Livingston Reporting - page 255

Creating A Presence For Your Business Online With Search Engine Optimization

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The aim for business owners when developing a website and online presence is to show up at the top of internet search engines.  The goal is to standout above the competition whether you are online or in person.  To do this your business must include search engine optimization in their website design and marketing plan.  Search engine optimization, otherwise known as SEO, is the process of promoting your website to search engines in order to achieve higher rankings.  Different companies offer their own distinct methods to do this for customers.  Below are some powerful SEO strategies to consider and others to avoid when looking to increase your search engine rankings.

Your site must be optimized properly to engage your target market.  Bringing visitors to your site that are not your intended market is of no use to you as a business owner.  Your SEO must optimize your site to create traffic from your desired target.  Your content is what will help bring the traffic to your site if properly optimized; the graphic design and layout will keep them there.

Not only does the sites content need to be optimized the site itself should be built and coded in a manner that search engines can clearly identify what your business offers.  It is crucial that your site is optimized for several keywords and their variations.  Search engines analyze your site metatags in order to determine what your site offers.

When creating your sites backend metatags don’t keyword stuff or over optimize key phrases.  This is seen as a black hat technique and many search engines will black list your website until they see vast improvements.  Natural use of keywords within your site metatags is the best option to appease search engines.  Consider using several variations of your keyword throughout the backend of the site.  Analysis of your website should be conducted to ensure that your keywords and variations don’t comprise more than twenty percent of the sites content for optimum results.

When choosing a url be aware that this is also an integral part in SEO.  Your site url and page names should not only be relevant to the site content but also memorable.  When choosing a url for your site avoid the use of special characters as these make it more difficult for users to remember.   Add keywords and their variations to the sites many different pages. For instance a contact us page can turn into contact our search engine optimization experts.  Your base url needs to be simple and easy to remember.  Side page urls need to be site descriptive and optimized to bring the best search engine results.

SEO is an ever changing process.  Work with professionals in the search engine marketing process that understand they must adjust the techniques they employ as time progresses.  Using SEO techniques that worked last year is not a guarantee for success this year.  You must work with an expert that understands the ever changing ways search engines are looking for when ranking websites.

Computers Plus Service, in Brighton Michigan, provides a wide range of valuable services for residential computer repair as well as a variety of commercial computer services and SEO serivces to the entire Livingston County area including Howell, Brighton and the surrounding areas.  You can find out more about the services offered by CPS at http://www.cpsmi.com.

Creative Programs and Systems

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Scheduled Electrical Equipment Maintenance Benefits Industrial Manufacturers

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

In manufacturing each and every department holds significant value to the company as a whole.  Some may say two in particular hold more: human resource and machinery.  In manufacturing machines are used to meet your supply and demand.  In order to ensure maximum productivity these machines must be taken care of and maintained.

Machine maintenance helps to ensure that each unit is kept in working condition.  It creates a system where machines are regularly cared for, inspected and documented.  The documentation on the machinery is then analyzed and adjustments to the machines maintenance plans can be made to ensure maximum machine efficiency.

If a company finds that after thirty operating hours a certain fuse on the machine regularly they will adjust the maintenance plan to account for this. The plan will be adjusted to change the fuse out after twenty nine operating hours to prevent the downtime that occurs when a fuse unexpectedly fails.

Machine maintenance also includes preventative maintenance which helps to keep the machines running efficiently.  This allows manufacturing plants to keep machines functioning properly at all times rather than attending to issues when they arise.  Waiting until a unit fails to perform normal upkeep leads to a lack of productivity and increased costs.  Emergency repairs as well as employee downtime are two major causes of going over projected company budgets.

