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The administration has previously said the finalists are Fed Governors Christopher Waller and Michelle Bowman, former Governor Kevin Warsh, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett and BlackRock Inc. executive Rick Rieder. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Gone are the days when you watched one Christmas movie a year, and it was either about a guy trying to jump off of a bridge or a child setting traps to kill the two grown men who want to murder him. Now there’s a lot more where those came from—many of them available for streaming on Netflix year-round. Here are some of the best the streamer has on offer during the festive season—however early or late yours starts. (And while this is a roundup of holiday movies, yes, it’s heavily skewed toward Christmas; Netflix’s current offerings are heavy on Santa and light on everything else.) Champagne Problems (2025) Minka Kelly stars here as Sydney, a hard-driving American executive who heads off to Paris in order to acquire a Champagne brand for her company—and it needs to happen before Christmas. C'est pas possible! She brings along the precocious family dog, Bulles (a West Highland Terrier who's already become a bit of a fan favorite), but that's not the only complication: The heir to the company just happens to be a French hunk played by Tom Wozniczka, and, évidemment, their swoony romance puts the big deal on the line. Stream Champagne Problems. Champagne Problems (2025) Learn More Learn More The Merry Gentlemen (2024) It might not be entirely traditional, but there's absolutely no rule against adding a little beefcake to your holiday feast. Britt Robertson plays Ashley, a professional dancer who finds herself out of a job and so makes her way home for Christmas—only to discover that the bank is about to shut down the sketchy local performing venue run by her parents. Naturally, it's time to put on a show! An all-male revue, specifically, including an array of middle-aged hunks like Chad Michael Murray and Maxwell Caulfield who'll heat up a holiday gathering for you and your mom. Stream The Merry Gentlemen. The Merry Gentlemen (2024) Learn More Learn More Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020) As kids’ holiday fare goes, this one’s a little different, both in style and in pedigree. It’s a straight-up fantasy (rather than the more traditional romantic variety) with a toymaker inventing a living matador fighting for his right to individuality. The pedigree includes playwright David E. Talbert in the director’s chair and an all-Black cast that includes Forest Whitaker, Keegan-Michael Key, and Anika Noni Rose, all having a lot of fun in a colorful (and musical!) adventure. Stream Jingle Jangle. Jingle Jangle (2020) Learn More Learn More Last Christmas (2019) Emilia Clarke and America’s sweetheart Henry Golding have tremendous chemistry as a down-on-her-luck aspiring singer and the slightly mysterious man with whom she shares a lovely and inspiring holiday season. The twist ending here will either work for you, or it really won’t (either way, it’s hilarious on paper). I was prepared to chuckle, but it still got me in the end. Stream Last Christmas. Last Christmas (2019) Learn More Learn More Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square (2020) It’s the holidays, and Regina Fuller (Christine Baranski!) is on her way home, to evict a bunch of people so she can sell some land to a mall developer. Naturally, she’s got some learning to do, with help from Jenifer Lewis—and Dolly herself (typecast as an all-singing angel). Dolly wrote all the musical numbers, and it’s dorky fun in the best ways. The whole cast is several cuts above, as are the dance numbers, choreographed by Debbie Allen—it's a goofy good time, and I mean that in the best way. Stream Christmas on the Square. Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square (2020) Learn More Learn More Klaus (2019) A charming, bespoke Santa origin story based on nothing in particular, Klaus finds the lazy son of a postmaster general in 19th-century Norway banished to a distant island town where he’s tasked with delivering 6,000 letters within a year, lest he be cut off from the family fortune. Arriving there, he discovers the two primary feuding families can’t be bothered to send letters for him to deliver, but that an elderly widower might be able to help him in a scheme he’s concocted to convince the town’s children to write letters in the hopes of receiving toys in return—toys crafted by old Klaus, in search of the family he never had. It’s all beautifully hand-animated, and the genuine emotion wrings tears, Pixar-style. Stream Klaus. Klaus (2019) Learn More Learn More The Holiday Calendar (2018) Kat Graham stars as struggling photographer Abby Sutton, who gets an old Advent calendar from her grandfather—she’s very not into it initially, until the calendar reveals a tiny pair of boots on day one, and later that day, her friend Josh (Quincy Brown) gives her a real pair of boots. As the calendar’s gifts seem to line up with things that actually happen, Abby begins to suspect that there’s magic, and romance, in the air. Ethan Peck (Star Trek) also stars. Stream The Holiday Calendar. The Holiday Calendar (2018) Learn More Learn More Jingle Bell Heist (2025) A sharp-witted retail worker (Olivia Holt) and a repairman who's seen better days (Connor Swindells) realize that they both have designs on the titular holiday heist: they're going to rob London's biggest department store during the seasonal rush. With no choice but to team up, they reluctantly scheme together—before the two mismatched thieves start to find that their feelings are getting in the way of the perfect score. Stream Jingle Bell Heist. Jingle Bell Heist (2025) Learn More Learn More Let It Snow (2019) Not to be confused with Hallmark’s 2013 Let It Snow, which is also a Christmas movie, but not a particularly (or at all) diverse one. Nor is this the 2020 snowboarding horror movie of the same name. Based on a novel by Maureen Johnson, John Green, and Lauren Myracle that intertwines three distinct stories, this Let It Snow involves a large and fairly diverse cast of characters figuring into holiday romances both straight and queer, all taking place in the same small town. Stream Let It Snow. Let It Snow at Netflix Learn More Learn More at Netflix Hot Frosty (2024) A perfect pairing with The Merry Gentlemen for your lightly horny holiday, Hot Frosty stars Lacey Chabert as a widow running a cafe in the tiny made-up town of Hope Springs, New York. One day she picks up a scarf at a secondhand store and places it around the neck of a particularly chiseled snowman because, while all snowman bodies are valid, it's gonna take abs to score free winter apparel. The snowman, quite naturally, comes to life, leading to a series of wacky misunderstandings but also a little holiday romance. Stream Hot Frosty. Hot Frosty (2024) at Netflix Learn More Learn More at Netflix My Secret Santa (2025) Alexandra Breckinridge hops over from Netflix's long-running romantic drama, Virgin River, to take the lead in this Christmas movie, Here, she's a struggling single mom trying to raise the cash to send her daughter off to snowboarding camp at a luxury resort (which: OK?). What are you gonna do but get a job at the resort playing Santa, requiring that she first masquerade as an old man—which is almost certainly some kind of statement about sex- and gender essentialism in the ski-resort-Santa business. When she gets the hots for her new boss (New Amsterdam's Ryan Eggold), shenanigans ensue. Stream My Secret Santa. My Secret Santa (2025) Learn More Learn More Chicken Run (2000) The holidays are in the background of this funny, fowl take on The Great Escape, with a reminder that Christmas is less fun if you’re stuck laying eggs on the farm. The sharp Aardman Brothers comedy has some incredibly fun stop-motion animation, and an awful lot of chickens. It remains the top-grossing stop-motion animated movie of all time. (Netflix also has the two-decades-later sequel, Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget.) Stream Chicken Run. Chicken Run (2000) Learn More Learn More Operation Christmas Drop (2020) Congressional aide Erica Miller (Kat Graham) drops everything for a mission to visit a beachside Air Force base—and find reasons to defund it. She clashes with the studly pilot assigned to escort her around, who is particularly involved in one of the base’s pet projects: an annual airdrop of supplies and gifts to various Micronesian islands. You know where this is all going, but that’s part of the fun. Stream Operation Christmas Drop. Operation Christmas Drop (2020) at Netflix Learn More Learn More at Netflix Carry-On (2024) Sometimes you want a Christmas movie with all the trimmings, and sometimes you need a break from all the tinsel. And so: Carry-On, a thriller that takes place on Christmas Eve. At the airport—literally the worst place to be during the holidays! Taron Edgerton is a TSA agent who's blackmailed into allowing Jason Bateman onto a flight with a very dangerous package. And yet I can't get through with my belt. Stream Carry-On. Carry-On (2024) Learn More Learn More Love Hard (2021) Natalie (Nina Dobrev) gets catfished for Christmas (fun!). The poor woman travels across the country to see the guy she met on an app, and discovers that Josh (Jimmy O. Yang) was using pictures of his friend Tag (Darren Barnet) the whole time. She gets something going with Tag, but soon has to decide which of the two guys she really has feelings for. Stream Love Hard. Love Hard (2021) Learn More Learn More Scrooge: A Christmas Carol (2022) It might not replace all of the many, many earlier Dickens adaptations in your holiday heart, but this computer-animated musical version boasts some fun songs, and a strong voice cast led by Luke Evans and Olivia Colman. It’s slightly less scary and maudlin than many other takes, so it might not be a bad way to introduce young kids to the holiday tale. Stream Scrooge: A Christmas Carol. Scrooge: A Christmas Carol (2022) at Netflix Learn More Learn More at Netflix That Christmas (2024) This fairly delightful all-ages animated Christmas boasts an impressive cast: Brian Cox as Santa is joined by Fiona Shaw, Jodie Whittaker, and Bill Nighy (among other British luminaries). A record-breaking blizzard in the coastal town of Wellington-on-Sea throws Santa's plans into chaos, but also threatens to separate several families, physically and emotionally, in a series of intertwined stories that blend a bit of comedy with some sincere emotional beats. Stream That Christmas. That Christmas (2024) at Netflix Learn More Learn More at Netflix Tangerine (2015) Just your typical girlfriend/buddy/revenge comedy movie about two trans sex workers on the hunt for the man who did one of them wrong. As heartfelt as it is madcap, it all takes place on a wild Christmas Eve in Hollywood (so don’t expect snow). Shot on a couple of iPhones, director Sean Baker and company make a virtue of the intimacy and immediacy that modern technology can bring. Stream Tangerine. Tangerine (2015) at Netflix Learn More Learn More at Netflix Merry Liddle Christmas (2019) Kelly Rowland produced and stars in the first of what has become a series (four movies, so far), though Netflix currently only has the first one. Here, Rowland plays Jacquie Liddle, a tech entrepreneur who’s got it all together until her incredibly messy family shows up for Christmas. Still, she’s determined to put together a marketing video that shows her vision of a perfect Christmas, which goes about as well as you can imagine. Complicating things further is her hot new neighbor Tyler (Thomas Carrot). Like Jacquie herself, the whole movie is a bit more impressively put together than the standard quickie Christmas movie, with a competence and charm that’s made those cozy sequels rather welcome. Stream Merry Liddle Christmas. Merry Liddle Christmas (2019) Learn More Learn More Meet Me Next Christmas (2024) Veteran TV and movie director Rusty Cundieff (Tales from the Hood and Chappelle's Show, among many other credits) helms Meet Me Next Christmas, starring Christina Milian as a woman who finds herself rushing around New York City in search of sold-out Pentatonix tickets (oddly specific, but sure). You see, she met a guy named James last year at Christmas, and they'd agreed to reunite at the concert, An Affair to Remember-style—but wait! The handsome ticket concierge (Devale Ellis) helping her out is pretty cute, too. Stream Meet Me Next Christmas. Meet Me Next Christmas (2024) Learn More Learn More Holidate (2020) Sloane (Emma Roberts) and Jackson (Luke Bracey) have figured out how to deal with all the questions that arise (apparently?) when you’re single and you show up at family gatherings: They’re going to be each other’s platonic plus-ones at holiday meals. Would it be much of a holiday movie if something other than friendship weren’t in the offing? Stream Holidate. Holidate (2020) Learn More Learn More Falling for Christmas (2022) Speaking of Christmas casting coups, this one saw the return of Lindsay Lohan in a lead role after a decade. She plays a snotty heiress who loses her memory following a ski accident and learns lessons about love and life while recovering in a ski lodge run by earthy Jake Russell (Chord Overstreet). Stream Falling for Christmas. Falling for Christmas (2022) Learn More Learn More The Princess Switch (2018) Stacy De Novo (Vanessa Hudgens) is a pastry chef from Chicago off to fictional Belgravia to compete in a holiday baking contest. There she meets a duchess, who’s also the fiancee of the local prince (Sam Palladio)—and who happens to look exactly like Stacy (surprise: They’re both played by Hudgens). The two decide it might be fun to see how the other half lives, and so they swap lives, which (unsurprisingly) complicates things with the prince. If you like this one, the series continues in two more movies that add yet another Hudgens. Stream The Princess Switch. The Princess Switch (2018) Learn More Learn More A Christmas Prince (2017) Another trilogy, you say? Look, sometimes you just want to sink into the couch for hours of holiday schmaltz. No problem: Here, an American journalist (Rose McIver) heads to fictional Aldovia on the hunt for a scoop. A case of mistaken identity leads to her being mistaken for the tutor to the young princess. And, of course, she’s soon cozying up to the prince (Ben Lamb). It goes well enough that they get two more movies out of it. (Yes, all these movies have nearly identical plots, which is a cozy feature, not a bug.) Stream A Christmas Prince. A Christmas Prince (2017) Learn More Learn More The Noel Diary (2022) This one’s more of a comedy/drama in a holiday vein, so it’s less generally goofy and a bit less predictable than some of the other modern Christmas movies (whether that’s a pro or con will largely depend on your mood). Writer Jake (Justin Hartley) returns home for Christmas to settle his late mother’s estate; he’s just in time to meet Rachel (Barrett Doss), who’s looking for information about her birth mother, who’d been Jake’s nanny. Stream The Noel Diary. The Noel Diary (2022) Learn More Learn More The Christmas Chronicles (2018) A deeply cute Christmas adventure finds a couple of kids (Judah Lewis and Darby Camp) accidentally crashing Santa’s sleigh (Santa here is played by Kurt Russell). It’s got plenty of family-friendly action, and Russell seems to be having a ton of fun. If you like this one, the sequel is approximately as good. Stream The Christmas Chronicles. The Christmas Chronicles (2018) Learn More Learn More Holiday Rush (2019) Another dramedy, Holiday Rush finds widowed hip-hop radio DJ Rush (Romany Malco) losing his job and heading back to his old home with a plan to buy the local station where he got his start alongside his producer, Roxy (Sonequa Martin-Green). The professional plans don’t run particularly smoothly, but the pair do discover that their feelings might not be all business. Stream Holiday Rush. Holiday Rush (2019) Learn More Learn More Our Little Secret (2024) Lindsay Lohan is back in her third Netflix movie, following her big comeback in 2022's Falling for Christmas. Here she joins a stacked cast, including Kristin Chenoweth, Ian Harding, Jon Rudnitsky, and Chris Parnell, in the story of a couple of exes forced to spend the holiday together (her new boyfriend's sister is dating her old boyfriend, and neither of them wants anyone to know). Seasonal shenanigans ensue! Stream Our Little Secret. Our Little Secret (2024) Learn More Learn More Christmas Bloody Christmas (2022) Christmas Carnage, as a genre, is at least as venerable as the holiday rom-com (Black Christmas predates every single one of those cozy Hallmark-style movies), and there's nothing wrong with adding some blood and guts to your holiday display. Here, Riley Dandy plays Tori Tooms, a record store owner closing up for Christmas Eve, and heading out for drinks with her flirtatious employee and a couple of pals. Those friends happen to run a toy store that has in stock a Santa robot—one that's been recalled because of its original military programming. You probably won't be surprised to learn that this particular robot is about to malfunction, and cut a bloody swath through the holiday season. Not quite as scary as more modern AI, but still best not mess with robot Santa. Stream Christmas Bloody Christmas. Christmas Bloody Christmas (2022) Learn More Learn More Single All the Way (2021) Peter (Michael Urie) is in a high-stress LA-type job on his way home to New Hampshire for the holidays. Sick of questions about being single, he decides to invite his best friend Nick (Philemon Chambers) to pose as more than his roommate. A tried-and-true setup! Complications ensue when his mom (Kathy Najimy) sets him up with her fitness instructor, James (Luke Macfarlane), before learning about the fake boyfriend who’s soon on his way to becoming a maybe real boyfriend. The fun cast also includes Barry Bostwick and Jennifer Coolidge. Stream Single All the Way. Single All the Way at Netflix Learn More Learn More at Netflix View the full article

