ResidentialBusiness

The real estate market is continuing to boom, and with it comes the need for home inspection business owners. The best home inspectors have a blend of characteristics. They must have an entrepreneurial spirit, technical skills, expansive knowledge of house systems and construction, and meticulous attention to detail. The home inspector is a key component of the real estate sales system. It plays a pivotal role in communications between real estate agents and in assisting buyers in making informed decisions about the purchase of a property and its price. Starting Your Own Home Inspection Business: Key Steps These are the key steps you should take in starting your own home inspection company. We’ll tell you everything you need to know, from crafting a business plan and handling startup costs to marketing and growing the business. What Do Home Inspectors Do? Home inspectors play a crucial role in the real estate process, offering services that provide potential buyers, sellers, and property owners with essential information about a property’s condition. Their tasks typically involve a detailed examination of various aspects of a property to ensure its safety, functionality, and overall condition. Here’s a more in-depth look at what home inspectors do: Assess Structural Integrity: Inspect the foundation, walls, floors, roof, and other structural components to identify signs of damage, deterioration, or potential failures that might affect the property’s safety and value. Evaluate Systems and Components: Examine the property’s essential systems, including electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, to ensure they are installed correctly and functioning as intended. Inspect Exterior Elements: Check the exterior of the property, including siding, windows, doors, decks, balconies, and other attached or detached structures to identify any issues that could lead to problems or require maintenance. Review Interior Conditions: Evaluate the condition of interior elements such as ceilings, walls, floors, stairs, and installed fixtures to detect any signs of water damage, mold, pests, or other interior deficiencies. Examine Insulation and Ventilation: Inspect insulation quality and ventilation efficiency in attics, crawl spaces, and other areas to ensure proper temperature regulation and moisture control within the property. Create Detailed Inspection Reports: After conducting a thorough inspection, home inspectors must compile their findings into comprehensive reports. These reports should include: Descriptions of Deficiencies: Clearly describe any issues found during the inspection, specifying the location and nature of each problem. Photographic Evidence: Include photographs of noted deficiencies to provide a visual reference that supports the findings in the report. Recommendations for Repairs or Further Evaluation: Propose essential repairs or advise seeking further assessment from specialists, such as a structural engineer or a licensed electrician, for more intricate issues. Provide Maintenance Advice: Offer guidance on regular maintenance practices that can help prevent future issues and ensure the property remains in good condition. Home inspectors must navigate a fine balance between thoroughness and practicality, ensuring they provide valuable, actionable information without unnecessarily alarming clients. Their reports can significantly influence buying decisions, making their role critical in the real estate transaction process. Obtaining Certifications and Training Acquire relevant certifications and training from recognized organizations to ensure credibility and competence in the field of home inspection. For instance, the components of a home include electrical, plumbing, foundation, roof, heating/cooling systems and more. The standard for home inspector certification is with the ASHI Certified Inspector (ACI) program. The ASHI certification program establishes a minimum and uniform standard of practice for home inspectors practicing in the United States and Canada. Home Inspections performed according to ASHI Standards of Practice are intended to provide the client with objective information regarding the condition of the systems and components of the home as inspected at the time of the home inspection. You may also require business certifications to operate in your area. For example, you may incorporate a business or look into creating a business entity like an LLC. Then, research business licenses and permits specific to your state and community. Home Inspection Business Plan Develop a comprehensive business plan outlining your goals, target market, services offered, pricing strategy, and marketing approach to guide your business operations. You should also choose a business structure, which typically is the Limited Liability Corporation, or LLC. Home Inspection Business Startup Costs Starting a home inspection business involves various initial costs that are essential for setting up a professional, reliable service. So how much does it cost to start a business in this industry? These costs can vary widely depending on the region, the scale of the business, and the specific services offered. Here’s a breakdown of the potential startup costs you might encounter: Equipment: Quality inspection equipment is fundamental to providing thorough and accurate home inspections. Initial equipment costs may include: Inspection Tools: Tools such as moisture meters, infrared cameras, electrical testers, gas leak detectors, flashlights, and ladders are essential. Safety Gear: Protective clothing, respirators, gloves, and safety glasses to ensure safety while inspecting potentially hazardous areas. Software: Inspection reporting software to create professional reports for clients. Insurance: Carrying insurance is crucial for protecting your business and meeting regulatory requirements. Types of insurance to consider include: General Liability Insurance: Protects against claims for property damage or injury that occur as a result of your inspection services. Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance: Covers legal fees and damages if a client claims a missed or inaccurate inspection report led to financial loss. Marketing Materials: Effective marketing is essential for attracting clients and establishing your brand. Marketing expenses might include: Branding: Costs for logo design, business cards, and branded clothing. Website: Development and hosting costs for a professional website to showcase your services and contact information. Advertising: Online and traditional advertising costs, including social media, local newspapers, and real estate publications. Licensing Fees: Most regions require home inspectors to be licensed, which involves: Education and Training: Costs for courses and exams necessary to meet licensing requirements. License Application Fees: Fees associated with applying for and renewing your home inspection license. Vehicle Expenses: Reliable transportation is necessary to travel between inspection sites. Consider the cost of: Vehicle Purchase or Lease: If you don’t already have a suitable vehicle, you’ll need to acquire one that can transport your equipment and present a professional image. Maintenance and Fuel: Regular maintenance and fuel costs to ensure your vehicle remains reliable. Professional Memberships and Continuing Education: Becoming a member of a professional organization can boost your credibility and offer valuable networking opportunities. Potential costs may include: Membership Fees: Annual fees for memberships in professional home inspector associations. Continuing Education: Costs for ongoing education to maintain your license and stay updated on industry standards and practices. When planning your startup budget, it’s essential to account for these costs to ensure you have the financial resources needed to launch and sustain your home inspection business successfully. It’s also wise to set aside some contingency funds to cover unexpected expenses as you get your business off the ground. Cost CategoryDetails Equipment- Inspection tools: Moisture meters, infrared cameras, electrical testers, etc. - Safety gear: Protective clothing, respirators, gloves, safety glasses. - Software: Inspection reporting software. Insurance- General Liability Insurance: Coverage for property damage or injuries. - Errors and Omissions Insurance: Protection against claims of inaccurate inspections. Marketing Materials- Branding: Logo design, business cards, branded clothing. - Website: Development and hosting for a professional website. - Advertising: Costs for online and traditional advertising, including social media and local publications. Licensing Fees- Education and Training: Courses and exams for licensing requirements. - License Application Fees: Fees for applying for and renewing home inspection licenses. Vehicle Expenses- Vehicle Purchase or Lease: If needed, for reliable transportation. - Maintenance and Fuel: Regular vehicle upkeep and fuel costs. Professional Memberships and Continuing Education- Membership Fees: Annual fees for joining professional home inspector associations. - Continuing Education: Costs for courses to maintain licenses and stay updated on industry practices. Setting Up a Business Bank Account for Your Home Inspection Business Open a dedicated business bank account to effectively manage your finances and ensure a clear distinction between personal and business expenses. Your local financial institution or chamber of commerce can guide you through how to open a business bank account. Navigating Self-Employment Taxes Unless you are hired by a company to work as a home inspector, if you work for yourself you must pay self employment taxes. Familiarize yourself with the tax obligations and responsibilities associated with being self-employed, including income tax, self-employment tax, and potential deductions. How to Market a Home Inspection Business Marketing is an essential part of learning how to start a business in this industry. Develop a marketing strategy to promote your services, utilizing online platforms, networking, referrals, and targeted advertising to reach potential clients. Building Your Client Base for a Successful Home Inspection Business Building a client base is crucial for the success of a home inspection business. Establishing strong relationships with real estate agents, offering exceptional service to create word-of-mouth referrals, and leveraging online marketing strategies are key steps to attract and retain clients. Providing thorough, reliable inspections and clear, detailed reports can set the foundation for a positive reputation in the industry. To effectively build a client base, consider the following strategies: Network with Real Estate Professionals: Attend local real estate events and meetings. Offer to give presentations or workshops on home inspection topics. Deliver Exceptional Customer Service: Be punctual, professional, and thorough in every inspection. Follow up with clients to ensure their satisfaction and address any concerns. Leverage Online Marketing: Develop a professional website showcasing your services, qualifications, and customer testimonials. Utilize social media platforms to engage with potential clients and share useful content related to home maintenance and inspections. Offer Referral Incentives: Encourage satisfied customers to refer others by offering discounts or other incentives. Join Local Business Groups and Associations: Join local business associations and chambers of commerce to enhance your visibility within the community. Invest in Continuing Education: Stay updated with the latest inspection techniques and regulations to enhance your expertise and credibility. By implementing these strategies, you can steadily grow your client base, enhancing the longevity and success of your home inspection business. Home Inspection Business Cards Create professional business cards that include your contact information, services offered, and branding to leave a lasting impression on potential clients. Home Inspection Business Names Choose a memorable and descriptive name for your home inspection business that reflects your brand identity and resonates with your target market. Scaling and Growing Your Business Explore opportunities for expansion and growth, such as hiring additional inspectors, offering specialized services, or expanding into new geographic areas. Building Your Home Inspection Business Scaling a home inspection business involves expanding its capacity and reach to serve more clients and increase revenue. This expansion requires strategic planning, investment in resources, and the implementation of systems to ensure quality and efficiency as the business grows. Key steps include diversifying services, hiring additional inspectors, leveraging technology for efficiency, and enhancing marketing efforts to reach a wider audience. To successfully scale your home inspection business, consider these strategies: Hire Qualified Inspectors: Recruit and train additional inspectors to increase your business’s capacity to take on more inspections. Diversify Services: Expand your service offerings to include specialized inspections, such as radon, mold, or thermal imaging, to cater to a broader market. Implement Technology Solutions: Invest in advanced inspection software and tools to improve the efficiency and quality of your inspections. Use customer relationship management (CRM) software to manage client interactions and streamline operations. Enhance Marketing Efforts: Develop targeted marketing campaigns to reach new customer segments. Increase your online presence through SEO, content marketing, and social media engagement. Establish Partnerships: Form strategic partnerships with real estate agencies, lenders, and insurance companies to generate referrals and expand your network. Focus on Branding and Customer Experience: Strengthen your brand identity and ensure a consistent, high-quality customer experience across all touchpoints. Invest in Professional Development: Encourage continuous learning and professional development for yourself and your team to stay ahead of industry trends and standards. By carefully executing these strategies, you can effectively scale your home inspection business, leading to increased profitability and a more substantial market presence. Launching Your Home Inspection Business Officially launch your home inspection business by putting your marketing strategies into action, attracting clients, and providing top-notch inspections to build your reputation in the industry. https://youtube.com/watch?v=IXHhQiQZl2I%3Fsi%3DKpj1OTYmw6fg2jI4 FAQs: Home Inspection Business How much do home inspectors make? Is a home inspection business profitable? Yes. Inspector salaries vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and the number of inspections conducted. On average, home inspectors in the United States earn between $50,000 to $80,000 per year. What are the pros and cons of being a home inspector? Pros: Flexible schedule: Home inspectors often have the flexibility to set their own hours and work independently. High demand: With the real estate market constantly active, there is a consistent demand for home inspection services. Opportunities for growth: As you gain experience and build your reputation, there are opportunities to expand your business and increase your income. Cons: Physical demands: Home inspection work can be physically demanding, requiring crawling into tight spaces and climbing ladders. Liability: Home inspectors may face liability risks if they miss significant issues during inspections, leading to potential legal challenges. Inconsistent earnings: The income of a home inspection business can fluctuate significantly, particularly during downturns in the real estate market. AspectProsCons ScheduleFlexible schedule: Ability to set your own hours and work independently.- Market DemandHigh demand: Consistent need for home inspection services due to an active real estate market.Irregular income: Variable income, particularly during slow real estate periods. GrowthOpportunities for growth: Potential to expand business and increase income with experience and reputation.- Physical Work-Physical demands: Requires crawling into tight spaces and climbing ladders. Liability-Liability risks: Potential legal challenges if significant issues are missed during inspections. Why do some home inspection businesses fail? Many home inspection businesses fail due to a lack of marketing and networking. Failure to effectively market services and build a client base can result in a lack of business. Here are the other main reasons: Lack of proper training and qualifications: A deficiency in knowledge or certifications can result in inadequate inspections, ultimately harming the reputation of the home inspection business. Poor customer service: Failing to provide excellent customer service and address client concerns can lead to negative reviews and loss of business. Financial mismanagement: Poor management of finances, underestimating startup expenses, or neglecting to prepare for slow periods can result in financial challenges and ultimately lead to the failure of the home inspection business. What are the key factors in building a successful business in home inspection? A successful home inspection business is known for its exceptional service: Providing thorough and high-quality inspections, accompanied by excellent customer service, is crucial for building a positive reputation and securing repeat business. Here are other factors for success: Marketing and networking: Effective marketing strategies, including online presence, networking with real estate professionals, and word-of-mouth referrals, are essential for attracting clients. Continuous learning: Staying updated on industry trends, regulations, and best practices through ongoing education and training helps maintain credibility and competence. Strong business management: Proper financial management, including budgeting, pricing strategies, and maintaining professional standards, is essential for long-term success. Create these systems on your own, or consider a home inspection franchise that will provide these tools as you get started. Image: Envato Elements This article, "Ride the Boom: How to Start a Home Inspection Business" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The real estate market is continuing to boom, and with it comes the need for home inspection business owners. The best home inspectors have a blend of characteristics. They must have an entrepreneurial spirit, technical skills, expansive knowledge of house systems and construction, and meticulous attention to detail. The home inspector is a key component of the real estate sales system. It plays a pivotal role in communications between real estate agents and in assisting buyers in making informed decisions about the purchase of a property and its price. Starting Your Own Home Inspection Business: Key Steps These are the key steps you should take in starting your own home inspection company. We’ll tell you everything you need to know, from crafting a business plan and handling startup costs to marketing and growing the business. What Do Home Inspectors Do? Home inspectors play a crucial role in the real estate process, offering services that provide potential buyers, sellers, and property owners with essential information about a property’s condition. Their tasks typically involve a detailed examination of various aspects of a property to ensure its safety, functionality, and overall condition. Here’s a more in-depth look at what home inspectors do: Assess Structural Integrity: Inspect the foundation, walls, floors, roof, and other structural components to identify signs of damage, deterioration, or potential failures that might affect the property’s safety and value. Evaluate Systems and Components: Examine the property’s essential systems, including electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, to ensure they are installed correctly and functioning as intended. Inspect Exterior Elements: Check the exterior of the property, including siding, windows, doors, decks, balconies, and other attached or detached structures to identify any issues that could lead to problems or require maintenance. Review Interior Conditions: Evaluate the condition of interior elements such as ceilings, walls, floors, stairs, and installed fixtures to detect any signs of water damage, mold, pests, or other interior deficiencies. Examine Insulation and Ventilation: Inspect insulation quality and ventilation efficiency in attics, crawl spaces, and other areas to ensure proper temperature regulation and moisture control within the property. Create Detailed Inspection Reports: After conducting a thorough inspection, home inspectors must compile their findings into comprehensive reports. These reports should include: Descriptions of Deficiencies: Clearly describe any issues found during the inspection, specifying the location and nature of each problem. Photographic Evidence: Include photographs of noted deficiencies to provide a visual reference that supports the findings in the report. Recommendations for Repairs or Further Evaluation: Propose essential repairs or advise seeking further assessment from specialists, such as a structural engineer or a licensed electrician, for more intricate issues. Provide Maintenance Advice: Offer guidance on regular maintenance practices that can help prevent future issues and ensure the property remains in good condition. Home inspectors must navigate a fine balance between thoroughness and practicality, ensuring they provide valuable, actionable information without unnecessarily alarming clients. Their reports can significantly influence buying decisions, making their role critical in the real estate transaction process. Obtaining Certifications and Training Acquire relevant certifications and training from recognized organizations to ensure credibility and competence in the field of home inspection. For instance, the components of a home include electrical, plumbing, foundation, roof, heating/cooling systems and more. The standard for home inspector certification is with the ASHI Certified Inspector (ACI) program. The ASHI certification program establishes a minimum and uniform standard of practice for home inspectors practicing in the United States and Canada. Home Inspections performed according to ASHI Standards of Practice are intended to provide the client with objective information regarding the condition of the systems and components of the home as inspected at the time of the home inspection. You may also require business certifications to operate in your area. For example, you may incorporate a business or look into creating a business entity like an LLC. Then, research business licenses and permits specific to your state and community. Home Inspection Business Plan Develop a comprehensive business plan outlining your goals, target market, services offered, pricing strategy, and marketing approach to guide your business operations. You should also choose a business structure, which typically is the Limited Liability Corporation, or LLC. Home Inspection Business Startup Costs Starting a home inspection business involves various initial costs that are essential for setting up a professional, reliable service. So how much does it cost to start a business in this industry? These costs can vary widely depending on the region, the scale of the business, and the specific services offered. Here’s a breakdown of the potential startup costs you might encounter: Equipment: Quality inspection equipment is fundamental to providing thorough and accurate home inspections. Initial equipment costs may include: Inspection Tools: Tools such as moisture meters, infrared cameras, electrical testers, gas leak detectors, flashlights, and ladders are essential. Safety Gear: Protective clothing, respirators, gloves, and safety glasses to ensure safety while inspecting potentially hazardous areas. Software: Inspection reporting software to create professional reports for clients. Insurance: Carrying insurance is crucial for protecting your business and meeting regulatory requirements. Types of insurance to consider include: General Liability Insurance: Protects against claims for property damage or injury that occur as a result of your inspection services. Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance: Covers legal fees and damages if a client claims a missed or inaccurate inspection report led to financial loss. Marketing Materials: Effective marketing is essential for attracting clients and establishing your brand. Marketing expenses might include: Branding: Costs for logo design, business cards, and branded clothing. Website: Development and hosting costs for a professional website to showcase your services and contact information. Advertising: Online and traditional advertising costs, including social media, local newspapers, and real estate publications. Licensing Fees: Most regions require home inspectors to be licensed, which involves: Education and Training: Costs for courses and exams necessary to meet licensing requirements. License Application Fees: Fees associated with applying for and renewing your home inspection license. Vehicle Expenses: Reliable transportation is necessary to travel between inspection sites. Consider the cost of: Vehicle Purchase or Lease: If you don’t already have a suitable vehicle, you’ll need to acquire one that can transport your equipment and present a professional image. Maintenance and Fuel: Regular maintenance and fuel costs to ensure your vehicle remains reliable. Professional Memberships and Continuing Education: Becoming a member of a professional organization can boost your credibility and offer valuable networking opportunities. Potential costs may include: Membership Fees: Annual fees for memberships in professional home inspector associations. Continuing Education: Costs for ongoing education to maintain your license and stay updated on industry standards and practices. When planning your startup budget, it’s essential to account for these costs to ensure you have the financial resources needed to launch and sustain your home inspection business successfully. It’s also wise to set aside some contingency funds to cover unexpected expenses as you get your business off the ground. Cost CategoryDetails Equipment- Inspection tools: Moisture meters, infrared cameras, electrical testers, etc. - Safety gear: Protective clothing, respirators, gloves, safety glasses. - Software: Inspection reporting software. Insurance- General Liability Insurance: Coverage for property damage or injuries. - Errors and Omissions Insurance: Protection against claims of inaccurate inspections. Marketing Materials- Branding: Logo design, business cards, branded clothing. - Website: Development and hosting for a professional website. - Advertising: Costs for online and traditional advertising, including social media and local publications. Licensing Fees- Education and Training: Courses and exams for licensing requirements. - License Application Fees: Fees for applying for and renewing home inspection licenses. Vehicle Expenses- Vehicle Purchase or Lease: If needed, for reliable transportation. - Maintenance and Fuel: Regular vehicle upkeep and fuel costs. Professional Memberships and Continuing Education- Membership Fees: Annual fees for joining professional home inspector associations. - Continuing Education: Costs for courses to maintain licenses and stay updated on industry practices. Setting Up a Business Bank Account for Your Home Inspection Business Open a dedicated business bank account to effectively manage your finances and ensure a clear distinction between personal and business expenses. Your local financial institution or chamber of commerce can guide you through how to open a business bank account. Navigating Self-Employment Taxes Unless you are hired by a company to work as a home inspector, if you work for yourself you must pay self employment taxes. Familiarize yourself with the tax obligations and responsibilities associated with being self-employed, including income tax, self-employment tax, and potential deductions. How to Market a Home Inspection Business Marketing is an essential part of learning how to start a business in this industry. Develop a marketing strategy to promote your services, utilizing online platforms, networking, referrals, and targeted advertising to reach potential clients. Building Your Client Base for a Successful Home Inspection Business Building a client base is crucial for the success of a home inspection business. Establishing strong relationships with real estate agents, offering exceptional service to create word-of-mouth referrals, and leveraging online marketing strategies are key steps to attract and retain clients. Providing thorough, reliable inspections and clear, detailed reports can set the foundation for a positive reputation in the industry. To effectively build a client base, consider the following strategies: Network with Real Estate Professionals: Attend local real estate events and meetings. Offer to give presentations or workshops on home inspection topics. Deliver Exceptional Customer Service: Be punctual, professional, and thorough in every inspection. Follow up with clients to ensure their satisfaction and address any concerns. Leverage Online Marketing: Develop a professional website showcasing your services, qualifications, and customer testimonials. Utilize social media platforms to engage with potential clients and share useful content related to home maintenance and inspections. Offer Referral Incentives: Encourage satisfied customers to refer others by offering discounts or other incentives. Join Local Business Groups and Associations: Join local business associations and chambers of commerce to enhance your visibility within the community. Invest in Continuing Education: Stay updated with the latest inspection techniques and regulations to enhance your expertise and credibility. By implementing these strategies, you can steadily grow your client base, enhancing the longevity and success of your home inspection business. Home Inspection Business Cards Create professional business cards that include your contact information, services offered, and branding to leave a lasting impression on potential clients. Home Inspection Business Names Choose a memorable and descriptive name for your home inspection business that reflects your brand identity and resonates with your target market. Scaling and Growing Your Business Explore opportunities for expansion and growth, such as hiring additional inspectors, offering specialized services, or expanding into new geographic areas. Building Your Home Inspection Business Scaling a home inspection business involves expanding its capacity and reach to serve more clients and increase revenue. This expansion requires strategic planning, investment in resources, and the implementation of systems to ensure quality and efficiency as the business grows. Key steps include diversifying services, hiring additional inspectors, leveraging technology for efficiency, and enhancing marketing efforts to reach a wider audience. To successfully scale your home inspection business, consider these strategies: Hire Qualified Inspectors: Recruit and train additional inspectors to increase your business’s capacity to take on more inspections. Diversify Services: Expand your service offerings to include specialized inspections, such as radon, mold, or thermal imaging, to cater to a broader market. Implement Technology Solutions: Invest in advanced inspection software and tools to improve the efficiency and quality of your inspections. Use customer relationship management (CRM) software to manage client interactions and streamline operations. Enhance Marketing Efforts: Develop targeted marketing campaigns to reach new customer segments. Increase your online presence through SEO, content marketing, and social media engagement. Establish Partnerships: Form strategic partnerships with real estate agencies, lenders, and insurance companies to generate referrals and expand your network. Focus on Branding and Customer Experience: Strengthen your brand identity and ensure a consistent, high-quality customer experience across all touchpoints. Invest in Professional Development: Encourage continuous learning and professional development for yourself and your team to stay ahead of industry trends and standards. By carefully executing these strategies, you can effectively scale your home inspection business, leading to increased profitability and a more substantial market presence. Launching Your Home Inspection Business Officially launch your home inspection business by putting your marketing strategies into action, attracting clients, and providing top-notch inspections to build your reputation in the industry. https://youtube.com/watch?v=IXHhQiQZl2I%3Fsi%3DKpj1OTYmw6fg2jI4 FAQs: Home Inspection Business How much do home inspectors make? Is a home inspection business profitable? Yes. Inspector salaries vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and the number of inspections conducted. On average, home inspectors in the United States earn between $50,000 to $80,000 per year. What are the pros and cons of being a home inspector? Pros: Flexible schedule: Home inspectors often have the flexibility to set their own hours and work independently. High demand: With the real estate market constantly active, there is a consistent demand for home inspection services. Opportunities for growth: As you gain experience and build your reputation, there are opportunities to expand your business and increase your income. Cons: Physical demands: Home inspection work can be physically demanding, requiring crawling into tight spaces and climbing ladders. Liability: Home inspectors may face liability risks if they miss significant issues during inspections, leading to potential legal challenges. Inconsistent earnings: The income of a home inspection business can fluctuate significantly, particularly during downturns in the real estate market. AspectProsCons ScheduleFlexible schedule: Ability to set your own hours and work independently.- Market DemandHigh demand: Consistent need for home inspection services due to an active real estate market.Irregular income: Variable income, particularly during slow real estate periods. GrowthOpportunities for growth: Potential to expand business and increase income with experience and reputation.- Physical Work-Physical demands: Requires crawling into tight spaces and climbing ladders. Liability-Liability risks: Potential legal challenges if significant issues are missed during inspections. Why do some home inspection businesses fail? Many home inspection businesses fail due to a lack of marketing and networking. Failure to effectively market services and build a client base can result in a lack of business. Here are the other main reasons: Lack of proper training and qualifications: A deficiency in knowledge or certifications can result in inadequate inspections, ultimately harming the reputation of the home inspection business. Poor customer service: Failing to provide excellent customer service and address client concerns can lead to negative reviews and loss of business. Financial mismanagement: Poor management of finances, underestimating startup expenses, or neglecting to prepare for slow periods can result in financial challenges and ultimately lead to the failure of the home inspection business. What are the key factors in building a successful business in home inspection? A successful home inspection business is known for its exceptional service: Providing thorough and high-quality inspections, accompanied by excellent customer service, is crucial for building a positive reputation and securing repeat business. Here are other factors for success: Marketing and networking: Effective marketing strategies, including online presence, networking with real estate professionals, and word-of-mouth referrals, are essential for attracting clients. Continuous learning: Staying updated on industry trends, regulations, and best practices through ongoing education and training helps maintain credibility and competence. Strong business management: Proper financial management, including budgeting, pricing strategies, and maintaining professional standards, is essential for long-term success. Create these systems on your own, or consider a home inspection franchise that will provide these tools as you get started. Image: Envato Elements This article, "Ride the Boom: How to Start a Home Inspection Business" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

