Livingston Reporting - page 283

Product Labels Influence Purchasing Decisions

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

We all make choices when shopping.  What makes a consumer choose one product over another?  Many times it comes down to brand name loyalty but what about newly introduced products?  What draws your attention to new products?  The most common answer to that question is the packaging and label.  Your products label is the last marketing chance you have; below you will find a variety of tips on getting your product purchased.

Labels are created when introducing new products as well as when companies are looking to reintroduce a product.  Reintroduction of a product comes when companies see a drop in consumer purchases and wants to draw attention to their product again.  When creating a label, color is an important element.  Before any words are read colors are seen and attention is drawn.  This happens within a half a second.  Create a label with colors that speak to consumers and grab their attention.

Consistency should be maintained throughout your brand.  The colors that are used within your packaging and label design should be carried through to other areas of consumer communication including coupons, flyers, promotions and your website.  Customers will come to identify your product without reading a word.

Another common use of color is identifying between different flavors within a product line.  If you are offering a scent or taste that is often related to a certain color incorporate that within the label as well.  This helps consumers choose from a large variety of flavors without sifting through your entire product line.

Labels should also use images to convey their brand. An image, as is with colors conveys the brand without using any words at all.  Images are quick identifiers that communicate quickly.  They are catchy to the eye and are more interesting than a pile of text.

When it comes to the text be choosey with what font you select.  Choose a font that fits your product and contributes to the aesthetics of your labels colors and images.  Everything should work together to enhance the brand and product image.

Consider the size of your products package and match the size of the label to it.  A label that is too small or too large can either go unnoticed or noticed for the wrong reasons.  A large label can be wrinkly and over take the product whereas a label that is too small can fly under the radar and go without notice.

Don’t forget to add all the necessary information that is required on the label as well.  Mandatory information concerning the nutritional value of the product as well as company contact information should be easily found without taking away from the aesthetics of the label itself.

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 label design, printing and packaging needs.

Anchor Printing

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The Benefits of Shrink Sleeve Labeling

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When it comes to manufactures looking for packaging there are an abundance of options to choose from.  Many are turning to the convenience of shrink sleeve packaging and labeling because of the wide range of advantages it offers over other forms of packaging and labeling.  When you walk through the aisles at the grocery store you will find that shrink sleeve marketing is incredibly prominent throughout different products lines including beverages, nutritional supplements, and chemical packages.

One of the advantages of using shrink sleeves is that they help to differentiate your products shape and offer a three hundred and sixty degree graphic.  They truly stand out and grab your customer’s attention when on display for sale.  Shrink sleeves can be designed to accentuate your products unique shape.  This is a significant advantage to product marketing especially when the design of your products package is unique.  Shrink sleeves will accentuate the shapes difference amongst competitors.

Another major benefit of shrink sleeve packaging is the tamper proof seals that it offers.  The shrink sleeve wrapper is often made to fit over the entire product, especially in beverage packaging.  Tampering with this type of product packaging is almost impossible to get away without noticing the issue.

The shrink sleeve label allows for complete three hundred and sixty design graphics and one hundred percent visibility.   In other types of packaging the label is concentrated on the front of the package.  This overlooks the sides and back of the product which is valuable product advertising space.  With shrink sleeve packaging the entire label can be used to advertise and bring attention to your product.

Another benefit of shrink sleeve labeling is the versatility it offers with different packaging materials.  It works with metallic, pearlescent and thematic materials to create different effects on your product label. If you can dream it, shrink sleeve labels can create it without the difficulty that exists in other types of packaging and labeling.

The expense of packaging and labeling products is often considerable however with shrink sleeves this is not the case.  It is an affordable option that offers a higher degree of visibility for your product over a variety of different package and labeling options.

When it comes to product marketing your packaging and label design are of the utmost important aspects.  With the numerous advantages that shrink sleeves offer it is hard to imagine why you would choose any other type of product labeling and packaging option.

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 label design, printing and packaging needs.

Anchor Printing

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The Benefits of Flexible Packaging

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When it comes to packaging your products flexible packaging has become a widely used method for a variety of products from food products and beverages to chemicals and detergents.  With a variety of designs and packaging patterns flexible packaging is revolutionizing the way manufactures offer their products for sale.  The benefits of flexible packaging are plentiful.

