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Factors to Consider Prior To Starting a Landscape Supply Company

Irrespective of one’s financial status, starting a company or rather business is not a walk in the park. It gets even harder when it is a landscape supply company. Unlike other supply businesses, a landscape supply business is highly profitable. Suffice to say, it is a very lucrative business that requires one to have necessary resources and ample skills to effectively run it.

Therefore – prior to starting such a business – it is imperative for one to understand what needs to be done, when and how to go about the entire process that is involved in the daily running of a landscape business. Being a self descriptive venture, it provides customers with landscaping supplies for the beautification of their gardens and lawns. Listed are factors to consider prior to setting up a landscape supply company.

For starters, structure your business’ entity. Structuring ones business entity is inevitable and crucial at the same time. To be legally allowed to run a landscape business, one can either form a limited liability company; sole proprietorship or better, a corporation. However, the process of establishing a business entity requires the assistance of an attorney or a certified public accountant. Visiting ones secretary of state website to form a limited liability company can also suffice.

Next, obtain a tax identification number from the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS). This is the second and the most fundamental step to starting a landscape company. In order to carefully plan and manage the running of a landscape business, in regards to hiring employees, expanding and effectively building credible business credit; obtaining a tax ID is necessary, if not very important.

For the records, one can easily obtain a tax identification number by calling an IRS representative over the phone. Or – if detailed processes are your thing – you can gladly print form SS-4 from the Internal Revenue Service’s website then physically put it in the mail. Nonetheless, the simplest and easiest way to apply for one is just by visiting the IRS website, period.

Lastly, acquire a license. While this is necessary, it is noteworthy to check first with the secretary of state or local chamber of commerce to determine if a business license is required for the operation of a landscape supply company in your area. Afterward, determine if you want to operate solely the company through an office or online with just a website. Finding suppliers that can sell landscape supplies to customers, establishing a merchant account and creating marketing materials can also be considered at this stage.

An Accountant Supply List

Not many years ago, accountant supply lists involved items such as ledgers, stamps with inkpads, and a very large cup of sharp pencils. Today, accountant supply lists are much different.

Computer

First and foremost, the most important accountant supply to purchase is a computer. This is a given in nearly every existing business in the United States today, and choosing a computer can be complicated and confusing due to the many options that are available. If you don’t have a computer that you can use for your accounting business, visit your local accountant supply store, office supply store, or computer dealer.

Shop around at a minimum of three places, and ask a sales representative to demonstrate the different features, as well as review features on memory. Bring a note book to write down the different types of computers you’ve seen, as well as the pros and cons of each different computer. If you have a relative or close friend who knows computers, share your findings in order to make the most educated purchase that is best for your business.

Accounting Software

After purchasing a computer, or if you already have a computer suitable for your accounting office, the obvious next accountant supply that will be needed is a good accounting software package. Rather than choosing accounting software by brand, though, choose software that is right for your particular business.

Out-of-the-box accounting software is most suitable for small and medium-sized businesses that have standard accountant supply needs. If your business needs unique data reports, make sure the accounting software you choose offers customizable reports. If you run a service-related business, check to be sure the accounting software includes features such as a time and billing module. When choosing your software, ask a few pertinent questions to make sure the package is right for your accounting business.

– Does the accounting software allow you to print or electronically send cheques, purchase orders, and invoices?

– Does it have internet connectivity so you can bank online?

– Is it integrated with other software that you often use, such as Microsoft Office?

– Is it able to convert data from other accounting programs or databases? In other words, will the accounting software be able to meet all of your needs, now and in the future?

– Does it work easily with tax forms and configurations?

If you anticipate your business to grow and include other staff accountants, consider these additional questions as well.

– Is the accounting software networkable?

– How easy or expensive is it to move from one user to multi-users?

– With some accounting software, adding new users is just a matter of buying the appropriate number of user licenses; with others, you have to purchase multiple copies of the accounting software program, which is much more expensive.

Some software accountant supply packages, such as Peachtree by Sage, offer areas of accounting software specialty as well, such as accounting for construction, accounting for distribution, accounting for manufacturing, and accounting for nonprofit organizations. Therefore, as with a computer purchase, get several opinions from various sources in order to make the most educated purchase for your accounting businesss.

Other Supplies

Once a computer system and software package is installed, filling an accountant supply cabinet is the next item a self employed accountant should choose to complete. Before spending your hard earned dollars, though, carefully research the items that you will need the most and those items that you will need immediately in your particular accounting specialty.

A few basic items for your effectively equipping your office, which are available at most any accountant supply or office supply store, are as follows:

– Client tax guide organizers

– Presentation materials and client folders

– Accounting forms

– Filing cabinet with file folders

– Accounting reference materials

– Telephone with headset

– Desk top calculator and adding machine

Some items that will be needed in your accountant supply cabinet can be purchased at an accountant supply or office supply store, but could also be obtained at no charge through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or ordered at irs.gov.

