If you’ve ever wondered how much a 30-second commercial costs, the short answer is anywhere between $5 for a small local TV spot and $7 million for a nationwide Super Bowl ad. That’s a remarkable range, because TV advertising costs vary depending on factors like time, platform, audience, length, and location. But if you want…
Ultimate Guide
SBA 7(a) Loans: Rates, Requirements & Terms
Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) loans are the most common type of loan offered by the SBA. These are backed by the SBA and issued through participating lenders. Loan proceeds can be used for a variety of business purposes, including the purchase of equipment, inventory, real estate, and other working capital needs. You can choose…
The Lipstick Effect: Small Luxuries Shaping Economic Trends
Are you familiar with the consumer tendency to indulge in small, affordable luxuries during economic downturns? This trend is called the lipstick effect. For small business owners, understanding this phenomenon can unlock new opportunities for attracting and retaining customers, even when times are tough. This guide will show you how to leverage the lipstick effect…
Leasing or Renting Property to Your Own Business
Leasing or renting property to your own business is an innovative way to create a business deduction while retaining and building real estate equity. When you own the building, you can manage the equity and take advantage of depreciation deductions on your personal tax return. If you lease or rent property to your partnership, S…
What Is Direct Mail Marketing & How It Works (+ Examples)
A direct mail campaign is any printed marketing or advertising material sent to physical mailing addresses. It’s a highly effective, cost-efficient way to reach a list or locale-based audience, and it’s easy to track your return on investment (ROI). In this article, we explore how to run a direct mail marketing campaign and the different…
HVAC Business Insurance: Companies, Costs & Coverage
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) business insurance is a group of policies that business owners, HVAC technicians, and contractors are often required to buy. The core policies needed are general liability and workers’ compensation, and the combination of these can have premiums that can run from $10,000 to over $20,000 per year. In some…
How to Set Up Square: A Square POS Tutorial
Square is a free point-of-sale (POS) app that uses a credit card reader and your phone or tablet to process payments. It offers an all-purpose POS alongside several industry-specific software and hardware options with advanced features like inventory management, customer directories, and sales reports. Setting up a Square account is quick and easy, even for…
Garage Liability Insurance: Cost, Coverage & Providers
General liability insurance does not provide enough coverage for businesses like auto repair shops, dealerships, tow truck drivers, and service stations—these businesses need garage liability insurance. While garage insurance is similar to general liability, it comes with provisions for third-party bodily injury and property damage from garage operations and vehicles in the business’ care, custody,…