PPC marketing has the power to drive massive traffic and conversions – but one wrong move can drain your budget fast. Many marketers unknowingly make costly mistakes due to hidden platform settings, human error, or poor strategic decisions. Whether it’s setting an unrealistic budget, neglecting creative, misusing AI, or avoiding experimentation, these missteps can lead to wasted ad spend and underwhelming results. The good news? Every PPC mistake has a fix. This article breaks down the four most common PPC mistakes, why they happen, and how to correct them – so you can optimize your campaigns and maximize ROI. Mistake 1: Setting an unrealistic budget Setting a budget that simply can’t deliver results is a huge mistake. Whether it’s due to misjudging the number of targets, misunderstanding auction prices, or failing to align spend with market conditions, an inadequate budget dooms campaigns before they start. Your budget needs to support at least 10 clicks per day to succeed. A 10% conversion rate is considered excellent for non-branded campaigns. The math isn’t in your favor if you’re not budgeting for at least one lead per day. Here’s what you need to consider when setting your budget: Know the auction prices of your targets Whether they are keywords, audiences, placements, or topics, they’re all going to have different CPCs or CPMs. Mixing too many auction prices in the same campaign will cause the campaign to struggle to support them all. Factor in market conditions Location, device type, time of day, and other competitive elements impact conversion rates and cost. Set realistic shifts for ad delivery If your budget is tight, consider running ads only during the highest-performing hours. You can identify these by segmenting your schedule into six-hour windows. This helps you identify when impressions and clicks happen most often and lets you optimize spend based on historical performance. Make sure your bids align with your budget If your daily budget is $50 but your average cost per click (CPC) is $75 to $100, you won’t get results. Many platforms prevent you from setting bids that exceed 50% of your daily budget to avoid this mistake. It’s important to factor in how much you will trust your conversions and the anticipated volume of your conversions. The biggest reason ad platforms can misallocate your budget is getting false positives/negatives on what’s driving success in your account. Dig deeper: PPC diagnostics: How to find and fix the root cause of low conversions Mistake 2: Not investing enough time in creative Even the best budget strategy won’t save a campaign if your ads fail to capture attention. That’s where creative comes in. PPC platforms are packed with technical features. But creative is what makes or breaks your campaigns. Your ad creative stops users mid-scroll, gets them interested, and compels them to take action. Many marketers make two major mistakes with creative: They create compelling ads at launch but don’t iterate over time: This means their ads become stale as market trends shift or their customers experience ad fatigue. They lean too heavily on AI-generated creative without human oversight: AI-generated content often lacks nuance and engagement, making it “safer” but not as aligned with brand tone. To fix this, you need to: Understand your audience personas Different customers respond to different messaging: generic creative appeals to no one. Make sure that you’re using audience exclusions to protect segmented ad creative. Regularly test and refresh your creative Most ad platforms offer built-in A/B testing. Use it to find winning combinations and prevent creative fatigue. Optimize ad extensions Don’t just focus on the main ad: ensure assets such as sitelinks, callouts, and images align with your message. Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. Business email address Sign me up! Processing... See terms. Mistake 3: Misusing AI in PPC campaigns AI is everywhere in digital marketing, but using it incorrectly can hurt your results. Marketers often fall into one of two extremes: Over-relying on AI: Letting automation make all the decisions without human oversight. This includes auto-applying recommendations, enabling audience expansion, and running Performance Max with no exclusions. Not using AI enough: Ignoring AI-driven bidding strategies, audience signals, and optimization tools. This is common in accounts with overly segmented campaigns using manual bidding. While these tactics can work, they often require significant time and effort, making their efficiency questionable. The key is balance. For low-data accounts, AI struggles to make informed decisions. If your budget or audience size is small, you need more manual oversight. For high-data accounts, AI can analyze trends and optimize bidding better than humans alone. Large campaigns should take full advantage of machine learning to maximize results. Failing to adjust your strategy as your campaign grows is a major issue. AI can be a game-changer, but only when paired with human insights and strategic oversight. Dig deeper: How does AI work in PPC? Mistake 4: Being afraid to fail One of the most damaging PPC mistakes isn’t about mechanics: it’s about mindset. Marketers often hesitate to test new strategies, fearing wasted spend. But in digital advertising, testing and iteration are essential. Even AI operates with the expectation of failure to refine results over time. Humans, however, often put unrealistic pressure on themselves to be right 100% of the time. Here’s why embracing experimentation matters: Risk-averse strategies limit growth: If you never test new features, ad formats, or targeting methods, you miss out on potential wins. Platform diversity matters: Your PPC strategy shouldn’t rely solely on Google Ads. Microsoft, Amazon, and paid social platforms all offer unique opportunities. Budgeting for testing is key: Set aside a portion of your budget specifically for experimentation so you can take calculated risks. Dig deeper: How to develop PPC testing strategies Maximize your PPC ROI by avoiding these common pitfalls PPC success isn’t just about knowing what to do; it’s about knowing what not to do. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can run more efficient campaigns, spend smarter, and maximize results. Whether you need to refine your budget strategy, improve your creative, or strike the right balance with AI, taking the time to audit your PPC approach will pay off in better performance and higher ROI. View the full article

If you want to become a faster runner, you’ll probably end up doing a lot of speedwork on a track. Or if you live in a hilly place, you might wish you had a nice flat track to run on. But how do you find one that’s open to the public? Turns out it’s easier than you might think. Many public high school tracks are available for the community to use. Call local schoolsWord of mouth is your best option for finding the best local tracks; guaranteed there are tons of people in your community who know which schools have an open track. You can ask runners, ask parents (they'll know the schools pretty well), or cut out the middleman and call the school. I run on a local school track, and the way I found it was pretty straightforward. I phoned up the nearest high school, and asked whether they had a track that was open to the public. They said yes, so long as I come outside school hours; but they also suggested a different school in the same district whose track has fewer evening events scheduled. That’s the track I now run on most often. I've found that schools don't always put their track policy (or locations!) online, so an old-fashioned phone call really is the quickest way to this information. You can also visit the school in person—after hours, please—and look for signs that say when and whether the track is open to the public. Be aware that there may be track meets, football games, or other activities that use the school facilities even after hours. Usually it's OK to run on the track while a team is practicing on the infield, but if you're not sure, find the coach and ask. (I've only been asked to leave a track once, and the coach was very polite about it, giving me 10 minutes' warning before the team started practicing so I could wrap up that part of my workout.) You can also look up the school's or district's sports schedule, and check before you leave home whether there's an event scheduled for the track that day. Use a track directoryAnother great resource for finding tracks is Run Track Run, which lists tracks and running routes across the U.S. Some of the tracks have information listed, such as the type of surface, whether it’s open to the public, and whether it’s free to use. Local running clubs may also keep their own lists of favorite tracks, trails, and other run-friendly locations. Check maps I opened Google Maps on a random state, searched "high school," and zoomed in on each to see if they had a track. Found this in less than a minute. Credit: Google maps Oval running tracks are easy to spot on maps. I found another track near me just by looking for oval shapes on the Strava global heatmap (it highlights popular running routes). The satellite view on Google Maps is another great way to look for nearby tracks, as I did above. Most regulation-size outdoor running tracks surround a football or soccer field, and they’ll usually be at a school or sometimes a park or community center. They will be an oblong shape, curved around the ends, often with a red rubber surface and white lane lines visible when you zoom in. You may also find non-standard tracks around athletic fields or in parks; they are usually gravel surfaced and may not be a quarter mile exactly; I can think of one that is 0.2 miles, and a few I've seen that are half a mile. While I was traveling, I used maps to find this 1.125-mile running path in a Delaware park that used to be a horse racing track. What are the rules of running on a track?Once you get to the track, you may be a bit confused with all the lines, the people running around, and the presence of written and unwritten rules. There really aren't many points of etiquette to worry about, though. We have a full track etiquette guide here, but here are the main things you need to know: Read the rulesFirst, check for any posted rules or hours. School tracks are often closed to the public during school hours, but that still means evenings, weekends, and holiday breaks are fair game. Don’t expect that every school’s track will always be open, though. Private schools might not open theirs to the public, and public schools may still set a schedule or close the track for events. If the track is part of a park, gym, or community center, check their website or call to confirm who can use the track and when. Stay in your laneOnce you’re there, the most important rule is to stay in your lane (if there are marked lanes). Think of them like lanes on a highway: You can pass somebody if you give them enough room, and you should always look behind you before you change lanes. Don’t block a lane by stopping in the middle; find a spot off the track if you want to sit down to stretch. The faster people will run in the innermost lane, and you can use this lane, too, if you're doing fast sprints. But when you’re walking or warming up, you should stay in the outer lanes. Go the correct directionOn a track, usually everyone runs counter-clockwise (turning left). That's standard for competition, anyway. Some tracks, especially indoor ones, will have a sign posted that on Tuesdays and Thursdays (or whatever), everybody goes the opposite direction for variety. Do what everybody else is doing. If for some reason you feel you must run a different direction than others, make sure to stay to the outside, out of everyone's way. How do you do running workouts on a track?The track is there for anything you’d like to do, so there isn’t a specific procedure. But as a general rule, you’ll break down the work you’d like to do into small, measurable pieces. One lap of a regulation track (measured in the innermost lane) is 400 meters, almost exactly a quarter of a mile. It is totally fine to jog continuously the whole time you’re at the track, but more often people will use the track for interval work. You run fast for a short distance, then either walk to recover or stand around while you catch your breath. Then do another fast interval, and repeat the process until you’re ready to go home. Here’s a beginner-friendly workout you can do your first time on a track: Warm up with four laps around the track (1 mile). This can be a brisk walk, a slow, easy jog, or a mix of the two. You want to finish this step feeling warmed up and ready to work—not exhausted. Walk the curved part of the track (this is about 100 meters). Run the straight part of the track (this is also about 100 meters). Don’t go all-out, just keep up a strong, fast pace. Repeat steps 2 and 3 as many times as desired. One mile’s worth (four laps) will give you eight 100-meter runs, which is a good workout for your first day. You can do more later. Jog at least a lap or two to cool down, more if you like. Runners would call the above workout “8 x 100” since you are doing eight 100-meter runs. (The walking in between is considered the recovery.) Here are common distances for intervals: 100 m (the straightaway of the track) 200 m (the curve plus one straightaway, or half the track) 400 m (one lap) 800 m (two laps) In between the running portions of your workout, you can rest or walk for about the same amount of time it took you to run. For example, if you run a lap (400 meters) in about two minutes, you’d rest another two minutes before going again. View the full article

