Livingston Reporting - page 247

Major Points Of The Claim Process In Auto Dealer Surety Bonds Continued

In this installment of surety bonds we will continue to look at major points of the claim process in auto dealer surety bonds.

Eligibility

Only certain consumers are eligible to process a claim against the auto dealerships surety bond.

–          Consumer Purchaser:  Most of the claims that a consumer will make are related to the auto dealer’s failure to report the sale and not producing a title for the vehicle.  This creates a multitude of issues for the buyer.  Other claims involve the dealership not paying off the vehicle that was traded in, when the mileage on the odometer has been changed or the condition of the car was not reported and clearly becomes evident after the purchase.

–          The Seller of a Motor Vehicle:  A seller may file a claim if an auto dealership fails to pay for cars sold to the dealership or through the dealership.  This seller may be another car dealer, an individual, a consignor, a regional or national auto auction.

Be Prepared

Auto dealers should follow these basic steps when a claim is presented against them.
–          Auto dealers need to understand and follow the rules that are set by your state’s department of motor vehicles.  It is important to meet all of the terms within the contracts to avoid complications later on.

–          Auto dealers should always be honest.  They should ask the claimant for proof of their loss.

–          All communication should be documented.  All correspondence, statements and agreements should have proper documentation.

–          Auto dealerships should always be proactive in finding a solution to problems that have arisen before an official surety bond claim.

Look for assistance from the surety bond agency

When a claim is brought to the attention of the surety bond company all of the parties involved in the argument to explain their side of the story.  The guarantee that is offered by the surety bond company is that if they don’t find the claim to be legitimate they will not pay.  The opposite is true as well, if the evidence is found to be against the dealership the dealer will be obligated to pay the claim up to the bond’s penal sum.

Bonding company’s provide legal defense on your behalf; often leading to a winning verdict on your behalf.  It should be understood that if they end up paying the claim due to the dealerships negligence the legal fees plus the amount of the claim will need to be reimbursed.

Protect yourself and your dealership

Claims do arise against auto dealer surety bonds.  It is important to protect yourself.  Be sure that your dealership follows all industry regulations.  If you are honest in your dealings with customers you have nothing to be worried about.

Keep all licenses up to date, renew bonds on time and file all necessary paperwork diligently.  If a claim happens to arise you will easily be able to plead the case against the dealership without hurting business.

Construction Bonding Specialists, LLC are dedicated Surety Bond Professionals that are aligned with several Treasury Listed and AMBest Rated Surety markets which allows them to assist with virtually all Bid, Performance and Payment, Financial Guarantee and Supply bond needs.  Find out more information at http://www.bondingspecialist.com.

Major Points Of The Claim Process In Auto Dealer Surety Bonds

To avoid confusion we will discuss some of the major points of the claim process in auto dealer surety bonds.

Surety bonds are not the same as an insurance policy.

A surety bond protects the consumer not the business.  The surety bond is an agreement that outlines an obligation of one of the parties, in this case the car dealer, to another, their customer, which is watched carefully by a third party, the surety company.  If there is a claim against the car dealer the surety bond company may need to pay the client based on the claim and then seek reimbursement from the dealership.  A car dealership that is bonded is financially obligated to pay back the surety if a claim is paid on your behalf.  No matter how long the dealership has been in business or how long it has been out of business, if a claim is levied against the dealership and the surety is paid the surety company will seek to get reimbursement on the paid claim from the dealership.

Eight of the most common bond claims that arise from used car dealerships.

–          Failure to account for the sale and/or supply a valid title as stated under the contract

–          Writing a check that does not clear or to not make a payment on a vehicle

–          Tampering with the automobiles odometer

–          Providing inaccurate or false information in regards to the cars past and current condition during the sale

–          Fraudulent activity in regards to the financing of the car

–          Selling vehicles that have been stolen

–          Failing to pay for the warranty that was purchased by the consumer

–          The inability to honor the written car warranty

In our next installment we will finish discussing the major points of the claim process in auto dealer surety bonds.