– W2 and 1099 tax forms

– Federal and State envelopes

– Federal and State income tax forms for the current tax year

Basic office supplies that should be included on your accountant supply list are:

– Pens

– Pencils and an electric pencil sharpener

– Paper clips

– Stapler

– Rubber bands

– Desk organizers and baskets for organizing paperwork to be kept on your desk

– Envelopes of various sizes

– Postage meter if you do or plan on doing a lot of daily mailings on a very regular basis

– Self inking stamps – one with your business mailing address and one for stamping bank deposits

– Letterhead and envelopes with your business name printed on them

– Business cards

Additionally, consider a unique accountant supply that could be of great benefit to you and your clients — a subscription to a tax update newsletter, or another resource that will keep you regularly informed of tax updates, and can help you remain updated on the latest changes in taxes and tax laws.

Managing Global Supply Chains – Striking a Strategic Balance

Global supply chains are facing difficult times as the marketplace shifts to a more global environment. Companies want to enter new markets with lower costs and better speed. However, many executives are struggling to meet goals in the face of new challenges.

Factors such as higher transportation and energy costs are enough to throw a wrench into a company’s supply chain. Building a strong strategic plan can assist executives in achieving their goals.

Evaluate Higher Transportation Costs

It’s no surprise that energy and transportation costs have experienced a sharp increase. Companies are scrambling to balance these costs while staying competitive in current market conditions. Striking the right balance can add up to increased efficiency and profit gains.

Manage Product Lead Time

Although producing oversees offers less expensive labor, this may also result in longer lead time. This slows down the process of bringing a new product to market. These factors need to be carefully considered when planning production.

Review Exchange Rates and Tariffs

Tariff and exchange rate challenges are introduced when a company manufactures overseas. Senior managers should carefully evaluate these components and identify opportunities to increase efficiencies.

Manage Complex Products Closely

Consumers are demanding more sophisticated products. Companies are working creatively to meet these needs, but sometimes production gets left in a lurch. Producing more complex products can slow down production, leaving the supply chain out of balance.

The solution to this issue is forming strong communication channels between marketing and operations. Working closely will provide a synergy between launching a new product and meeting production demands.

The Challenge of Reducing Costs

Senior mangers are always evaluating strategies to increase efficiencies and lower costs. Managing global supply chains in this demanding market requires strategic oversight. Leaders from all business units need to come together to create strategic goals that are measurable and realistic. A systematic way to measure these goals should be established so results can be tracked.

Evaluating Ways to Get Products to Market Quicker

Once a company discovers an innovative product, marketing and sales push hard to bring the item to market. Operations is the business unit that can best provide knowledge on capacity to produce a product while maintaining a high level of customer service. If production is slammed with orders, angry customers will surface, creating a lasting affect on a business’ reputation.

A strategic plan for getting products to market in the most efficient way should be created. Senior managers should meet regularly to strike a balance between bringing a product to market while persevering production and customer service. Discovering this balance will positively affect the global supply chain.

Find Communication Efficiencies in Manufacturing

Companies serving a global marketplace may have manufacturing facilities spread out all over the world. The communication flow across such a large area may become challenging for some businesses. This can be addressed by creating formal procedures for sharing information across all locations. The results of making this change are improved consistency and performance.

Examine the Benefits of Centralization

Many companies are moving away from local management to a centralized model. The manufacturing may be accomplished overseas, while the home office is charged will managing those tasks.

Retaining Employees in a Global Marketplace

As your company goes abroad, attracting and retaining talented employees may be challenging. Spend time and resources on creating an attractive work environment for employees. The time and effort invested initially will payoff with a decreased turnover ratio.

Managing Compatibility Issues

Managing technical infrastructure can be challenging enough in the local market. But once you introduce vendors from around the world, the issue becomes more complex.

Spend time working with vendors to ensure technology works seamlessly across all channels. Frontloading your investment will minimize issues down the road. This will also improve your efficiency and profit potential.

Acknowledge the Environmental Effect on the Global Supply Chain

Consumers are becoming more aware of their carbon footprint. Companies are facing the challenge of finding a balance between being environmentally responsible and maintaining profitability. Working with leaders in your company to discover a harmonious solution will impact your business positively in the global marketplace. You’ll benefit from an environmentally conscious image, while preserving profits.

Forming a Partnership between Operations and Marketing

Executives from marketing and operations need to meet regularly to review goals. They need to form a partnership to improve the global supply chain process. This will enable a quicker response to change when working to bring products to market.

Most company executives agree that global supply chains have room for improvement. While facing economic changes and rising fuel costs, there will be opportunities to review processes and maximize efficiencies. Investing time and resources into maximizing the efficiency will preserve and grow your profits.

Resources:

July 2008 McKinsey Quarterly Survey on Global Supply Chains