|
|
Posted By RCI,
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Updated: Monday, May 4, 2020
|
We all want to get paid by customers on time. So why is it that so many businesses don’t take the time to create customized invoices? If you send a bill out that doesn’t have your company contact information, company logo or even payment options, how is it you expect to quickly receive payment?
We all lead busy lives, including your customers. So, the easier you can make it for them by providing multiple methods to contact you with questions or multiple payment options, the quicker you will likely receive payment. If you use QuickBooks, it even gives you the option to create multiple customized invoices and name them so that you don’t have to recreate the wheel each time. If you’re not using QuickBooks, the system you do use likely has this option. If not, you can always use programs like Word to create a nice, easy-to-understand invoice.
So, what should be included on an invoice? Here’s our guide for the minimum information that should be included:
- Your company logo
- Your business name, address, phone, email and website
- Name, address and phone of company receiving the invoice
- Invoice number
- Date invoice sent
- Date invoice due / payment terms (i.e. Net 30 days)
- Description of the goods (be specific about quantity, type, etc.)
- Balance due
- Payment instructions (If credit card is an option, provide space for the customer to write in credit card information and mail or fax to you.)
- Don’t forget to include the word ‘invoice’ or ‘bill’ so there is no question
If you take the time to customize your invoices, you should reap the benefits of quicker payments.
RCI members have access to QuickBooks tips on the member side of the RCI website. Just go to ‘Past Education Sessions’ under the ‘Education’ tab and then scroll down to the 2011 Fall Regional Education Sessions to find the link to QuickBooks and Tax Tips. Plus, members have access to QuickBooks support. If you need help, call the RCI office and schedule an appointment with the RCI QuickBooks expert, Chelsea Abercrombie, CPA.
Tags:
Organizing
Owning a Business
Productivity
Permalink
| Comments (0)
|
|
|
Posted By RCI,
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Updated: Monday, May 4, 2020
|
Are you tempted to eat your chocolates as you walk by the packaging line? We have a great reason for you not to avoid the temptation to be a frequent taste tester of your products: quality and consistency. As the owner or manager of your candy store, you want to have complete confidence that the products you are selling are not only delicious, but that that they are the same level of quality and flavor each time.
Your customers expect that when they purchase a box of toffee this week and then come back a month later that they will be purchasing a product just like what they purchased before. Therefore, it’s extremely important that you regularly taste your candies to be sure they not only meet your standards but that they don’t change in flavor.
If you have a quality control manager, having a consistent taste testing program would be a great thing for him or her to oversee. The frequency for taste testing may vary depending on how often you produce a particular product but at least weekly would be the minimum recommendation.
You’ve taken the time to achieve a great flavor so take the time to be sure it’s consistently the same great flavor your customers have come to expect.
Tags:
Candy Making
GMP's
Photos
Quality Control
Permalink
| Comments (0)
|
|
|
Posted By RCI,
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Updated: Monday, May 4, 2020
|
Do you use Windows operating software on your computer? If so, we have some great time-saver tips for you today!
- Print a document without opening it - If you need to print a document, this tip allows you to do it without even having to launch the program. For example, if you need to print a Word document, you can print without having to launch Microsoft Word first. All you need to do is find the file on your hard drive and then right-click on the icon and click print. The document will print to your default printer using the settings you last used for the file.
- Shortcut to send an email attachment - Use this tip to send an email attachment without even opening your mail program (if you use Microsoft Outlook). Locate the file you want to attach to an email and right-click on the file’s icon. Click Send To and then click Mail Recipient. A new mail message should open with the file attached and ready to send. You just need to type in the recipient’s email address and any accompanying message and hit send.
- Quickly view the desktop - Do you need to get to your desktop but have numerous windows open? Instead of minimizing each window individually you can quickly get to the desktop by just using your keyboard. Find the windows icon button on your keyboard and click on that plus the ‘D’ on your keyboard at the same time and you’ll automatically minimize all open windows to view your desktop.
- View files by group – If you have a large folder of files and need an easier way to view them, you can actually organize them by group within the folder. This shortcut doesn’t create new folders – it just gives you an easier way to view the files within a folder. Just right-click within the folder and to go Arrange Icons By, and then click on Show in Groups. You’ll then view the groups based on how the files are currently arranged (i.e. alphabetically, if by name) but you can easily change that by right-clicking within the folder, going to Arrange Icons By and choosing to arrange them by file size, date modified, etc. Then the groups will change accordingly. This is a great way to easily find the files you’re looking for.
For more useful tips, just click here or here. If you have some Windows or computer shortcuts to share, we encourage you to leave a comment with the tip.