Manufacturing Plant Maintenance Schedule Benefits

  • Regular maintenance to machines increases efficiency, speed and performance of the productivity of both the machine as well as the machines operator.
  • Routine care increases the life expectancy of the equipment.
  •  Standard upkeep allows machines to perform without the hassle and expense of repairing units that comes with unexpected breakdowns.
  • Decrease costs come with regular replacement of wear items.  This allows wear items to be replaced before their failure causes damage to other parts within the machine.
  • Electrical components updated regularly allow machinery to work at the best possible rate allowing work to get done economically.
  • Regular machine maintenance programs are less expensive per day then repairing or replacing manufacturing equipment.
  • Regular upkeep helps to increase employee safety as well.  A defective machine can lead to major workplace accidents.
  • Computer software offers analysis of collected data and makes recommendations on improvements to the maintenance plan.  Service can be performed in advance of known component failures.

In order to achieve maximum results from your manufacturing maintenance plan it is crucial to appoint   an industrial maintenance professional.   Their expertise in the area of maintenance is invaluable to your organization.  Investing in personnel to maintain machines is smart business as it keeps machines running properly thus leading to cost savings.  An in house machine expert works to prevent downtime as well as emergency repair expenses.

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.

 

 

J & P Electrical Company

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Benefits of Preventative Maintenance In Consumer, Manufacturing and Business Organizations

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Consumers, manufactures and business organizations all look for ways in which they can save both time and money without taking away from the derived value.  One way these groups accomplish this is by putting in place a variety of preventative maintenance programs.  There are several methods used to put these programs in place.

A prime example of a preventative maintenance method consumers use is the replacement and testing of household fire alarms twice a year when the time changes.  This example is a very basic use of where preventative maintenance is employed with the consumer group.  Manufactures use preventative maintenance to maintain large industrial equipment.  When a break down occurs it costs the company money and time for repairs.

Maintenance helps prevent these occurrences.  Electrical equipment wear items include bus plugs, fuses, disconnects, starters and a variety of additional components.  In a business organization preventative maintenance occurs in a variety of ways as well such as computer maintenance, routinely replacing ink in printers as well as such basic tasks as regular light bulb replacements.  Depending on your organization your routine list will vary but the main goal will remain the same; to safeguard against future equipment damage resulting in downtime as well as costly repairs that occur with improper care.

Lasting Benefits of Preventative Maintenance

1)      Most preventative maintenance programs run at constituent time intervals.  This lessens the costs associated with downtime.  A sudden breakdown of equipment during peak production times is incredibly costly to manufactures and organizations alike.  This turns into higher consumer costs or loss of profit; both are undesirable and can be prevented with routine maintenance procedures in place.

2)      Efficiency increases in both equipment and personnel with preventative maintenance programs running which in turn increase profitability.

3)      Workers keep detailed records and documentation on equipment, replaced components, corrosion and areas of concern.  This allows accurate estimations of when an incident will occur so that it can be resolved before a complete failure is eminent.

4)      There is an increase in productivity and profitability with a decrease in expenses occurred with downtime, system shut down and emergency service repairs.

5)      Preventative maintenance program software is created to be monitored allowing assurance that machines are being taken care of properly and at the correct time.  Errors in maintenance are caught and resolved immediately.

There is a myth that preventive maintenance is expensive to employ and monitor.  This is far from reality.  Using logical calculations we are able to prove that these maintenance techniques are not only beneficial long term but more cost effective then maintenance preformed during equipment failure.

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.

J & P Electrical Company

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Steps To Simplify The Home Buying Process Part 2

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

In this continuation we continue to define the steps buyers can take to simplify the home buying process.

Look for a new home: This is where you’re your realtor comes into play.  Your realtor will help you narrow down the homes for sale that meet the criteria you set.  They will only have you look at homes within your budget that fit your needs.  If you are looking for a three bedroom home there is no use looking at homes with anything less than that.  These are the types of criteria that you will share with your real estate agent that will allow them to find you a selection of homes to look at.

Make an offer: Once you find your dream home your real estate agent will help you draw up a contract and submit an offer to the homes seller.  They will look at your offer and determine whether they will accept the offer or counter offer.  This process continues until an offer is agreed upon and a contract is drawn up.

