A contractor controlled insurance program (CCIP) is a specific insurance policy purchased by general contractors to coordinate general liability for construction projects. Also called wrap-up insurance, CCIP insurance is controlled by contractors rather than project development owners. The cost for a CCIP starts at 1% of the construction costs with policy durations extending past construction…
Ultimate Guide
What Is a Credit Card Surcharge? Merchant’s Guide
A credit card surcharge (or cc surcharge) is an extra fee applied when a customer chooses to pay via credit card instead of cash or check. Merchants have to pay payment processing fees to accept credit cards, and surcharging is when a business passes that fee on to the customer. Surcharging fees average around 2%–3%…
Hiring People With Disabilities: Benefits & How to Approach It
Hiring people with disabilities is an often overlooked strategy to compete in today’s business marketplace. By fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, businesses cannot only enrich their corporate culture but unlock numerous benefits—financial and reputational—that may not be immediately apparent. The actual process of hiring someone with a disability is quite similar to hiring any…
Guide to Gross Rent Multiplier for Investors + GRM Calculator
A gross rent multiplier (GRM) is a financial metric that evaluates and compares various investment properties to determine a property’s potential profitability. It is used by investors, both beginner and experienced, to decide whether a property is worth investing in. The GRM formula is one of the simplest and quickest methods for initial screens of…
SEO for Ecommerce Websites: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide
Ecommerce SEO, or search engine optimization, is a set of practices for increasing your website’s performance in search engine results pages (SERPs). The goal of SEO for ecommerce is to improve your site’s visibility and gain more clicks while boosting conversions—ultimately leading to greater revenue. It’s important for online sellers, considering nearly 9 in 10…
Retail Commission Structure: Everything You Need to Know
A retail commission structure is when a business compensates an individual each time they close or contribute to a sale. Retail commission structures take many forms, from fixed to variable rates, and can be based on individuals or teams. You can also offer commissions to employees or contractors. Commission-based compensation is a store management approach…
Packaging Supplies: How to Choose Packaging for a Product
As any retailer knows, getting your product safely to the customer is vital for fostering trust and loyalty. At the same time, going overboard on shipping supplies will lead to increased materials and shipping costs, which deter shoppers and cut into your bottom line. The challenge of packaging is to find the most secure, cost-effective…
What Social Media Advertising Is, How It Works & What It Costs
Social media advertising is any type of paid advertising on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok, among others. It’s a widely used and effective way for small businesses to easily connect with targeted audiences. Keep reading to learn everything about social media ads, what they are, how they work, average costs,…