Finding the money for travel is one of the biggest challenges people face when it comes to taking a trip. It can take years to save up for that dream trip! And, when people finally save up enough and hit the road, what do most of them end up doing? They throw money away on avoidable bank fees!! Banking overseas is more than just putting your card in an ATM and taking out money. When you travel on a budget, it involves knowing how to avoid bank fees, exchange rate penalties, and making your money work for you. I know too many people who travel abroad and end up paying obscene bank fees when they travel. And, these days, there’s absolutely no need to do that. You didn’t save up all this money in order to give it to the banks, right? I know I didn’t. I want to keep it all for myself because every avoided fee is more money for food, drinks, and activities on the road! Here is how you eliminate ALL bank fees when you travel in 5 easy steps: 1. Eliminate ATM Fees ATM fees can really add up — especially if you’re traveling for weeks or months at a time. Let’s think about it: while you’re on the road, you might withdraw money from an ATM twice a week. If you withdraw money from an international ATM with your regular debit card, you’ll be hit with three different fees: Your bank’s fee for using an ATM outside of their network (usually $2.50–5 USD) The ATM’s fee (usually $3–5 USD) An international conversion fee (usually 1–3% of the transaction) As you can see, these fees very quickly add up. Fees vary around the world, but let’s say that you end up paying around $7 USD per withdrawal. That is $14 per week, $56 per month, or $672 per year! Do you know how many days you could spend in Southeast Asia for that amount? Almost three weeks! Even if you only use the ATM once a week, that’s still $364 USD per year. And most travelers I know go to the ATM even more than twice a week, which only increases the amount in fees they pay. Why give banks money you need for travel? You worked hard saving your money — don’t waste it by giving it to a bank. To help you avoid fees, here are four things you’ll want to do on your next trip to eliminate those pesky fees: First, you could join a bank that is part of the Global ATM alliance, the principal international banking network. The banks listed below have agreements with one another wherein if you belong to one bank, you can use the ATMs of all the other banks without being charged an ATM fee: Bank of America Barclay’s BNP Paribas Deutsche Bank Scotiabank Westpac Note: Bank of America charges a 3% transaction fee on all non-USD currency withdrawals, even for banks within the alliance. (Tip: Often, if you call Bank of America, they will refund most or all of this transaction fee.) Beyond these banks, individual alliance members have additional partnerships. For example, Bank of America also waives ATM fees with TEB in Turkey, UkrSibbank in Ukraine, and China Construction Bank in China. And Westpac has an agreement with CIMB, a bank in Indonesia and Malaysia. It’s important to note that some country subsidiaries of the above banks might not be included in the ATM Alliance. For example, if you have Bank of America, the BNP Paribas waiver only works for its France operation (not anything else) while Westpac only works in Australia and New Zealand but not Fiji. But, in my opinion, the best U.S. bank is Charles Schwab. While Charles Schwab doesn’t have deals with any banks overseas like those mentioned above, they don’t charge any ATM fees and will reimburse any ATM fees from other institutions at the end of each month. You will need to open an individual checking account to qualify, but there is no minimum deposit required and no monthly service fee. You’ll never pay a fee with Charles Schwab, and their ATM card can be used in any bank machine around the world. If there isn’t a branch near you, you can open an account online by going to their website. To me, this is the current BEST ATM card to have. I never, ever think about fees because of it. Here are some suggested ATM cards for non-US travelers: Canada: Scotia and Tangerine are both part of the Global ATM Alliance. Australia: ING, Citibank, or HSBC have no fee cards. UK: Starling lets you avoid ATM fees abroad. Monzo has fee-free international transactions for your first 200 GBP withdrawn every 30 days. 2. Avoid Credit Card Fees The next major fee we need to get rid of is the credit card foreign transaction fee. Many credit cards charge a 3% fee on purchases made overseas. That can add up since most of us use our credit card for everything. It’s become a lot more common for credit cards to have “no foreign transaction fees” so it’s unlikely you’ll have a card that does but be sure to ask. My favorite no overseas transaction fee cards are the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Capital One, and Citi Premier, but there are tons and tons of options and you should pick the card that not only doesn’t have a fee but is good for earning points too. For more suggestions on credit cards, including best current offers, you can find all my favorite travel cards here. For non-US citizens, check the following websites that list cards that might not charge any overseas fees: Australian Frequent Flyer (Australia) Credit Cards UK (UK) Prince of Travel (Canada) Credit Cards Compare (New Zealand) 3. Minimize the Exchange Rate “Penalty” Every time you use your card overseas, your local bank converts the transaction into your local currency for billing purposes and takes a little off the top for doing so. Thus, the official rate you see online is not what you actually get. That’s the interbank rate and, unless you become a major bank, you’re not going to get that rate. All we can do is get as close to that rate as possible. To do so, you need to: Use a credit card -Credit card companies get the best rates. Using a credit card will get you an exchange rate closest to the official interbank currency rate so avoid an ATM or cash if you can. Use an ATM – ATMs offer the best exchange rate after credit cards. They aren’t as good as credit cards since commercial banks take a little more off the top, but it’s much better than exchanging cash. Money exchange offices offer the worst rates because they are so far down the food chain, they can’t get the best exchange rate (plus, they usually charge a commission as well). Don’t use ATMs in weird locations – Using those ATMs you find in hotels, hostels, local 7-11s, or some other random place is a bad idea. They’re convenient, but you’ll pay for that convenience. They always charge high ATM fees and offer horrible conversion rates. Skip those ATMs and find a major bank. 4. Don’t Change Money at Airports Most exchange bureaus in airports are so far down the financial food chain they don’t have the clout to offer good exchange rates. The rates you see at airports are the worst — never, ever use an exchange bureau there unless you absolutely have to. Another tip: avoid using the company Travelex at all costs. They have the worst rates and fees. Never, never use them. Avoid their ATMs too! 5. Always Pick the Local Currency When you use your credit card abroad, you will often be given the option to be charged in your home currency (i.e., instead of being charged in euros, they will charge you in US dollars). Never say yes. The rate at which they are converting the currency is always worse than the rate your bank will give you. Pick the local currency and let your credit card company make the conversion. You’ll get a better rate and save some money in the process. 6. Don’t Get Currency at Home (and Skip Foreign Currency Cards!) While buying currency at home might seem like a good idea, you’ll end up getting a worse exchange rate. Unless you are 100% sure you’ll need cash right on arrival, avoid exchanging money in your home country. Airports all have ATMs where you can withdraw money if you desperately need it. (However, I suggest you wait until you get to your destination and withdraw money downtown/from an ATM away from the airport. You’ll get a much better rate and pay a much lower fee. Use your credit card on arrival and then get cash later.) Additionally, avoid any “foreign currency cards” where you can pre-load money and lock in the exchange rate. Seems like a good idea, right? Wrong! You are basically trying to predict the exchange rate and betting you can beat the market. You’re saying this rate is not going to get worse, but what if it gets better? You don’t know! (And, if you do know, you should be placing bets in the market.) Moreover, these cards come with a lot of fees that don’t make them worth it. Just avoid them. Bonus: Make Your Money Work For You Saved a bunch of money for your trip? Have it earn extra money! Interest rates are around 4% right now so you can have your money earn something while you’re away. It’s not like you withdraw it all at once, right? I keep my money in a high-yield savings account rather than in a big bank! Here is a list of some of the current highest yields you can get: ***Bank fees can add up to some serious money over the course of a long trip. If you want to save money, you need to be proactive when it comes to banking and currency exchanges. A little planning can go a long way and save you a ton of money over the weeks, months, and years of your travels. Be smart and bank smart. I haven’t paid a bank fee while traveling the world in over fifteen years and you shouldn’t either. And, with these simple tips, you’ll never have to again. How to Travel the World on $75 a DayMy New York Times best-selling book to travel will teach you how to master the art of travel so that you’ll get off save money, always find deals, and have a deeper travel experience. It’s your A to Z planning guide that the BBC called the “bible for budget travelers.” Click here to learn more and start reading it today! Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned. Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are: SafetyWing (best for budget travelers) World Nomads (best for mid-range travelers) InsureMyTrip (for those 70 and over) Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage) Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals. Need a Rental Car? Discover Cars is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you’re headed, they’ll be able to find the best — and cheapest — rental for your trip! Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more. Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip. The post How to Avoid Paying Bank Fees While Traveling appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site. View the full article

Fabric and craft retailer Joann Inc. is officially shutting down all of its stores following a turbulent bankruptcy process. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January for the second time in less than a year, initially saying it would keep its stores open while restructuring its debt. However, just weeks after the filing, Joann reversed course and announced it would close 500 of its roughly 800 locations, as Fast Company reported. The closure of those stores was just the beginning. As part of the ongoing bankruptcy proceedings, Joann held an auction on February 21 to sell off its assets. A limited liability company called GA Joann Retail Partnership, which is a subsidiary of “asset disposition” company GA Group, emerged as the winning bidder, and will now oversee the complete liquidation of Joann’s remaining operations. The move is still subject to court approval. What happens next for Joann? A final sale hearing has been scheduled for February 26 in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. This hearing will formally approve the asset sale, paving the way for the complete wind-down of Joann’s operations across the country. Despite the imminent closures, Joann has assured customers that it will offer substantial discounts during its going-out-of-business sales. These sales will begin immediately at all locations, allowing customers to purchase the remaining inventory at discounted prices. Joann’s website and mobile app will also remain operational, enabling online shoppers to make their final purchases before the company ceases all operations entirely. The end of an era for the crafting community The collapse of the national retail chain marks an end to what was once a dominant force in the fabric and crafting world. Joann had been a go-to retailer for crafters, quilters, and sewing enthusiasts for decades. Its decline underscores the ongoing struggles faced by traditional brick-and-mortar retailers amid rising competition from online stores and shifting consumer habits. Joann’s closing is expected to have lasting effects on crafters, as the retailer’s stores were not only places to shop but also hubs for classes, events, and a sense of community. View the full article

Middle Eastern company has made a fresh approach after walking away from offer last yearView the full article

HIRING: Park ranger. SEEKING: Nuclear submarine engineer. WANTED: Sled dog musher. If they seem unlikely postings, they probably are. But a laid-off federal worker can dream. Axed from jobs not easily found outside government, thousands of federal workers caught in President Donald Trump’s cost-cutting efforts now face a difficult search for work. “If you’re doing, say, vegetation sampling and prescribed fire as your main work, there aren’t many jobs,” says Eric Anderson, 48, of Chicago, who was fired Feb. 14 from his job as a biological science technician at Indiana Dunes National Park. All the years of work Anderson put in — the master’s degree, the urban forestry classes, the wildfire deployments — seemed to disappear in a single email dismissing him. He’s hoping there’s a chance he’s called back, but if he isn’t, he’s not sure what he’ll do next. He was so consumed with his firing that he broke a molar from grinding his teeth. But he knows he’s caught in something larger than himself, as the new administration unfurls its chaotic cost-cutting agenda. “This is someone coming in and tossing a hand grenade and seeing what will happen,” he says. The federal job cuts are the work of the Department of Government Efficiency, headed by billionaire Elon Musk, who has been tearing through agencies looking for suspected waste. No official tally of firings has been released, but the list stretches into the thousands and to nearly every part of the country. More than 80% of the federal government’s 2.4-million-person civilian workforce is based outside of the Washington area. Cathy Nguyen, 51, of Honolulu, was laid off last month from her job at USAID, where she helped manage the PEPFAR program, which combats HIV/AIDS. Her firing not only brought the turmoil of finding new health insurance, halting saving for retirement and her kids’ college education, and trimming spending for things like the family subscription to Disney Plus — it also has forced her to reconsider her career goals. PEPFAR is a landmark effort that stretches across dozens of countries and is credited with saving some 26 million lives. Nothing rivals it. So where does a former PEPFAR worker go? “It’s requiring me to rethink how I want to spend my professional life,” Nguyen says. As specialized as Nguyen’s work has been, Mitch Flanigan may have her beat. Flanigan, 40, was assigned to the sled dog kennels at Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska until he was fired Feb. 14. It never brought a huge paycheck, but where else could he get to work as a dog musher against such a breathtaking panorama? He has appealed his firing with the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board. “I still kind of want to fight for the job that I lost,” he says. “I’m not really making much money, it’s just fun and it’s a unique thing to be a part of.” A November report from the Federal Salary Council, which advises on government pay, found that federal salaries were one-fourth lower than those in the private sector. A Congressional Budget Office report released last year found pay disparities depended on workers’ education. Federal workers with a high school diploma or less outearned their private-sector counterparts with 17% higher wages, the CBO found. That edge disappeared among better-educated workers. Workers with bachelor’s degrees had wages 10% lower than the private sector and those with professional degrees or doctorates earned 29% less. Federal benefits were vastly better than the private sector for the lowest-educated workers, the CBO found, and about even for the highest-educated workers. Many laid off from federal positions were drawn by stability, benefits and, more than anything, the opportunity to do work they might not be able to do anywhere else. Now, everyone from diplomats to public health workers are flooding the job market looking for suitable positions. Gracie Lynne, a 32-year-old fellow at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, who lives in Eugene, Oregon, took a pay cut when she started her job four years ago. Her parents lost their home during the Great Recession, which led to their divorce, years of financial angst, and Lynne’s own interest in financial regulation. She found herself following the nascent CFPB’s rulemaking and poring over 1,000-page bills on bank regulations. She wrote her master’s thesis on the bureau. She couldn’t pass up the job. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” she told herself. Plus, she thought, the benefits would come in handy when her and her husband decided to start a family. Now, six months pregnant, she finds herself jobless and scrambling to get insured. She isn’t sure where she’ll land, or if she’ll find many employers rushing to hire someone about to become a mother. But she feels more committed than ever to the work she did. “I feel even more compelled to stay in the public sector after this experience,” she says, noting the good work protecting consumers she was every day, “to stay in the fight.” Luke Tobin, a 24-year-old forestry technician who worked for the U.S. Forest Service in Idaho’s Nez Perce National Forest, who was fired from his job Feb. 14, finds the accusations of waste by Musk and others laughable. He sees extreme understaffing and threadbare budgets. He earned about $19 an hour and was furloughed for about half of the year but still relished a job that had him backpacking in remote areas for days at a time. Scrambling to find a replacement job, he’s put in dozens of applications. He has pursued openings on tree farms, at tree-trimming companies and at nurseries, but so far, has only heard back from two employers on two minimum-wage jobs: one as an Amazon delivery person and the other as a line cook at a fried chicken restaurant. “I need a job,” he says, “any job.” Associated Press writer Mark Thiessen in Anchorage, Alaska, contributed to this report. Matt Sedensky can be reached at msedensky@ap.org and https://x.com/sedensky. —Matt Sedensky, AP National Writer View the full article