Nearly 85,000 sellers removed their properties in September, the highest number for that month in eight years, according to Redfin. View the full article

President Donald The President is directing the federal government to combine efforts with tech companies and universities to convert government data into scientific discoveries, acting on his push to make artificial intelligence the engine of the nation’s economic future. The President unveiled the “Genesis Mission” as part of an executive order he signed Monday that directs the Department of Energy and national labs to build a digital platform to concentrate the nation’s scientific data in one place. It solicits private sector and university partners to use their AI capability to help the government solve engineering, energy and national security problems, including streamlining the nation’s electric grid, according to White House officials who spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity to describe the order before it was signed. Officials made no specific mention of seeking medical advances as part of the project. “The Genesis Mission will bring together our Nation’s research and development resources — combining the efforts of brilliant American scientists, including those at our national laboratories, with pioneering American businesses; world-renowned universities; and existing research infrastructure, data repositories, production plants, and national security sites — to achieve dramatic acceleration in AI development and utilization,” the executive order says. The administration portrayed the effort as the government’s most ambitious marshaling of federal scientific resources since the Apollo space missions of the late 1960s and early 1970s, even as it had cut billions of dollars in federal funding for scientific research and thousands of scientists had lost their jobs and funding. The President is increasingly counting on the tech sector and the development of AI to power the U.S. economy, made clear last week as he hosted Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The monarch has committed to investing $1 trillion, largely from the Arab nation’s oil and natural gas reserves, to pivot his nation into becoming an AI data hub. For the U.S.’s part, funding was appropriated to the Energy Department as part of the massive tax-break and spending bill signed into law by The President in July, White House officials said. As AI raises concerns that its heavy use of electricity may be contributing to higher utility rates in the nearer term, which is a political risk for The President, administration officials argued that rates will come down as the technology develops. They said the increased demand will build capacity in existing transmission lines and bring down costs per unit of electricity. Data centers needed to fuel AI accounted for about 1.5% of the world’s electricity consumption last year, and those facilities’ energy consumption is predicted to more than double by 2030, according to the International Energy Agency. That increase could lead to burning more fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas, which release greenhouse gases that contribute to warming temperatures, sea level rise and extreme weather. The project will rely on national labs’ supercomputers but will also use supercomputing capacity being developed in the private sector. The project’s use of public data including national security information along with private sector supercomputers prompted officials to issue assurances that there would be controls to respect protected information. —Thomas Beaumont, Associated Press View the full article