One of the most favorable benefits found with flexible packaging is that it is able to be customized according to the demands of the product.  Flexible packaging materials offer a variety of shapes and sizes to allow for customization to the needs of the product.  The packaging is able to be dyed and cut into any shape and sizes making the product appealing to consumers.

Creativity allows your product to stand out from competitors.  With flexible packaging the product and brand can be set apart from the competition.  Flexible product pouches offer unlimited creative options when it comes to packaging.

The durability of flexible packaging is a benefit that helps to extend the shelf life of most products.  Packaging that is made out of aluminum, high grade plastic or a combination of both offers a higher degree of protection from outside elements.  The added protection adds to the durability of the packaging allowing for a longer product life.

Features that exist on flexible packaging including zippers, seals and such allow for a second life for the products package.  The zip seal also makes flexible packages convenient and easy to use especially when the product is not thoroughly used upon being opened.  This is common in chemicals and food products that use flexible packaging.

A variety of logos, colors and designs can be printed on flexible packaging making it an engaging and attractive option in product packaging today. It is also easy to adjust the size of the package when using flexible packaging.  With flexible packaging you can adjust the size of the package needed from individual sized packages to family sized packaging easily.

Flexible packaging opens to a variety of dimensions.  It is a great material for various different products because it allows for the products to shift and adjust.  The packages can go from lying flat in storage to housing products taking up minimal storage space.  Utilizing shelf space while maintaining the quantity of product being offered is one of the greatest benefits that flexible packaging offer to both consumers and manufacturers.

Anchor Printing produces a variety of quality printed and converted products since 1947.  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 label design, printing and packaging needs.

Anchor Printing

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Computer Virus Removal Done Right The First Time

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When you own and operate a computer that is connected to the internet you are almost guaranteed at some point to download a virus.  Computer malware and viruses can be incredibly harmful when they infect your PC.  Not only do they slow your computer down but they also pose a risk to your computers secure data and personal information that is stored on the hard drive.  Computer viruses and malware can often be incredibly tricky to completely remove especially if the virus is one of the more aggressive, nasty ones.  New viruses are introduced into the viral world every day; ransomware being the latest in computer viruses to hit the internet.

Ransomware is an incredibly nasty virus taking the online community by storm.  This virus spreads quickly and is incredibly difficult to remove and the malware often locks you out of using your computer until you pay the ransom. Even professional computer virus removal companies are having to learn new ways to exterminate ransomware from personal computers.  Often times the ransom is as expensive as purchasing a new computer.  The moral being that it is important to know exactly what you are downloading and to be sure of the source you are downloading it from.

There are a few different ways in which computer viruses that have infected your personal computer can be removed.  PC repair specialists have tools to remove viruses, to ensure all the computer viruses are gone and to install anti-virus protection to avoid future virus infections.  The two main methods of removing viruses are running scans and manual removal of computer viruses.  Some companies offer online tools for removing viruses.  Before giving personal information to any company selling online virus tools it is important to do your homework.

To be safe when it comes to computer virus removal it is best to take your computer in to a certified technician that has knowledge of the different viruses that are infection computers.  They also have all the tools right at their fingertips to properly remove any and all computer infections.  Most computer repair stores can remove the viruses infecting your computer in a manner of a few days.  To do a complete job they will run a number of scans until the computer comes back clean a number of times.  They will also look into the files in your computer to find and files that look suspicious.  Once this is complete they will often complete the virus removal with a proper computer tune up and installation of anti-virus protection.

You can keep your computer clean and virus free using discretion when downloading software and online programs. If something looks suspicious or sounds too good to be true don’t click on the link.  The minute the link is clicked you have given the virus free rein to your personal information and computers hard drive.

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 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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Finished Basement Flooring Options

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When it comes to finishing your basement one of the biggest concerns is the flooring. Basement floors are often just a concrete slab.  Before choosing flooring for your basement it is imperative to determine if a moisture barrier had been laid down previously or if you will be dealing with moisture seeping through the concrete slab.  Most often when it comes to basement slabs a concrete moisture barrier is not present.  This leads to issues that are common when homeowners wish to finish their basements.