Tags:
Organizing
Productivity
Technology
Permalink
| Comments (0)
|
|
|
Posted By RCI,
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Updated: Monday, May 4, 2020
|
It is officially summer now and many chocolate and candy stores choose not to ship their products in warm weather. Whether it’s because the cost of shipping in heat is prohibitive for their customers or because they don’t want to risk their products melting in transit, it’s completely understandable. However, we also know that many stores continue to ship in warm weather. If you are considering shipping your product, here are a few tips we’ve learned from our members that may help protect the quality of your products:
- Choose a packing box large enough to surround the product with ice packs and bubble wrap.
- Consider using styrofoam insulated boxes.
- Place the ice packs at the bottom of the box, not on top.
- If you aren’t using non-sweating ice packs, wrap the ice packs in newspaper to absorb the moisture.
- Wrap the product package in bubble wrap to protect it.
Do you have additional tips and tricks for shipping in warm weather? Please leave a comment to share below.
Tags:
Customer Service
Merchandising
Organizing
Packaging
Permalink
| Comments (0)
|
|
|
Posted By RCI,
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Updated: Monday, May 4, 2020
|
Are you trying to figure out how to avoid cross-contamination of allergens in your small space? How do you store peanuts, sugar and the rest of your ingredients and separate allergens while trying to save space? At our recent Spring Regional Institute, many of our members learned a valuable tip we’re passing along to you:
Save space by using vertical storage and keep the allergens stored on the bottom so that if there is a spill it doesn't contaminate everything else under it.
Take advantage of the height in your facility and store items vertically. Then, go a step further and be sure your allergens are kept on the bottom. If you spill from a bag of pecans, at least they will fall to the floor rather than all over everything under the bag on their way down. This keeps you from contaminating the sugar and other ingredients that you use on nearly all of your products, those with and without allergens. Of course, this is just one step in putting together a plan for avoiding cross-contamination of allergens, but we thought it was a great one to get you thinking about the process.
Tags:
Cleaning
GMP's
Productivity
Permalink
| Comments (0)
|
|
|
Posted By RCI,
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Updated: Monday, May 4, 2020
|
In honor of our 92nd Annual Convention & Industry Expo that is happening this week, we’d like to share a tip that was originally shared with attendees at last year’s Annual Convention in an education session about marketing.
Are you paying attention to Yelp.com? Do you even know what it is? Yelp.com is a user review and local search website. From their website FAQ’s: “Yelp is the fun and easy way to find, review and talk about what's great — and not so great — in your world.” What does this mean for your business? When customers enjoy or don’t enjoy your products and/or services, they are using yelp.com to share it with the world. Not only do they give a rating but they also write detailed reviews, covering both the good and the bad. And guess what? When a potential customer is considering visiting your store, there is a pretty high chance they are visiting the Yelp website first to see what other people are saying about it.
So what do you do about all of this? We have a few points on how to use this review site to your advantage:
- Jump In -You don’t need to create a listing for your company on this site because as a local business you are probably already on it. To find out, just visit the homepage and type in your business name.
- Read – Once you’ve found your business’s listing, take some time to read the reviews. You’ll find that many of the comments are very candid so don’t be surprised. Be sure to read a variety of reviews, not just all of the good or all of the potential bad reviews.
- Embrace and Consider – The purpose of reading the reviews is not to get puffed up or fired up but to find out what your customers enjoy most about their experience with your business and if there are any parts of the experience that could use improvement. If you encounter negative reviews, don’t overlook them. Take a moment to consider if there is any truth to what has been shared. You may find that there is a place for improvement.
- Respond – Yelp has created a way for business to publicly comment on a review. Take a moment to thank customers for their feedback and address concerns. Everyone likes to be heard. J Because your comment will be public, potential customers who are reading reviews will likely be impressed that you’ve taken the time to respond.
- Repeat – Don’t make your first visit to Yelp be your last. Be sure to check in on a regular basis (i.e. monthly) so that you are continually aware of your customers’ experiences in your store.
Now what are you waiting for? Go find out what people are saying about your company. We hope you find good things and take any not-so-good things into consideration to make your business even better.
Tags:
Marketing
Merchandising
Technology
Permalink
| Comments (0)
|
|
|
Posted By RCI,
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Updated: Monday, May 4, 2020
|
Did you know that this Thursday, June 7 is National Chocolate Ice Cream Day? This is just one example of the many candy-related holidays celebrated across the globe throughout the year. From Chocolate-Covered Raisin Day (March 24) to Toasted Marshmallow Day (August 30) to Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day (November 7), the chocolate and candy industry is not lacking for holidays. This week’s tip is to encourage you to embrace these holidays to drive traffic and sales in your stores. One idea may be to run a special on the particular product being celebrated. For example, for National Taffy Day (May 23), maybe you run a buy a ½ lb of taffy and get ¼ lb free special. Or, you could advertise free taffy samples all day or until a certain time on May 23. However you decide to celebrate, don’t forget to use your social media channels such as Facebook and Twitter to spread the word! If they don’t know about your celebration, they can’t join you for it.