Securing funding for your franchise can be a vital step in your entrepreneurial path. First, you need to assess your financial situation, including your credit score and how much capital you actually need. Then, explore various financing options available to you, such as SBA loans, franchisor financing, or alternative methods like ROBS. Comprehending these elements sets the foundation for a successful funding strategy, which is fundamental as you move forward in your franchise venture. Key Takeaways Assess your financial situation by evaluating your credit score and creating a personal financial statement detailing assets and liabilities. Explore various financing options, including SBA loans, franchisor financing, and alternative funding methods like ROBS. Prepare a comprehensive business plan outlining funding needs, revenue projections, and how funds will be utilized. Gather necessary financial documents such as tax returns, cash flow statements, and credit history reports to support your loan application. Consult with financial advisors specializing in franchise funding for tailored insights and assistance in navigating the application process. Understanding Franchise Financing Grasping franchise financing is crucial for anyone looking to start a franchise, as it involves various methods to secure the necessary funds. To finance a franchise with no money, you might explore several options. SBA loans are popular, offering up to $5 million with low interest rates and flexible terms. Franchisor financing can also assist, as some franchisors provide discounted fees and deferred payments. Furthermore, consider alternative financing like Rollovers for Business Start-Ups (ROBS), which allows you to use retirement funds without penalties. Unsecured loans are another avenue, requiring no collateral. Assessing Your Financial Situation To assess your financial situation, start by evaluating your credit score, since most lenders prefer a score above 600 for better loan terms. Next, determine your total funding needs by calculating franchise fees, startup costs, and operational expenses to understand how much you’ll require. This critical analysis won’t just help you secure adequate financing but will also demonstrate your financial stability to potential lenders. Evaluate Credit Score Before applying for franchise financing, evaluating your credit score is essential, as it plays a significant role in determining your eligibility for loans and the terms you’ll receive. A score above 600 is often required for favorable options, like SBA loans. Here are three steps to reflect on: Check your credit report: Regularly review for errors or inaccuracies that could lower your score. Manage your debt: Aim to keep your credit utilization below 30%, making timely payments on your debts. Understand your credit history: Lenders look at your credit accounts’ length, types, and any late payments, evaluating your reliability. Determine Funding Needs Comprehension of your financial situation is key when determining your funding needs for a franchise. Start by calculating your total funding requirements, including franchise fees, startup costs, working capital, and ongoing operational expenses. This clear overview helps you understand how much money you need. Next, review your personal financial situation, particularly your credit score and available liquid assets, to assess your borrowing capacity. Prepare a personal financial statement detailing your debts, assets, and net worth for potential lenders. Creating a detailed business plan with revenue projections will demonstrate the viability of your investment. Finally, establish a budget for initial expenses and maintain a positive cash flow, regardless of whether you’re exploring how to buy a franchise with no money. Exploring Financing Options When you’re exploring financing options for your franchise, you’ll encounter both traditional loan sources and alternative funding methods. Traditional loans, like those from Bank of America, often require solid credit and documentation, whereas alternative options, such as online business loans, can provide quicker access to funds but may come with higher rates. Comprehending the pros and cons of each method is crucial to aligning your choices with your financial situation and franchise objectives. Traditional Loan Sources Steering through traditional loan sources can be crucial for financing your franchise, as these options typically offer the most reliable funding avenues. Here are three key sources to evaluate: Conventional Bank Loans: These require excellent credit scores and a solid financial history but often provide favorable interest rates. SBA Loans: The Small Business Administration offers guaranteed loans up to $5 million, making it a popular choice with lower down payment requirements. Franchisor Financing: Some franchisors assist new franchisees with waived fees or connections to lenders, potentially easing startup costs. Alternative Funding Methods Though traditional loans are often the first stop for franchise financing, exploring alternative funding methods can provide additional avenues to secure the necessary capital. One option is Rollovers for Business Start-Ups (ROBS), allowing you to use retirement funds tax-free. Unsecured loans offer quick cash without collateral, whereas portfolio loans let you borrow against your existing investments. If you’re looking for mentorship along with funding, consider angel investors who exchange capital for equity. Peer-to-peer lending platforms can connect you with individual lenders for competitive rates. Finally, crowdfunding allows you to raise small amounts from many people, making it a viable choice for those wondering how to start a franchise with no money. Each method has its advantages, so choose wisely. Franchisor Financing Opportunities Many franchisors offer financing opportunities that can greatly ease the initial investment burden for new franchisees. If you’re wondering how can I buy a franchise with no money, consider these options: Waived or Reduced Fees: Many franchisors reduce or waive franchise fees, lowering your initial costs considerably. Deferred Payments: Some allow you to postpone certain fees, giving you time to stabilize your finances during the startup phase. Preferred Lender Connections: Franchisors often have relationships with lenders and can help you secure additional funding. To explore these options, review Section 10 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and engage with your franchisor early in the application process to identify customized financing opportunities. Small Business Administration Loans If you’re looking for reliable funding options for your franchise, Small Business Administration (SBA) loans can be a great choice. These loans provide up to $5 million for approved franchise purchases, making them popular among franchisees. The SBA offers various programs, including the 7(a) loan for general business needs and the CDC/504 loan for real estate and equipment. To qualify, you typically need a credit score of at least 680, a solid business plan, and sufficient collateral. The application process involves gathering financial documents and may include a loan review meeting, which can take weeks. With favorable terms like lower down payments and longer repayment periods, SBA loans are a viable option if you’re wondering how to purchase a franchise with no money. Alternative Financing Methods When exploring funding options for your franchise, have you contemplated alternative financing methods? These can be effective ways to learn how to get a franchise with no money. Here are three options to take into account: Rollovers for Business Start-Ups (ROBS): This allows you to invest your retirement funds into your franchise without taxes or penalties. Portfolio Loans: You can borrow against your investment portfolio, like mutual funds, during still letting those assets grow. Angel Investors: These individuals provide capital in exchange for equity and can offer valuable industry expertise. These methods can provide viable funding avenues, making it easier for you to achieve your franchise ownership dreams without relying solely on traditional loans. Preparing a Solid Business Plan A well-prepared business plan is vital for securing funding and guiding your franchise toward success. Start by providing a thorough overview of the franchise opportunity, including market analysis and competitive terrain. Clearly outline how you’ll use funds, specifying coverage for franchise fees, startup costs, and working capital, which demonstrates financial viability. Include realistic timelines for achieving profitability and loan repayment to reassure lenders about your business model’s sustainability. Use data-driven projections to support revenue estimates, incorporating industry benchmarks to boost credibility. Finally, guarantee your business plan is professionally presented, with organized sections and supporting documents, as this reflects your commitment and can greatly influence funding opportunities. This is important, especially if you’re wondering how can I start a franchise with no money. Gathering Necessary Financial Documents Gathering the right financial documents is a pivotal step in securing funding for your franchise. Lenders need to see your financial health to assess your eligibility, especially if you’re wondering how to own a franchise with no money. Start by collecting these key documents: Personal Financial Statements: Detail your assets, liabilities, and net worth. Business Tax Returns: Compile the last three years to provide a thorough view of your income. Cash Flow Statement: Prepare an accurate projection of expected income and expenses. Additionally, include credit history reports for both personal and business accounts, and create a solid business plan outlining fund usage, expected revenue, and repayment timelines. This preparation increases your chances of securing necessary financing. Applying for Loans and Grants Securing funding for your franchise can feel intimidating, but comprehending how to apply for loans and grants is vital to making the process smoother. Start by preparing fundamental documents like a detailed business plan, credit history, and personal financial statements. Consider SBA loans, which offer up to $5 million but require thorough organization. A credit score above 600 is typically necessary, so maintaining good credit is essential. Research various financing options as they differ in terms and eligibility. Recognizing collateral’s importance can additionally improve your approval chances. Financing Type Pros Cons SBA Loans High funding amounts Lengthy application process Franchisor Financing Customized for franchises Limited to specific brands Conventional Loans Established lenders Strict eligibility criteria Online Business Loans Quick access Higher interest rates Consulting With Financial Advisors When you’re considering a franchise, consulting with financial advisors is essential for maneuvering your financing options. These experts can help you identify suitable advisors, prepare a business plan, and assess your financial health to improve your chances of securing funding. Importance of Expert Guidance Consulting with financial advisors who specialize in franchise funding can greatly improve your chances of obtaining the capital you need to launch your business. They offer customized insights that align with your financial situation, helping you understand how to become a franchise owner with no money. Here are three benefits of expert guidance: Crafting a Business Plan: Advisors assist in creating a thorough plan that outlines your funding needs and projected revenues, vital for attracting lenders and investors. Navigating Loan intricacies: They help you comprehend loan terms, eligibility criteria, and financing methods, such as SBA loans. Assessing Financial Health: Advisors evaluate your credit score and net worth, fundamental factors lenders consider when reviewing your application. Leveraging their industry knowledge increases your likelihood of securing necessary capital. Identifying Suitable Advisors Finding the right financial advisor is a key step in securing funding for your franchise. A specialist in franchise funding can offer customized insights into the best financing options suited to your needs. They’ll assess your financial situation, including credit scores and collateral, to help determine eligibility for various loan products. Furthermore, a knowledgeable advisor can assist in preparing a thorough business plan that outlines your funding requirements, crucial for attracting lenders and investors. Engaging with experienced advisors may likewise reveal strategic partnerships with preferred lenders or franchisors, easing the financing process. Regular consultations keep you informed about changing funding environments, guiding you through complex decisions, especially when considering how to franchise a business with no money. Preparing for Consultations Preparing for consultations with financial advisors means taking the time to gather and organize essential documents that present a clear picture of your financial situation and franchise aspirations. To effectively communicate your needs, focus on these key areas: Financial Documents: Collect your credit report, personal financial statements, and a detailed business plan to assess whether franchises can make money for you. Startup Costs: Calculate total startup costs, including franchise fees, equipment, inventory, and working capital to better outline your funding requirements. Questions for Advisors: Prepare a list of questions regarding loan terms, interest rates, and repayment schedules to guarantee you understand the financing options available to you. This preparation will empower your discussions and help you secure the funding you need. Managing and Utilizing Funds Effectively managing and utilizing funds is crucial for the success of your franchise, as it directly impacts your operational efficiency and long-term sustainability. When figuring out how to start a franchise restaurant with no money, you’ll need to strictly allocate your acquired funds for franchise-related expenses like fees, equipment, and initial inventory. Keeping detailed records of expenditures guarantees transparency with investors or lenders. Establish a clear budget to allocate funds across areas such as marketing and staffing, preventing overspending. Implement a cash flow management system to track your finances and identify potential shortfalls. Regular financial reviews will help you assess fund utilization and adjust strategies, aligning them with your business goals and market conditions. Frequently Asked Questions How Do People Get Money to Start a Franchise? To start a franchise, you can explore several financing options. Many people use SBA loans, which offer substantial funding with government backing. Franchisors sometimes assist with financial incentives like reduced fees. On the other hand, Rollovers for Business Start-Ups (ROBS) allow you to use retirement funds without penalties. Conventional bank loans require good credit and collateral. Furthermore, networking with angel investors and using online lending platforms can open up further funding opportunities for your franchise venture. What Is the 7 Day Rule for Franchise? The 7 Day Rule for franchises requires franchisors to provide the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) at least seven days before you sign any agreement or make payments. This rule helps you review crucial information about the franchise, including fees and obligations. It allows you to conduct thorough due diligence and seek advice. Franchisors must comply to avoid legal issues, ensuring transparency and protecting you from rushed decisions based on incomplete data. Why Is It Only $10,000 to Open a Chick-Fil-A? Opening a Chick-fil-A franchise costs only $10,000 because of the company’s unique support structure. Chick-fil-A covers most startup expenses, like real estate and equipment, allowing you to focus on running the restaurant. The company prioritizes selecting franchisees based on character and leadership rather than financial resources, which helps maintain brand quality. In return for the low initial investment, Chick-fil-A retains a larger portion of profits, emphasizing operational involvement from franchisees. What Are the 4 P’s of Franchising? The 4 P’s of franchising are Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. First, your product needs to meet customer demands and differentiate itself in the market. Next, set competitive prices that reflect value and cover costs. Place focuses on choosing strategic locations for easy customer access, whereas promotion involves effective marketing strategies to communicate your franchise’s value. Together, these elements create a solid foundation for your franchise’s success and growth in a competitive setting. Conclusion Securing funding for your franchise involves a strategic approach. By evaluating your financial situation and exploring various financing options, such as franchisor financing and SBA loans, you can identify the best fit for your needs. Gathering necessary documents and consulting with financial advisors will streamline your application process. Finally, managing and utilizing funds wisely guarantees your franchise has a solid foundation for growth. With careful planning and execution, you can successfully finance your entrepreneurial venture. Image via Google Gemini This article, "How to Get Money for Your Franchise – A Step-by-Step Guide" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Securing funding for your franchise can be a vital step in your entrepreneurial path. First, you need to assess your financial situation, including your credit score and how much capital you actually need. Then, explore various financing options available to you, such as SBA loans, franchisor financing, or alternative methods like ROBS. Comprehending these elements sets the foundation for a successful funding strategy, which is fundamental as you move forward in your franchise venture. Key Takeaways Assess your financial situation by evaluating your credit score and creating a personal financial statement detailing assets and liabilities. Explore various financing options, including SBA loans, franchisor financing, and alternative funding methods like ROBS. Prepare a comprehensive business plan outlining funding needs, revenue projections, and how funds will be utilized. Gather necessary financial documents such as tax returns, cash flow statements, and credit history reports to support your loan application. Consult with financial advisors specializing in franchise funding for tailored insights and assistance in navigating the application process. Understanding Franchise Financing Grasping franchise financing is crucial for anyone looking to start a franchise, as it involves various methods to secure the necessary funds. To finance a franchise with no money, you might explore several options. SBA loans are popular, offering up to $5 million with low interest rates and flexible terms. Franchisor financing can also assist, as some franchisors provide discounted fees and deferred payments. Furthermore, consider alternative financing like Rollovers for Business Start-Ups (ROBS), which allows you to use retirement funds without penalties. Unsecured loans are another avenue, requiring no collateral. Assessing Your Financial Situation To assess your financial situation, start by evaluating your credit score, since most lenders prefer a score above 600 for better loan terms. Next, determine your total funding needs by calculating franchise fees, startup costs, and operational expenses to understand how much you’ll require. This critical analysis won’t just help you secure adequate financing but will also demonstrate your financial stability to potential lenders. Evaluate Credit Score Before applying for franchise financing, evaluating your credit score is essential, as it plays a significant role in determining your eligibility for loans and the terms you’ll receive. A score above 600 is often required for favorable options, like SBA loans. Here are three steps to reflect on: Check your credit report: Regularly review for errors or inaccuracies that could lower your score. Manage your debt: Aim to keep your credit utilization below 30%, making timely payments on your debts. Understand your credit history: Lenders look at your credit accounts’ length, types, and any late payments, evaluating your reliability. Determine Funding Needs Comprehension of your financial situation is key when determining your funding needs for a franchise. Start by calculating your total funding requirements, including franchise fees, startup costs, working capital, and ongoing operational expenses. This clear overview helps you understand how much money you need. Next, review your personal financial situation, particularly your credit score and available liquid assets, to assess your borrowing capacity. Prepare a personal financial statement detailing your debts, assets, and net worth for potential lenders. Creating a detailed business plan with revenue projections will demonstrate the viability of your investment. Finally, establish a budget for initial expenses and maintain a positive cash flow, regardless of whether you’re exploring how to buy a franchise with no money. Exploring Financing Options When you’re exploring financing options for your franchise, you’ll encounter both traditional loan sources and alternative funding methods. Traditional loans, like those from Bank of America, often require solid credit and documentation, whereas alternative options, such as online business loans, can provide quicker access to funds but may come with higher rates. Comprehending the pros and cons of each method is crucial to aligning your choices with your financial situation and franchise objectives. Traditional Loan Sources Steering through traditional loan sources can be crucial for financing your franchise, as these options typically offer the most reliable funding avenues. Here are three key sources to evaluate: Conventional Bank Loans: These require excellent credit scores and a solid financial history but often provide favorable interest rates. SBA Loans: The Small Business Administration offers guaranteed loans up to $5 million, making it a popular choice with lower down payment requirements. Franchisor Financing: Some franchisors assist new franchisees with waived fees or connections to lenders, potentially easing startup costs. Alternative Funding Methods Though traditional loans are often the first stop for franchise financing, exploring alternative funding methods can provide additional avenues to secure the necessary capital. One option is Rollovers for Business Start-Ups (ROBS), allowing you to use retirement funds tax-free. Unsecured loans offer quick cash without collateral, whereas portfolio loans let you borrow against your existing investments. If you’re looking for mentorship along with funding, consider angel investors who exchange capital for equity. Peer-to-peer lending platforms can connect you with individual lenders for competitive rates. Finally, crowdfunding allows you to raise small amounts from many people, making it a viable choice for those wondering how to start a franchise with no money. Each method has its advantages, so choose wisely. Franchisor Financing Opportunities Many franchisors offer financing opportunities that can greatly ease the initial investment burden for new franchisees. If you’re wondering how can I buy a franchise with no money, consider these options: Waived or Reduced Fees: Many franchisors reduce or waive franchise fees, lowering your initial costs considerably. Deferred Payments: Some allow you to postpone certain fees, giving you time to stabilize your finances during the startup phase. Preferred Lender Connections: Franchisors often have relationships with lenders and can help you secure additional funding. To explore these options, review Section 10 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and engage with your franchisor early in the application process to identify customized financing opportunities. Small Business Administration Loans If you’re looking for reliable funding options for your franchise, Small Business Administration (SBA) loans can be a great choice. These loans provide up to $5 million for approved franchise purchases, making them popular among franchisees. The SBA offers various programs, including the 7(a) loan for general business needs and the CDC/504 loan for real estate and equipment. To qualify, you typically need a credit score of at least 680, a solid business plan, and sufficient collateral. The application process involves gathering financial documents and may include a loan review meeting, which can take weeks. With favorable terms like lower down payments and longer repayment periods, SBA loans are a viable option if you’re wondering how to purchase a franchise with no money. Alternative Financing Methods When exploring funding options for your franchise, have you contemplated alternative financing methods? These can be effective ways to learn how to get a franchise with no money. Here are three options to take into account: Rollovers for Business Start-Ups (ROBS): This allows you to invest your retirement funds into your franchise without taxes or penalties. Portfolio Loans: You can borrow against your investment portfolio, like mutual funds, during still letting those assets grow. Angel Investors: These individuals provide capital in exchange for equity and can offer valuable industry expertise. These methods can provide viable funding avenues, making it easier for you to achieve your franchise ownership dreams without relying solely on traditional loans. Preparing a Solid Business Plan A well-prepared business plan is vital for securing funding and guiding your franchise toward success. Start by providing a thorough overview of the franchise opportunity, including market analysis and competitive terrain. Clearly outline how you’ll use funds, specifying coverage for franchise fees, startup costs, and working capital, which demonstrates financial viability. Include realistic timelines for achieving profitability and loan repayment to reassure lenders about your business model’s sustainability. Use data-driven projections to support revenue estimates, incorporating industry benchmarks to boost credibility. Finally, guarantee your business plan is professionally presented, with organized sections and supporting documents, as this reflects your commitment and can greatly influence funding opportunities. This is important, especially if you’re wondering how can I start a franchise with no money. Gathering Necessary Financial Documents Gathering the right financial documents is a pivotal step in securing funding for your franchise. Lenders need to see your financial health to assess your eligibility, especially if you’re wondering how to own a franchise with no money. Start by collecting these key documents: Personal Financial Statements: Detail your assets, liabilities, and net worth. Business Tax Returns: Compile the last three years to provide a thorough view of your income. Cash Flow Statement: Prepare an accurate projection of expected income and expenses. Additionally, include credit history reports for both personal and business accounts, and create a solid business plan outlining fund usage, expected revenue, and repayment timelines. This preparation increases your chances of securing necessary financing. Applying for Loans and Grants Securing funding for your franchise can feel intimidating, but comprehending how to apply for loans and grants is vital to making the process smoother. Start by preparing fundamental documents like a detailed business plan, credit history, and personal financial statements. Consider SBA loans, which offer up to $5 million but require thorough organization. A credit score above 600 is typically necessary, so maintaining good credit is essential. Research various financing options as they differ in terms and eligibility. Recognizing collateral’s importance can additionally improve your approval chances. Financing Type Pros Cons SBA Loans High funding amounts Lengthy application process Franchisor Financing Customized for franchises Limited to specific brands Conventional Loans Established lenders Strict eligibility criteria Online Business Loans Quick access Higher interest rates Consulting With Financial Advisors When you’re considering a franchise, consulting with financial advisors is essential for maneuvering your financing options. These experts can help you identify suitable advisors, prepare a business plan, and assess your financial health to improve your chances of securing funding. Importance of Expert Guidance Consulting with financial advisors who specialize in franchise funding can greatly improve your chances of obtaining the capital you need to launch your business. They offer customized insights that align with your financial situation, helping you understand how to become a franchise owner with no money. Here are three benefits of expert guidance: Crafting a Business Plan: Advisors assist in creating a thorough plan that outlines your funding needs and projected revenues, vital for attracting lenders and investors. Navigating Loan intricacies: They help you comprehend loan terms, eligibility criteria, and financing methods, such as SBA loans. Assessing Financial Health: Advisors evaluate your credit score and net worth, fundamental factors lenders consider when reviewing your application. Leveraging their industry knowledge increases your likelihood of securing necessary capital. Identifying Suitable Advisors Finding the right financial advisor is a key step in securing funding for your franchise. A specialist in franchise funding can offer customized insights into the best financing options suited to your needs. They’ll assess your financial situation, including credit scores and collateral, to help determine eligibility for various loan products. Furthermore, a knowledgeable advisor can assist in preparing a thorough business plan that outlines your funding requirements, crucial for attracting lenders and investors. Engaging with experienced advisors may likewise reveal strategic partnerships with preferred lenders or franchisors, easing the financing process. Regular consultations keep you informed about changing funding environments, guiding you through complex decisions, especially when considering how to franchise a business with no money. Preparing for Consultations Preparing for consultations with financial advisors means taking the time to gather and organize essential documents that present a clear picture of your financial situation and franchise aspirations. To effectively communicate your needs, focus on these key areas: Financial Documents: Collect your credit report, personal financial statements, and a detailed business plan to assess whether franchises can make money for you. Startup Costs: Calculate total startup costs, including franchise fees, equipment, inventory, and working capital to better outline your funding requirements. Questions for Advisors: Prepare a list of questions regarding loan terms, interest rates, and repayment schedules to guarantee you understand the financing options available to you. This preparation will empower your discussions and help you secure the funding you need. Managing and Utilizing Funds Effectively managing and utilizing funds is crucial for the success of your franchise, as it directly impacts your operational efficiency and long-term sustainability. When figuring out how to start a franchise restaurant with no money, you’ll need to strictly allocate your acquired funds for franchise-related expenses like fees, equipment, and initial inventory. Keeping detailed records of expenditures guarantees transparency with investors or lenders. Establish a clear budget to allocate funds across areas such as marketing and staffing, preventing overspending. Implement a cash flow management system to track your finances and identify potential shortfalls. Regular financial reviews will help you assess fund utilization and adjust strategies, aligning them with your business goals and market conditions. Frequently Asked Questions How Do People Get Money to Start a Franchise? To start a franchise, you can explore several financing options. Many people use SBA loans, which offer substantial funding with government backing. Franchisors sometimes assist with financial incentives like reduced fees. On the other hand, Rollovers for Business Start-Ups (ROBS) allow you to use retirement funds without penalties. Conventional bank loans require good credit and collateral. Furthermore, networking with angel investors and using online lending platforms can open up further funding opportunities for your franchise venture. What Is the 7 Day Rule for Franchise? The 7 Day Rule for franchises requires franchisors to provide the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) at least seven days before you sign any agreement or make payments. This rule helps you review crucial information about the franchise, including fees and obligations. It allows you to conduct thorough due diligence and seek advice. Franchisors must comply to avoid legal issues, ensuring transparency and protecting you from rushed decisions based on incomplete data. Why Is It Only $10,000 to Open a Chick-Fil-A? Opening a Chick-fil-A franchise costs only $10,000 because of the company’s unique support structure. Chick-fil-A covers most startup expenses, like real estate and equipment, allowing you to focus on running the restaurant. The company prioritizes selecting franchisees based on character and leadership rather than financial resources, which helps maintain brand quality. In return for the low initial investment, Chick-fil-A retains a larger portion of profits, emphasizing operational involvement from franchisees. What Are the 4 P’s of Franchising? The 4 P’s of franchising are Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. First, your product needs to meet customer demands and differentiate itself in the market. Next, set competitive prices that reflect value and cover costs. Place focuses on choosing strategic locations for easy customer access, whereas promotion involves effective marketing strategies to communicate your franchise’s value. Together, these elements create a solid foundation for your franchise’s success and growth in a competitive setting. Conclusion Securing funding for your franchise involves a strategic approach. By evaluating your financial situation and exploring various financing options, such as franchisor financing and SBA loans, you can identify the best fit for your needs. Gathering necessary documents and consulting with financial advisors will streamline your application process. Finally, managing and utilizing funds wisely guarantees your franchise has a solid foundation for growth. With careful planning and execution, you can successfully finance your entrepreneurial venture. Image via Google Gemini This article, "How to Get Money for Your Franchise – A Step-by-Step Guide" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Chipmaker hit by $300bn sell-off in early tradingView 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. Earlier this year I reviewed the Microsoft Surface Pro 12, and it was and remains absolutely the best Windows 2-in-1 I've had the pleasure to use. For Black Friday, it's also now cheaper than it's ever been over at Amazon. You can pick it up for $899.99, $500 off the original price of $1,399.99. Microsoft Surface Pro 12 $899.99 at Amazon $1,399.99 Save $500.00 Get Deal Get Deal $899.99 at Amazon $1,399.99 Save $500.00 That's a drop of around 36%, which should free up some cash for the keyboard attachment, which is sold separately and is fairly essential if you want to use this thing like a laptop. With both, you'll have a Windows 11 device that can go anywhere and do anything (and the keyboard doubles as a protective cover, too). What makes the Microsoft Surface Pro 12 so good? It has a gorgeous screen, it's solidly constructed, and it switches effortlessly between tablet and laptop modes. You can be creating digital artwork one minute and editing spreadsheets the next. Few devices give you this much flexibility, Windows-based or otherwise. The model I've highlighted here includes a Snapdragon X Elite processor, 16GB RAM, and 256GB of storage, which is more than enough to tackle the majority of computing tasks. As long as you're not wanting to play the latest top-tier games or crunch through some serious video encoding, the Surface Pro 12 will serve you very well indeed. 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 Early 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) NEW Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $298.00 (List Price $429.00) 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) — $349.00 (List Price $399.00) WD 6TB My Passport USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive — $134.99 (List Price $179.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