If you are unsure if a moisture barrier is present underneath the concrete slab in your basement the easiest method to figure it out involves some time and plastic garbage bags.  Lay a few plastic bags out over the concrete basement slab and tape them into place.  After a few days check to see if the plastic bags feel wet or feel like they contain any moisture on the underside of the bag.  If moisture is present than your basement slab does not have a moisture barrier present and this will limit your flooring choices.

If you want to keep your options open when it comes to flooring in your basement consider a waterproofing the basement floor. This will allow you to choose more openly what you desire for the flooring within your basement.  Carpet is a common want in cold, damp basements.  The floor should be waterproofed as well as cellulose underlayment before padding and carpet is laid.  This will help to create a moisture proof floor in your basement with carpet flooring.

Free floating engineered flooring is a great option in basement flooring.  A foam underlayment allows the flooring to float the basement floor.  This underlayment creates a space that balances any unevenness in the flooring as well as providing a moisture barrier.

Laminate flooring is yet another option in basement flooring that is popular.  When using laminate flooring, the look and feel can be warmed up using throw rugs throughout the basement space.  Laminate is only a good choice in basements that have relatively low moisture levels because the backing is susceptible to bubbling in spaces with higher moisture.

Ceramic tile can be installed in basement flooring as well.  This is a great option however one that does tend to add to the coldness already associated with basements.  If you are installing ceramic tile note that low moisture basement ceramic tile will last longer than if placed in high moisture basements.

If all and all you decide the flooring options in the basement are too risky and to dependent on moisture look into painting your basement floor.  Even with high moisture levels concrete paint will adhere to the floor and will last a fair amount of time in between maintenance.  Add warmth with throw rugs that can easily be picked up, washed and dried.

Jason Foldenauer Construction, out of Howell and Brighton Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from kitchen and bathroom remodeling to home additions and storage sheds.  Contact http://www.jfcremodeling.com today for your entire home renovating needs.

Jason Foldenauer Construction

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Summer Landscaping Tips

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Landscaping care is important in every season especially summer. As our seasons change so must the manner in which you care for your lawn and landscape. Summer landscaping should be centered on creating and maintaining an environment that can be thoroughly enjoyed without spending too much of your spare time. The following are summer tips to help create a landscape that time can be spent and memories made.

1) The first thing to keep in mind is how the space within your yard is used. If you have children you will want space to allow them to run around that is free of obstructions but that also maintains an outer boundary. If you prefer to use the space for entertainment and know that many weekends will be spent around a campfire you may consider turning your landscape into more of a patio area centering on a bon-fire pit. If you prefer a more adult landscape to enjoy afternoon tea consider special seating with a focus on beautiful flowers that bring butterflies in and mosquitos out.

2) Your landscape and lawn care should incorporate getting water to your landscape plants and lawn. In the summer to avoid grass and flowers from drying make sure that they are receiving at least an inch of water each week. It is best to water in the early morning or late evening to avoid as much water evaporation. Even though plants and grass need a certain amount of water to survive make sure that you are not saturating the area. Too much water can be just as bad as not enough.

3) Weeding is an essential element in every lawn and landscape. In flower beds use weed barrier to prevent an overabundance of weeds. When it comes to your grass consider using weed control treatments. Fertilization and aeration are all essential for your grass as well. Weeds take away valuable nutrients that are needed to maintain a healthy lush lawn.

4) When looking into fertilizers for your lawn consider only those that offer a slow release and low nitrogen content. Slow release fertilizers continue to give the lawn nutrients throughout the lawn and plants growing season.

5) Mow your lawn frequently using a sharp mower blade. Your grass should be about two and a half to three inches when mowing is necessary. Cutting more than one third of the grass at one time can cause damage to the blade and root system which in turn creates bare spots and brown patches.

Seasonal lawn care changes are needed to create a lush space to entertain no matter what season. Use the summer to boost the fullness in your lawn as well as the color throughout your flower beds.