Get an inspection:  Every contract should be written with a stipulation that states a final sale is pending the results of a home inspection.  Hire a reputable home inspection company to come in and evaluate the state the home is in.  They will create a checklist and booklet that states clearly what issues the home has.  They will divide the list into categories about repairs that must occur now, that can wait or are optional upgrades that would allow the home to function smoother.  The inspector will give you a better understanding of how old the utilities and appliances are.  This information allows you as a home owner to get a solid understanding of money that will need to be spent on home repairs and a likelihood of when it will be needed.  If the inspector will basically let you know if the home is a solid investment or if it has issues that need to be fixed before the home should be purchased.  If the contract is contingent on the inspection it is then up to you to decide to move forward, the contract needs to be reworked or if the deal is a no go.

Apply for a mortgage/Close on your new home:  The final step of buying a home is applying for a mortgage and closing on your new home.  To find out more information on applying for a mortgage talk with a local mortgage broker or lender.  These professionals will offer guidance in finding the best mortgage rate and home loan option for your exact situation.  After this is done a closing date will be set and you will close on your new home.

The process of buying a home is one that can be quite simple with a bit of knowledge on how the process works and the wisdom to hire experts when needed.  Real estate agents, home inspectors and mortgage brokers all help to simplify your home ownership quest.

Lady of the Lakes Real Estate is Livingston County’s premiere realtor; out of Pinckney, Michigan helping buyers buy and sellers sell homes that provide a recreational lifestyle including golf courses, lakes and the Huron river chain of lakes, throughout Brighton, Howell, Pinckney and the surrounding area.  More information can be found at http://www.ladyofthelakes.com.

C21 Lady of the Lakes

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Steps To Simplify The Home Buying Process Part 1

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The idea of buying your first home can be overwhelming for some.  Working with a professional realtor can help alleviate many of the stressors that can make buying a home a process that is intimidating.  To simplify the process even further follow the checklist below.

Complete a credit check: You need to have solid credit to apply for and receive a mortgage.  This is why the first step in the process of home ownership is completing a credit check.  This will allow you to correct any errors that exist with your credit report.  A low credit score means a higher interest rate on your mortgage.  If your score is incredibly low and you have several late or missing payments take time to correct these issues before looking into purchasing a home.

Set a budget with mortgage preapproval: Setting a budget is simple especially when you look into getting pre-approved.  A pre-approval will give you an idea of exactly how much the mortgage lenders feel comfortable in lending to you.  This is the amount they feel you will be able to pay back to them in monthly payments including interest.  A rule of thumb in general is that your home that cost between two and a half to three times your yearly salaries.  Most lenders will not allow you to spend more than thirty six percent of your gross monthly income.

Gather cash savings: It is preferable to have a down payment of twenty percent when buying a home.  This will account for your closing costs as well as your down payment.  Twenty percent allows you to avoid paying private mortgage insurance.  Different loan options have different regulations.  It is crucial to have as much cash on hand as possible when buying a home to have a substantial down payment as well as money for closing costs and fees as well as additional expenses that occur with moving into a new home.

Find a local real estate agent: This is perhaps one of the most critical requirements to finding and purchasing a home.  A local real estate agent that specializes in finding homes for clients with specialized circumstances is most favorable.  If you are a new home buyer find a realtor that specializes in new home purchases.  If you are looking for a home on a lake or golf course find a realtor that finding homes to fit a recreational lifestyle.

There is more to come in our next installment on simplifying the homeownership process.

Lady of the Lakes Real Estate is Livingston County’s premiere realtor; out of Pinckney, Michigan helping buyers buy and sellers sell homes that provide a recreational lifestyle including golf courses, lakes and the Huron river chain of lakes, throughout Brighton, Howell, Pinckney and the surrounding area.  More information can be found at http://www.ladyofthelakes.com.