Protect your marketing budget from click fraud scams. Learn how to detect and combat sophisticated click fraud tactics effectively in Google Ads. The post Beyond Tools: A Google Ads Guide To Detecting And Preventing Click Fraud In Lead Generation appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Backpacking Europe is one of my favorite things to do as a traveler. There isn’t a year I don’t criss-cross the continent (except 2020 when no one was crossing Europe). During the summer, hostels burst with life, the Mediterranean sparkles, streets fill with people drinking wine and enjoying the day, and the late night setting sun leads to long wondrous days. Winter brings Christmas markets, skiing, fewer crowds, and lower prices! And Spring and Fall bring the right mix of people, temperatures, and prices that make these two my favorite seasons to travel Europe. Since starting this website in 2008, I’ve written a lot of posts on Europe. I visit Europe multiple times a year, have been all over the continent, lived there on multiple occasions, and I have even run tours there. With so much content on the blog, I wanted to create a resource page that will help you plan your backpacking trip to Europe with ease. That way you don’t miss anything! In this post, you’ll find all my best resources on planning a backpacking or budget trip to Europe, including destination guides, transportation tips, accommodation information, ways to meet people, and so much more! So, without further ado, here’s everything you could ever want to know about backpacking Europe: Step 1: Plan Your Backpacking Europe Trip How to Plan a Trip: A Month-By-Month Guide – This post breaks down the planning process by month, making it super easy to plan your trip to Europe. Just follow the steps and you’ll be on your way! How Not to Feel Overwhelmed While Planning – Planning the perfect trip to Europe can be daunting and overwhelming. I’ve been there and I understand, but I can tell you from years of experience that the more you plan your trip, the more anxiety you will face. How to Save for Your Trip – Is money stopping you from taking the trip of your dreams? Here is my list of easy ways to cut down on your daily expenses so you can save money to backpack Europe. How to Find a Cheap Flight – Getting to Europe can be half the challenge. Luckily, there are a ton of flight deals to the continent now if you know when and how to look for them. This article will show you how to always get a cheap flight to Europe. How to Earn Points for Free Flights and Hotel Stays – Free travel is my favorite kind of travel! This post shows you eight strategies I use to get over a million frequent flier points. These will get you out of your house faster, cheaper, and in comfort! How to (Legally) Stay in Europe for More Than 90 Days – Every year, thousands of travelers wonder how they can stay in Europe for more than 90 days, which is the limit in the Schengen Zone. The good news is that there are a few different ways to stay. In this post, I share what you can do to stay legally beyond 90 days and on the continent in general. How to Avoid Paying Bank Fees – You should never have to pay any bank fees while you are accessing your money in Europe! Here is my advice on how to avoid bank fees as your backpacking Europe. Is Europe Safe to Visit? – Here is how to ensure you stay safe while traveling across the continent. Step 2: Get Your Gear for Backpacking Europe How to Pick the Best Backpack – It’s important to pick a quality backpack for your trip since it’s going to get beaten up as you travel! This guide to choosing the right travel backpack will help you determine the best pack for your trip. What to Pack for Your Trip – What should you pack on your trip? Well, there is no one right answer, but this list will give you a good place to start. It’s what I take on my trips with me (though you’ll need to make some seasonal variations, I’m sure!). The Ultimate Packing List for Female Travelers – In this post, Kristin Addis shares her packing insights for women, so that you can travel just about anywhere without spending a fortune on gear. How to Buy Good Travel Insurance – Travel insurance is one of the most important things you’ll need for your trip. You wouldn’t have a car without car insurance or a home without home insurance, and you can’t have a trip without travel insurance! The Best eSIM for Traveling Europe – Having access to mobile data while you travel can not only keep you safe if there is an emergency, but it ensures you can book accommodation, flights, and activities on the go. This post breaks down the best eSIMs for travelers in Europe, helping you stay connected on a budget. Are These The Best Clothes for Travelers? – Unbound Merino make durable, stylish, and affordable travel clothes. I bring them with me every time I visit Europe. In this post, I explain why I think you should check them out for your next trip. Step 3: How to Get Amazing Accommodation in Europe How to Find Cheap Accommodation – If you are looking to stay somewhere besides a hotel or a hostel, this article lists all the types of places where you can rest your head in Europe — from couches to farms and even monasteries! How to Find a Good Hostel – This article features my best tips on how to find an affordable, clean, and fun hostel where you can meet a lot of amazing people. The Best Hostels in Europe – This is a list of European hostels that I would definitely use again if I have the chance. Hope this helps with your next European backpacking adventure! How to Become a Housesitter – This is a how-to guide to house-sitting, a wonderful opportunity that allows you to stay in a location rent free in exchange for watching someone’s house. The Best Website for House Swaps: My HomeExchange Review – HomeExchange is a network that facilitates swapping homes with another person or family. It’s an amazing platform if you want to deepen your travels, connect with locals, and save money. For more budget accommodation suggestions, check out my hostel hub page. It has all my favorite hostels around Europe! If you’d rather stay in hotels, this page has all my favorite hotels in Europe. And, to find out where to stay in each city, visit my list of the best neighborhoods in Europe! Step 4: Get Around Europe on the Cheap 7 Cheap Ways to Travel Across Europe – Traveling around Europe can still be fairly expensive. Here are seven ways to backpack Europe without breaking the bank. The Ultimate Guide to Saving Money with Eurail Passes – Everyone traveling to Europe wonders if they will save money by buying a rail pass or if it’s cheaper to buy tickets as they go. This detailed post outlines everything you need to know about buying a rail pass! If you’re planning to take the train but don’t want to use the Eurail Pass, check out Trainline. It’s the website I use to find routes and buy train tickets when I travel Europe. it’s super easy to use! Europe is also an amazing destination for road trips. Countries like Iceland, Scotland, Ireland, Portugal, and Norway are all amazing places to explore by vehicle. If you’re planning to drive around Europe, use Discover Cars to find the best rental prices. They search rental companies big and small to find you the best deals. You can use the widget below to get a quote. It’s fast and free: Step 5: Save Money While Backpacking Europe Prices vary wildly in Europe. That means that how you save money in one country might not apply in a neighboring destination. To ensure you don’t break the bank during your trip, here are a few posts that can help keep your budget in tact: How to Save Money on Food – While traveling Europe, food often becomes a major expense. Here are some tips for saving money on food so you still can afford a nice meal out every now and then. How to Use the Sharing Economy to Save Money – The rise of the sharing economy has made backpacking Europe so much easier and cheaper. This post lists all my favorite ridesharing, house sharing, local meeting websites so you can get off the tourist trail and experience day-to-day life with locals! 61 Tips to Make You the Savviest Traveler – These 61 travel tips will help you become an expert traveler who gets around Europe cheaper, better, longer, and smarter! 14 Major Travel Scams to Avoid – Losing money to a preventable travel scam sucks. Learn what scams to look out for in Europe and save yourself a potential headache! Step 6: Find Out What to See and Do in Europe What do you do while backpacking Europe? LOTS! Here are all my comprehensive budget travel guides for destinations around Europe with tips and advice on things to do and see, ways to save money, and typical costs for each of them. You’ll find country-specific tips as well as a host of cities listed as well. Albania Austria Belarus Belgium Bosnia & Herzegovina Bulgaria Croatia Czechia Denmark England Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Ireland Italy Latvia Lithuania Malta Moldova Montenegro Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal Romania Scotland Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Ukraine Additionally, here are a few of my favorite companies in Europe. These are the comoanies I use when I’m looking for things to do, food tours, walking tours, and more! Walks – Walks offers in-depth history, food, and cultural tours in cities around the world (especially Europe). Its small-group tours offer exclusive behind-the-scenes access other companies can’t get and use really incredible and knowledgeable guides. I can’t recommend them enough. Devour – Devour has all kinds of amazing food tours around Europe. If you’re a foodie who wants to learn more about the history and culture behind each dish, these tours are the best on the continent. I take them every chance I get. GetYourGuide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. The site has tons of tour options in cities all around the world, including cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more! It’s a good resource to search for specific tours in any destination. For a complete overview of Europe in one easy-to-read post, you can check out this free guide. It covers all the basics, including ways to save money, things to see and do, when to go, and more! *** This massive resource list will help you plan your trip to Europe in an easy-to-follow, step-by-step pattern so you won’t get lost, overspend, or stress out about your upcoming dream trip. Europe is one of my favorite regions of the world (which is why I spend so much time there). There’s so much variety in food, culture, and language, as well as so much history. I love the continent and hope you use these tips to plan your ultimate backpacking adventure in Europe! Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!My detailed 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel while in Europe. It has suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today. Book Your Trip to Europe: Logistical Tips and Tricks Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned! Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. For suggestions on where to stay during your trip, here are my favorite hostels in Europe! Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are: Safety Wing (for budget travelers) World Nomads (for mid-range travelers) Insure My Trip (for those over 70) Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage) Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too. Want More Information on Europe? Be sure to visit my robust destination guide to Europe for even more planning tips! The post My Step-By-Step Guide to Backpacking Europe appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site. View the full article

Starting with the Galaxy S24 series, Samsung has started a big push for Galaxy AI on its devices, adding features like Live Translate and Note Assist to all of its most recent mobile releases. A majority of the time, these AI-powered features are processed in the cloud in order to work more efficiently. However, there is a way for privacy-conscious users that want to try out Galaxy AI's features but don't want their data sent to Samsung's cloud servers to do just that. Here's how to enable on-device processing for Samsung's Galaxy AI features. Why enable on-device processing for Galaxy AI?The biggest reason to enable on-device processing for Galaxy AI is privacy. By having all your interactions with Galaxy AI processed locally on your Galaxy device, it ensures that your data doesn't get seen by anyone else. That includes any hackers who might manage to work their way into Samsung's servers, but as a side bonus, processing locally also means these features will be able to work offline. Samsung's Knox technology and Personal Data Engine are especially helpful here. I'll start with Knox. This is an older security platform aimed at business customers that protects personal data stored on Samsung devices from malicious attacks. Since Knox was first launched, some features have trickled down to Samsung's consumer-facing products such as the Galaxy S phones, and these help keep your local data secure. Meanwhile, Personal Data Engine just launched with the Samsung Galaxy S25 series. This on-device feature analyzes your data from various apps in order to learn your preferences and usage patterns, so then it can be used for AI-powered features without connecting you to the cloud (it also works with cloud-based apps, but that's not quite relevant here). While it might not sound like a feature that collects personal data would help with privacy, all gathered data is encrypted and securely saved using Knox's encryption methods, and it's a decent compromise for getting some more use out of Galaxy AI without sending your data elsewhere. How to enable Galaxy AI on-device processingTo enable Galaxy AI on-device processing, open Settings on your Galaxy phone. Next, scroll down until you find Galaxy AI. At the bottom, you'll see a toggle to Process data only on device. Switch that on, and the following Galaxy AI features will swap over to local processing only: Browsing assist: Summarize, Read highlights aloud Call assist: Live translate Writing assist: Chat translation, Composer, Style and grammar, Suggested replies Interpreter Note assist: Translate, Transcribe Photo assist: Sketch to edit, Portrait studio Transcript assist: Transcribe, Translate, Summary With that, you're now processing locally, although note that note all features, like sketch-to-image, are available offline. Additionally, for the features that do work offline, disabling cloud connectivity might make results slightly slower. View the full article

If you’ve ever felt frustrated by job listings that seem too good to be true or lead nowhere at all, you’re not alone. The truth is, the job market is full of fake postings and ghost jobs that can waste your time or even put you at risk. To help you navigate this confusing landscape, nine experienced experts have shared their advice on red flags to watch out for, so you can differentiate between legitimate opportunities and scams designed to exploit job seekers. Look for salary transparency In my experience, the biggest red flag has nothing to do with the job description or the company website. The real issue shows up when a listing has zero mention of salary—or worse, it dodges the topic altogether. If a job post says something vague like “competitive pay” or “salary dependent on experience” without giving even a basic range, I immediately question whether the company is serious about hiring. A real position has a budget. If a company cannot commit to a number, it probably is not committed to filling the role anytime soon. I have seen roles stay open for six-plus months because companies “want to see what talent is out there” without offering a concrete salary. That being said, the real test happens during the first conversation. If an employer dances around pay or refuses to give a range even when asked, something is off. Avoiding salary discussions leads to drawn-out hiring cycles, wasted interviews, and applicants walking away after weeks of back and forth. Personally, if a company will not disclose a number after the second conversation, I consider that a dead end. The best job listings give at least a range—$65K to $75K, $20 to $25/hour, or even “starting at $80K.” Anything is better than a mystery. Patrick Beltran, marketing director, Ardoz Digital Identify unusual application methods From what I’ve seen, one key indicator that job seekers can use to identify fake or “ghost job” listings is unusual application methods or interview processes. Being able to identify these uncommon practices can serve as red flags, potentially saving candidates time and protecting them from scams. Be cautious of job postings that ask you to apply through non-standard channels. Legit companies typically use official company portals or professional job platforms for applications (for example, LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, etc). Red flags for application methods include: Requests to apply via personal email addresses (like @gmail.com, @yahoo.com, etc.) Applications through messaging apps or social media platforms Unusual file upload requirements Real companies generally follow standard interview protocols. Be on the lookout for: Interviews conducted entirely via text messaging Unusually short interviews Sudden interview invitations without prior application Requests to download specific messaging apps like Telegram for interviews Some additional warning signs during the interviews could be: Immediate job offers without thorough vetting Overly agreeable interviewers who quickly present offers that sound too good to be true By being vigilant about these unusual practices, job seekers can better protect themselves from potential scams and focus their efforts on real job opportunities. Remember, most reputable companies will conduct initial interactions through professional channels and use standard video conferencing tools for remote interviews. Lisa Frank, marketing specialist, AM Industrial Group Beware of pressure to act quickly One big red flag I’ve noticed with fake or ghost job listings is when there’s an intense sense of urgency. If a recruiter tells you to apply or accept an offer immediately, without giving you time to think or ask questions, that’s a major warning sign. Legitimate companies understand that making career decisions takes time, and they don’t push candidates into rushed commitments. This urgency is often a tactic to catch people off guard, leaving them less time to notice inconsistencies or research the company. For example, I’ve seen postings where they say, “You must confirm today, or the offer will be gone!” That’s just not how real hiring works. When you feel pressured like this, take a step back and ask yourself why they’re in such a hurry. A trustworthy employer will respect your need to evaluate the opportunity and respond on your timeline, not theirs. Always prioritize your due diligence, even if it means walking away. Ani Ghazaryan, head of content marketing, neptune.ai Watch for overpromising job listings A major red flag that job seekers often overlook is job listings that overpromise but under define. If a role boasts unlimited income potential, vague benefits, or rapid career growth but lacks concrete details about daily responsibilities, team structure, or performance expectations, that’s a strong indicator that the listing may be misleading or even nonexistent. Remember that in hiring, clarity is key, legitimate employers know exactly what they need and can articulate it. If a job sounds too good to be true without clear accountability, it likely is. From my experience, a well-structured job posting reflects an organization’s professionalism and operational maturity. Companies with real hiring needs define their expectations, required skills, and key performance indicators clearly. When those elements are missing, it suggests either disorganization or, worse, a bait-and-switch scenario where the role doesn’t truly exist, or the reality of the job is far from what’s being advertised. Another critical factor is the lack of transparency about success metrics and internal structure. If a company cannot outline who the role reports to, how performance is evaluated, or what the first 90 days will entail, it signals potential instability. This could mean unclear leadership, shifting priorities, or a lack of long-term investment in employees. To vet these listings, job seekers should scrutinize the details. Does the job posting explain how success is measured? Is there a clear reporting structure? Are the responsibilities specific, or is it all broad promises? If the listing reads more like a promotional pitch than a structured opportunity, it’s worth questioning whether the job is real, or whether it’s just a tactic to build a talent pipeline without immediate intent to hire. Stephen Greet, CEO and cofounder, BeamJobs Check for clear points of contact Usually, a real job listing includes a clear point of contact. If a posting only provides a generic company email or a web form with no mention of a hiring manager, that is a major concern. A genuine employer will always make it clear who is in charge of recruitment. When there is no name, no department, and no way to confirm who is reviewing applications, there is a good chance the job does not exist. Many applicants send in résumés, receive an automated response, and never hear anything again. This becomes even more obvious during the hiring process. If you get an interview but cannot figure out who is making the hiring decision, that is a red flag. Companies that post fake openings often go through the motions of interviews, wasting time without ever planning to hire. Asking directly who is leading recruitment and when a final decision will be made can provide answers. If those details stay vague or keep changing, there is little reason to believe the job is real. To avoid getting caught up in this cycle, always check if the hiring manager is listed on the company’s website or LinkedIn. If there is no sign of anyone connected to the job, that is a signal to be careful. When reaching out, ask for direct contact with the person making the decision. If a company is serious about hiring, they will be upfront. If they are not, you will save yourself the trouble of chasing something that was never real to begin with. Lucas Botzen, talent acquisition specialist and founder, Rivermate Research company’s online presence Most companies tech savvy enough to utilize online resources for hiring are also likely to have some kind of online presence. It’s not just about a random job posting floating around. You should be able to find them online—like, do they have social media? A blog they actually update? Check out places like LinkedIn or Glassdoor. See what employees are saying or if the company posts anything there. If you can’t find anything recent about them, no updates, or they basically don’t exist online at all, that’s a huge warning sign. These “ghost jobs” often come from companies that are only names on paper (or on a job board), not actual, real businesses. Or sometimes, it’s agencies using fake jobs to collect résumés or contact info. Basically, if a company’s legit, there will be some online buzz about them—more than just one lonely job post. If the job listing doesn’t match up with what you find online, it’s likely a fake. Sha’ Cannon, fractional chief operating officer, Sha’ Cannon Business Solutions Avoid requests for excessive personal information A company that asks for excessive personal information is a big red flag. Legitimate employers do not typically request sensitive details (bank account info, social security number, passport details) in the early stages of the hiring process. If the application requires unusual personal data upfront, it’s likely not legitimate, and applicants should stay away. Any requirement to pay a “training fee” or invest in equipment for a job almost always signals a scam. Trust your gut. Jacquelyn Lloyd, CEO and HR consultant, Jacquelyn Lloyd Consulting Check posting duration One key indicator job seekers can use to discern whether a job is fake or a ghost job is how long it has been posted past its closing date. Job seekers often apply to hundreds of jobs to land one. The numbers game is not just wasting time. It’s also increasing their personal information exposure to scammers as it’s likely that several companies are fake or ghost jobs out of the hundred in a month. In fake and ghost jobs, your personal information is vulnerable to scams or marketers for profit. If it’s a fake job, its legitimacy can often be questioned depending on where it’s posted, who posted it, and how fast the posting disappears. On LinkedIn, fake jobs disappear quickly. The key to discerning the validity is if the company posting is an actual company. Mostly, phony job postings are from fake companies. Job seekers should Google the company and check the website to confirm whether the posting is active. You can also contact the company directly via email or phone to ensure the company is still hiring. You can also search LinkedIn for the recruiter to see if they’ve posted the position. If you confirm that the job posting is real, the company may have hired the candidate but kept the posting past its closing date. Companies use this strategy to fill their pipeline with future candidates. Some companies post their hiring process flow on their website and give applicants options on how the company can use their application or resume information. Options may include information that could only be used for posted positions, the company’s newsletter, or future positions. With the increased use of AI for job postings, there are blurred lines between what’s fake and what’s just a ghost job. While this allows many fake job creations or ghost jobs to save companies money by collecting data, job seekers must research companies deeply to avoid scams and save time applying for jobs. Mark Anthony Dyson, founder, The Voice of Job Seekers Assess job listing quality A key indicator to look out for is the quality of the job listing itself. Often, fake or “ghost” job postings may contain numerous spelling and grammatical errors, overly generic job descriptions, or unrealistic promises such as extremely high pay for minimal experience or effort. Legitimate job postings are usually well-written and provide a clear, realistic description of the role, responsibilities, and qualifications required. If a job ad seems too good to be true or poorly put together, it could very well be a red flag signaling a fake job listing. Gary Edwards, director, Voceer View the full article