Construction Bonding Specialists, LLC are dedicated Surety Bond Professionals that are aligned with several Treasury Listed and AMBest Rated Surety markets which allows them to assist with virtually all Bid, Performance and Payment, Financial Guarantee and Supply bond needs.  Find out more information at http://www.bondingspecialist.com.

The Mystery Of Electrical Components Continued

Many of the electrical components we use on a daily basis in our homes and businesses are a mystery to us.  Not many people are concerned with their electrical systems or those electrical systems that supply heat, electricity and such until they have failed.  Once they stop functioning and our lives are put on hold or business is delayed we finally become concerned with all the inner workings of the equipment.  In a previous installment we reviewed electricity its flow along with three main electrical components: disconnect switches, main breakers and fuse panels.  In this installment on the mysteries of electrical equipment we will examine branch circuits, switches, outlets and wiring.

Wiring: In every home you will find various wires and cables.  The three main options in wiring within a home consist of Romex, bx cable or wiring encased within conduit. Romex is the name of a type of plastic insulated wiring that is comprised of non-metallic sheath.  This is normally the wiring that is used in dry, protected areas such as stud walls and side joists.  It is the wiring used when there is no risk of mechanical damage or subjected to excessive heat.  Bx cable is also known as armored cable.  This cable encases wires using aluminum or flexible steel sheaths that are semi resistant to damage.  The safest method of wiring when it comes to durability is single strands of conductor wiring pulled through a conduit.  These three types or wiring are used to carry the electrical current from the main panel to the device needing it.  It is crucial that the wiring that is installed is properly sized for the load requirements that are anticipated.

Outlets:  Electrical outlets are used to plug in portable electrical devices.  An outlet consists of a hot feed, a neutral and aground.  Special outlets should be installed in areas with moisture present as normal grade home outlets are not equipped to handle getting wet.  Outlets are found throughout homes are usually places strategically in consideration of a rooms layout and where there appears to be a need to electricity.

Switches:  A switch is similar to an electrical outlet in that they are placed in areas throughout the home.  They provide electricity to devices that are stationary such as lights and fans.  The switch will turn the devices on and off.  Switches come in single-pole, three-way, four-way and dimmer.  The purpose of the different switches is to offer a variant to the flow of current that goes to the lights and fans within the home.

Branch Circuit:  In a home there is a main circuit breaker that has several smaller branch circuits that is feeds electrical current into.  A branch circuit feeds electricity into breakers to power switches and outlets.  Most circuits can be either 120 volts or 240 volts.  A 120 volt circuit requires a single pole breaker and only uses one phase of electricity.  This is a light circuit meant to power between 15 and 20 amps. It is good for outlets and switches.  A 240 volt circuit uses a two pole breaker and uses both phases of the circuit.  A 240 volt circuit will power larger appliances such as electric ranges, electric stoves, central air units or hot tubs.  The appliance will not get electricity unless both phases are working.  This circuit also requires a two-pole 30 amp breaker.

J&P Electrical is a full service electrical equipment company.  At J&P, we supply contractors, end users and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned and obsolete electrical equipment. Contact us today at https://jpelectricalcompany.com for all of your bus plug, circuit breaker, switchboard, fuses, disconnects and more.

Preventive Electrical Maintenance For The Winter Season

The winter season is upon the north.  Many of us are starting to get buried under piles of snow and are soon to be locked inside hoping for a break in the freezing temperatures.  It is the perfect time to make sure that all electrical systems have been inspected for potential electrical component problems.  Proper maintenance and regular upkeep on the industrial electrical systems in your home will prevent having to find emergency maintenance service when temperatures are below freezing when being without heat or electricity is dire.  Proper preventative maintenance on electrical systems can prevent a disaster later on.

Why should proper preventative maintenance on electrical systems be performed?