CBA Outdoor Services is a local landscape design firm offering services throughout Livingston and Wayne Counties. For more information on the services they offer to both commercial and residential clients look online at http://cbaoutdoors.com/.

CBA Outdoor Services

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Shopping For An Engagement Ring

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When it comes time to propose the last thing that should be on your mind is worry or concern over the amount of money you are supposed to spend on an engagement ring. Instead of postponing plans to propose consider some cost saving techniques when it comes to finding and purchasing a beautiful, well received engagement ring.

First things first stop thinking that you must spend at least a month or two’s salary on a diamond engagement ring.  Even if you can devote that type of money to a jewelry purchase should you?  Consider the ability to start married life debt free owning your own home.  If this is not something that is possible with spending that type of money on a ring than forgo the huge ring.  You can find an abundance of affordable rings that are reasonably priced using online jewelers as well as locally owned jewelers.

Maybe a real diamond is not something your fiancé will want.  Consider her wants and desires above your pride.  If she wants the look of a huge diamond but doesn’t necessarily care if it is “real” look into diamond substitutes.  Some women prefer gemstones over diamonds.  Maybe she wants more than a cubic zirconia but less than a diamond, look into moissanite.

Another idea is to buy what you can afford now but purchase through a jeweler that offers upgrades with trade-ins from preciously purchased jewelry.  This is an incredibly common option and is a great way to get engaged and married without going overboard in debt.  Later when you become more established you can go ahead an upgrade if you so desire.

The greatest thing ever is that no matter what you spend at the end of the day your girlfriend will become your bride to be.  If you are choosing the right women and her values align with hers the size of the diamond and the cost of the ring will be the furthest things from her mind when she finds you on one knee proposing to her.  Any ring is far more spectacular than no ring at all when you are sure that the women standing in front of you is your soul mate.   Don’t let the cost of a ring deter your from making both of your dreams come true.

Finding something that fits her style, personality and lifestyle are far more important characteristics to purchasing a ring than making sure you have spent an entire month or two of wages on it.

DaRoche Jewelers is on online jewelry company with a local feel.  You will find a variety of options in jewelry, including custom diamond solitaire engagement rings, online at http://www.darochejewelers.com/.

DaRoche Jewelers

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Finding An Affordable Engagement Ring

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Are you ready to pop the question to your girlfriend? Do you envision what she will look like and the surprise upon her face when you start to get down on one knee?  How about the look she will have when she sees the beautiful engagement ring you have chosen?  Do you worry at all?  Choosing an engagement ring that your bride to be will love is something that you will only get one chance at.  Since it is a once in a lifetime event your experience level is subpar.  Below you will find tips to ensure she loves the ring as much as her husband to be.

First things first, throw the rule out that says you must spend at least two month’s salary on an engagement ring.  Any girl that is ready to marry you will not care in the least how much the ring cost let alone go through great lengths in determining how much you are in debt with the ring alone.  A better rule to follow is how much cash do you have in hand or can the ring be paid for in full within a year.  Don’t go into debt to purchase a ring that is way above your means.  The women you are about to propose to is way more concerned with becoming your wife now and forever to worry about a debt from her engagement ring.

More importantly take note of your girlfriend’s style.  Is she modern, practical, old fashion, sentimental, extravagant or outgoing?  Her style should matter above anything else.  If your bride to be is an old vintage sole a flashy, large, abundant ring will overwhelm her and perhaps make her uncomfortable.

Practical girls enjoy a single stone with flush settings; rings like this don’t get in the way with everyday activities.  Reserved women tend to choose channel settings with a few smaller stones creating the statement in the middle of the ring.  If your wife to be is more extravagant look into options involving invisible settings with a large middle stone and several small surrounding stones.  Outgoing girls tend to love classic diamond solitaire engagement rings.  If you are unclear check out jewelry that she tends to wear on an everyday basis.  This will help you decide the best option in engagement ring options for her.

Local small town jewelers and online jewelers are great sources when it comes to finding something reasonable in price as well online jewelers.  Looking online at a variety of jewelry options is also a great way to look into different options that are available for purchase when it comes to engagement rings.