A recent indictment shines a spotlight on the ongoing concerns surrounding the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and its vulnerability to fraud, an issue that continues to affect small business owners across the nation. Clarence Gardener, a 50-year-old resident of Odessa, has been charged with wire fraud related to the scheme that allegedly defrauded the Small Business Administration (SBA) of over $250,000 in PPP funds. The PPP was introduced as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to provide economic relief to struggling businesses during the pandemic. With billions disbursed, the program has been a lifeline for many small businesses, but it also opened the door for fraudulent activity. Gardener’s indictment is a reminder that while the program has helped countless entrepreneurs, it is not without its risks. According to the United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe, if convicted, Gardener faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. The potential forfeiture of $261,253, which represents the proceeds traceable to the alleged offenses, adds another layer of financial consequence. The indictment states that Gardener submitted a false and fraudulent PPP loan application between April 2020 and October 2020, leveraging the urgent need for financial aid that many businesses found themselves in during the pandemic. For small business owners, the implications of this case extend beyond legal ramifications. The fraud perpetrated by individuals like Gardener can lead to stricter scrutiny and a more complex application process for legitimate businesses seeking funding. As the SBA and federal authorities ramp up efforts to crack down on fraudulent activities, small businesses must remain vigilant and ensure that their applications are accurate and substantiated. Small business owners should familiarize themselves with the compliance requirements surrounding the PPP and other financial assistance programs. Meticulous documentation, ongoing education about fraud prevention, and possibly consulting with financial advisors or legal experts are steps that can help mitigate risks. The SBA’s Office of Inspector General, together with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), is actively investigating cases of fraud like Gardener’s. This case will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Merrilyn Hoenemeyer, emphasizing the federal commitment to upholding the integrity of programs designed to help American small businesses. While only an indictment, this situation serves as a crucial reminder for the small business community about the importance of transparency and honesty in funding applications. It illustrates not only the potential penalties for fraudulent behavior but also encourages a culture of accountability within the business ecosystem. It’s essential that business owners understand the stakes involved and conduct their operations while adhering to ethical standards. Partnering with organizations that promote legal compliance and ethical practices can also help enhance a small business’s reputation and long-term sustainability. Investing time into understanding these facets of obtaining government assistance could mean the difference between thriving and merely surviving in a challenging economic landscape. As the economy evolves, so too will the programs designed to help small businesses; staying informed about these developments remains key. For more detailed information about this case and updates from the SBA’s Office of Inspector General, consider subscribing to their email alerts here. For the original press release from the Department of Justice, visit this link. As the business community reflects on these incidents, it stands as a call to action for all small business owners: safeguard your mission, maintain transparency, and understand the importance of compliance. In an environment where resources can often be scarce, staying informed and responsible will be crucial for navigating future challenges. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Odessa Man Indicted for $261K Fraud in PPP Loan Scheme" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

A recent indictment shines a spotlight on the ongoing concerns surrounding the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and its vulnerability to fraud, an issue that continues to affect small business owners across the nation. Clarence Gardener, a 50-year-old resident of Odessa, has been charged with wire fraud related to the scheme that allegedly defrauded the Small Business Administration (SBA) of over $250,000 in PPP funds. The PPP was introduced as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to provide economic relief to struggling businesses during the pandemic. With billions disbursed, the program has been a lifeline for many small businesses, but it also opened the door for fraudulent activity. Gardener’s indictment is a reminder that while the program has helped countless entrepreneurs, it is not without its risks. According to the United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe, if convicted, Gardener faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. The potential forfeiture of $261,253, which represents the proceeds traceable to the alleged offenses, adds another layer of financial consequence. The indictment states that Gardener submitted a false and fraudulent PPP loan application between April 2020 and October 2020, leveraging the urgent need for financial aid that many businesses found themselves in during the pandemic. For small business owners, the implications of this case extend beyond legal ramifications. The fraud perpetrated by individuals like Gardener can lead to stricter scrutiny and a more complex application process for legitimate businesses seeking funding. As the SBA and federal authorities ramp up efforts to crack down on fraudulent activities, small businesses must remain vigilant and ensure that their applications are accurate and substantiated. Small business owners should familiarize themselves with the compliance requirements surrounding the PPP and other financial assistance programs. Meticulous documentation, ongoing education about fraud prevention, and possibly consulting with financial advisors or legal experts are steps that can help mitigate risks. The SBA’s Office of Inspector General, together with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), is actively investigating cases of fraud like Gardener’s. This case will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Merrilyn Hoenemeyer, emphasizing the federal commitment to upholding the integrity of programs designed to help American small businesses. While only an indictment, this situation serves as a crucial reminder for the small business community about the importance of transparency and honesty in funding applications. It illustrates not only the potential penalties for fraudulent behavior but also encourages a culture of accountability within the business ecosystem. It’s essential that business owners understand the stakes involved and conduct their operations while adhering to ethical standards. Partnering with organizations that promote legal compliance and ethical practices can also help enhance a small business’s reputation and long-term sustainability. Investing time into understanding these facets of obtaining government assistance could mean the difference between thriving and merely surviving in a challenging economic landscape. As the economy evolves, so too will the programs designed to help small businesses; staying informed about these developments remains key. For more detailed information about this case and updates from the SBA’s Office of Inspector General, consider subscribing to their email alerts here. For the original press release from the Department of Justice, visit this link. As the business community reflects on these incidents, it stands as a call to action for all small business owners: safeguard your mission, maintain transparency, and understand the importance of compliance. In an environment where resources can often be scarce, staying informed and responsible will be crucial for navigating future challenges. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Odessa Man Indicted for $261K Fraud in PPP Loan Scheme" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

I keep coming up against a logical fallacy in strategy that I feel compelled to address. The logic holds that when a company has a shareholder-unfriendly component of its portfolio—e.g. the business in question is cyclical, or it is low-growth or low margin—the company should diversify to make that business less-shareholder unfriendly. I take on the fallacy in this Playing to Win/Practitioner Insights (PTW/PI) piece entitled Diversification Can’t Disappear a Strategy Problem: It Just Creates a Different Problem. And as always, you can find all the previous PTW/PI here. The argument The usual motivator of this argument is cyclicality: We have a cyclical business, and shareholders don’t like the ups and downs of that business across the cycle, so they discount our stock because of the volatility of our earnings. A memorable example of this for me was Alcan in the 1980s, at that time the world’s best aluminum company and arguably Canada’s finest company. But it didn’t like the cyclicality of its core business, which was making and selling aluminum ingots. The downstream industries that used aluminum in some way appeared alluringly less cyclical. So, Alcan invested in a number of those businesses including packaging and aluminum structured automobiles. Other shareholder-unfriendly attributes include being a slow-growth business. This causes companies like News Corporation to buy MySpace to get into a fast-growing busines—Internet services. Another is a business that has experienced a drop in structural attractiveness and hence inherent profitability level, perhaps because buyers are getting more powerful or a supplied input becomes much more expensive. Unfortunately, these diversification efforts don’t often succeed. For Alcan, these downstream businesses turned out to have very little in common with the skills and capabilities involved in making ingots of aluminum and were eventually sold off. For example, the packaging portfolio was sold off to Amcor, a global packaging company that knew how to run a packaging business. And News Corporation exited MySpace with its tail between its legs, selling it for $35 million six years after buying it for $580 million I am not opposed to the intent I am in favor of improving one’s portfolio of businesses. In fact, I was part of one of the greatest such efforts in recent memory. I was on the board of Thomson Corporation, which started its transformation as the world’s largest newspaper company, the world’s largest textbook publisher (tied with Pearson), Europe’s largest travel company, and a major player in North Sea oil. It concluded the transformation as Thomson Reuters, the leading supplier of on-line, subscription-based must-have information, analytics, and workflow solutions for legal, financial, accounting, and investor relations professionals—having exited its entire starting portfolio. So, I get it. I like investing in good businesses as much as the next person. I just hate the logic regarding shareholders Shareholders aren’t geniuses—I have said that on numerous occasions (e.g. here and here). But they are not stupid either. Let’s say the company is correct that shareholders don’t like something about an important business in its portfolio—it is cyclical or growing slowly or its industry is becoming less structurally attractive. If that is true, shareholders will collectively price that negative feature into their valuation of that business as part of their overall valuation of the stock. Let’s say the contribution of that shareholder-unfriendly business to corporate earnings per share (EPS) is $4/share and that if it wasn’t cyclical, shareholders would put a 20X multiple on those earnings. So, it would have contributed $80 toward the company’s overall share price. But let’s say that because it is cyclical, shareholders discount the value of those earning to a 15X multiple, meaning that the cyclicality of the business costs the company $20 on its share price (i.e., $4 of EPS X 5 times lower multiple). And if there are 50 million shares outstanding, that is a cost of $1 billion in shareholder value due to the cyclicality of that business. The same calculation would hold if it were a slower growing business on which the shareholders similarly put a 15X multiple instead of 20X. Or if a business has experienced a sharp structural drop in future profit potential. The bottom line is that because of the features of the existing business, shareholders subtract $1 billion of value from the overall valuation of the business. Let’s continue with the logic. Imagine the company diversifies into a non-cyclical business or fast-growing business or higher profit business. If it is a great business, the shareholders will put a high valuation on it. Let’s say that the company buys such a business for $2 billion and it performs so well that shareholders soon value it at $5 billion – which makes it a great diversification investment. But the logic of this argument holds further (implicitly) that over and above the value that shareholders will give to the great new business into which the company diversified, the shareholders will reduce the $1 billion valuation hit that they are applying to the problematic business. Not only can I not think of any reason why shareholders would do that, I have never seen them do it – because there is no reason. In the words of the great Nobel Laureate, the late George Stigler, when I met him in his Chicago apartment, “Roger, a company can’t use its competitive advantage twice” – brilliant insight from a brilliant man. In this case, it can’t use the plus-$5 billion to disappear the minus-$1 billion. In essence, it will be a plus $5 billion and an unchanged minus $1 billion. What is the problem? As I said, I like investing in great new businesses. If there is a $5 billion opportunity available for a $2 billion price, a company is foolish not to grab it. The problem is a company putting itself in the position of believing the presence of the undesirable business creates a requirement to diversify. This is especially the case because the tool used is typically acquisition because organic growth is viewed as taking too long to “solve the problem.” And the failure rate in acquisitions is legendarily high – in the general case. This is a very specific case that makes doing a successful acquisition even harder. There is a very specific requirement of the acquisition – it must reduce our overall cyclicality, or increase our overall growth rate, or increase our overall profit margin. These are hard criteria to meet in an exercise that already has a high degree of difficulty. Additionally, it works against a key principle that helps determine acquisition success. As I have written about previously in Harvard Business Review, acquisitions are more financially and strategically successful if they are more about what the acquiring company can do to help the acquired company than the other way around. When the focus is on what the acquired company can do for the acquirer, the acquirer tends to have to pay top dollar for the acquired company and the acquirer can do little to help pay for the high takeover premium, as with the News Corporation-MySpace acquisition above. News Corporation paid absolutely top dollar and it had no idea how to help MySpace as it faced withering competition. Thus, in the failure-ridden world of acquisitions, the logic of this diversify-to-eliminate-the-shareholder-problem drives companies toward very low success rate approaches. Net, there are compounding shortcomings of the approach. First, it doesn’t actually solve the problem for which it is designed to solve. And second, it involves engaging in a very high-risk activity. That is not a good combination. Implications for strategy As I pointed out previously in yet another Harvard Business Review article, companies are better off if they simply value businesses at what they are worth – not their value on the books. They may wish that a business was worth as much as or more than the amount of investment put into it. But the instant the investment is irreversibly made into the business in question, its value becomes a function of its future prospects, not its book value. If it was a poor investment, its true value will go down, and the opposite if it was a good investment. That is the valuation that shareholders make every trading minute. They revalue your assets continuously by collectively buying and selling your shares. Why shouldn’t you revalue similarly? Bad businesses don’t have bad shareholder returns – shareholders have long since revalued them downwards. And great businesses don’t automatically have great shareholder returns – shareholders have long since revalued them upwards. Shareholders get valuation. If you can make a business better – great, just do it. But don’t try to disguise the shortcomings of a business through diversification. You aren’t fooling anyone but yourself – and certainly not the shareholders. A far better plan is to suck it up and recognize the true value. And if you don’t like what you have, sell it and move on. That is what we did at Thomson Reuters. We didn’t attempt to disguise the negative attributes of portfolio companies. We got rid of them – to companies that liked their attributes better than we did. For example, we sold our newspaper business to the world’s biggest newspaper company, Gannett, for US$2.2 billion. They were enthusiastic but it ended up being a deal that a Gannett CFO later confessed to me was the worst acquisition deal in his company’s history. And even better, we sold the textbook business to a pair of delusional private equity firms for US$7.75 billion, and they resold it three years later for a reported US$2.25 billion – ouch! The combined divestiture proceeds of US$10 billion were really helpful in bringing the transformation to fruition. Practitioner insights I try hard not to be disrespectful to the status quo. Most things that stick around for a long time do so because they have shown themselves to make sense. But in the world of business ideas, a minority – like SWOT, strategies not strategy, and revenue forecasting – stick around even if they fail to make any logical sense. You must be ready to reject them when they are demonstrably dumb ideas. This is one of them. Don’t invest in big and high-risk ways to disguise a problem that can’t be disguised. It is one of the silliest and most wasteful activities in company life. And there are lots of folks hanging around that make huge returns by whispering in corporate executive ears about this kind of diversification. They are the (so-called) strategy consultants, investment bankers, and M&A lawyers who make countless billions promoting stupid deals, like the disastrous AT&T takeover of Time Warner – which AT&T bought for $85 billion and sold for $43 billion three years later. That was the equivalent of the AT&T executive team making a $38 million stack of shareholder money outside AT&T corporate headquarters, pouring gasoline on it and lighting it on fire – and repeating that exercise every day for three years. The “brilliant deal” was purportedly going to get the boring AT&T into the exciting, faster growing and higher margin content business. I predicted at the time that it would be an epic disaster – and it most certainly was. It is what happens when you adhere to a loser theory. Instead, either love a business or get rid of it to someone who will love it more. You can’t win in a business that you don’t love. Competitors who love their business will wipe the floor with you and yours. Only spend time and resources on businesses that you love. Those are the only ones that will get the care, attention and investment that they need and deserve. View the full article