The power requirements, during the winter months, are far greater than any other time of the year.  There is a constant struggle to keep industrial buildings warm in order to prevent electrical systems used in the operation of the business running efficiently.  All the while industrial facility’s and plant managers are looking to improve their efforts to lower power consumption and reduce expenses overall.  Programmable logic controllers should be employed by industrial companies to be trained and specialized in the equipment used throughout the facility.

With the above goals in mind there are a variety of issues, as listed below, that can be prevented with proper electrical preventative maintenance.

  • Circumvent electrical shorts that can lead to fires. When a current is overloaded electrical short circuits can occur. This could potentially lead to starting an electrical fire.  To avoid this remove any wires that have become exposed.  It is also important that load imbalances are avoided.  Excessive heat buildup, arcing and explosions can occur.
  • Detect electrical components that are running hot or not running according to the specifications stated. Before an electrical component fails it will most likely start to run hot.  Check running components such as transformers, motors, bearings and wires.  If it noted that they are running warmer than specified it is time to think about preventative replacement.  Refurbished electrical components can be purchased at a discount to allow industrial equipment to keep running efficiently without the expense of new components or replacement equipment.
  • Check for any loose connections. A loose connection on any piece of equipment can lead to fluctuations in power causing erratic operations and uneven power distribution between the wires.

Preventative maintenance should be a full time position that is filled by a trained specialist.  This one position can save the company both time and money.  With regular equipment maintenance companies are able to avoid unplanned downtime.  This leads to more regular production, better customer services and is cost effective.  Buying new equipment, down time, decreased production and hiring emergency repair services are all incredibly costly for any company.  Simple, regularly scheduled maintenance along with the use of refurbished electrical components allow for smooth operation within manufacturing.

J&P Electrical is a full service electrical equipment company.  At J&P, we supply contractors, end users and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned and obsolete electrical equipment. Contact us today at https://jpelectricalcompany.com for all of your bus plug, circuit breaker, switchboard, fuses, disconnects and more.

The Benefits of Metal Roofing Over Traditional Asphalt Shingles

Homeowners that choose to have a metal roof installed over the traditional choice of asphalt shingling do so because they are wish to have a roof installed that not only withstands the harsh elements of the northern climate but also has a long life expectancy.  There comes a time when homeowners have a metal roof installed on their home and need to access the current condition of the metal roofing in order to decide if it is in need of replacement.  In order to determine if the homes metal roof needs to be replaced there are a few factors to consider.  Below are some characteristics to look deeper into when considering metal roof replacement.

The first consideration to be given is the amount of rust that builds up on the homes current metal roofing.  Now a day’s metal roofing is pre-treated with a rust roof coating that prevents the deterioration of the metal roof.  However, a previous metal roofing material were not treated with a rust proof coating and even with that modern day solution to rust it does not guarantee that the metal roof will not break down resulting in the development of rust on the homes metal roofing.

Extreme rust on a home’s metal roofing will detract from the aesthetic value of the home.  It will look unsightly and will detract from an otherwise well-kept, highly curb appeal friendly home.  Minor rust on a metal roof can be treated with rust treatment but overtime homeowners may find it is more cost effective to completely replace the homes metal roofing.  It can prove costly for homeowners to continue to hire professional roofing contractors to treat the roof rust year after year.

A metal roof has an increased life span over that of other traditional roofing materials such as asphalt.  A superior quality metal roof, installed correctly is known to have a lifespan of anywhere between fifty to a hundred years, whereas shingle roofing has an average life expectancy of between fifteen and twenty five years.   The amount of weakening experienced by metal roofing of the home will vary due to exposure and weather conditions within the homes climate.  If rust is left untreated it will lead to a weakening within the homes roof which will in turn result in the formation of holes within the metal roof.  If this occurs the only choice a homeowner has is to fully replace the homes metal roof.

A professional roofing contractor that specializes in the installation, repair and replacement of metal roofing will be able to access the condition of the homes current roofing.  This will ensure that homeowners get a professional opinion on the condition of the roof before choosing to invest in a full metal roof replacement.

Home Pro Roofing contractors offer a variety of roofing services throughout Brighton, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Fenton and Commerce Township, including installation of shingle roofs, metal roofing and roof repairs.  You will find them at http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.