C21 Lady of the Lakes

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Applying For A Mortgage As A Recent College Graduate

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Being a recent college graduate can be fairly overwhelming.  It is a time where you are paving a new path for yourself; including starting a new career path, buying your first home and taking on the payments of your more real than ever debt.  You are faced with many big decisions, some more daunting than others.   This does not have to be the case when looking to buy your first home.  Once you understand what type of home you can afford the purchase of a home can be in the grasps of most recent college graduates.

The first thing you must consider when buying your first home is the amount of money that you have coming in each month in comparison to the amount of money you have going out.  This calculation is your debt to income ratio.  Once you have a grasp on this it is time to meet with a mortgage broker.

During the initial meeting with a mortgage broker or lender a professional will discuss with you the differences between buying a home in case verse using a mortgage to purchase a home.  In order to receive a mortgage preapproval your credit history will be scrutinized.  This allows lenders to make an educated analysis on your risk.  They need to determine if you have established a history of good credit as this will help them determine an amount they can lend comfortably.  Mortgage companies want to ensure that their investments will be paid back.  This is what your credit history tells them about you.

When you are looking to buy your home, especially as a new college graduate you must consider your future both near and distant.  Are you looking to start a family soon?  Are you looking to return to graduate school?  What exactly does your future look like?  Will you be acquiring additional expenses without additional income?  These are important questions to answer before deciding in actuality what you can comfortably afford in a new home.

If you are likely to move or relocate with your company does it make sense to purchase a home right now?  A lender can discuss current market conditions while a real estate agent can help target homes within your budget that are likely to sell quickly in the future if need be.  A major consideration is if you will get your investment plus equity if you need to sell within five years of your initial purchase.

Buying your first home is an exhilarating experience.  As a recent graduate many of these firsts can be overwhelming; buying a home doesn’t have to be.  Take your time making decisions.   There is never a rush when it comes to taking on any size financial commitment.

Cross Country Mortgage in Brighton, Michigan provide mortgage services for clients including new home loans, refinancing, reversed mortgages, new purchase home mortgages and home equity loans to the entire Livingston County area including Brighton, Howell and Livingston County. Cross Country Mortgage Brighton, MI at http://brightoncrosscountry.com/.

Brighton Cross Country Mortgage

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The Difference Between Fixed Rate and Adjustable Rate Mortgages

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Most individuals looking to purchase a home start preparing well before they ever meet with a real estate agent.  Buying a home is not something most people can do on a whim.  It takes time to achieve the financial preparations that come along with buying and maintaining a new home.  Most individuals begin the process by saving funds for a down payment while looking to clean up their credit score.  The higher your credit score is the better your chances at qualifying for a lower interest rate mortgage.   Mortgage preapproval is another financial preparation that needs to be secured on the road to homeownership.

A mortgage preapproval gives you a comfortable range in which to start looking for homes.  This preapproval amount is the amount that lenders feel comfortable with you borrowing given your income to debt ratio.  Just because you are preapproved for a certain amount does not mean that this is what you must spend on your new home.  If you are looking at homes more than what you are preapproved for you will need to make up the difference with a large down payment.

As a home buyer it is up to you on what you feel comfortable spending on a new home.  If you feel the amount you are preapproved for is too high consider looking for homes in a price range you feel more comfortable with.  Most sellers require a preapproval when seriously considering offers.  A preapproval is a guarantee that you will be able to secure funds to purchase their home.  Sellers looking to commit to an offer want a sense of security and an offer with a preapproval stands above those without one.

When it comes to obtaining a mortgage there are two basic options to consider: a fixed interest rate mortgage and an adjustable rate mortgage.  Your mortgage broker will be able to assist you in determining which option is best given your financial situation.

In general terms a fixed interest rate mortgage is a home loan in which the interest rate remains constant over the life span of the loan.  The payment is spilt into equal payment over the course of ten, fifteen, twenty or thirty years.  The advantage of this type of loan is that you know exactly what you owe each month.  The main disadvantage is locking in a higher rate than what is offered later on down the road.  In order to take advantage of the lower rate you would need to refinance your current mortgage which has fees associated with it.