You might think of Walmart as America’s quintessential big box store—the place you can get everything from Hanes T-shirts to large screen TVs to cleats for your kid’s soccer uniform. But Walmart isn’t defying shaky consumer confidence because of the breadth of its offerings, which impressively stretches to 120,000 products at most stores. Customers aren’t flocking into stores to buy made-in-America T-shirts, as I wrote about in May, thanks to a novel partnership with American Giant. Or because it is adding more high-end products (at lower prices than you’d find anywhere else), as I covered in October in this profile of its chief merchant Latriece Watkins. Nor is this about breakthrough new products exclusive to Walmart such as Glen Powell’s Smash Kitchen line of condiments, which hit $10 million in revenue in just six months. (I wrote about how Powell and his cofounders pulled off that feat, revealing their growth numbers for the first time, and how products like theirs fit within Walmart’s overall strategy.) You’re getting warmer, though. If you want to understand why Walmart is beating the odds, this where you should look: the grocery aisles. Walmart has gone from a general merchandise store that also sells groceries to America’s grocery store that also happens to sell everything else you could imagine. The Arkansas-based retailer, which generated $648.1 billion in revenue last year (60% of which came from food), accounts for more than a fifth of all grocery dollars in the country. Since 2019, Walmart has been in the top position when it comes to grocery market share, with Kroger coming in at a distant second at less than 10%. Walmart’s grocery business has been key to its financial success at a time when many other retailers are struggling. Last week, Walmart posted strong quarterly results, with U.S. sales increasing by 4.5%. It has seen an increase in spending per visit, and gains among families with household incomes higher than $100,000 and $200,000. As a result, Walmart has raised its sales and profit guidance, suggesting that it expects to have a stellar holiday shopping season. In contrast, Target posted a drop in sales, and lowered its full-year profit guidance. Grocery store as Trojan horse Walmart’s grocery business has been a Trojan horse. Customers come to the store to stock up their fridge and pantry on low-priced food items, then pick up socks and video games while they’re at it. From the time of Walmart’s founding in 1962, the company’s strategy has been to leverage its enormous buying power to compel brands to sell their products at very low prices. “For most suppliers, Walmart is their biggest customer,” Rachel Slade, author of Making it in America, told me earlier this year. “It’s almost impossible for them to say no to Walmart’s terms.” Walmart’s prices are generally between 10% and 25% lower than competitors. As a result, it has put many smaller retailers and mom-and-moms shops out of business. This, in turn, increases it market share. Today, its 4,605 stores are within 10 miles of 90% of the population. But over the past five years, as the economy has gotten more volatile and inflation has spiked, Walmart’s low grocery prices have begun to appeal to higher income Americans, who feel the need to tighten their belts. The company is doing this in several clever ways. Last year, it launched Bettergoods, its first new in-house food brand in two decades, that is is perfectly calibrated to the tastes of the higher-income consumer. It has all the markers of a premium brand, with sleek, vibrant branding, but it is also designed to appeal to food preferences of wealthier consumers, including from organic milk to plant-based mozzarella to single origin coffee. Sucharita Kodali, a retail analyst at Forrester, says that she’s been impressed with the quality of food in her local Walmart’s grocery section in New Jersey. Products are neatly organized and fresh produce is high quality and inviting. “The quality is just as good as Whole Foods,” says Kodali. This has come in stark contrast to Target, where groceries make up 23% of the products in store. Over the few years, consumers have complained about Target’s grocery and bakery sections being out of stock, messy shelves, and misplaced inventory. Kodali says she’s seen expired food on Target shelves, which is “the worst thing you can do as a retailer.” E-comm as an entry The challenge for Walmart is that many of its higher-income consumers aren’t used to visiting Walmart’s stores, and might be bashful about shopping at what is perceived as a budget retailer. But for more than a decade, Walmart has been beefing up its e-commerce capabilities. When it comes to groceries, it is now significantly ahead of its biggest competitors, capturing 31.6% of grocery e-commerce sales in 2025, ahead of Amazon (22.6%) and Kroger (8.6%). Customers can order groceries online and get them as fast as two hours. And Walmart has a subscription program called Walmart+ that offers free deliver with no order minimum, and is designed to compete directly with Amazon Prime. But just as with low-income consumers, Walmart wants to encourage these higher income shoppers to buy more than food. As I reported in the latest issue of the magazine, Walmart’s chief merchant, Latriece Watkins, has been on a mission to bring in more premium brands into the store, like Sonos speakers, De’Longhi coffee makers, and LaRoche-Posay skincare. The strategy appears to be working. The latest financial report shows that the average amount consumers are spending per transaction has gone up by 2% from a year ago. Can Walmart keep this growth streak up? That’s an open question. During the Great Recession of 2008, affluent consumers flocked to Walmart in an effort to stretch their dollars. But when financial pressures eased, the Walmart acknowledges that many of these newfound customers eventually went back to competitors. This time, however, Walmart appears to have a longer-term strategy to keep wealthier consumers coming back, from creating products that cater to their tastes to keeping them locked in with the Walmart+ subscription program. We’ll have to see if these shoppers stick around when the economy gets better. View the full article

Proposed changes unlikely to apply for trials of serious offences such as rape and murderView the full article