Choosing Metal Roofing Over Asphalt Shingle Roofing

When you own a home there are so many benefits in choosing metal roofing over asphalt shingle roofing.  When many homeowners purchase their first home they purchase a shingle roof.   Over time it becomes apparent that metal roofing is a more viable option in replacement roofing over asphalt shingles.  If you are one of those homeowner s that don’t understand why metal roofing is a better overall value than asphalt shingles the advantages listed below should assist you in your decision.

Weight

Many homeowners believe that metal roofing is in fact heavier then asphalt.  This however is the furthest thing from reality.  Metal roofing materials are in fact lighter than asphalt roofing.  In fact every square foot of metal roofing weighs less than one square foot of asphalt roofing materials.   Per square foot of metal roofing weighs one point four pounds where as asphalt roofing can weigh anywhere from two to five pounds per square foot.  One major benefit of metal roofing over asphalt is that metal roofing can be installed over existing asphalt roofing materials or wooden roofing materials.  This can be achieved without compromise to the existing roofs structure.

Lifetime

Metal roofing is said to outlast shingle roofing by a factor of four or more.  Many roofing contractors prefer to install asphalt shingling.  This does not mean that asphalt is in anyway a more reliable or permanent roofing solution over metal roofing.  Roofing contractors may find that metal roofing is harder to install than asphalt as well as the fact that asphalt roofing needs to be replaces twice as often as metal.  Another major benefit of metal roofing is that it is not as easily compromised as asphalt shingles.  The sun and heat eat away at shingle roofing faster than its metal counterpart.

Warranty

Shoppers are constantly surprised by the fact that the warranty on asphalt composition roofing doesn’t necessarily correspond with the manufacture warranty placed on the shingles.  In fact the warranty on the actual shingling material usually exceeds the warranty on the products labor.  For the most part asphalt shingles have a twenty to twenty five year warranty.  In most areas however shingle roofing lasts about fifteen years before it needs to be replaced.  This of course is in contrast to the hundred year warranty on most metal roofing materials.

Aesthetics

Within the Northern American region of America asphalt shingles is the most popular option in roofing.  This is because asphalt is deemed the most affordable material in roofing.  It is also incredibly predictable when it comes to how aesthetically pleasing the roofing appearance is.  Homeowners will all tell you that metal roofing is the most aesthetically pleasing when it comes to materials used in roofing.  Metal roofing comes in a variety of colors, styles and shapes.  Metal roofing comes in a variety of styles that make it a natural choice in alternative roofing materials.

Home Pro Roofing contractors offer a variety of roofing services throughout Brighton, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Fenton and Commerce Township, including installation of shingle roofs, metal roofing and roof repairs.  You will find them at http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.

The Significance Label Plays within the Food Industry

Product packaging and custom labeling is an important aspect in marketing a company’s product. This is especially true when it comes to products in the food industry. When it comes to selling a food product it is important to realize that both the products packaging and labeling created for protection, freshness, marketing and compliance with government regulations. Within the food and beverage industry dry products can be filled with in flexible pouches or cartons and liquids in flexible packaging or solid plastic containers.

Food and beverage packaging manufactures need to ensure their clients have defined what they are looking for before they start working. Manufactures should have concrete answers to the following questions before they begin creating a package or label to fit the product.

1) It is important to know the quantity that is going to be sole before designing a package or label for any food product. Custom labeling should be created to decipher between a varieties of product sizes within a brand.

2) What type of packaging materials have been considered when thinking about a package that fits the products needs and the manufacturers wants? Common packaging materials include plastic, aluminum and cardboard. Different materials offer various advantages to the products they enclose. Plastic packaging is perfect for frozen, perishable, snack and bakery goods. Aluminum is a great material for packaging liquids like juice, soft drinks, beer and canned goods that are perishable. Cardboard packaging is a great material for packaging frozen, fresh, perishable and dry food products.