More than a dozen frozen supplemental shake products are being recalled over fears that they may be contaminated with a deadly strain of Listeria monocytogenes. The outbreak is so far believed to have hospitalized 37 people and led to the deaths of 11 individuals. Here’s what you need to know about the frozen shake recall. What’s happened? On February 21, food distributor Lyons Magnus issued a voluntary recall of certain ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial Frozen Supplemental Shakes due to fears that they were contaminated with a strain of Listeria monocytogenes. The shakes were manufactured by a Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc. facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Lyons Magnus then distributed the shakes to institutional settings, mainly long-term care facilities (LTCF) and hospitals, in numerous states across the country. According to a notice posted by the U.S. Food And Drug Administration (FDA), the agency was notified in November about a Listeria outbreak at multiple LTCF’s. The FDA’s traceback investigation led to Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial Frozen Supplemental Shakes. Those shakes are now being recalled. What products are being recalled? Seventeen individual shake products are being recalled, according to a notice posted by Lyons Magnus. Those products include the following with select “Best Buy” dates, some of which stretch into next year: ReadyCare Frozen Vanilla Shake ReadyCare Frozen Chocolate Shake ReadyCare Frozen Strawberry Shake ReadyCare Frozen Vanilla Shake NSA ReadyCare Frozen Strawberry Shake NSA ReadyCare Frozen Chocolate Shake Plus ReadyCare Frozen Strawberry Shake Plus ReadyCare Frozen Vanilla Shake Plus ReadyCare Frozen Strawberry Banana Shake NSA ReadyCare Frozen Chocolate Shake NSA Imperial Frozen Vanilla Shake Imperial Frozen Chocolate Shake Imperial Frozen Strawberry Shake Imperial Frozen Vanilla Shake NSA Imperial Frozen Strawberry Shake NSA Imperial Frozen Strawberry Banana Shake NSA Imperial Frozen Chocolate Shake NSA The list of products with exact item numbers and Best Buy dates can be found here. The products come in 4 oz. Cartons. Images of the product packaging can be found here and here. Where were the recalled products sold? The recalled products were not distributed to retailers and sold to the public. Instead, they were distributed to institutions including hospitals and long-term care facilities throughout the United States. Has anyone been harmed from consuming the products? Unfortunately, yes. According to the FDA, the outbreak of this particular strain of Listeria monocytogenes goes back to 2018. Since then, 38 people have been infected—20 of those cases happening in 2024 and 2025. Of the 38 known cases, 37 people have required hospitalization. Unfortunately, 11 people have died. The FDA says that cases have been reported in the following states: Alabama California Colorado Connecticut Florida Illinois Indiana Maryland Michigan Minnesota Missouri North Carolina Nevada New York Ohio Oklahoma Pennsylvania Tennessee Texas Washington West Virginia What is Listeria monocytogenes? Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria that can cause Listeriosis in people who consume it. People usually get Listeriosis from eating Listeria-contaminated foods. While many healthy adults can contract Listeriosis and recover, the FDA says the disease is more dangerous for certain groups of people, including unborn or newborn babies, people with weakened immune systems, and those over the age of 65. Those last two cohorts are of particular concern with this outbreak as the recalled products were mainly distributed to hospitals and long-term care facilities. There are two main forms of Listeriosis: non-invasive and invasive. What are the symptoms of Listeria monocytogenes? According to the FDA, the symptoms of the more mild non-invasive listeriosis are: fever muscle aches nausea vomiting diarrhea Symptoms of the more problematic invasive listeriosis are: headache stiff neck confusion loss of balance convulsions The FDA says that invasive listeriosis is a potentially life-threatening event, especially in the most at-risk groups. What should I do if I have the recalled products? The good news is that most households should not have any of the recalled products as they were not sold to the public at retailers. However, institutions that may have the products in their possession—including long-term care facilities and hospitals—should not sell or serve the products and should thoroughly clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers they have come into contact with. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Whatever happened to the erotic thriller? There’s something of a bell curve to the distribution of the subgenre, rising with the relaxing of the production code in the late 1960s, topping out in the ‘80s with prestige fare like Fatal Attraction, and tailing off by the mid-2000s to the dominance of franchise culture. Today’s box office values big-budget, four-quadrant blockbusters, making marketing of films about adult sexuality nearly impossible. Streaming has opened a window for movies that resemble the erotic thrillers of yore, but the kind they used to make—feature lurid hooks and big stars—remain decidedly absent from theaters. (Genre master Adrian Lyne even returned to the director’s chair for the Ben Affleck/Ana de Armas Hulu thriller Deep Water in 2022, which was a welcome—if largely critically reviled—throwback.) Sex on the big screen is creeping back in as the superhero tide recedes, but sex on the big screen is down by nearly half since 2000. Plenty will say that's a good thing; those people are wrong. Yes, there’s plenty to criticize, even in the best examples of the form. The sex is often more titillating than realistic; the movies have also almost always been written and directed by men and emphasized on male perspectives, and many of the women who starred in them didn’t have the best time of it (consider Sharon Stone’s oft-repeated accusations that an iconic nude scene in Basic Instinct involved a nasty bit of trickery from director Paul Verhoeven). It's also very much the case that explicit imagery isn't a requirement for eroticism, as some of these films will show—but we're also not here to be prudish. And yet, it remains curious the way sex seems to have largely vanished from mainstream, theatrically released films. So without further ado, let’s celebrate some of the best—or at least the most interesting—examples of a type of movie that they just don’t make anymore. Dressed to Kill (1980) Any erotic thriller worth its salt pays at least some tribute to Alfred Hitchcock, film noir, or both, and director Brian de Palma set the tone with Dressed to Kill, a juicy mystery involving a sex worker (Nancy Allen) who witnesses a murder and becomes both the prime suspect and the killer’s probable next victim. The style is absolutely delicious, and there’s a reason it started a new trend; the blend of classic tropes and overt sex is almost too hot to handle. Without spoiling too much, though, it very much comes from an era in film when queer representation was limited to absolutely batshit killers, and so loses some points for falling back on lazy (and overused, even in 1980) stereotypes. You can stream Dressed to Kill on Tubi and MGM+ or rent it from Prime Video. Dressed to Kill (1980) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video After Dark, My Sweet (1990)If it weren't for the sweaty couplings between Jason Patric and Rachel Ward, the plot of After Dark, My Sweet would be perfectly befitting that of a classic noir. Patric plays an ex-boxer (and mental hospital escapee) who takes a job fixing up an old house for widow Ward although, naturally, there's more to it—Uncle Bud (Bruce Dern), almost certainly not an uncle, shows up to embroil them all in a kidnapping scheme involving a rich man's kid. Based on the Jim Thompson novel, and almost certainly the purest adaptation of that great crime writer's work, there's a visceral, believable sleaziness here that suits the material perfectly. You can stream After Dark, My Sweet on Tubi or rent it from Prime Video. After Dark, My Sweet (1990) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Dangerous Game (1993) Provocative director Abel Ferrara is best known, perhaps, for Bad Lieutenant, while Madonna's very brief erotic-thriller phase is typically seen to be represented by Body of Evidence. Dangerous Game, though, is better than both of them: brutal and immediate, with a couple of stunning lead performances from Harvey Keitel and Madonna. Keitel plays an indie director increasingly obsessed with the low-budget marital drama he's filming, while Madonna plays a young actress whose confidence is slowly eroded by the role, and by the increasingly unhinged demands of her director. You can stream Dangerous Game on Prime Video and MGM+. Dangerous Game (1993) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Body Double (1984) Though it's far less successful than his earlier Dressed to Kill, Brian de Palma’s Body Double is, in many ways, a better film, upping the sex and violence while also simplifying the plot and narrowing the focus. Craig Wasson plays Scully, a failed actor housesitting in the Hollywood Hills. Bored and looking through the house’s telescope, he spies a beautiful woman and then, of course, witnesses her murder. He winds up a suspect in the case, getting caught up in the world of Hollywood porn when he seeks the help of adult film actress Holly (played by Melanie Griffith in a career-making role) to solve it. There’s nothing particularly sympathetic about Scully—he’s alternately a dupe or a bad decision maker—and that’s as it should be. As with the best classic noir, we’re not cheering for Scully; we’re witnessing his long fall. You can stream Body Double on Tubi and The Criterion Channel or rent it from Prime Video. Body Double (1984) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Eyes Wide Shut (1999) As an erotic thriller, Stanley Kubrick's Eyes Wide Shut is a bit of a bait-and-switch, but just a bit. Teasers promised nothing less than a look inside the bedroom of then-power couple Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise, with Kubrick doing for cinematic fucking what he'd done for space travel or spooky hotels. And he does, just not in the way we expected: Bill Harford (Cruise) goes on a long night's journey involving murders and sex clubs full of R-rated kink, discovering the dangers of raw titillation and the dehumanizing nature of sexual obsession. For his last film, Kubrick created an erotic thriller that challenges expectations of the genre. You can stream Eyes Wide Shut on The Criterion Channel or rent it from Apple TV+. Eyes Wide Shut (1999) at Apple TV+ Learn More Learn More at Apple TV+ Angel Heart (1987) Mickey Rourke plays private dick Harry Angel, under contract from Robert De Niro’s Louis Cypher to track down an iconic singer who has disappeared. Not only do Angel’s leads keep turning up dead, but he crosses paths with Epiphany Proudfoot (Lisa Bonet), daughter of the singer, with whom he has enjoys some memorably rough sex. There’s a ton of style and eroticism on display, as well as a questionable voodoo aesthetic, but the film is memorable for its blend of tones and for the performances, particularly those of Bonet and Rourke. You can rent Angel Heart from Prime Video. Angel Heart (1987) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video 9 1/2 Weeks (1986) The movie that helped to propel director Adrian Lyne (Fatal Attraction, Indecent Proposal, Unfaithful, and 2022's Deep Water) to fame was also co-written by Zalman King of Red Shoe Diaries fame. In that, it represents a team-up of erotic thriller royalty that’s still mostly effective because of the performances from an early-career Mickey Rourke and Kim Basinger. Very much the Fifty Shades of Grey of its era (except with actual heat), Rourke plays a Wall Street trader who leads Basinger’s art gallery assistant down an increasingly kinky road. Rourke, by then at a much different place in his career, starred in a direct-to-video sequel in 1997, but kept away from 1998's similarly low-rent prequel. Which is all to say that you could spend a fair bit of time in the steamy 9 1/2 Weeks-verse if you are so inclined. You can rent 9 1/2 Weeks from Prime Video. 9 1/2 Weeks (1986) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Fatal Attraction (1987) Elements of Fatal Attraction aren’t nearly as appealing today as they were three decades ago, but it remains a taut, suspenseful thriller that brought its adult sexuality (including a memorably awkward bit involving the kitchen sink) all the way to the Oscars; though it didn’t win anything, the movie was nominated in all the top categories. Glenn Close (as femme fatale Alex) is clearly having the time of her life playing an unhinged woman who absolutely loses her shit over married Dan (Michael Douglas). The setup has a strong whiff of “women, amirite?,” but the screenplay is smart enough to recognize that Dan isn’t the hero either, and the two generate real heat. You can stream Fatal Attraction on Paramount+ or rent it from Prime Video. Fatal Attraction (1987) at Paramount+ Learn More Learn More at Paramount+ Trois (2000) What we think of as the erotic thriller genre is overwhelmingly white. Major studios, who had already shown little interest in making films about and marketed for Black people, were clearly even less interested in dealing with sexuality among POC characters. That reticence is a big part of the reason Trois stands out, even though it doesn’t subvert genre tropes in any other way. But it’s also a juicy drama in its own right, about a man who talks his wife into joining him in a threesome, only to discover their choice of a third wasn’t smart. It did respectable business as an independent film, and very well among Black audiences. It spawned two less successful, but generally sweatier, sequels. You can stream Trois on Tubi and Prime Video. Trois (2000) at Prime Video Get Deal Get Deal at Prime Video No Way Out (1987) There’s a lot of Hitchcock in the more overtly sexual thrillers of the ‘80s and ‘90s, reflecting the full expression of the master’s more subdued eroticism (Hitchcock himself seemed eager, at the end of his career, to explore filmmaking with more freedom in movies like Frenzy). Neo-noir No Way Out certainly doesn’t hit the heights of the films that inspired it, but does make a lot out of a twisty-turny plot involving a love triangle between Kevin Costner, Sean Young, and Gene Hackman(!) and a murder for which Costner is the chief investigator—and also the prime suspect. It’s not the hottest movie of the era, but there’s real chemistry at work, as Costner’s all-American charm plays well against Young at her early-career peak—and before Hollywood misogyny shoved her aside. You can stream No Way Out on Tubi and MGM+ or rent it from Prime Video. No Way Out (1987) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Bad Influence (1990) The female characters in this Curtis Hanson film are almost entirely incidental, if you couldn’t tell from the poster, which features Rob Lowe, James Spader, and a nondescript woman whose face we don’t see. Nebbishy Michael (James Spader) starts palling around with more experienced Alex (Rob Lowe), going on adventures involving sex, drugs, and light crime. Which is all fine and fun, until Michael realizes thrill-loving Alex is 100% going to get him killed. The movie loses points for a lack of substantive female presence (and for being a creepy choice for a comeback following Lowe’s teenage sex tape scandal), but stands out by focusing its sexual chemistry around the two mismatched leading men. You can stream Bad Influence on Pluto TV. Bad Influence (1990) at Pluto TV Learn More Learn More at Pluto TV Basic Instinct (1992) A genuine pop-culture phenomenon as much for its controversies as for its quality, Basic Instinct nabbed a couple of Academy Award nominations as well as plenty of appreciation for Sharon Stone’s career-making performance. Director Paul Verhoeven (Showgirls) knows all about elevating lurid material to the level of art, or at least camp, so the movie works even though its central mystery doesn’t make much sense. Michael Douglas plays a police detective investigating a murder who gets caught up in a torrid, occasionally kinky affair with the prime suspect Catherine Tramell (Stone). The bisexual serial killer angle was already a tired trope by the time of the movie’s release, but there’s no question that Catherine Tramell is a memorable (and, I suppose, sex-positive) villain. Stone participated in the big budget, entirely forgettable 2006 sequel. You can stream Basic Instinct on Paramount+ and Pluto TV or rent it from Prime Video. Basic Instinct (1992) at Paramount+ Learn More Learn More at Paramount+ Knife + Heart (2018) There are layers upon layers in director Yann Gonzalez’s slick and stylish slasher set in the world of ‘70s gay porn. Anne Parèze (Vanessa Paradis) runs a production company that makes the exploitation movies Knife + Heart centers on, but the series of murders that occurs on set barely draws the attention of the local police, who aren’t terribly torn up about the deaths of gay porn actors. Anne decides that her next film will be about the murders themselves, unfolding a movie-within-a-movie that only draws the attention of the killer (and his spiked dildo). The movie celebrates giallo, with plenty of deep cuts for fans of classic Italian horror, and ‘70s sleaze more generally. You can stream Knife + Heart on Shudder, Tubi, and AMC+ or rent it from Prime Video. Knife + Heart (2018) Learn More Learn More In the Realm of the Senses (1976) Typically, the erotic thriller tends toward noir and neo-noir sensibilities—but I'm including this Japanese classic of sex, obsession, and severed members because the true-crime inspired story set in the 1930s has all the ingredients even if the setting is a bit further afield than usual. Nagisa Ōshima’s provocative psychosexual story blends a fair bit of un-simulated sex with hints of horror in its tale of love and murder, based on the true story of geisha, sex worker, and unlikely folk hero Sada Abe (flawlessly played by Eiko Matsuda). It’s a beautifully hypnotic and appropriately titled film that culminates in a genuinely shocking act of violence. The original X rating was updated to an NC-17 in 1991. You can stream In the Realm of the Senses on The Criterion Channel. In the Realm of the Senses (1976) at The Criterion Channel Learn More Learn More at The Criterion Channel Single White Female (1992) The elevator pitch is solid enough that the term “single white female” remains in the pop culture lexicon—Allie (Bridget Fonda), searching for a roommate, takes in Hedy (Jennifer Jason Leigh), who becomes so obsessed with her new landlord that she wants to become her. On those terms, it’s effective, though it’s a bit more troubling than you might remember: Hedy was the latest and possibly greatest in a long line of unhinged, murderous lesbians (a gay sex scene is shot like we’re suddenly in a horror movie). The movie also suggests, as so many movies still do, that female friends are always one step away from killing each other. Still, it’s stylishly made, surprisingly funny, and features two great central performances. You can rent Single White Female from Apple TV+. Single White Female (1992) at Apple TV+ Learn More Learn More at Apple TV+ The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) There's nothing at all explicit here, but that's not a particular requirement: This one's all sublimated longing in the sweaty Mediterranean, this adaption bringing the subtext (barely) of Patricia Highsmith's novel to the fore like no adaptation before or since. Sociopathic con artist Tom Ripley (Matt Damon) develops an obsession with Jude Law's Dickie Greenleaf, wanting to be with him every bit as much as he wants to be him. The resulting relationship is far less than healthy, particularly for Dickie. You can stream The Talented Mr. Ripley on Paramount+ or rent it from Prime Video. The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) at Paramount+ Learn More Learn More at Paramount+ Cruising (1980) There was a lot of controversy surrounding Cruising when it was first released back in 1980: what was, perhaps, an earnest attempt on William Friedkin's part to explore S&M and leather culture in an era just before the HIV/AIDS crisis comes across as entirely unhinged—which is, frankly, part of its charm. Al Pacino plays Detective Steve Burns, assigned to go undercover and hunt down whoever is killing gay men in this New York subculture. There are things that the movie gets right, but we're also meant to share Burns' fascination and occasional horror with this secret world (which emotion is he feeling during a fisting scene?). Viewed as a giallo-esque murder mystery, nonsensical twists included, it's a bit of fun with an impressive array of male nudity. You can rent Cruising from Prime Video. Cruising (1980) Learn More Learn More Indecent Proposal (1993) Another one that found a weird place in the early ‘90s pop-culture zeitgeist, this Adrian Lyne drama asks what would happen if Robert Redford made a play for your spouse, backing up his offer to the tune of a cool $1 million. In a 2022 world of greater fluidity in relationships, the answer would be either more or less complicated; in 1993 it was scandalous. You can stream Indecent Proposal on Paramount+ or rent it from Prime Video. Indecent Proposal (1993) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Lust, Caution (2007) Based, very roughly, on a true story, Ang Lee's film finds a group of Chinese students from the University of Hong Kong who plot to kill a special agent in Hong Kong of 1938. Tang Wei stars as the young woman assigned to get close to their prey as part of a honey trap but who, you might not be surprised to learn, develops both emotional and sexual feelings for her quarry (Tony Leung Chiu-wai). When the plan fails, the two are reunited a few years after the war and continue their dance despite very different circumstances. Though the film is a spy thriller, in a sense, the tone is languid and sweaty, the focus always on these two characters and their passionate, dangerous affair. You can rent Lust, Caution from Apple TV. Lust, Caution (2007) at Apple TV Learn More Learn More at Apple TV Mulholland Drive (2001) Mulholland Drive follows "Rita" (Laura Herring), an actress who suffers from amnesia following a Los Angeles car crash, and who stumbles into a wholesome mid-western transplant (Naomi Watts) setting out to become a star. The two try to uncover Rita's true identity, before engaging in some undeniably hot sex. The moment of intimacy becomes a turning point in the film, after which the walls of reality break down and we enter a world that's more explicitly noir and that borders on horror. You can stream Mulholland Drive on The Criterion Channel or rent it from Prime Video. Mulholland Drive (2001) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video The Last Seduction (1994) Linda Fiorentino plays one of the all-time great femmes fatale in this film about a woman looking to get out of her unhappy marriage. First convincing her husband (Bill Pullman) to sell cocaine (as one does), she creates sort of a pyramid scheme of seductions, with the goal of eventually circling back around to someone murdering her husband. Fiorentino’s character is so good, and so well-written, that we’re rooting for her the whole time. You can stream The Last Seduction on Prime Video, Peacock, Tubi, Pluto TV, and The Criterion Channel. The Last Seduction (1994) at Peacock Learn More Learn More at Peacock Bound (1996) The movie that introduced the world to the Wachowskis came along at exactly the right moment: Independent films were starting to have an impact on mainstream audiences and queer content was beginning to nudge its way into movies made for wide release. It doesn’t hurt that Bound is an incredibly sexy—and clever—Billy Wilder-inspired neo-noir. Gina Gershon and Jennifer Tilly are one of cinema’s all-time power couples; where the erotic thriller genre would tend toward lesbian exploitation, the presence of feminist sex educator Susie Bright and the two not-yet-out trans women behind the camera dodge those tropes almost entirely. You can stream Bound on Pluto TV or rent it from Prime Video. Bound (1996) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Love Lies Bleeding (2024) Kristen Stewart plays tough gym manager Lou, daughter of a (very small town) local crime lord who runs, guns, and dumps bodies in a local ravine. Into town one day comes bodybuilder Jackie (Katy O’Brian), just stopping over until she meets Lou, the two forming an explosive couple who alternate between doing steroids and fucking as the plot draws them further into a high-stakes, high-intensity world of sweaty neo-noir. You can stream Love Lies Bleeding on Max or rent it from Prime Video. Love Lies Bleeding (2024) at Max Learn More Learn More at Max Body Heat (1981) Kathleen Turner stars in Lawrence Kasdan's essential neo-noir as a top-tier femme fatale—matching the energy of Barbara Stanwyck in Double Indemnity, on which this is loosely based, but wearing a lot less clothing. She plays the wife of a wealthy businessman who entangles William Hurt in a plot (involving Mickey Rourke) to murder her husband and run away together (he thinks). The sex here is all part of the game that she's playing with William Hurt, even as he thinks that he's the one toying with her. You can rent Body Heat from Prime Video. Body Heat (1981) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Color of Night (1994) I'm not here to make the case that Color of Night is a brilliant bit of filmmaking. It's pretty silly, honestly, but it's never less than entertaining, playing like a burlesque on the erotic thriller genre (I think unintentionally?), including some memorably risqué sex scenes. Bruce Willis plays Dr. Bill Capa, who witnesses a bloody tragedy after which he can no longer see the color red. A trip to LA to get away from it all proves to be a bad idea after he's dragged into the mystery of his friend's murder and begins an affair with the mysterious Rose (Jane March). The impressive supporting cast includes Rubén Blades, Lesley Ann Warren, and Scott Bakula. You can rent Color of Night from Prime Video. Color of Night (1994) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Obsessed (2009) As I think we've established by this point, there are erotic thrillers that serve as legitimate cinema and others that function very ably as guilty pleasures. While the very best can do both, there's something to be said for a movie that's both horny and a little goofy. That's Obsessed, which finds a successful Black couple absolutely terrorized by an unhinged and desperately horny white lady (Ali Larter) from work. One reason this works—maybe the only reason—is in the wild lead casting of Beyoncé and Idris Elba. Not to spoil too much, but a climactic fight between Beyoncé and Larter's character won the MTV Award for Best Fight. You can stream Obsessed on Netflix or rent it from Prime Video. Obsessed (2009) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Vertigo (1958) Alfred Hitchcock inspired much of the erotic thriller genre, even if he mostly worked in an era requiring a bit more subtlety—of which he was not a huge fan, pushing those boundaries as hard as possible at every opportunity. Vertigo, while being in no way explicit, is among his most erotic films—and most disturbing. James Stewart plays Scottie Ferguson, a retired cop hired to follow the wife of an old friend, fearing for her mental state. Scottie falls for Madeleine (Kim Novak) before she falls to her death. When the now clinically depressed Scottie meets her lookalike, his obsession leads her to remake the woman in the perfect image of Madeleine. You can stream Vertigo on The Criterion Channel or rent it from Prime Video. Vertigo (1958) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Dead Ringers (1988) David Cronenberg followed up The Fly with this similarly disturbing bit of psychological fuckery. Jeremy Irons plays both twin gynecologists Beverly and Elliot Mantle, the more outgoing Elliot seducing women and passing them off to shy Beverly. It all works well (for the creepy brothers), until Beverly develops feelings for Claire (Geneviève Bujold), throwing a wrench in the brothers' relationship. Other films of the era might have played this for titillation, but David Cronenberg is fully aware of how unnerving the whole thing is, allowing the movie to slide into something very like horror before the final act. You can stream Dead Ringers on Prime Video, Peacock, and Pluto TV. Dead Ringers (1988) at Peacock Learn More Learn More at Peacock The Handmaiden (2016) Best known for stylish, over-the-top violent thrillers like Oldboy and Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance, director Park Chan-wook turned his talent for beautiful excess to the genre in question, crafting one of the best, and perviest, examples of the form. Set in Korea under Japanese occupation in the 1930s, the film follows thief Sookee (Kim Tae-ri) as she plots to swindle a wealthy heiress (Kim Min-hee) by becoming her handmaiden, but complications ensue once she develops feelings for her mark. Twist follows twist as sex and romance lead to violence and betrayal—which is all exactly what we sat down for. You can stream The Handmaiden on Prime Video. The Handmaiden (2016) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Wild Things (1998) Depending on the viewer, Wild Things is either complete trash or a glorious ode to trash (not the only film on this list to blur that line, obviously). The plot kicks off with an uncomfortable bit about a false rape allegation, but continues on with a seemingly endless string of turnabouts and red herrings involving a trio comprised of Matt Dillon, Neve Campbell, and Denise Richards. Hardly a scene goes by during which there isn’t some new revelation, building out a love triangle that becomes a love quadrangle (at least) with the addition of Kevin Bacon, who offers up some memorable, and rare-for-the-genre, male nudity. You can rent Wild Things from Prime Video. Wild Things (1998) Learn More Learn More Cruel Intentions (1999) “Adultness” is almost a defining quality of erotic films, which is why Cruel Intentions plays almost as much as an underage parody of the genre as it does a thriller in its own right. It’s also a teenage take on the French novel Les Liaisons dangereuses, already adapted as Dangerous Liaisons and Valmont—which is all to say there’s a lot to unpack here. Or perhaps you’re better just enjoying this cult classic as the juicy, intentionally trashy bit of fun that it is. Reese Witherspoon plays Annette, who intends to stay “pure” until her marriage, which, good luck in the face of the horny, scheming pair played by Sarah Michelle Gellar and Ryan Phillippe. You can rent Cruel Intentions from Prime Video. Cruel Intentions (1999) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Unfaithful (2002) Just as director Adrian Lyne ushered in the genre’s golden age, he popped by to see it off with Unfaithful, a thriller with a setup that’s made clear from the title: Diane Lane plays a bored wife to Richard Gere, by chance meeting a man who she winds up having an affair with. Annnnndddd cue the inevitable murder. It’s middling on the whole, but worth it for Lane’s Academy Award-nominated performance. You can rent Unfaithful from Prime Video. Unfaithful (2002) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Stranger By the Lake (2013) Erotic thrillers peaked in the ‘90s, and had largely died out (beyond the direct-to-video market) around the turn of the century, so much so that this 2013 French film plays like an homage to an older form, in much the same way that some of the better thrillers of the ‘80s paid tribute to film noir. Here, Pierre Deladonchamps plays Franck, a regular visitor to a nude beach and the surrounding woods, both popular cruising spots. Franck begins a passionate relationship (meaning: lots of sex in the woods) with Michel (Christophe Paou), who Franck later spots drowning someone in the lake. As the investigation into that event heats up, Franck finds himself struggling to give up a good thing, even in the face of murder. As with the lead in any good erotic thrillers, the better the sex, the more Franck will risk. You can rent Stranger by the Lake from Prime Video. Stranger By the Lake (2013) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video Deep Water (2022) Adrian Lyne (9½ Weeks, Fatal Attraction, and Indecent Proposal) returned to the director’s chair after an absence of two decades for this Hulu original. Ben Affleck is probably a rough equivalent in star power and sex appeal to the male leads of yore, and Ana de Armas is a good choice as a co-lead, even if the casting does remind us that age gaps in these movies will always favor the idea of an older man with a significantly younger woman. Here, Affleck’s Vic agrees to overlook his wife’s string of affairs in order to preserve his marriage, but then becomes the prime suspect when her lovers start turning up dead. It’s a solid setup (taken from a Patricia Highsmith novel) that doesn’t quite connect, but still serves as a reminder that there's a bit of life in a time-honored genre. You can stream Deep Water on Hulu. Deep Water (2022) at Hulu Learn More Learn More at Hulu Saltburn (2023) Yes, it plays a bit like The Talented Mr. Ripley sans subtext—but maybe we're past subtext at this point. Scholarship kid Oliver Quick (Barry Keoghan) weasels his way into the life of the popular, handsome, and impressively wealthy Felix Catton (Jacob Elordi). Oliver is there to take everything he can, but he's also genuinely obsessed with Felix, building to romantic moments in a bathtub, and over an open grave. If Oliver can't have Felix and his lavish life and palatial estate, he'll take the second one, thanks. You can stream Saltburn on Prime Video. Saltburn (2023) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video View the full article