An adjustable rate mortgage sports a variable interest rate that allows lenders to raise or lower rate as market conditions change.  Your payment will go up or down according to the changes made by the lender.  This flexibility allows you to take advantage of lower market rates without the fees involved in refinancing.  The one disadvantage of course comes into play if the market conditions take a turn and rates increase.

When looking into the financial preparations before purchasing a home it is advisable to meet with a mortgage broker.  They will help prepare you in the financial aspects of buying a home.  Mortgage brokers layout whether now is a financially good time for you to start looking to buy a home or not before you have wasted valuable time searching for a home.

Cross Country Mortgage in Brighton, Michigan provide mortgage services for clients including new home loans, refinancing, reversed mortgages, new purchase home mortgages and home equity loans to the entire Livingston County area including Brighton, Howell and Livingston County. Cross Country Mortgage Brighton, MI at http://brightoncrosscountry.com/.

Brighton Cross Country Mortgage

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Five Common Roofing Materials

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Your homes foundation, without a doubt, is the most important aspect in creating a stable, lasting home.  The second being your roof as it is needed for stability as well as protection, sheltering you and your belongings from the elements.  Careful consideration is needed when choosing a roofing material for your home.  Take into consideration the style of the home as well as the local climate when deciding what material you will use to cover your homes roof.

There are five basic styles of roofing, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.  Asphalt, shingles, wood, slate and tile shingles being the most commonly used materials in roofing.

Asphalt Shingles 

Asphalt shingles are the most commonly used especially in climates with a variety of weather conditions.  They are not only durable but also easy to install and less expensive than most roofing materials.  Asphalt shingles are good for a variety of roof pitches however should not be used with flat roofs.  There are two types of asphalt shingles including fiberglass and organic.  Fiberglass shingles are lighter, more resistant to fire and better in warm climates than organic shingles.  Organic shingles are good in a variety of weather and remain flexible under freezing conditions making them a better choice for colder climates.

Metal Shingles 

Metal roofing is a popular option as it offers both durability and attractiveness.  One drawback is the expense. Metal roofing is about one third more expensive then asphalt.  They are by far the lightest material that can be used in roofing including aluminum, steel, and copper.  One disadvantage is that metal can be dented in hail storms although new finishes eliminate rust and fading.  If you choose copper it is important to know it can last for up to a hundred years however is higher priced than other metal roofing.

Wood Shingles 

The most common wooden shingles is made from cedar although pine and spruce can be used as well.  Wood is a less durable option than other roofing materials.  The normal life span of a cedar roof is about thirty years.  The cost of the materials are often less than others however the labor expense outweighs that of asphalt, metal, slate and tile.

Slate Shingles 

Slate is considered to have the most longevity out of any other roofing material.  Slate lasts upwards of a hundred years.  It also comes in a variety of colors and designs which make is a popular choice.  To get this curb appeal to adjourn your homes prepare to shell out some major money.  Slate can cost more than four times the average cost of other roofing materials.

Tile Shingles 

Tile shingles are available in concrete, runner and clay.  Depending on the material chosen will depend on the cost you should expect to pay.  One major disadvantage of tile roofing is the weight of the tiles.  This alone may make this option obsolete for your home.  Tile does offer durability and lasts about fifty years.

Whatever type of roof you select it won’t last to its potential without being installed by an experienced roofing contractor.  Weigh the advantages and disadvantages with each roofing material against one another while considering local experienced roofing contractors that can install a new roof with the material of choice.

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.

Home Pro Roofing MI

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Getting The Roof You Want At A Budget You Can Afford

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

How do homeowners go about getting the roof they want within their set budget?  It can be done however takes a bit of diligence.  It takes defining alternatives, knowing exactly what you need and outline a definitive budget to stay within during the roofing project.  Below you will find steps to refine your roofing project.

