales growth. By applying these methods, you position your business for sustained success in a competitive market. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Proven Sales Strategy Examples to Boost Revenue" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Sales fall in third quarter after ‘totally self-inflicted’ IT issues stop stock getting to storesView the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Black Friday sales officially start Friday, November 28, and run through Cyber Monday, December 1, and Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools before it's over. Follow our live blog to stay up-to-date on the best sales we find. Browse our editors' picks for a curated list of our favorite sales on laptops, fitness tech, appliances, and more. Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox. Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. Smart lights are a great way to start off a smart home: they're affordable, they're easy to use, and they give you a lot of features and options to play around with. If you're looking for your first pack of smart lights, my Black Friday recommendation would be the three-pack Philips Hue A19 LED Smart Light Bulbs, yours for $69.99 for Black Friday – the lowest the pack has ever been on Amazon. Philips Hue White & Color Ambiance A19 Bluetooth LED Smart Bulbs (3-Pack) $69.99 at Amazon $147.99 Save $78.00 Get Deal Get Deal $69.99 at Amazon $147.99 Save $78.00 I've been using Philips Hue lights in my home for years, and can thoroughly recommend them. They're versatile and reliable, they come in all shapes and sizes, they integrate with a whole host of third-party apps and services, and they offer a bunch of features for you to play around with. The app is really well designed and makes it easy to do simple tasks (like just turn your lights on and off and adjust their color) and more complex ones (like setting up different lighting scenes for different times of the day) alike. These Philips Hue A19 Smart Bulbs can work on their own, but to access the full set of features, it's worth investing in a Philips Hue Bridge as well, which will make adding more lights really easy too. Does Amazon have Black Friday deals?Yes, Amazon has Black Friday sales, but prices aren’t always what they seem. Use a price tracker to make sure you’re getting the best deal, or refer to guides like our live blog that use price trackers for you. And if you have an Amazon Prime membership, make the most of it. Are Black Friday deals worth it?In short, yes, Black Friday still offers discounts that can be rare throughout the rest of the year. If there’s something you want to buy, or you’re shopping for gifts, it’s a good time to look for discounts on what you need, especially tech sales, home improvement supplies, and fitness tech. Of course, if you need to save money, the best way to save is to not buy anything. Are Cyber Monday deals better than Black Friday?Black Friday used to be bigger for major retailers and more expensive tech and appliances, while Cyber Monday was for cheaper tech and gave smaller businesses a chance to compete online. Nowadays, though, distinction is almost meaningless. Every major retailer will offer sales on both days, and the smart move is to know what you want, use price trackers or refer to guides like our live blog that use price trackers for you, and don’t stress over finding the perfect timing. Our Best Editor-Vetted Black Friday Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $219.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $274.00 (List Price $349.00) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $248.00 (List Price $399.99) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Wireless Security Camera (5-Pack) — $159.99 (List Price $399.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) Shark AI Ultra Matrix Clean Mapping Voice Control Robot Vacuum with XL Self-Empty Base — $249.99 (List Price $599.00) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $339.00 (List Price $399.00) WD 6TB My Passport USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive — $138.65 (List Price $179.99) Dell 14 Premium DA14250 (Intel Core Ultra 7 255H, 512GB SSD, 16GB RAM, 2K Display) — $999.99 (List Price $1,549.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article