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. With Black Friday fast approaching, I'm here to tell you Acer Chromebook Plus 515 is cheaper than ever—now just $299.99 on Amazon (almost a third off the original price of $429.99). That's a lot of laptop in return for relatively little outlay, and there won't be many better value deals on offer this week. Acer Chromebook Plus 515 $299.99 $429.99 Save $130.00 Get Deal Get Deal $299.99 $429.99 Save $130.00 I've recently written about the reasons why I often prefer picking up my Chromebook rather than firing up my Windows 11 or macOS computers: These ChromeOS machines are lightweight, fast, bloat-free, and always online. Everything you do on them is instantly saved to the cloud, making it easy to sync your work across computers. Sure, you can of course install Google Chrome on a Microsoft or Apple laptop and then get ChromeOS plus all the extras—but a lot of the time, I don't really need those extras. All I want is a fast window on the web, without background programs or software updates or any other distractions getting in the way. This 15.6-inch Acer laptop meets the Chromebook Plus standard for a superior ChromeOS experience, and you even get a year of Google AI Pro (normally $20 a month) included for free. If you weren't aware, Chromebooks can also run Android apps, which means there's even more you can do with this portable computer. 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. 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) NEW Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $298.00 (List Price $429.00) 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) — $349.00 (List Price $399.00) WD 6TB My Passport USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive — $134.99 (List Price $179.99) 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. If you have a gamer on your list, make this the year that you don't get them Lee Carvalla's Putting Challenge when they want Bonestorm. The list of Black Friday discounted items below contains everything from full systems to high-end monitors to novelty gifts that'll get a quick laugh—in other words, something for every kind of gamer. Meta Quest 3SIf the gamer in your life is virtual-reality-curious, Meta's Quest 3S headset is the best entry-level VR headset. It might not be the top of Meta's line of VR headsets, but it does everything its bigger brother the Meta Quest 3 does—at a much lower price. Check out my comparison for an in-depth look. The Meta Quest 3S is $249, down from $299. Huqjot retro gaming consoleIt's a golden age for fans of old school games—emulators have gotten so compact and so inexpensive that you can play almost any old game you can think of with just a memory stick plugged into your TV. There are a lot of emulators choose from, but this classic gaming stick comes pre-packaged with over 20,000 games and 23 emulators plus two controllers for less than $50. Retro Gaming Console Pro $39.99 at Amazon $79.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal Get Deal $39.99 at Amazon $79.99 Save $40.00 PlayStation 5 Digital Edition (Slim)It pains me to say this as a longtime Xbox user, but PlayStation has won this generation for serious console gamers. This sleek, slim version of the console is all digital, so there's no disc drive to worry about. It plays the entire catalog of PS5 games, and it comes with a controller. Plus, the Black Friday price is $399, as cheap as it has ever sold for. If you'd rather have a drive, the PS5 Slim disc version is on sale for $449. PlayStation DualSense wireless controllerIf you do gift a PS5, don't forget the extra controller. This DualSense encourages couch co-op and competitive gaming. It charges through a USB-C port, features haptics, and has a built-in mic, so it's everything you need to get Player 2 up and running fast on a PlayStation system. Sony - PlayStation 5 - DualSense Wireless Controller - Midnight Black $54.99 at Amazon $74.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal Get Deal $54.99 at Amazon $74.99 Save $20.00 Ice Breaker Xbox wireless controllerXboxers need a second controller, too.This first-party wireless controller works great and looks slick. It works for both Xbox and PC and includes a "share" button so you can instantly disseminate screenshots and videos. At $49, this Black Friday price is as low as the Ice Breaker has ever been priced. Xbox Wireless Controller Ice Breaker Special Edition $49.00 at Amazon $79.99 Save $30.99 Get Deal Get Deal $49.00 at Amazon $79.99 Save $30.99 Logitech G502 X Plus gaming mouseWhen you're serious about PC gaming, you need a serious gaming mouse like the Logitech G502 X Plus. This wireless mouse has programmable LED lighting, a dual-mode scroll wheel, and a Hero 25K gaming sensor that's precise down to the sub-micron. They're on Black Friday sale for $128.49, down from $179.99. KontrolFreek performance thumbsticksPC gamers aren't the only people who need more precise input. These simple accessories snap on to the thumbsticks of your console controller and give you a little more grip and a little more height, and thus a little better control. They're less than $15 for Black Friday. KontrolFreek FPS Freek Galaxy White for Xbox One and Xbox Series X Controller | Performance Thumbsticks | 1 High-Rise, 1 Mid-Rise | White $13.59 at Amazon $16.99 Save $3.40 Get Deal Get Deal $13.59 at Amazon $16.99 Save $3.40 Sceptre 34-Inch Curved Ultrawide WQHD This Sceptre PC monitor curves around you for better immersion. It packs 5 million pixels into its 34" frame, features 3440 x 1440, and the 21:9 aspect ratio provides you with 30% more screen space versus a conventional monitor. At $187.97, it's 30% off the list price. Sceptre 34-Inch Curved Ultrawide WQHD Monitor $187.97 at Amazon $269.97 Save $82.00 Get Deal Get Deal $187.97 at Amazon $269.97 Save $82.00 Logitech G Pro Flight Rudder PedalsIf your giftee is really into flight sims, a set of Logitech flight rudder pedals will take their gaming into the stratosphere (so to speak). Compatible with Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and 10, this controller has adjustable tension to give the feel of every kind of aircraft, from ultralights to passenger jets. It's $129.99 for Black Friday. Logitech G Pro Flight Rudder Pedals $129.99 at Amazon $179.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Get Deal $129.99 at Amazon $179.99 Save $50.00 Bose QuietComfort HeadphonesThese noise-cancelling Bluetooth headphones from Bose have an onboard mic, USB-C charging, and play for 24 hours on a charge. They sound excellent too, whether you use them for listening to music or making sure you can hear someone sneaking up on you in Battlefield 6. The discount is substantial, too: $199 down from $349. Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones $199.00 at Amazon $349.00 Save $150.00 Get Deal Get Deal $199.00 at Amazon $349.00 Save $150.00 Duracell BatteriesEveryone needs batteries, but gamers really need batteries. This bundle combines 28 AA and 28 AAA batteries in one package. These aren't the cheap batteries, either; they're Duracells, so they're reliable and long-lasting. They're 18% off for Black Friday. Crucial X10 Pro 2TB Portable SSDCrucial's X10 Pro is a two-terabyte SSD drive that connects to just about everything—Windows, Mac, iPad, Chromebooks, Android, Linux, PS4, PS5, and Xbox—via USB-C and USB-A. It stores all kinds of data, and retrieves it fast too: up to 2,100MB/s read and 2,000MB/s write speeds. Plus, it's IP55 water and dust resistance and drop resistant up to 7.5 ft. It's currently $149.99, almost 50% off. Snactiv Pro Finger ChopsticksUnwrapping a pair of Snactiv Pros will definitely make your gamer smile. They're finger chopsticks that attach to your knuckles so you can eat snacks without hitting pause or getting Cheeto dust all over your controller, which is either ridiculous or useful, depending on your point-of-view. In other words, a perfect for a Christmas gift. Snactiv Pros Finger Chopsticks $14.99 at Amazon $17.99 Save $3.00 Get Deal Get Deal $14.99 at Amazon $17.99 Save $3.00 Online gift cardsYou might think there's something impersonal about buying gift cards for Christmas, but trust me, this is what gamers actually want—as long as you know what ecosystem they're in. You can set how much money to put on these cards and choose between digital delivery or a physical card. Steam card XBox card PlayStation card Nintendo card JSAUX controller charger for Nintendo Switch 2If there's a Nintendo gamer in your life, this JSAUX charger will power-up their controllers and look good doing it. It charges up to four controllers at once, and features LED lights that tell you how much gas is in the tank. It's $12.99, down from $15.99. 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 who 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, 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) NEW Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $298.00 (List Price $429.00) 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) — $349.00 (List Price $399.00) WD 6TB My Passport USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive — $134.99 (List Price $179.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. November is the ideal time to prepare your home for colder weather and to get ready to spend more time indoors. Not only can you save yourself from more expensive heating bills with thoughtful weatherproofing, but you can also be more confident in the event of winter storms or simply more comfortable when you choose to stay indoors. Keeping your house warm, cozy, and safe for the winter is made easier by addressing potential problems early through simple checks and chores now. Here are all the home maintenance tasks you should do in November. 1) Add vent covers to your vents and crawlspacesWhen the weather gets colder, wild animals seek a good place to shelter for the winter. If you have uncovered vents or crawl spaces, they can prove to be an inviting spot for creatures. To keep them out, see that you have vent covers in place and that crawl spaces or any other exterior nooks and crannies are sealed up or covered with a sturdy metal mesh. If you don't have vent covers installed, consider adding them. This method will help defend against squirrels, raccoons, rats, mice, birds, and bats. 2) Change the batteries in your fire and carbon monoxide alarmsIf you have non-wired smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, change the batteries once a year—even before they begin making the annoying low-battery beep, if you're up for it. While you're at it, check your various hazard detection systems to ensure they work properly. Since people spend more time indoors during the colder months, there is an elevated risk of fire from the use of heaters, candles, and cooking. Additionally, keeping windows closed and sealed can increase the risk of carbon monoxide accumulation inside. Giving your detectors a once-over can help reduce your risk. 3) Install weatherproofing to doors and windowsIf you live in an older home or have windows or doors that aren’t well-insulated, November is a good time to weatherproof problem areas. Begin by inspecting the weatherstripping around doors and windows, checking for leaks, broken, or worn stripping. If you find any gaps, use replacement weather stripping to seal them. If you have bigger leaks around windows or doors, or older windows that let in too much air, you can also use a weatherization kit to temporarily seal off leaky openings with heat-shrinking plastic wrap. This basic weatherproofing will keep you warmer and help save money on utility bills. 4) Organize your winter weather suppliesIf you live in an area that can get a lot of snow and ice in the winter, stock up on ice melt, shovels, and roof rakes. Take a look at your snow removal tools and make sure they’re in good shape before it’s time to use them, as replacing equipment before a storm can save you a lot of headache later. It's also a good time to stash your ice scraper, snow brush, and snow chains in your car's trunk. If you live in an area with heavy snowfall and ice, consider keeping a scraper and de-icer in your garage or utility room, so you can access them if your vehicle becomes frozen over. 5) Clean ovens, toasters, and other crumb-catching appliancesKitchen fires can be caused by ovens, toasters, and other cooking appliances that have crumbs and other burnt food deposits. Since people tend to stay home and use their ovens more during colder months—not to mention entertain more during the holiday season—ovens and toasters can get a more intense workout this time of year. Checking that your appliances are clean and hazard-free in November can save you from a disaster down the road, not to mention that you'll be happier with cleaner appliances and less work during spring cleaning season. View the full article

To effectively boost your business, it’s essential to understand various sales strategies that can improve your approach. Each method, from inbound marketing to consultative selling, offers unique benefits customized to different customer needs. By diversifying your tactics, you can optimize your resource allocation and enhance conversion rates. Yet, with so many options available, which strategies should you prioritize for maximum impact? Let’s explore ten effective sales strategies that can propel your growth. Key Takeaways Inbound Sales Strategies: Focus on attracting customers through valuable content and engaging social media interactions to boost brand awareness and loyalty. Outbound Sales Strategies: Utilize proactive outreach methods like cold calling and targeted email campaigns to connect with potential leads directly. Consultative Selling: Build long-term relationships by understanding client needs and providing personalized solutions that address their specific pain points. Value-Based Selling: Prioritize solving customer problems with tailored pitches, enhancing conversion rates by focusing on the value provided. Account-Based Selling: Target high-value accounts with customized marketing efforts to improve relationships and increase overall sales effectiveness. Understanding Sales Strategies When you consider how to effectively sell your products or services, grasping sales strategies is fundamental for your business’s success. You need to recognize the different types of sales strategies that can drive your efforts. Broadly, these strategies fall into inbound and outbound categories; inbound focuses on attracting customers through engaging content, whereas outbound relies on direct outreach methods like cold calls and emails. Comprehending customer personas is likewise crucial, as it helps tailor your approach based on specific demographics and buying behaviors. The Importance of a Sales Strategy A well-structured sales strategy is crucial for any business aiming to thrive in a competitive environment. It provides a long-term roadmap that aligns your sales goals with organizational objectives. By implementing a strategic sales approach, you improve team performance, clarify roles, and enhance targeting and conversion rates. This clarity allows you to focus on high-potential leads, optimizing resource allocation. Moreover, a defined sales strategy helps you differentiate yourself from competitors by identifying your unique value propositions and ideal customer segments. Salesforce with a solid sales strategy can proactively adapt to market changes, ensuring future growth. Benefits of Sales Strategy Key Elements Aligns goals with objectives Clear roles and responsibilities Improves team performance Unique value propositions Optimizes resource allocation Ongoing assessment and refinement Differentiates from competitors Focus on high-potential leads Inbound Sales Strategies Inbound sales strategies are all about attracting potential customers by offering valuable content that meets their needs. By utilizing content marketing techniques and engaging on social media, you can effectively guide prospects through their buying path and improve their overall experience. This approach not merely boosts brand awareness but likewise cultivates trust and long-term relationships, making it a vital aspect of your sales strategy. Content Marketing Techniques Content marketing techniques play a crucial role in attracting potential customers by delivering valuable and relevant information that meets their needs. By creating engaging content—like blogs, videos, and infographics—you can establish your business as a thought leader in your industry. This approach not only builds trust but furthermore improves brand awareness and customer loyalty. In addition, businesses that prioritize these techniques experience six times higher conversion rates compared to those that don’t. Utilizing SEO within your content marketing boosts visibility on search engines, driving organic traffic. Significantly, inbound marketing strategies can be 62% less costly than traditional outbound methods as well as generating three times as many leads, making content marketing a smart choice among different kinds of sales approaches. Social Media Engagement How can social media engagement transform your sales strategy? By leveraging social media, you can notably boost brand awareness, as 83% of marketers agree it improves visibility. Engaging customers through different sales categories can lead to effective lead generation, with 65% of marketers noting its success. When you actively respond to comments and messages, you improve customer satisfaction—51% of consumers appreciate quick replies. Furthermore, utilizing targeted ads can improve your conversion rates, achieving a 2.00% click-through rate compared to a mere 0.10% for general ads. Sharing valuable content nurtures trust, influencing 61% of decision-makers in their purchasing choices. Embracing these 10 types of sales strategies through social media can effectively raise your business performance. Outbound Sales Strategies Outbound sales strategies represent an essential approach in modern business practices, involving proactive outreach methods like cold calling, email campaigns, and telemarketing to generate leads. This approach often relies on purchasing contact lists and directly reaching out to potential clients, which can lead to lower response rates compared to inbound strategies. In 2023, a study revealed that 60% of salespeople fell short of quotas, highlighting the challenges in effectively executing outbound tactics. To succeed, you need a clear comprehension of your target audience and a compelling sales pitch that engages prospects. Incorporating automated tools for lead generation and follow-up can improve efficiency, allowing your sales team to focus on high-value prospects and enhance overall results. Value-Based Selling Even though many sales strategies focus on features and pricing, value-based selling shifts the emphasis to grasping and solving customer pain points. This approach prioritizes insight into what your customer truly needs, allowing you to present specific benefits and solutions that your product or service offers. To succeed, you must engage in thorough research and active listening, tailoring your pitches to each client’s unique challenges. This method can lead to higher conversion rates, with studies showing a 10-20% increase in sales performance for businesses that adopt it. By positioning yourself as a trusted advisor, you improve customer loyalty through personalized attention, resulting in repeat business and referrals. In the end, value-based selling cultivates deeper relationships that are beneficial for both parties. Consultative Selling In consultative selling, you focus on comprehending client needs to build long-term relationships that benefit both parties. By acting as an advisor, you engage in active listening and ask questions that uncover specific challenges your clients face. This approach not merely improves customer satisfaction but additionally nurtures loyalty, making clients more willing to invest in customized solutions. Understanding Client Needs Grasping client needs through consultative selling is vital for building strong relationships and achieving sales success. This method emphasizes comprehending your clients’ specific challenges, allowing you to become a trusted advisor rather than merely a seller. By asking insightful questions and practicing active listening, you can identify pain points and tailor solutions effectively. Research shows that 61% of buyers prefer working with salespeople who invest time in grasping their problems. This collaborative approach not only improves customer satisfaction but also opens doors for upselling opportunities, as clients feel valued and acknowledged. Organizations that invest in ongoing training for consultative selling techniques experience a 25% improvement in sales performance, highlighting the method’s effectiveness in boosting business outcomes. Building Long-term Relationships Building long-term relationships with clients is essential for sustained business success, and consultative selling plays a significant role in this process. This approach positions you as an advisor who actively listens to your clients, grasping their unique needs. By asking open-ended questions, you can uncover their pain points and challenges, allowing you to offer customized solutions that nurture trust and loyalty. Companies using consultative selling often see a 25% increase in customer retention because of these improved relationships. Furthermore, focusing on providing value rather than simply pushing products leads to higher satisfaction rates. In fact, 70% of customers prefer personalized solutions, and adopting consultative techniques can yield a 50% higher conversion rate compared to traditional sales methods. SPIN Selling SPIN Selling is a powerful consultative sales technique that can transform your approach to engaging with customers. This method emphasizes asking four types of questions: Situation, Problem, Implication, and Need-payoff. By gathering background information through Situation questions, you can identify the customer’s specific issues with Problem questions. Implication questions then allow you to highlight the consequences of those issues, whereas Need-payoff questions explore the benefits of potential solutions. Research shows that employing SPIN Selling can markedly boost your closing rates, especially in complex sales environments where comprehending customer challenges is essential. Sales professionals trained in this technique report improved customer engagement and a more structured approach, resulting in stronger client relationships and increased sales success. Solution Selling In solution selling, you focus on comprehending your prospects’ specific needs and challenges, which allows you to offer customized recommendations. By actively listening and asking the right questions, you can build stronger, long-term relationships with your clients. This approach not only improves customer satisfaction but additionally positions you as a trusted advisor, leading to increased loyalty and potentially higher sales productivity. Understanding Prospect Needs How can comprehension of your prospects’ needs transform your sales approach? By focusing on their specific problems and challenges, you can tailor your offerings to provide real solutions. This requires in-depth research into their pain points and active listening during conversations. When you ask insightful questions, you can uncover underlying issues that prospects mightn’t initially express. Positioning yourself as a trusted advisor rather than a traditional seller boosts your credibility and nurtures long-term relationships. Companies embracing this solution selling approach have reported higher customer satisfaction rates, with 70% of buyers preferring consultative interactions. Grasping prospects’ needs ultimately leads to increased loyalty and satisfaction, ensuring your sales strategy is effective and aligned with what your customers truly want. Tailored Recommendations Comprehending your prospects’ needs sets the stage for delivering personalized recommendations that resonate with their specific challenges. Solution Selling focuses on identifying these unique problems, allowing you to suggest customized products or services that provide the most value. Engaging in deep conversations with potential customers helps you uncover their pain points, leading to more effective solutions. By prioritizing their needs over merely pushing products, you improve customer satisfaction and drive better outcomes. Research shows that sales teams using Solution Selling techniques can achieve conversion rates 30% to 50% higher than traditional methods. To implement this approach successfully, extensive training for sales personnel is essential, enhancing their problem-solving skills and ability to craft value-driven pitches that truly meet customer demands. Building Long-Term Relationships Building long-term relationships with customers is critical for sustained business success, especially when employing Solution Selling techniques. By truly comprehending your customers’ needs and challenges, you can recommend customized solutions that build trust and loyalty. This collaborative approach not merely deepens your comprehension of their pain points but also improves customer satisfaction. Benefits of Solution Selling Impact on Business Cultivates trust and loyalty 60% increase in customer retention Encourages ongoing communication Leads to additional sales opportunities Focuses on customer needs 70% of consumers prefer understanding salespeople Promotes referrals Satisfied customers recommend your business Challenger Selling Even though traditional sales methods often focus on building relationships and grasp of customer needs, Challenger Selling takes a different approach by positioning the salesperson as a knowledgeable expert who can provide unique insights. This strategy emphasizes teaching potential customers new perspectives, challenging their current thinking. By deeply comprehending the customer’s business and needs, you can tailor your approach and present solutions that align with their goals. Research shows that Challenger Sales representatives outperform their peers by up to 2.5 times in complex sales situations. This methodology involves three key components: teaching the customer, customizing your message, and controlling the conversation to guide decisions. Rigorous training and market knowledge are crucial for successfully implementing Challenger Selling strategies. Account-Based Selling When targeting high-value accounts in B2B sales, Account-Based Selling (ABS) stands out as a strategic approach that tailors marketing efforts to meet the unique needs of each client. This method involves thorough research on prospective clients, focusing on their business challenges and decision-making processes. Collaboration between sales and marketing teams is essential, allowing for personalized content and outreach strategies that resonate with key stakeholders. Companies utilizing ABS often experience higher conversion rates; 86% of marketers report improved client relationships. By prioritizing high-value accounts, businesses can greatly increase revenue potential, with ABS strategies yielding 10-20% higher win rates compared to traditional methods. Benefits of ABS Impact on Business Personalized marketing Improved client relationships Improved conversion rates Increased revenue potential Higher engagement Better alignment with clients Collaborative strategies Effective resource allocation Focus on high-value accounts Greater competitive advantage Frequently Asked Questions What Are Different Types of Sales Strategies? There are several types of sales strategies you can consider. Inbound sales attract customers through valuable content and engagement, whereas outbound sales involve active outreach like cold calling. Value-based selling focuses on addressing customer pain points, and consultative selling builds long-term relationships by tailoring solutions to client needs. Finally, account-based selling targets high-value customers with personalized marketing efforts. Each strategy serves different purposes and can improve your overall sales effectiveness. What Is the 3-3-3 Rule in Sales? The 3-3-3 Rule in sales helps you structure your pitch effectively. You spend three minutes preparing your key points, three minutes delivering your pitch, and three minutes engaging your customer with questions and feedback. This approach promotes concise communication, ensuring you respect the customer’s time as you remain focused. What Is the Best Strategy to Increase Sales? To increase sales effectively, focus on a value-based selling approach. Identify customer pain points and tailor your solutions accordingly. Consider implementing Account-Based Selling to target high-value clients, enhancing conversion rates. Utilize social proof, like testimonials, as 79% of consumers trust online reviews. Offering a free trial can additionally boost conversions, as nearly half of sales professionals find success with this tactic. Regularly analyze feedback and sales data to refine your strategies continuously. What Are the 5 W’s in Sales? The 5 W’s in sales are fundamental for comprehending your target market. First, Who identifies your ideal customers, helping you craft buyer personas. Next, “What” defines your product or service, highlighting its unique benefits. “When” focuses on the timing of your sales efforts, ensuring they align with customer needs. “Where” determines the best channels for outreach, and “Why” uncovers the motivations behind purchases, guiding your sales messaging effectively. Conclusion In summary, implementing a variety of sales strategies can greatly improve your business’s success. By comprehending and applying methods such as inbound marketing, outbound sales, and value-based selling, you can effectively reach and retain customers. Advanced techniques like Challenger Selling and Account-Based Selling allow for customized approaches to high-value clients. Exploring your tactics not just optimizes resources but also boosts conversion rates, leading to sustainable growth. Adapting your strategy to fit your unique business needs is essential for long-term success. Image via Google Gemini This article, "10 Different Types of Sales Strategies to Boost Your Business" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