Change is the only constant – a truth marketers, especially those in SEO, know all too well. The search landscape is shifting faster than ever, with AI-powered tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, and Gemini reshaping how people find and interact with information. Yet, despite all the innovation, the core principles of SEO remain as relevant as ever. While AI-enhanced search engines may seem like a revolutionary leap, they still rely on the foundational elements that have driven search success for years. This article explores how time-tested SEO strategies – like site structure, indexing, and keyword optimization – still play a crucial role in an AI-driven search world. Because when it comes to SEO, the more things change, the more they stay the same. What is old is new again The core principles of SEO have remained remarkably consistent over the years. Keyword optimization, quality content, backlinks, and user experience have always been key factors in achieving high search engine rankings. Nearly two years ago, I quoted Bing’s Fabrice Canel in another Search Engine Land article from when he announced the Microsoft Bing partnership with OpenAI: “SEO will never be dead, but it will change. Stick with the same SEO playbook as before.” That advice still applies today. Crawling and indexing The crawling and indexing process remains fundamental to SEO, even in the era of AI. Search engine spiders crawl the web, indexing content to make it accessible for searches. AI-powered tools follow similar principles. To ensure your content is effectively spidered and indexed, follow these best practices: Create a clear site structure A well-organized website with a logical hierarchy of pages makes it easier for AI tools to navigate and index your content. Use logical directory structures, descriptive URLs, proper header tags (especially H1s), and a sitemap to guide spiders through your site. Speed up your site Fast-loading pages improve user experience and are favored by AI algorithms and traditional search engines. Compress images, leverage browser caching, and minimize unnecessary code to enhance your site’s performance. Avoid using JavaScript (JS) in unauthenticated online spaces This makes for a better user experience, and it’s also likely that some AI bots don’t render JavaScript. Google’s Martin Splitt recently pointed this out. If you must use JS, prerender server-side into HTML as much as possible to avoid any issues getting your content into AI databases. This reminds me of the days before Googlebot could render JS. I still remember back when people built sites in Flash and wondered why they weren’t appearing in search results! Don’t block AI bots with robots.txt or other means Jed White took this a step further by advising to avoid overly restrictive bot blocking when using content distribution networks like Cloudflare or AWS. As I heard repeated many times at a recent conference, if you block AI bots, you have no chance of appearing in the answers they generate. Boost AI search visibility with fresh, relevant content Like with Google and Bing, fresh, relevant content signals to AI algorithms that your site is active and authoritative. Regularly update your website with new articles to maintain visibility in AI-generated searches. Dig deeper: How to optimize your 2025 content strategy for AI-powered SERPs and LLMs Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. Business email address Sign me up! Processing... See terms. AI search content optimization AI search tools utilize advanced language models to understand and generate human-like text. They can: Process vast amounts of data. Identify patterns. Answer user queries precisely. Optimizing for these tools’ discovery mechanisms is crucial to ensuring your content appears in AI-generated searches. Topic- or entity-based keyword research remains a cornerstone of effective SEO. Understanding the informational needs of those you seek to reach and knowing the specific terms and phrases users are likely to search is key. Incorporate these keywords naturally within your content, HTML titles, and headers. AI models excel at contextual understanding, so focus on semantic relevance rather than keyword stuffing for better results. The SEO community is split on the role of structured data or schema tagging in AI searches. Regardless, I recommend using markups like those found on Schema.org. That tagging certainly helps traditional search engines understand the context and meaning of your content. Since Google alone is responsible for over two-thirds of organic search traffic, using structured data tagging makes sense no matter what. By providing clear and organized data, you enhance the chances of content being accurately interpreted and featured in search responses. Dig deeper: AI search is gaining traction, but it isn’t replacing Google: Survey AI search is evolving – but SEO best practices remain critical As AI-powered search tools continue to evolve, the importance of basic SEO best practices cannot be overstated. You can ensure your content remains discoverable in traditional and AI-generated searches by focusing on keyword optimization, structured data, and effective spidering and indexing. Embrace old-school basic SEO principles as you adapt to new technologies. View the full article

A few weeks ago, I reported on how Google was testing showing deeper Google AI Overviews, maybe powered by Gemini 2.0, with over 60 links and citations in them. Well, over the past few weeks, more and more of us are seeing these AI Overviews, with dozens of links within them. And we are asking ourselves, who will click on these links?View the full article

I will start off by saying, I am super confused by this Google Ads email but it says Google is "Improving offline conversion quality in Smart and PMax Campaigns with Store Goals." Starting on February 28, 2025 Google will "increase focus on locally engaged users on channels with higher local intent."View the full article

Microsoft is at it again with its search engine - Bing. Previously, when you searched for Google, they tricked you to think you were searching Bing and then hide Google completely from its search results. Now when you search for Chrome, Gemini, Grok or even Perplexity - you are given a banner to use Microsoft products and not use Google, X or Perplexity.View the full article

For the past few years or so, Google has had a more detailed, almost survey-style review questionnaire for some local results, especially restaurants. Now, according to Claudia Tomina, Google has expanded the questions it asks on those surveys.View the full article