3) Once it has been decided what material will be used for packaging there are questions that need to be answered about shipping and displays. It is important to create a package and product label that represent the product that is being sold before the production of either the package or label for the product is designed and manufactured.

4) After the above has been discussed and decided upon production of the products package and label can begin.

It is important that manufactures have a clear understanding of the product and brand before a custom label and package is created to market and distribute a product. This is the same whether a brand is introducing a new product or a new brand is being introduced to the market. A custom label and package are a huge part of the marketing. It is crucial that attention is given to every detail of a creating a new product from product development, package creation and custom label design in order to have a successfully marketed product.

At Anchor Printing, we take pride in offering our clients cut & stack labeling, pressure sensitive labels, roll-fed labeling, shrink sleeves as well as flexible packaging options. Contact us today at http://anchorprinting.com for all of your product label design, printing and packaging needs.

Basic Principles of Packaging and Label Design

Typical parts of marketing and manufacturing include product production, packaging, and labeling design.  Each plays an important role in ensuring that the product is a success and guarantees success.  It is important in both marketing and manufacturing to be as efficient as possible that companies learn about how the process can be done efficiently in order to produce the best results.

In product packaging and custom label design there are clear principles to follow to ensure success.  There are some key elements that will demonstrate how this can be done effectively.  Answer the questions below to determine techniques to market products more efficiently.

How does the package influence the behaviors of the customer?

When it comes to package and label designs it is important that the consumer’s behavior is influenced in a manner that make them want to make a purchase.  So much attention is placed on making the package more appealing visually when it fact it is more important to make the package have qualities that are appealing to the consumer.  Flexible packaging that allows a product to be resealed for instance is a great way to appeal to consumers.  When a product does not require re-packaging after use it is far more appealing than those that do.  This is a major benefit to using flexible packaging when marketing products that are meant for more than one use.

Does the product and package labeling have a recall appeal?

Any product being marketed should have a recall appeal to consumers.  The product will be competing with others that are in direct competition with them. Therefore a need exists to consider the competition when packaging and labeling a new product.  Consider brand appeal when creating a new product label and package.  All of the products within the brand should have similar characteristics in the product label and package.

If the company brand is known for a certain unique logo then it is important the same logo is used on the custom product label and packaging of any product that is newly introduced to the market.  Where brand loyalty is strong the new product is certain to be recognized and purchased by those with a favorable impression of the company and product brand.

What sets the product apart from the competition in a side by side comparison?

Products will always be compared with those that are similar.  It should be expected that similar products will be placed on a shelf side by side.  In order to gain an advantage it is important that the custom product label and deign that is chosen shows off the edge your product has over the competition.  The label that is placed on the product can also offer specific advantages.  For instance, shrink sleeves when used prevent product tampering, flexible packaging offers the ability to be resealed and so on and so forth.

In order to be confident that the product packaging and custom product label are designed to maximize the benefits of the product follow the rules above throughout the design and production process.

At Anchor Printing, we take pride in offering our clients cut & stack labeling, pressure sensitive labels, roll-fed labeling, shrink sleeves as well as flexible packaging options. Contact us today at http://anchorprinting.com for all of your product label design, printing and packaging needs.

Importance of Quality In Product Labeling

Companies produce new products on to the market daily.  When a business manufactures a new product it must then package and label them.  It is important that marketers carefully examine the competition in all aspects including in designing the new label and package in order to ensure the product stands out.  First impressions make lasting impressions.  It is important new products hit the market with a bang.

Product Marketing:  In order to increase your brands awareness, bring interest to new products and really sustain your business it is crucial that your product marketing is effective.  In order to have a marketing plan that works to increase business it is important to consider that you have consider the four basics in marketing: product, price, place and promotion.  This product marketing mix is one of the most important components to building a successful business.