To effectively boost your business, it’s essential to understand various sales strategies that can improve your approach. Each method, from inbound marketing to consultative selling, offers unique benefits customized to different customer needs. By diversifying your tactics, you can optimize your resource allocation and enhance conversion rates. Yet, with so many options available, which strategies should you prioritize for maximum impact? Let’s explore ten effective sales strategies that can propel your growth. Key Takeaways Inbound Sales Strategies: Focus on attracting customers through valuable content and engaging social media interactions to boost brand awareness and loyalty. Outbound Sales Strategies: Utilize proactive outreach methods like cold calling and targeted email campaigns to connect with potential leads directly. Consultative Selling: Build long-term relationships by understanding client needs and providing personalized solutions that address their specific pain points. Value-Based Selling: Prioritize solving customer problems with tailored pitches, enhancing conversion rates by focusing on the value provided. Account-Based Selling: Target high-value accounts with customized marketing efforts to improve relationships and increase overall sales effectiveness. Understanding Sales Strategies When you consider how to effectively sell your products or services, grasping sales strategies is fundamental for your business’s success. You need to recognize the different types of sales strategies that can drive your efforts. Broadly, these strategies fall into inbound and outbound categories; inbound focuses on attracting customers through engaging content, whereas outbound relies on direct outreach methods like cold calls and emails. Comprehending customer personas is likewise crucial, as it helps tailor your approach based on specific demographics and buying behaviors. The Importance of a Sales Strategy A well-structured sales strategy is crucial for any business aiming to thrive in a competitive environment. It provides a long-term roadmap that aligns your sales goals with organizational objectives. By implementing a strategic sales approach, you improve team performance, clarify roles, and enhance targeting and conversion rates. This clarity allows you to focus on high-potential leads, optimizing resource allocation. Moreover, a defined sales strategy helps you differentiate yourself from competitors by identifying your unique value propositions and ideal customer segments. Salesforce with a solid sales strategy can proactively adapt to market changes, ensuring future growth. Benefits of Sales Strategy Key Elements Aligns goals with objectives Clear roles and responsibilities Improves team performance Unique value propositions Optimizes resource allocation Ongoing assessment and refinement Differentiates from competitors Focus on high-potential leads Inbound Sales Strategies Inbound sales strategies are all about attracting potential customers by offering valuable content that meets their needs. By utilizing content marketing techniques and engaging on social media, you can effectively guide prospects through their buying path and improve their overall experience. This approach not merely boosts brand awareness but likewise cultivates trust and long-term relationships, making it a vital aspect of your sales strategy. Content Marketing Techniques Content marketing techniques play a crucial role in attracting potential customers by delivering valuable and relevant information that meets their needs. By creating engaging content—like blogs, videos, and infographics—you can establish your business as a thought leader in your industry. This approach not only builds trust but furthermore improves brand awareness and customer loyalty. In addition, businesses that prioritize these techniques experience six times higher conversion rates compared to those that don’t. Utilizing SEO within your content marketing boosts visibility on search engines, driving organic traffic. Significantly, inbound marketing strategies can be 62% less costly than traditional outbound methods as well as generating three times as many leads, making content marketing a smart choice among different kinds of sales approaches. Social Media Engagement How can social media engagement transform your sales strategy? By leveraging social media, you can notably boost brand awareness, as 83% of marketers agree it improves visibility. Engaging customers through different sales categories can lead to effective lead generation, with 65% of marketers noting its success. When you actively respond to comments and messages, you improve customer satisfaction—51% of consumers appreciate quick replies. Furthermore, utilizing targeted ads can improve your conversion rates, achieving a 2.00% click-through rate compared to a mere 0.10% for general ads. Sharing valuable content nurtures trust, influencing 61% of decision-makers in their purchasing choices. Embracing these 10 types of sales strategies through social media can effectively raise your business performance. Outbound Sales Strategies Outbound sales strategies represent an essential approach in modern business practices, involving proactive outreach methods like cold calling, email campaigns, and telemarketing to generate leads. This approach often relies on purchasing contact lists and directly reaching out to potential clients, which can lead to lower response rates compared to inbound strategies. In 2023, a study revealed that 60% of salespeople fell short of quotas, highlighting the challenges in effectively executing outbound tactics. To succeed, you need a clear comprehension of your target audience and a compelling sales pitch that engages prospects. Incorporating automated tools for lead generation and follow-up can improve efficiency, allowing your sales team to focus on high-value prospects and enhance overall results. Value-Based Selling Even though many sales strategies focus on features and pricing, value-based selling shifts the emphasis to grasping and solving customer pain points. This approach prioritizes insight into what your customer truly needs, allowing you to present specific benefits and solutions that your product or service offers. To succeed, you must engage in thorough research and active listening, tailoring your pitches to each client’s unique challenges. This method can lead to higher conversion rates, with studies showing a 10-20% increase in sales performance for businesses that adopt it. By positioning yourself as a trusted advisor, you improve customer loyalty through personalized attention, resulting in repeat business and referrals. In the end, value-based selling cultivates deeper relationships that are beneficial for both parties. Consultative Selling In consultative selling, you focus on comprehending client needs to build long-term relationships that benefit both parties. By acting as an advisor, you engage in active listening and ask questions that uncover specific challenges your clients face. This approach not merely improves customer satisfaction but additionally nurtures loyalty, making clients more willing to invest in customized solutions. Understanding Client Needs Grasping client needs through consultative selling is vital for building strong relationships and achieving sales success. This method emphasizes comprehending your clients’ specific challenges, allowing you to become a trusted advisor rather than merely a seller. By asking insightful questions and practicing active listening, you can identify pain points and tailor solutions effectively. Research shows that 61% of buyers prefer working with salespeople who invest time in grasping their problems. This collaborative approach not only improves customer satisfaction but also opens doors for upselling opportunities, as clients feel valued and acknowledged. Organizations that invest in ongoing training for consultative selling techniques experience a 25% improvement in sales performance, highlighting the method’s effectiveness in boosting business outcomes. Building Long-term Relationships Building long-term relationships with clients is essential for sustained business success, and consultative selling plays a significant role in this process. This approach positions you as an advisor who actively listens to your clients, grasping their unique needs. By asking open-ended questions, you can uncover their pain points and challenges, allowing you to offer customized solutions that nurture trust and loyalty. Companies using consultative selling often see a 25% increase in customer retention because of these improved relationships. Furthermore, focusing on providing value rather than simply pushing products leads to higher satisfaction rates. In fact, 70% of customers prefer personalized solutions, and adopting consultative techniques can yield a 50% higher conversion rate compared to traditional sales methods. SPIN Selling SPIN Selling is a powerful consultative sales technique that can transform your approach to engaging with customers. This method emphasizes asking four types of questions: Situation, Problem, Implication, and Need-payoff. By gathering background information through Situation questions, you can identify the customer’s specific issues with Problem questions. Implication questions then allow you to highlight the consequences of those issues, whereas Need-payoff questions explore the benefits of potential solutions. Research shows that employing SPIN Selling can markedly boost your closing rates, especially in complex sales environments where comprehending customer challenges is essential. Sales professionals trained in this technique report improved customer engagement and a more structured approach, resulting in stronger client relationships and increased sales success. Solution Selling In solution selling, you focus on comprehending your prospects’ specific needs and challenges, which allows you to offer customized recommendations. By actively listening and asking the right questions, you can build stronger, long-term relationships with your clients. This approach not only improves customer satisfaction but additionally positions you as a trusted advisor, leading to increased loyalty and potentially higher sales productivity. Understanding Prospect Needs How can comprehension of your prospects’ needs transform your sales approach? By focusing on their specific problems and challenges, you can tailor your offerings to provide real solutions. This requires in-depth research into their pain points and active listening during conversations. When you ask insightful questions, you can uncover underlying issues that prospects mightn’t initially express. Positioning yourself as a trusted advisor rather than a traditional seller boosts your credibility and nurtures long-term relationships. Companies embracing this solution selling approach have reported higher customer satisfaction rates, with 70% of buyers preferring consultative interactions. Grasping prospects’ needs ultimately leads to increased loyalty and satisfaction, ensuring your sales strategy is effective and aligned with what your customers truly want. Tailored Recommendations Comprehending your prospects’ needs sets the stage for delivering personalized recommendations that resonate with their specific challenges. Solution Selling focuses on identifying these unique problems, allowing you to suggest customized products or services that provide the most value. Engaging in deep conversations with potential customers helps you uncover their pain points, leading to more effective solutions. By prioritizing their needs over merely pushing products, you improve customer satisfaction and drive better outcomes. Research shows that sales teams using Solution Selling techniques can achieve conversion rates 30% to 50% higher than traditional methods. To implement this approach successfully, extensive training for sales personnel is essential, enhancing their problem-solving skills and ability to craft value-driven pitches that truly meet customer demands. Building Long-Term Relationships Building long-term relationships with customers is critical for sustained business success, especially when employing Solution Selling techniques. By truly comprehending your customers’ needs and challenges, you can recommend customized solutions that build trust and loyalty. This collaborative approach not merely deepens your comprehension of their pain points but also improves customer satisfaction. Benefits of Solution Selling Impact on Business Cultivates trust and loyalty 60% increase in customer retention Encourages ongoing communication Leads to additional sales opportunities Focuses on customer needs 70% of consumers prefer understanding salespeople Promotes referrals Satisfied customers recommend your business Challenger Selling Even though traditional sales methods often focus on building relationships and grasp of customer needs, Challenger Selling takes a different approach by positioning the salesperson as a knowledgeable expert who can provide unique insights. This strategy emphasizes teaching potential customers new perspectives, challenging their current thinking. By deeply comprehending the customer’s business and needs, you can tailor your approach and present solutions that align with their goals. Research shows that Challenger Sales representatives outperform their peers by up to 2.5 times in complex sales situations. This methodology involves three key components: teaching the customer, customizing your message, and controlling the conversation to guide decisions. Rigorous training and market knowledge are crucial for successfully implementing Challenger Selling strategies. Account-Based Selling When targeting high-value accounts in B2B sales, Account-Based Selling (ABS) stands out as a strategic approach that tailors marketing efforts to meet the unique needs of each client. This method involves thorough research on prospective clients, focusing on their business challenges and decision-making processes. Collaboration between sales and marketing teams is essential, allowing for personalized content and outreach strategies that resonate with key stakeholders. Companies utilizing ABS often experience higher conversion rates; 86% of marketers report improved client relationships. By prioritizing high-value accounts, businesses can greatly increase revenue potential, with ABS strategies yielding 10-20% higher win rates compared to traditional methods. Benefits of ABS Impact on Business Personalized marketing Improved client relationships Improved conversion rates Increased revenue potential Higher engagement Better alignment with clients Collaborative strategies Effective resource allocation Focus on high-value accounts Greater competitive advantage Frequently Asked Questions What Are Different Types of Sales Strategies? There are several types of sales strategies you can consider. Inbound sales attract customers through valuable content and engagement, whereas outbound sales involve active outreach like cold calling. Value-based selling focuses on addressing customer pain points, and consultative selling builds long-term relationships by tailoring solutions to client needs. Finally, account-based selling targets high-value customers with personalized marketing efforts. Each strategy serves different purposes and can improve your overall sales effectiveness. What Is the 3-3-3 Rule in Sales? The 3-3-3 Rule in sales helps you structure your pitch effectively. You spend three minutes preparing your key points, three minutes delivering your pitch, and three minutes engaging your customer with questions and feedback. This approach promotes concise communication, ensuring you respect the customer’s time as you remain focused. What Is the Best Strategy to Increase Sales? To increase sales effectively, focus on a value-based selling approach. Identify customer pain points and tailor your solutions accordingly. Consider implementing Account-Based Selling to target high-value clients, enhancing conversion rates. Utilize social proof, like testimonials, as 79% of consumers trust online reviews. Offering a free trial can additionally boost conversions, as nearly half of sales professionals find success with this tactic. Regularly analyze feedback and sales data to refine your strategies continuously. What Are the 5 W’s in Sales? The 5 W’s in sales are fundamental for comprehending your target market. First, Who identifies your ideal customers, helping you craft buyer personas. Next, “What” defines your product or service, highlighting its unique benefits. “When” focuses on the timing of your sales efforts, ensuring they align with customer needs. “Where” determines the best channels for outreach, and “Why” uncovers the motivations behind purchases, guiding your sales messaging effectively. Conclusion In summary, implementing a variety of sales strategies can greatly improve your business’s success. By comprehending and applying methods such as inbound marketing, outbound sales, and value-based selling, you can effectively reach and retain customers. Advanced techniques like Challenger Selling and Account-Based Selling allow for customized approaches to high-value clients. Exploring your tactics not just optimizes resources but also boosts conversion rates, leading to sustainable growth. Adapting your strategy to fit your unique business needs is essential for long-term success. Image via Google Gemini This article, "10 Different Types of Sales Strategies to Boost Your Business" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