In today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving retail landscape, small business owners must keep a keen eye on the latest trends, insights, and other consumer statistics to stay competitive and informed. Understanding retail statistics empowers small business owners to make data-driven decisions that can optimize their operations, enhance customer experience, and, ultimately, drive revenue growth. To give small business owners a head start, we’ve gathered information on crucial aspects of the retail industry, including consumer behavior, sales strategies, e-commerce, and brick-and-mortar trends. By staying updated with these retail stats, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the complex world of retail, adapt your business strategies, and capitalize on new opportunities as they arise. Overview of the Retail Market A retail market overview helps small business owners understand the industry’s current state, trends, opportunities and challenges. The following statistics offer valuable context that can illuminate the market is direction, providing valuable insights for anyone involved in the retail market. Retail Sales Statistics: A Snapshot Inflation has lowered consumers’ purchasing power despite simultaneous gains in nominal income thanks to the strong labor market. Even though average weekly earnings have increased by 8.3%, real earnings have fallen by 5% during the same timeframe. This lower spending power will negatively impact sales volume. At $45.05 billion in U.S. spending, retail media spending already has far exceeded marketing spend for connected TV, and it’s closing in on traditional TV. In fact, retail media is forecast to grow by more than 20% in the near future, reaching $55.35 billion. Customer experience expectations have never been higher. An astounding 88% of consumers surveyed by Salesforce said the experience a company provides is just as important as its products or services. According to the National Retail Federation, total retail sales are projected to grow between 4% and 6% over previous levels, reaching between $5.1 and $5.2 trillion. In the prior period, annual retail sales increased by 7% compared to the year before, totaling $4.9 trillion. This growth rate surpasses the average annual retail sales growth of 3.6% noted before the pandemic. The Shift from Brick-and-Mortar to Online Shopping Even when customers make a purchase at a brick-and-mortar store, they rely on digital marketing to influence their buying decisions. According to one survey, 59% of in-store shoppers conduct online research prior to purchasing. Likewise, almost two-thirds of shoppers use their phones in-store for reasons including price comparisons, product reviews, advice from friends or family, and product demonstration videos. The same BazaarVoice survey found that 80% of retail shoppers are more likely to buy in-store when the item has a higher price, while 54% say they visit a brick-and-mortar store to check a product’s quality, and 46% say they prefer shopping in-store for instant ownership. It’s too soon for retailers to cease their brock-and-mortar marketing efforts, however. According to a survey of 19,000 consumers, one in four consumers chooses a hybrid shopping experience, mixing physical and digital channels Meanwhile, 72% say they prefer the physical store for all or part of their buying journey. Surprisingly, 81% of Gen Z consumers prefer to shop in brick-and-mortar stores to discover new products, and more than half of them say in-store browsing is a way to disconnect from the digital world. Retail Market Segmentation Retail market segmentation is essential in understanding the diverse range of customer needs, preferences, and purchasing habits. The following facts delve into this crucial aspect of the global retail industry, shedding light on various segments and offering valuable insights to inform targeted marketing strategies and product offerings. Product Category Retail Statistics Motor vehicles and auto parts, as well as food and beverages—two categories with historically low levels of online purchases—are the fastest-growing product categories in e-commerce, no doubt a result of pandemic-related buying behaviors’ lasting effects. Home and kitchen is the most popular product category at Amazon, followed by beauty and personal care, fashion apparel, then toys and games. Because of high competition among sellers with the e-commerce giant, more saturated product categories will have higher advertising costs. Fashion is the most popular online shopping category by global retail e-commerce sales, and it’s expected to reach $990 billion. That represents more than 24% of all retail e-commerce revenue worldwide. Following the fashion product category are electronics, toys, hobbies, and DIY. The most popular online shopping categories in the United States are toys, hobbies, and DIY, with an estimated spending of $258.4 billion, accounting for more than 25% of the projected total U.S. e-commerce revenue. The Geographical Distribution of Retail Sales Of the 9.1 million online retailers around the globe, 2.5 million of them were based in the United States. Among American vendors, 2.1 million sell products on their own e-commerce platforms, 3.2 million sell on Amazon’s marketplace, 110,000 sell through Walmart’s online marketplace, and 317,000 offer items for sale on eBay. Retail statistics show these figures highlight the diverse platforms utilized by online retailers in the U.S. Among global retailers, 48% are based in North America, while 33% come from Europe. The remaining retailers are distributed across the Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the region that includes Africa and the Middle East. Latin American retail markets are witnessing significant revenue growth, increasing by more than 15%. North American retailers, on the other hand, continue to realize the highest return on assets at nearly 9%. Europe is anticipated to capture 39% of the gift retail market primarily because of the gifting culture in countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Spain. Common gifts in the region feature photo frames and souvenirs, novelty items, and products that are more environmentally friendly. Online Shopping Statistics As online shopping continues to evolve and shape the retail landscape, it’s paramount that retailers stay abreast of the latest trends. Keep reading to explore the most recent developments in e-commerce and gain valuable insights to help your businesses navigate the ever-changing digital retail environment. Additionally, understanding retail statistics can provide further guidance in this dynamic market. E-commerce Retail Sales Growth There now are more than 2.64 billion online shoppers around the world, a number that represents one of every three people on Earth. Astoundingly, the number of global digital shoppers grew by 80 million consumers recently—a 3.1% increase compared to the previous period. The popularity of online shopping continues to drive growth in the e-commerce sector. More than 79% of buyers shop online at least once a month. Of that group, 27% make online purchases once every two weeks, while 22% shop online once a week. In recent times, there have been 842 million online shoppers in China—a 7.6% increase compared to the previous period. For further evidence of the growth, consider that a decade ago, there were just about 194 million people making online purchases in the world’s most populous nation. When purchasing products from online retailers, 74% of consumers expressed concerns about upfront shipping costs, 68% appreciated free returns and estimated delivery times, 59% were interested in in-stock alerts, and 54% looked for notifications about available inventory. After making an online purchase, 60% of consumers expect same-, next- or two-day delivery, and 58% of those shoppers expect free next-day delivery. Mobile Shopping and Retail Statistics One of the primary reasons for the massive increase in mobile shopping is the increased smartphone use among Chinese consumers. Smart devices and mobile phones are operated by more than 1 billion consumers each day. Nearly half of all U.S. consumers who shop online and choose to pick up their orders in-store end up buying additional items during their visit. Among the 9 million U.S. consumers who collect their online orders on-site, 47% report that they frequently purchase extra items when picking up their online orders. Additionally, 17% indicate that they sometimes buy additional items during their in-store pickups. This results in approximately 5.5 million U.S. consumers who either sometimes, often, or always make extra purchases. When asked about their shopping habits, 54% of smartphone users reported that they enjoy window shopping on their mobile devices. This trend aligns with findings that 77% of smartphone users admit to making impulse purchases on their devices just for fun. Retail Sales Channels Retail sales channels play a vital role in connecting businesses with their customers. If you’re interested in the diverse range of channels in the retail sales industry, keep reading for insights that can help businesses identify the most effective avenues for reaching their target audiences. Multichannel Retail Statistics A physical retail presence can boost online sales by serving as a sort of interactive billboard that inspires trust among would-be buyers. Brands typically receive about 37% more web traffic the quarter following a new brick-and-mortar store’s opening. Retailers benefit when they make returns easy. A significant percentage of retailers accept in-store returns of online purchases – and for a good reason, too. A large portion of online shoppers who return items to physical stores will end up spending their refund while in retail stores. This is supported by retail statistics that highlight the positive impact of streamlined return processes. According to the BazaarVoice Shopper Experience Index, customers who use multiple channels when shopping actually spend more money. On average, they spend about 9% more than customers who only interact with a brand through a single channel. This is reflected in the retail statistics. Omnichannel shopping experiences, such as enabling consumers to buy online and pick up their orders at physical stores, boost store visits by 80%. Google reports that global searches for “along my route” have surged by over 1,000% in recent years, while searches for “curbside pickup” have risen by more than 3,000%. In-Store Shopping vs. Online Retail Sales While the adoption of mobile technology in the e-commerce sphere continues to grow, it has yet to surpass the use of more traditional computers for web-based shopping. The average value of online shopping orders in the United States still is generally higher on desktop than mobile devices. In the recent period, for example, shopping purchases made from a computer had an average value of $155, while mobile orders averaged at just more than $112. Tablet orders had the lowest values, averaging less than $100. According to a Shopify survey conducted by Forrester Consulting, about 46% of retailers are planning to increase their investments in digital channels over the next 12 months. Popular investment categories include company-owned online stores, social commerce, custom mobile apps, and livestream selling. Almost half of American shoppers use their cell phones while in physical stores to find better prices online, according to a Pew Research Center study. Another 12% say they’ve used their phones to pay for an item while shopping in a brick-and-mortar store. Retail Industry Market Trends and Forecasts Understanding market trends and forecasts is essential for staying ahead in the competitive retail landscape. Check out the following statistics that highlight emerging patterns and offer valuable predictions for the future, allowing businesses to make informed strategic decisions and capitalize on new opportunities as they arise. Emerging Retail Industry Market Trends As social media’s evolution continues marching boldly forward, opportunities for retailers also increase. According to a Wakefield Research and Square survey, 81% of retailers are planning to expand the number of digital channels they sell in the next 12 months. TikTok is expected to add nearly 10 million social buyers, which is nearly double the combined increase for Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Much of this growth is attributed to the platform’s popularity among the Gen Z demographic, who frequently make social media purchases after discovering products they like. With a recession looming, budget-conscious shoppers are increasingly purchasing private-label products. The sale of private label products outpaces the sales of branded products by 300%. In fact, private-label products drive 17.4% of U.S. grocery sales in. For example, store brands like Walmart’s Great Value and Equate products are purchased by nearly 73% and 51% of customers, respectively. Retailers welcome this trend since their profit margins from private label products can be 25% to 30% higher than those earned by selling branded products. The push for sustainable products and brands is expected to persist, with brands seeking innovative methods to support environmental efforts. Packaging, for instance, may appear to be a practical afterthought to many, yet it can significantly influence consumers’ decisions. In fact, 86% of consumers are more inclined to purchase a product that features sustainable packaging. Retail statistics indicate the importance of this trend. Retail Market Predictions and Outlook Retailers should have a metaverse strategy to succeed as more consumers immerse themselves in the shared, 3D virtual space. However, depending on their target markets, some brands won’t need to invest as heavily as they might have thought. According to recent KPMG research, 56% of U.S. adults are aware of the metaverse, but only 8% actively frequent it. Retailers might have their eyes on Generation Z, but they also should start paying attention to the next group of consumers. Experts report that Generation Alpha, born in the early part of the 2010s, will number more than 2 billion in the near future. These young shoppers already have $360 million in annual disposable income, and they will make up 11% of the global workforce in the coming years. Packaging isn’t the only retail element impacted by environmentally-conscious consumers. The global apparel resale retail market size grew an estimated 30.1% to $182.4 billion recently. The rapid growth is predicted to continue, with a forecast of 85.5% growth over the next few years, reaching $338.4 billion in global apparel resale sales. High levels of inflation are anticipated to persist, which will continue to influence consumer buying behaviors. The Conference Council’s Expectations Index, which measures consumers’ short-term outlooks for income, business, and labor market conditions, decreased from 74 to 68.1. This latest decline signifies that the index has stayed below 80 for 14 months, a threshold linked to recession in the following 12 months. Total Retail Sales and Economic Impact Both retail sales and their economic impact hold significant implications for small businesses and the wider economy. We found even more statistics to showcase the magnitude of retail sales and their influence on economic growth, offering a broader perspective on the sector’s overall relevance and importance. Retail’s Contribution to the Economy After peaking at 6.5%, the retail trade’s contribution toward the U.S. value-added gross domestic product dropped to 5.8%. However, its contribution toward gross GDP increased at an annual rate of 2.6% in the fourth quarter, following a 3.2% increase in the previous quarter. Demonstrating the U.S. economy’s resilience amidst higher borrowing costs, retail sales at the beginning of the year saw the largest rise in nearly two years, propelled by Americans’ increased purchasing of motor vehicles and other goods. Retail sales remain an effective measure of economic conditions. The data also offers a better picture of whether or not consumers are using their discretionary incomes. People simply stopped shopping when the economy collapsed, and retail sales hit 35-year lows. In recent times, more than 21 million people are employed in the retail trade industry. While employment in the industry has averaged 3.6% annualized growth over the past several years, retail trade employment is expected to increase by just 2.6% this year. FAQs: Retail Statistics What are the most important retail statistics for small business owners to know? The most important retail statistics for small business owners to know include total retail sales figures, market trends and forecasts, consumer behavior and preferences, e-commerce growth rates and retail sales channels’ performance. These retail stats provide insights into the retail landscape, helping small business owners make informed decisions about product offerings, marketing strategies and sales channels. Keeping an eye on emerging trends and consumer demands helps small businesses stay competitive and agile in the fast-paced retail environment. How can you monitor retail sales trends in your industry? To stay informed of retail sales trends in your industry, monitor trusted sources, including industry reports, news outlets, and relevant trade publications. Likewise, attending webinars, conferences, and workshops can provide insights into emerging trends and best practices in the retail industry. Leveraging analytics tools to track sales performance, customer preferences, and engagement metrics also can help you identify patterns and make data-driven decisions. What is the future outlook for the retail market, and how can you adapt? The future outlook for the retail market is marked by continued growth in e-commerce, increased emphasis on omnichannel strategies and evolving consumer preferences towards personalized experiences. To adapt, small business owners should focus on optimizing their online presence, investing in mobile and social commerce and embracing data-driven decision-making. By prioritizing customer engagement and personalized marketing efforts, retailers can ensure their products and services cater to their target audiences’ evolving needs. How do in-store and online retail sales compare, and what does this mean for your business? Both in-store and online retail sales contribute significantly to the overall retail landscape, with online sales witnessing rapid growth in recent years. While brick-and-mortar retail stores remain essential for many customers, e-commerce provides convenience, wider product selection, and easy price comparison. For small retailers, this means adopting an omnichannel approach to engage customers across both physical and digital touchpoints. Try to enhance your online presence, optimize mobile experiences and invest in seamless integration between in-store and internet shopping. Also, be sure you continue to focus on offering exceptional customer service, personalized experiences and competitive pricing to stay relevant and attract customers in this evolving retail environment. What are the key retail market trends and technologies that you should be aware of? Key retail market trends and technologies retailers should be aware of include the growth of e-commerce, the rise of omnichannel retail, the importance of personalized marketing, and the increasing influence of social commerce on retail businesses. Technology plays a crucial role in retail, with innovations like artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, as well as mobile payments shaping customer experiences. To stay competitive, familiarize yourself with these trends and technologies and consider integrating relevant solutions into your business operations. How can you find information on global retail sales, and why is it important for your business? Understanding global retail sales is crucial for your business, as it allows you to identify international trends, opportunities, and challenges that may impact your industry. To obtain trustworthy information on global retail sales, consult reputable sources such as market research reports, industry publications, and statistical databases, including those from Statista, eMarketer, and the World Bank. Additionally, keeping up with news outlets and participating in webinars and conferences centered on global retail sales can offer valuable insights. What resources does the National Retail Federation offer to small business owners seeking retail statistics and insights? The National Retail Federation offers a wealth of resources for small business owners seeking out retail industry statistics and insights. The organization’s website features research reports, articles and infographics covering various aspects of the retail industry, including market trends, sales forecasts and consumer behavior. The NRF also hosts events, webinars, and conferences that provide valuable networking and learning opportunities. By joining the NRF, small business owners can gain access to exclusive content, research, and educational resources, empowering them to stay informed about the latest retail developments and make data-driven decisions for their small businesses. Image: Envato Elements This article, "Must-Know Retail Statistics for Small Business Owners" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving retail landscape, small business owners must keep a keen eye on the latest trends, insights, and other consumer statistics to stay competitive and informed. Understanding retail statistics empowers small business owners to make data-driven decisions that can optimize their operations, enhance customer experience, and, ultimately, drive revenue growth. To give small business owners a head start, we’ve gathered information on crucial aspects of the retail industry, including consumer behavior, sales strategies, e-commerce, and brick-and-mortar trends. By staying updated with these retail stats, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the complex world of retail, adapt your business strategies, and capitalize on new opportunities as they arise. Overview of the Retail Market A retail market overview helps small business owners understand the industry’s current state, trends, opportunities and challenges. The following statistics offer valuable context that can illuminate the market is direction, providing valuable insights for anyone involved in the retail market. Retail Sales Statistics: A Snapshot Inflation has lowered consumers’ purchasing power despite simultaneous gains in nominal income thanks to the strong labor market. Even though average weekly earnings have increased by 8.3%, real earnings have fallen by 5% during the same timeframe. This lower spending power will negatively impact sales volume. At $45.05 billion in U.S. spending, retail media spending already has far exceeded marketing spend for connected TV, and it’s closing in on traditional TV. In fact, retail media is forecast to grow by more than 20% in the near future, reaching $55.35 billion. Customer experience expectations have never been higher. An astounding 88% of consumers surveyed by Salesforce said the experience a company provides is just as important as its products or services. According to the National Retail Federation, total retail sales are projected to grow between 4% and 6% over previous levels, reaching between $5.1 and $5.2 trillion. In the prior period, annual retail sales increased by 7% compared to the year before, totaling $4.9 trillion. This growth rate surpasses the average annual retail sales growth of 3.6% noted before the pandemic. The Shift from Brick-and-Mortar to Online Shopping Even when customers make a purchase at a brick-and-mortar store, they rely on digital marketing to influence their buying decisions. According to one survey, 59% of in-store shoppers conduct online research prior to purchasing. Likewise, almost two-thirds of shoppers use their phones in-store for reasons including price comparisons, product reviews, advice from friends or family, and product demonstration videos. The same BazaarVoice survey found that 80% of retail shoppers are more likely to buy in-store when the item has a higher price, while 54% say they visit a brick-and-mortar store to check a product’s quality, and 46% say they prefer shopping in-store for instant ownership. It’s too soon for retailers to cease their brock-and-mortar marketing efforts, however. According to a survey of 19,000 consumers, one in four consumers chooses a hybrid shopping experience, mixing physical and digital channels Meanwhile, 72% say they prefer the physical store for all or part of their buying journey. Surprisingly, 81% of Gen Z consumers prefer to shop in brick-and-mortar stores to discover new products, and more than half of them say in-store browsing is a way to disconnect from the digital world. Retail Market Segmentation Retail market segmentation is essential in understanding the diverse range of customer needs, preferences, and purchasing habits. The following facts delve into this crucial aspect of the global retail industry, shedding light on various segments and offering valuable insights to inform targeted marketing strategies and product offerings. Product Category Retail Statistics Motor vehicles and auto parts, as well as food and beverages—two categories with historically low levels of online purchases—are the fastest-growing product categories in e-commerce, no doubt a result of pandemic-related buying behaviors’ lasting effects. Home and kitchen is the most popular product category at Amazon, followed by beauty and personal care, fashion apparel, then toys and games. Because of high competition among sellers with the e-commerce giant, more saturated product categories will have higher advertising costs. Fashion is the most popular online shopping category by global retail e-commerce sales, and it’s expected to reach $990 billion. That represents more than 24% of all retail e-commerce revenue worldwide. Following the fashion product category are electronics, toys, hobbies, and DIY. The most popular online shopping categories in the United States are toys, hobbies, and DIY, with an estimated spending of $258.4 billion, accounting for more than 25% of the projected total U.S. e-commerce revenue. The Geographical Distribution of Retail Sales Of the 9.1 million online retailers around the globe, 2.5 million of them were based in the United States. Among American vendors, 2.1 million sell products on their own e-commerce platforms, 3.2 million sell on Amazon’s marketplace, 110,000 sell through Walmart’s online marketplace, and 317,000 offer items for sale on eBay. Retail statistics show these figures highlight the diverse platforms utilized by online retailers in the U.S. Among global retailers, 48% are based in North America, while 33% come from Europe. The remaining retailers are distributed across the Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the region that includes Africa and the Middle East. Latin American retail markets are witnessing significant revenue growth, increasing by more than 15%. North American retailers, on the other hand, continue to realize the highest return on assets at nearly 9%. Europe is anticipated to capture 39% of the gift retail market primarily because of the gifting culture in countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Spain. Common gifts in the region feature photo frames and souvenirs, novelty items, and products that are more environmentally friendly. Online Shopping Statistics As online shopping continues to evolve and shape the retail landscape, it’s paramount that retailers stay abreast of the latest trends. Keep reading to explore the most recent developments in e-commerce and gain valuable insights to help your businesses navigate the ever-changing digital retail environment. Additionally, understanding retail statistics can provide further guidance in this dynamic market. E-commerce Retail Sales Growth There now are more than 2.64 billion online shoppers around the world, a number that represents one of every three people on Earth. Astoundingly, the number of global digital shoppers grew by 80 million consumers recently—a 3.1% increase compared to the previous period. The popularity of online shopping continues to drive growth in the e-commerce sector. More than 79% of buyers shop online at least once a month. Of that group, 27% make online purchases once every two weeks, while 22% shop online once a week. In recent times, there have been 842 million online shoppers in China—a 7.6% increase compared to the previous period. For further evidence of the growth, consider that a decade ago, there were just about 194 million people making online purchases in the world’s most populous nation. When purchasing products from online retailers, 74% of consumers expressed concerns about upfront shipping costs, 68% appreciated free returns and estimated delivery times, 59% were interested in in-stock alerts, and 54% looked for notifications about available inventory. After making an online purchase, 60% of consumers expect same-, next- or two-day delivery, and 58% of those shoppers expect free next-day delivery. Mobile Shopping and Retail Statistics One of the primary reasons for the massive increase in mobile shopping is the increased smartphone use among Chinese consumers. Smart devices and mobile phones are operated by more than 1 billion consumers each day. Nearly half of all U.S. consumers who shop online and choose to pick up their orders in-store end up buying additional items during their visit. Among the 9 million U.S. consumers who collect their online orders on-site, 47% report that they frequently purchase extra items when picking up their online orders. Additionally, 17% indicate that they sometimes buy additional items during their in-store pickups. This results in approximately 5.5 million U.S. consumers who either sometimes, often, or always make extra purchases. When asked about their shopping habits, 54% of smartphone users reported that they enjoy window shopping on their mobile devices. This trend aligns with findings that 77% of smartphone users admit to making impulse purchases on their devices just for fun. Retail Sales Channels Retail sales channels play a vital role in connecting businesses with their customers. If you’re interested in the diverse range of channels in the retail sales industry, keep reading for insights that can help businesses identify the most effective avenues for reaching their target audiences. Multichannel Retail Statistics A physical retail presence can boost online sales by serving as a sort of interactive billboard that inspires trust among would-be buyers. Brands typically receive about 37% more web traffic the quarter following a new brick-and-mortar store’s opening. Retailers benefit when they make returns easy. A significant percentage of retailers accept in-store returns of online purchases – and for a good reason, too. A large portion of online shoppers who return items to physical stores will end up spending their refund while in retail stores. This is supported by retail statistics that highlight the positive impact of streamlined return processes. According to the BazaarVoice Shopper Experience Index, customers who use multiple channels when shopping actually spend more money. On average, they spend about 9% more than customers who only interact with a brand through a single channel. This is reflected in the retail statistics. Omnichannel shopping experiences, such as enabling consumers to buy online and pick up their orders at physical stores, boost store visits by 80%. Google reports that global searches for “along my route” have surged by over 1,000% in recent years, while searches for “curbside pickup” have risen by more than 3,000%. In-Store Shopping vs. Online Retail Sales While the adoption of mobile technology in the e-commerce sphere continues to grow, it has yet to surpass the use of more traditional computers for web-based shopping. The average value of online shopping orders in the United States still is generally higher on desktop than mobile devices. In the recent period, for example, shopping purchases made from a computer had an average value of $155, while mobile orders averaged at just more than $112. Tablet orders had the lowest values, averaging less than $100. According to a Shopify survey conducted by Forrester Consulting, about 46% of retailers are planning to increase their investments in digital channels over the next 12 months. Popular investment categories include company-owned online stores, social commerce, custom mobile apps, and livestream selling. Almost half of American shoppers use their cell phones while in physical stores to find better prices online, according to a Pew Research Center study. Another 12% say they’ve used their phones to pay for an item while shopping in a brick-and-mortar store. Retail Industry Market Trends and Forecasts Understanding market trends and forecasts is essential for staying ahead in the competitive retail landscape. Check out the following statistics that highlight emerging patterns and offer valuable predictions for the future, allowing businesses to make informed strategic decisions and capitalize on new opportunities as they arise. Emerging Retail Industry Market Trends As social media’s evolution continues marching boldly forward, opportunities for retailers also increase. According to a Wakefield Research and Square survey, 81% of retailers are planning to expand the number of digital channels they sell in the next 12 months. TikTok is expected to add nearly 10 million social buyers, which is nearly double the combined increase for Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Much of this growth is attributed to the platform’s popularity among the Gen Z demographic, who frequently make social media purchases after discovering products they like. With a recession looming, budget-conscious shoppers are increasingly purchasing private-label products. The sale of private label products outpaces the sales of branded products by 300%. In fact, private-label products drive 17.4% of U.S. grocery sales in. For example, store brands like Walmart’s Great Value and Equate products are purchased by nearly 73% and 51% of customers, respectively. Retailers welcome this trend since their profit margins from private label products can be 25% to 30% higher than those earned by selling branded products. The push for sustainable products and brands is expected to persist, with brands seeking innovative methods to support environmental efforts. Packaging, for instance, may appear to be a practical afterthought to many, yet it can significantly influence consumers’ decisions. In fact, 86% of consumers are more inclined to purchase a product that features sustainable packaging. Retail statistics indicate the importance of this trend. Retail Market Predictions and Outlook Retailers should have a metaverse strategy to succeed as more consumers immerse themselves in the shared, 3D virtual space. However, depending on their target markets, some brands won’t need to invest as heavily as they might have thought. According to recent KPMG research, 56% of U.S. adults are aware of the metaverse, but only 8% actively frequent it. Retailers might have their eyes on Generation Z, but they also should start paying attention to the next group of consumers. Experts report that Generation Alpha, born in the early part of the 2010s, will number more than 2 billion in the near future. These young shoppers already have $360 million in annual disposable income, and they will make up 11% of the global workforce in the coming years. Packaging isn’t the only retail element impacted by environmentally-conscious consumers. The global apparel resale retail market size grew an estimated 30.1% to $182.4 billion recently. The rapid growth is predicted to continue, with a forecast of 85.5% growth over the next few years, reaching $338.4 billion in global apparel resale sales. High levels of inflation are anticipated to persist, which will continue to influence consumer buying behaviors. The Conference Council’s Expectations Index, which measures consumers’ short-term outlooks for income, business, and labor market conditions, decreased from 74 to 68.1. This latest decline signifies that the index has stayed below 80 for 14 months, a threshold linked to recession in the following 12 months. Total Retail Sales and Economic Impact Both retail sales and their economic impact hold significant implications for small businesses and the wider economy. We found even more statistics to showcase the magnitude of retail sales and their influence on economic growth, offering a broader perspective on the sector’s overall relevance and importance. Retail’s Contribution to the Economy After peaking at 6.5%, the retail trade’s contribution toward the U.S. value-added gross domestic product dropped to 5.8%. However, its contribution toward gross GDP increased at an annual rate of 2.6% in the fourth quarter, following a 3.2% increase in the previous quarter. Demonstrating the U.S. economy’s resilience amidst higher borrowing costs, retail sales at the beginning of the year saw the largest rise in nearly two years, propelled by Americans’ increased purchasing of motor vehicles and other goods. Retail sales remain an effective measure of economic conditions. The data also offers a better picture of whether or not consumers are using their discretionary incomes. People simply stopped shopping when the economy collapsed, and retail sales hit 35-year lows. In recent times, more than 21 million people are employed in the retail trade industry. While employment in the industry has averaged 3.6% annualized growth over the past several years, retail trade employment is expected to increase by just 2.6% this year. FAQs: Retail Statistics What are the most important retail statistics for small business owners to know? The most important retail statistics for small business owners to know include total retail sales figures, market trends and forecasts, consumer behavior and preferences, e-commerce growth rates and retail sales channels’ performance. These retail stats provide insights into the retail landscape, helping small business owners make informed decisions about product offerings, marketing strategies and sales channels. Keeping an eye on emerging trends and consumer demands helps small businesses stay competitive and agile in the fast-paced retail environment. How can you monitor retail sales trends in your industry? To stay informed of retail sales trends in your industry, monitor trusted sources, including industry reports, news outlets, and relevant trade publications. Likewise, attending webinars, conferences, and workshops can provide insights into emerging trends and best practices in the retail industry. Leveraging analytics tools to track sales performance, customer preferences, and engagement metrics also can help you identify patterns and make data-driven decisions. What is the future outlook for the retail market, and how can you adapt? The future outlook for the retail market is marked by continued growth in e-commerce, increased emphasis on omnichannel strategies and evolving consumer preferences towards personalized experiences. To adapt, small business owners should focus on optimizing their online presence, investing in mobile and social commerce and embracing data-driven decision-making. By prioritizing customer engagement and personalized marketing efforts, retailers can ensure their products and services cater to their target audiences’ evolving needs. How do in-store and online retail sales compare, and what does this mean for your business? Both in-store and online retail sales contribute significantly to the overall retail landscape, with online sales witnessing rapid growth in recent years. While brick-and-mortar retail stores remain essential for many customers, e-commerce provides convenience, wider product selection, and easy price comparison. For small retailers, this means adopting an omnichannel approach to engage customers across both physical and digital touchpoints. Try to enhance your online presence, optimize mobile experiences and invest in seamless integration between in-store and internet shopping. Also, be sure you continue to focus on offering exceptional customer service, personalized experiences and competitive pricing to stay relevant and attract customers in this evolving retail environment. What are the key retail market trends and technologies that you should be aware of? Key retail market trends and technologies retailers should be aware of include the growth of e-commerce, the rise of omnichannel retail, the importance of personalized marketing, and the increasing influence of social commerce on retail businesses. Technology plays a crucial role in retail, with innovations like artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, as well as mobile payments shaping customer experiences. To stay competitive, familiarize yourself with these trends and technologies and consider integrating relevant solutions into your business operations. How can you find information on global retail sales, and why is it important for your business? Understanding global retail sales is crucial for your business, as it allows you to identify international trends, opportunities, and challenges that may impact your industry. To obtain trustworthy information on global retail sales, consult reputable sources such as market research reports, industry publications, and statistical databases, including those from Statista, eMarketer, and the World Bank. Additionally, keeping up with news outlets and participating in webinars and conferences centered on global retail sales can offer valuable insights. What resources does the National Retail Federation offer to small business owners seeking retail statistics and insights? The National Retail Federation offers a wealth of resources for small business owners seeking out retail industry statistics and insights. The organization’s website features research reports, articles and infographics covering various aspects of the retail industry, including market trends, sales forecasts and consumer behavior. The NRF also hosts events, webinars, and conferences that provide valuable networking and learning opportunities. By joining the NRF, small business owners can gain access to exclusive content, research, and educational resources, empowering them to stay informed about the latest retail developments and make data-driven decisions for their small businesses. Image: Envato Elements This article, "Must-Know Retail Statistics for Small Business Owners" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