Company Recognition: Children are the center of attraction when it comes to product packaging.  Packaging that focuses attention on children in a great way to increase the indirect marketing your product receives.   In order to attract children packages should focus attention on them.  Product packages and labels become more recognizable to children when they contain fun games, bright colors, stickers or entertaining logos.  Each of these techniques is used to create a favorable recognition to your product from the younger audience.  Indirect marketing from children is an amazing marketing technique that gets a company’s product into family homes and eventually ends up making it a family staple.

Quality Labeling: The quality of a product label is as important as the superiority of the actual product itself.  Custom labels are thought to be quite expensive however this couldn’t be any further from the truth.  Custom product labels that is strong and durable in order to keep them in place.  If the label comes off in distribution it is useless in marketing the product.  The label doesn’t just describe the product it gives important details necessary for consumers to make an informed buying decision.

Important Business Factor:  The product label contains information that is necessary for the sale of a product.  This is especially true when it comes to labeling food products.  The label will contain information such as the expiration date, manufacturer’s contact information, ingredients, where the product was manufactured and more.  If a product is not labeled properly consumers will pass on the product for one that is labeled correctly.  Custom product labeling and product packaging causes an impact on how consumers think about their purchase.  The goal as a marketer is to ensure that impact is a positive one that draws them to make a purchase.

At Anchor Printing, we take pride in offering our clients cut & stack labeling, pressure sensitive labels, roll-fed labeling, shrink sleeves as well as flexible packaging options. Contact us today at http://anchorprinting.com for all of your product label design, printing and packaging needs.

Aluminum Fencing Makes The Perfect Landscape Improvement

Adding to the curb appeal of your home is not a seasonal effort. Yes, it is more convenient to be outside installing a new fence when it is warm out but fall has many benefits as well. For one the weather is not so hot you can hardly breathe let alone move about easily. When it comes to landscape improvements a fence is a perfect fall addition. Installing a fence is the perfect start to sprucing up the exterior of your home.

1) Create Separation: Fencing allows you a separation between your property and that of your neighbors. Privacy is something that is minimal when you live in a neighborhood setting. Privacy fencing is not the only way in which to get separation. A wholesale aluminum fence of any height can be used to create separation and allow for a degree of privacy within the perimeter of your home and landscape. Fencing provides whatever degree of privacy and separation you desire depending on the material and style fence you choose.

2) Additional Security: Home security is important for all homeowners. A fence adds an extra layer of security to your home, landscape and family. New outdoor patio furniture is hidden from the eyes of thieves. Security also comes in that fencing prevents stray animal into the yard, family pets from escaping out of the yard and young children from accidentally chasing a runaway ball into a busy street. Wholesale aluminum fencing purchased alongside a locking aluminum gate makes dangers inside and outside of your yard decrease for young children. Locking aluminum gates prevent accidents that involve in-ground swimming pools and hot tubs.

3) Saving Money: This may not seem like the truth because wholesale aluminum fencing is quite pricey but purchasing and installing aluminum fencing decreases the rate homeowners pay in premiums for insurance on their homes. With the installation of a wholesale aluminum fence homeowners are at a decreased risk for theft and vandalism. The amount of the discount will carry between carriers however you should see an annual savings in the double digits.

4) Increased Home Value: Low maintenance wholesale aluminum fence will increase the value of your home. Any home improvement that offers a high return on investment is a universally appealing option to both homeowners and future buyers. Aluminum fencing is one such improvement. In today’s tough economic climate and real estate market any extra selling point that increases the value of your home to potential buyers is advantageous.

Wholesale aluminum fencing is a wise investment for homeowners. High quality aluminum fence panels can last anywhere from twenty to fifty years and sometimes more. Consider talking with your neighbors; they could desire a fence to separate the yards as well and may be willing to split the cost with you being that the fence is on an adjoining property line.

iFenceUSA offers the widest variety of maintenance-free, no-rust aluminum fences and gates in the industry! Whether you are a pool contractor, a building contractor, an architect, a landscaping professional, or a “do-it-yourself” homeowner looking for exceptional value and installation advice, you’ll benefit by buying wholesale aluminum fences shipped factory-direct to your home or business anywhere in America from www.iFenceUSA.com!