A copy of the first Superman issue, unearthed by three brothers cleaning out their late mother’s attic, netted $9.12 million this month at a Texas auction house which says it is the most expensive comic book ever sold. The brothers discovered the comic book in a cardboard box beneath layers of brittle newspapers, dust and cobwebs in their deceased mother’s San Francisco home last year, alongside a handful of other rare comics that she and her sibling had collected on the cusp of World War II. She had told her children she had a valuable comic book collection hidden away, but they had never seen it until they put her house up for sale and decided to comb through her belongings for heirlooms, said Lon Allen, vice president of comics at Heritage Auctions. The brothers uncovered the box of comics and sent a message to the auction company, leading Allen to fly out to San Francisco earlier this year to inspect their copy of “Superman No. 1” and show it to other experts for appraisal. “It was just in an attic, sitting in a box, could have easily been thrown away, could’ve easily been destroyed in a thousand different ways,” Allen said. “A lot of people got excited because it’s just every factor in collecting that you could possibly want all rolled into one.” The “Superman No. 1” comic, released in 1939 by Detective Comics Inc., is one of a small number of copies known to be in existence and is in excellent condition. The Man of Steel was the first superhero to enter pop culture, helping boost the copy’s value among collectors, alongside its improbable backstory, Allen said. The previous record for the world’s most expensive comic book had been set last year, when an “Action Comics No. 1” — which first introduced Superman to the world as part of an anthology — sold for $6 million. In 2022, another Superman No. 1 sold for $5.3 million. A small, in-house advertisement in the comic book helped experts identify it as originating from the first edition of 500,000 Superman No. 1 copies ever printed. Allen estimates there are fewer than 500 in existence today. The copy was not given any special protection, but the cool Northern California climate helped preserve it, leaving it with a firm spine, vibrant colors and crisp corners, according to a statement from Dallas-based Heritage Auctions. The copy was rated a 9.0 out of 10 by comics grading company CGC, meaning it had only the slightest signs of wear and aging. The three brothers, in their 50s and 60s, did not wish to be identified due to the windfall involved nor did the buyer of the comic book, according to the auction house. “This isn’t simply a story about old paper and ink,” one brother said in a statement released by the auction house. “This was never just about a collectible. This is a testament to memory, family and the unexpected ways the past finds its way back to us.” Brook is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. —Jack Brook, Associated Press/Report for America View the full article

Chancellor expected to continue with support package for households, including easing of electricity costsView 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 Airstrait Straightener is down to $399.99 for Black Friday, its lowest price yet, according to price trackers. Normally $549.99, this $150 discount makes the premium hair tool a little more accessible, especially if you’ve been waiting for a deal to try it. Dyson Airstrait Straightener (Ceramic Pink/Rose Gold) $549.00 at Amazon Get Deal Get Deal $549.00 at Amazon What sets the Airstrait apart is its unique approach to styling—there are no hot plates, here. Instead, it uses precisely controlled airflow to straighten damp or dry hair without relying on direct heat. This helps minimize heat damage while still delivering a sleek finish, which could be a big deal if you regularly style your hair and want to keep it healthy long-term. Unlike traditional flat irons, the Airstrait is designed to dry and straighten your hair in one step. For people with thick or frizzy hair, that’s a big time saver. You clamp it closed like a regular straightener, but what’s happening inside is more like a mini hair dryer. You get two modes (wet and dry) and several airflow and heat settings depending on your hair type and needs. And because it doesn’t clamp your hair between burning hot plates, it’s gentler over time. The cord is also salon-length, which makes it easier to maneuver around your head without yanking or twisting. Still, this isn’t a budget buy, even with the discount. It's also bulkier and heavier than a typical flat iron, and it’s not the best choice for precise styles such as curls or flips. It also takes some getting used to. But for those who want a fast and efficient way to go from damp to done with less damage, the Airstrait holds up. If you already use a blow dryer and brush daily, this could replace both. And with this being the lowest price tracked so far, it’s a good time to grab it. 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. Does Apple do Black Friday? Yes, Apple participates in Black Friday, though you may want to compare their sales with other retailers like Best Buy and Walmart. Apple is offering an exclusive $250 gift card for eligible purchases, but so far, the best Black Friday sale on an Apple product is the M4 MacBook on sale for cheaper than ever. 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. Our Best Editor-Vetted Early 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) NEW Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $298.00 (List Price $429.00) 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) — $349.00 (List Price $399.00) WD 6TB My Passport USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive — $134.99 (List Price $179.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

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. I love the ritual (and taste) of pour-over coffee, but it's not always feasible to brew two cups for the two adults in my household on busy mornings. Add in guests, and someone has to spend a significant chunk of time grinding beans, boiling water, overseeing the brewing process, cleaning the filter, rinse and repeat. I bought the Moccamaster KBGV Select coffee maker two years ago for Black Friday, and it has changed my mornings since. It takes a minute or so to grind beans and add water to the machine, and then you've got an excellent pot of coffee in 4–6 minutes with just the press of a button—all without sacrificing the complexity and flavor obtained through manual brewing methods. The machine replicates the bloom of a pour-over and brews at a speed that allows for "optimized coffee extraction." Moccamaster 53944 KBGV Select 10-Cup Coffee Maker, Candy Apple Red, 40 ounce, 1.25l $260.63 at Amazon $389.00 Save $128.37 Get Deal Get Deal $260.63 at Amazon $389.00 Save $128.37 The Moccamaster makes up to 40 ounces of coffee at once, keeps it warm, and automatically shuts off after 100 minutes. You can choose a half or full carafe, and the machine will adjust the brewing speed and hot plate temperature accordingly. Plus, it looks great on the kitchen counter. The only downside I found is that the carafe is pretty fragile—we ended up replacing ours with this sturdier version, also on sale for Black Friday. The Moccamaster is pricey, making Black Friday an ideal time to buy. Note that the deal is slightly different depending on the color you choose: As of this writing, Black, Red, Brushed Gold, Butter Yellow, Matte Silver, Midnight Blue, Pistachio, Off-White, Orange, Sandstone, Stone Grey, Turquoise, and Pink are 33% off. Apricot is 31% off, and Yellow Pepper, Matte Black, and Polished Silver are 35% off. (It's not quite the lowest price we've ever seen, according to price-tracking tools, but it's close.) Several other colors are listed at full price as of this piece—of course, it's always possible that availability will change throughout the deal period from what's covered here. 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. 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 who 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, 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 Early 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) NEW Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $298.00 (List Price $429.00) 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) — $349.00 (List Price $399.00) WD 6TB My Passport USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive — $134.99 (List Price $179.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Government’s decision on controversial policy will again highlight complexity of Britain’s welfare systemView the full article

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. When I reviewed the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold last year, I called it "a big step forward for foldables"—but it was undeniably expensive. Thanks to a big Black Friday discount, it's now a lot cheaper: It's currently $540 off, which means you can now pick it up for $1,259.99 from Amazon. Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold $1,259.99 $1,799.00 Save $539.01 Get Deal Get Deal $1,259.99 $1,799.00 Save $539.01 That's still a lot of money for a smartphone of course, but this is a smartphone than turns into a tablet when you open it up. The main 8-inch display is perfect for watching videos, browsing the web, and putting two apps side by side (so you can browse through social media and chat to your friends at the same time). Just as importantly, it feels like a standard phone when it's closed shut—when all you need is a normal form factor, you're not really making any compromises in terms of size or usability. (It comes with a Google Tensor G4 chipset and 16GB of RAM.) I was seriously impressed with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold when I reviewed it, and while Google launched an updated version with the Pixel 10 series, there's not all that much difference between the 2024 and 2025 models. Given the significant reduction now offered by Amazon, I'd say it's a more appealing buy than ever. 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. 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. You can get the 2024 M3 MacBook Air available refurbished on StackSocial, starting at $829.99 for the 256GB SSD model and $909.99 for the 512GB version. At under three pounds and just 0.44 inches thick, this MacBook still feels like the lightweight, go-anywhere machine it's known to be, but with a much faster brain. The M3 chip brings an 8-core CPU and a 10-core GPU, and Apple claims it’s up to 60% faster than the earlier M1 model. You’re not just getting a newer processor, you’re getting better multitasking, faster app launches, and smoother performance across the board, especially if you rely on browser tabs, video calls, and creative tools throughout the day. The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display remains a standout. It’s bright, reaching up to 500 nits, and supports over a billion colors, which is evident in everything from text clarity to editing images or streaming shows. Battery life remains a key selling point, offering up to 18 hours of video playback or approximately 15 hours of web browsing. The updated Wi-Fi 6E helps with faster downloads, and there’s now support for two external displays—great for anyone who splits their work across multiple screens. The machine also includes two Thunderbolt ports, MagSafe charging, and a headphone jack. The 1080p webcam and three-mic array offer sharp video and clear audio for meetings, while the Magic Keyboard and Touch ID provide a reliable typing and login experience. This is a refurbished unit with a Grade A rating, which means you may find signs of wear, but nothing that affects performance. A 30-day parts and labor warranty is included for added peace of mind. It runs macOS Monterey or later and can be updated to macOS Tahoe 26. For users who want Apple’s latest chip in a smaller form factor and don’t want to shell out full price for something brand new, this deal makes a lot of sense. Eight GB RAM might feel limiting if you tend to run heavy creative software or work with large files all day, but for most users, this MacBook Air M3 hits the right balance of power, portability, and price. 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. Does Apple do Black Friday?Yes, Apple participates in Black Friday, though you may want to compare their sales with other retailers like Best Buy and Walmart. Apple is offering an exclusive $250 gift card for eligible purchases, but so far, the best Black Friday sale on an Apple product is the M4 MacBook on sale for cheaper than ever. 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. Our Best Editor-Vetted Early 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) NEW Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $298.00 (List Price $429.00) 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) — $349.00 (List Price $399.00) WD 6TB My Passport USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive — $134.99 (List Price $179.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article