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Hello and welcome to Modern CEO! I’m Stephanie Mehta, CEO and chief content officer of Mansueto Ventures. Each week this newsletter explores inclusive approaches to leadership drawn from conversations with executives and entrepreneurs, and from the pages of Inc. and Fast Company. If you received this newsletter from a friend, you can sign up to get it yourself every Monday morning. It’s a tough time to be in the business of environmental sustainability. Earlier this month, seven of the world’s 10 largest countries missed a United Nations deadline for submitting updated emissions-cutting plans, according to Bloomberg. Starting late last year, financial institutions such as Goldman Sachs, Wells Fargo, Citigroup, and others left the Net-Zero Banking Alliance, a coalition of companies committed to reducing their carbon footprints. These moves and many others come as President Donald Trump and his appointees seek to eliminate federal government programs that tackle global warming. Even so, Jonquil Hackenberg, CEO of leading circular economy charity Ellen MacArthur Foundation, is navigating this new world with a mix of optimism and pragmatism. The circular economy is a system where materials are recycled, refurbished, reused, or composted and where farming is designed to increase biodiversity. In an exclusive interview with Modern CEO, Hackenberg underscored the foundation’s commitment to addressing global challenges such as climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. The circular route to waste reduction A recent example of the foundation’s work is the Big Food Redesign Challenge, an 18-month project aimed at helping the food sector design environmentally friendly products. Earlier this month, the foundation showcased 141 products by 57 organizations, including Nestlé and grocery chain Waitrose & Partners, which use circular economy and regenerative agriculture principles. In addition to such programs, Hackenberg also talked about the role circularity plays in non-environmental issues like supply-chain resiliency. “We are looking at critical raw materials through the lens of material security, which plays very well into the new administration and beyond,” she says. A sustainable supply-chain solution Studies suggest that recycling or reuse of materials can help offset disruptions in supply chains due to shortages or geopolitical factors. The European Union’s Joint Research Center, for example, recently issued a report examining how boosting circularity, along with other approaches, could help reduce Europe’s dependency on China, Japan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, and Ukraine for materials used to make titanium metal products. Companies in the EU use titanium primarily in planes but also in cars, robots, and 3D printing. Hackenberg’s background makes her well-equipped to make the practical case for the foundation’s mission. She previously served as CEO of Eunomia Research and Consulting, a social-environmental consultancy, and before that was global head of sustainability and climate response at PA Consulting. “My experience is really in large-scale transformation,” she says. The move to a circular economy “is the largest-scale transformation we’re going to face.” Indeed, despite early gains—75 countries have circular economy roadmaps and 55% of businesses, including IKEA and Dell, have made commitments to circularity—the movement appears to be stalled. The most recent Circularity Gap Report found that just 7.2% of materials that entered the economy in 2023 were “secondary,” or non-virgin, down from 9.1% of materials in 2018. Circularity logic Driving further transformation may require highlighting the way circularity can support local economies, for example. “If you are looking at governments that are perhaps more protectionist, who are asking, ‘How do I help and protect our own economy?’ It’s a ripe playing field for a circular economy to create new value opportunities and new jobs without global inputs,” Hackenberg says. Hackenberg’s broad framing of the benefits of circularity mirrors the way other nonprofits and many businesses are trying to reposition themselves in the Trump era. Fast Company recently reported on how cleantech startups have started emphasizing their role in national security. But the Ellen MacArthur Foundation isn’t walking back its commitment to climate and biodiversity issues. “We need courage and leadership to stay the course,” she says. “Politics will come and go, but facts back up that we are scraping at the barrels of planetary boundaries. Eliminating waste on our streets and in our oceans is a nonpartisan issue.” How is your company handling topics under fire? Is your company reframing the way you talk about environmental sustainability, inclusion, or other topics that are under fire? Send your comments to me at stephaniemehta@mansueto.com. I’d like to share some of your insights in an upcoming newsletter. Read more: virtuous circles Fast Company’s best circular design of last year How HP is using a supply “reset” to advance the circular economy Meet Chairish, an 11-year-old, used-furniture marketplace and an Inc. Best in Business honoree View the full article

On Saturday, the Washington Nationals baseball team played their first spring training game of the season. I was listening to the radio call in the background as I went about my day. I also, however, kept an eye on a community blog called Talk Nats. The site moderators had posted an article about today’s game. As play unfolded, a group of Nationals fans gathered in the comment threads to discuss the unfolding action. Much of the discussion focused on specific plays. “Nasty from Ferrer,” noted a commenter, soon after one of the team’s best relief pitchers, Jose Ferrer, struck out two batters. “Looks like we took the Ferreri [sic] out of the garage,” someone else replied. There were also jokes, such as when, early in the game, someone deadpanned: “Anyone who K’s [strikes out] is cut.” As well as more general discussion of the season ahead. If you followed the thread long enough, it became clear that many of the commenters know each other, while others were meeting for the first time. As the game wrapped up, someone mentions that they’re listening from a part of Canada that recently received three feet of snow. Another commentator replied by recalling a trip they took to that same area: “It was amazing.” Ultimately, over 540 comments were left over the duration of an otherwise uneventful, early season exhibition match. I first wrote about Talk Nats in a 2023 article for The New Yorker, titled “We Don’t Need Another Twitter.” In that piece, I was responding specifically to the launch of Meta’s Threads platform, but I had a more general point as well: perhaps it had been a mistake to try to organize the internet’s activity around a small number of massive, privately-controlled platforms, used by hundreds of millions of users all at once. “Forcing millions of people into the same shared conversation is unnatural, requiring aggressive curation that in turn leads to the type of supercharged engagement that seems to leave everyone upset and exhausted,” I wrote. “Aggregation as a goal in this context survives…for the simple reason that it’s lucrative.” Boutique sites like Talk Nats, by contrast, offer something closer to the original vision for the internet, which was more focused on connection and discovery; a place where a baseball fan from Canada could spend an afternoon delighting with a few dozen of his likeminded brethren about a lazy afternoon baseball game in Florida. This is the internet as a source of joy. And it’s the opposite of the giddy paranoia or coldly-optimized numbness delivered on massive platforms like X or TikTok. I was thinking about that New Yorker piece today as I was following the game on Talk Nats. Those ideas, it occurred to me, are even more true right now than they were when I first published them. “I declare the global social space we are building to be naturally independent of the tyrannies you seek to impose on us,” wrote John Perry Barlow in his seminal 1996 document, A Declaration of the Independence of Cyberspace. “You have no moral right to rule us nor do you possess any methods of enforcement we have true reason to fear.” In the thirty years that passed, we have allowed exactly this type of soul-deadening tyranny to take hold of cyberspace — an unavoidable consequence of consolidating this once distributed and quirky medium into a small number of massive platforms. I really enjoyed my time today on Talk Nats. I didn’t come away angry or depressed, and was more uplifted than brought down. Maybe it’s time to declare independence once again. ##### In other news… –> For another take on this same topic, see River Page’s recent Free Press essay, “The Online Right is Building a Monster,” which does a good job of detailing the unsavory dynamics that can arise on massive internet platforms. (His critiques of both the online right and online left hit home in this one.) The solution to the woes Page documents? Stop using these services! –> In the audio world, on Episode 341 of my podcast, released earlier this morning, I extract a lesson about the importance (and difficulty) of fighting overload in our digital world. –> Meanwhile, as long as we’re discussing meaningful online spaces, I’ll point your attention over to The Growth Equation, where my friends Steve and Brad have posted another one of their (rightfully) famed manifestos: “How to Save Youth Sports.” [ read | subscribe ] The post Back to the (Internet) Future appeared first on Cal Newport. View the full article