DaRoche Jewelers is on online jewelry company with a local feel.  You will find a variety of options in jewelry, including custom diamond solitaire engagement rings, online at http://www.darochejewelers.com/.

DaRoche Jewelers

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Hiring A Professional Roofing Contractor Saves Time and Money

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Many homeowners attempt home renovations every day that are better off left to the professionals.  When it comes to a new roof, hiring a professional roofing contractors will not only save you time but money as well.  Roofing is an art that is perfected overtime.  Seasoned roofers not only offer experience but provide guarantees on a structurally sound, climate resistance roof.  Hiring a roofing contractor also guarantees you won’t be falling off your roof anytime soon!

When looking to find a roofing contractor to install or to make repairs on your roof consider checking online for a list of local roofers.  The internet is a great resource to find professional roofers in your area along with reviews, testimonials and pictures of roofs that they have recently installed.  Many contractors offer free in home consultations.  Take your time online to narrow down the roofers in your area you are considering for your new roof and consult with each of them separately about your new roof.   Choosing a roofing contractor will come down to more than just the price quoted.  As a homeowner time on site, professionalism and a variety of other factors will come into play as you choose the roofer you wish to work with.

When hiring a roofing contractor look to make sure that they are properly licensed and insured.  Each employee must be licensed.  A license is only one piece of evidence that helps to prove that the contractor you are hiring has expertise but is one that is extremely important.  Insurance is another aspect of roofing that is an absolute must.  When an accident occurs, you as the homeowner could be held liable if the roofing company does not have insurance to cover their entire team.  Roofing contractors understand and will often offer up a copy of their insurance policy when giving you a formal quote for your new roof.

The quote itself will contain a list of materials needed based on price verse quality.  A ten year roof may be less expensive right now however in the long run is this little bit of savings important or is a long lasting roof more important.  The quote will also contain a list of labor costs as well as incidental costs.  If this amount seems high in consideration of other quotes that you have received question the contractor to see what all is included.  Customer references are also listed on a roofing estimate.  Carefully look at all of the companies references especially when it comes to homes similar to yours.  Drive by the home and see if you are visually satisfied with the quality of the roof.  Ask the homeowner questions about professionalism, clean up and their overall experience with the roofing contractor.  This will give you a decent idea if you should consider hiring them to install your homes 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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Curb Appeal and Your Roof

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When it comes to first impressions you only get one chance; that is why it is called the first.  Your homes first impression comes from its curb appeal.  This isn’t something most homeowners think about when it comes to home improvements and renovations. The reality is that curb appeal can truly end up being the deal maker or breaker when it comes to selling your house.  Without a doubt, one of your top priorities when it comes to improving your home should be the home’s exterior.  Things to consider are the homes landscaping, windows, siding and most importantly the homes roof.

Your homes roof is beyond important when it comes to curb appeal as well as structural integrity.  Your homes roof is one of the main aspects of your home seeing that is covers about fifty percent of the home visible surface. The roof often goes unnoticed by homeowners as it is not something that requires constant attention.  With your homes roof often yearly maintenance is enough to keep the roof functioning structurally as well as looking good therefore it is often something that is overlooked with the overall curb appeal of your home.

The time will come when your home needs a new roof to maintain curb appeal and maintain its structure.  An experienced roofing contractor is the best source of information when it comes to the installation of a new roof.  Many homeowners are inclined to select a roofing material based on their limited knowledge in roofing, the color of the shingles or even the price.  An experienced roofer takes all of this into consideration as well as more important criteria such as durability, climate, weather conditions, and exposure.  With this information they find a roofing material that will not only withstand the test of time, add curb appeal but also give you the best value for your new roof.

Roofing contractors also have the added advantage of experience with different roofing materials and styles.  Roofers have the ability to look at the exterior of the home and recommend products that will enhance the existing exterior.  This is also true of homeowners that are looking into changing the exterior all together as well.  There is more to roofing that choosing between shingles and metal roofing.  Asphalt shingles come in a variety of styles just like metal roofing.  Roofing professionals will create a roof that enhances your homes curb appeal using appropriate materials that will stand the test of time taking into consideration natural elements that affect your roofs durability.

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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