So, how do you find the numerous candy holidays? By just doing a quick internet search for candy holidays, you can find quite a few different websites and lists. Members of Retail Confectioners International (RCI) receive a graphic wall calendar each year that helps them plan the year and keep track of the variety of candy holidays to be celebrated. Not an RCI member? Learn why membership might be a good fit for you here.
Now, go put together a celebration for this Thursday’s Chocolate Ice Cream Day! Do you have a creative idea for celebrating candy holidays? Please share it here by leaving a comment below.
P.S. Expect the RCI Tip of the Week Blog to be invaded next week as our Annual Convention & Industry Expo begins! Watch for videos, pictures and highlights of the week! Plus, be sure to check out our Facebook page for even more photos.
Tags:
Holidays
Merchandising
Photos
Permalink
| Comments (0)
|
|
|
Posted By RCI,
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Updated: Monday, May 4, 2020
|
While “Jack of All Trades” might sound like a fitting job description for the position you are looking to fill, having a more specific title and description will help you find the most qualified job candidates. Additionally, an accurate job description helps both you and your employees to know what is expected of them and understand their roles within the company.
A job description includes:
- Job title.
- Job objective or overall purpose statement.
- Summary of the general nature and level of the job (no longer than three to four sentences).
- Description of the broad function and scope of the position.
- List of duties or tasks performed critical to the success (including principal duties, continuing responsibilities and accountability of the occupant of the position).
- Most important functional and relational responsibilities in order of significance.
- Description of the relationships and roles within the company, including supervisory positions, subordinating roles and other working relationships.
Be sure to check out the full-length article for what not to include in a job description.
RCI members can find more tips like these on the RCI business owners list serve, an email list of members that discusses issues business owners face. Click here to sign up today. Not an RCI member? Click here to join.
Tags:
Employee Management
Permalink
| Comments (0)
|
|
|
Posted By RCI,
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Updated: Monday, May 4, 2020
|
Summertime is just around the corner so we have rounded up some fun product ideas for you to incorporate in your candy store this year.
- Chocolate Flip-flops – Use colored chocolate to draw flip-flop straps on Nutter Butter cookies covered in chocolate and package with cello bags and colorful bows.
- Summertime-themed moulds – Take advantage of the hundreds of chocolate mould options available to candy makers. Incorporate items unique to your area that tourists may enjoy such as palm trees for a tropical area.
- Incorporate Seasonal Foods – Fruits and vegetables are great in the summertime. Pay a visit to your local farmer’s market to see what seasonal ingredients you can incorporate into your products.
- Seasonal Flavors – Use flavors that invoke the memories, images and feel of summer. For example, coconut flavors nearly always bring images of the beach to mind so you could create a coconut-themed item and even have fun with the merchandising to have a beach theme.
If you have more ideas, please share them with each other by leaving a comment. If you are you looking for a supplier of seasonal items, RCI members can use the RCI Buyer's Guide to find supplier members who provide just what you need!
Tags:
Annual Convention
Candy Making
Marketing
Merchandising
Packaging
Permalink
| Comments (0)
|
|
|
Posted By RCI,
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Updated: Monday, May 4, 2020
|
RCI members and staff were recently in Florida for the RCI Spring Regional Institute event as well as a Mastering Caramels educational course. While networking, education and behind-the-scenes tours were key reasons for attending the event and course, we couldn’t help but notice that the attendees were also having fun while networking and learning.
Attendees want to walk away knowing they learned something new and maybe met new people or reconnected with other fellow candy makers, but when they can also say they had fun, they walk away with an added level of value from the event. Do your employees walk away from work with a sense of enjoyment and fun? Some studies have even suggested that having fun at work increases loyalty, productivity and job satisfaction.
We have gathered a few ideas to incorporate fun into your company’s workday:
- Celebrate employee birthdays – If you have too many employees to have a party for each individual birthday, you could have a monthly or even quarterly celebration. Get some balloons, provide some of your candies (of course!), and maybe even play a game (pin the stick on the apple, anyone?).
- Create a ‘fun committee’ – Charge the committee with coming up with a fun activity for the team or company once a month. Allow them the freedom and creativity to come up with something outside the box. And be sure you participate to show everyone you do know how to have fun.
- Company-wide competition – Why not intertwine fun and charity? For example, create a competition between departments or stores to see who can raise the most money for a charitable cause and reward the winning team with a fun outing or bring lunch or breakfast into the office for them to enjoy together.
If you have more fun ideas to share, please leave us a comment!
Check out ‘fun’ photos from Florida on the RCI Facebook page. Plus watch the RCI YouTube page for video recaps!
Tags:
Customer Service
Employee Management
Productivity
Permalink
| Comments (0)
|
Print Page
Blog Home
All Blogs
RSS