Assess your roofing needs.  Do you need to install a whole new roof or can you get by with repairs to the existing roof?  Homeowners may choose to just repair a leaky roof over replacing it because of the lower cost and smaller time constraint.  However to make the decision between repair and replacement there are a list of factors to consider.  It may be a better option to replace a leaking roof depending on the age of the existing roofing structure and materials as well as its history.  Do you believe the roof will need ongoing repairs?  If this is the case, or with older roofs it may end up being that a full roof replacement is the most cost effective strategy.  Sometimes repairing a roof can be tricky especially when trying to locate matching materials.

Learn about the style of your roof as well as its structure and design to determine the selection of roofing materials you can choose from.   Depending on the weight baring capability and structure under the existing roof limits may apply to the materials you can choose from.  Tile and slate require additional support due to their weight where as lighter materials like metal and asphalt work well on most roof structures without additional structural support.  Consider the number of slopes, gables, stories and roofing angels that your roofing contractor will have to navigate.  These variables add additional fees into the labor cost over large, single story roofs without a steep pitch or varied angles to negotiate while installing your new roof.

Look into the cost of both materials and labor.  The material you choose to have installed on your new roof will help in determining the costs involved.  The cost of both material and labor increase when you choose more specialized materials such as metal, tile, slate or wood over asphalt shingles.  Each material requires special installation that not every roofing contractor as experience in.  In order to ensure your roof is aesthetically please hire a roofing contractor that specializes in the material you have chosen.  This will add to the labor costs but is essential to ensuring the longevity and curb appeal of your new roof.

It is your home and all home improvements should be done to your specifications.  You as the homeowner are the one that will be living with the choices made for years to come.  Take your time when choosing a material and contractor for your new roof.

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.

Home Pro Roofing MI

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Product Labels That Stand Out From The Competition

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

How many products do you estimate are on your local grocery store shelves on any given day?  The ballpark figure from the Food Marketing Institute is that there are about forty thousand different items to choose from.  That is a lot of opposition for your product.  How will you make sure that your product stands out from the competition?

The answer to this billion dollar question – your products package and label design.  Here is a closer look into what makes or breaks your company products packaging and label design.

Simple and Clear:  The next time you are visiting the supermarket take some time to check out a random shelf.  Take a moment to browse through the selection of products.  While you are doing this ask yourself two very simple and clear questions; what is the product used for and what is the brand behind it?

You will simply be amazed at how hard it is to answer these two simple questions.  If your product and label design doesn’t answer these two questions in less than four seconds you can be sure that consumers will move on.  It is a subconscious decision that is made within four seconds.  When you are designing your products label and package it is crucial that you are clear about the product and clear about the brand.

Truthful: Nothing sells your product time and time again more than an honest depiction.   Don’t give your product a “facelift” to a degree that portrays it in a light other than what it is.  Your label should not mislead consumers.

Here is a prime example of what not to do.  Don’t show a soft, gooey chocolate covered cookie on the product label when in reality you are selling a simple, flat, chocolate flavored biscuit.  Instead take time to show the simple, flat, chocolate flavored biscuit in a complimentary, flattering way.  Your label should represent your product at its best allowing your targeted market to get an honest look in to what they are purchasing.

Shelf Impact:   Remember that your product will never be viewed alone or in great deal at the store.  It is important for your product to make a different when sitting on the shelf next to the competition; this is known as your product’s shelf impact.   Your label and product packaging need to be distinctive and appeal to consumers.  Your product’s shelf impact is one of the most important reasons consumers make an initial purchase as well as recalling it at a later date for continued purchases.

Practicality:  Your products container, not just the label, should be sensible as well in size, shape and function.  The container should be practical, simple to use and possible reusable.   Practicality helps combat many package design challenges that exist.   One such example is how difficult ketchup is to get out of the glass bottle.  Ketchup manufacturers decided to win the battle by designing a plastic container where the lid was used as the bottom allowing it to stand upside down.  The struggle with getting the ketchup out of the glass bottle no longer exists.  Practicality sells products.

Using the tips above when designing your package and label will help you to create and manufacture a product that flies off the shelf.

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.

Anchor Printing

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