Author: John Smith

A bicycle accident takes an instant to happen and can have long-term effects. Motorists have insurance to repay the bicyclists they injure. But nothing can take away the pain and suffering. Compensation for a bicycle accident injury should be full and fair, and Johnston Law firm ensures that. It has a proven and winning track record for representing bicyclists against motorists and car drivers who injure them.

Compensation in cases of bicycle accident injuries

Damages compensated to injury victims include medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and emotional trauma, and any other medical care that follows. If Johnston Law Firm takes your case, an immediate investigation is started by the attorney. Sometimes few essential factors are not apparent until the investigation begins. The most common reasons for bicycle accidents in Portland include:

• Speeding your automobile and going too fast
• Failing to yield for bicyclists at traffic signals
• Aggressive driving methods including tailgating and improper passing without following traffic rules
• Distracted driving leads motorists to enter the bike lanes
• Drunk driving, driving under the influence of drugs or medicines

Poor Infrastructure in Portland

Dangerous road conditions and lack of proper maintenance are the second most causes of bicycle accidents in Portland. It includes uneven road surfaces, proper bicycle lanes, broken traffic signals, numerous potholes, and gravel roads.

Even the most cautious bicyclists can get into severe accidents in Portland. After such an accident, one must do the following:

• Immediately it would help if you got medical attention for the injuries regardless of how minor or trivial they may seem.
• Report the accident to law enforcement.
• Remember to describe the driver, the vehicle, and the time/place where the accident had occurred.
• If possible, get pictures of the accident scene, the vehicle involved, and your injuries
• A copy of the police report that contains contact and insurance information for the at-fault driver should be taken.

Working with a bicycle accident attorney after an accident is a wise decision. They can handle the essential elements of the case, negotiate a settlement offer, and represent you in court. Determining the value of your claim should always be approached with caution. Also, if you have insurance, the insurance company must be notified of your accident. You should also make sure the at-fault driver’s insurance company is also notified.

It takes considerable work, effort, and understanding to make a marriage work. When a marriage has failed and divorce seems like a better option, it’s time to seek legal help. North Carolina allows for no-fault divorce, and you can actually file papers on your own. However, it is important to understand and appreciate that divorce is more than just filling out forms. You may have to decide on important aspects, like child custody, alimony, and distribution of assets, and for that, talking to a Charlotte divorce lawyer is prudent. In this post, we are sharing some quick facts related to divorce in NC. 

Divorce in North Carolina can take time

To file for divorce in the state, you and your spouse must have lived separately and apart for at least one year, prior to filing. This doesn’t mean just two bedrooms of the same house, but two separate residences. State laws in North Carolina allows time to couples to sort various important marital matters. Even in case of child custody, courts usually ask co-parents to attend mediation and consider coming up with their own agreement related to child custody and support. Once the important financial and other matters are resolved, you can be done with your divorce. In any case, it is wise to go slow with your divorce. Take time, so that you have enough scope to evaluate every decision twice. 

Division of marital property

North Carolina allows for equitable distribution of marital property. This doesn’t mean equal. The court will identify and classify assets owned by the couple, and decide on a division in an equitable manner. If you inherited assets or had invested in properties before you marriage, let your attorney know. 

Child custody laws

Like we mentioned, the court will usually encourage the couple to sort child custody between them and sign an agreement acceptable to both. You can decide on child custody without an agreement too. The other option is a court order, but in NC, only a few child custody cases come up in court. Co-parents have the choice to change the existing agreement as needed in the future. If the court is taking decision, the ‘best interests of the child’ will be considered. 

Get an attorney 

There’s no denying that child custody is an emotionally-charged subject, and spouses often don’t agree on things as parents. When that happens, having an attorney by your side will help in negotiating better. 

The pandemic crisis urged many companies to change the way they operate and adapt their business strategy to the so-called “new normal”. Staying ahead of the competition is complicated and winning over customers is hard as never before, given the circumstances. These are the five strategies that will help your business to stay competitive in 2021.

Put your customer needs in front

Customers’ needs are changing along with the demands. Having a clear understanding of what your consumers want will significantly increase your competitive advantage. A simple conversation at every stage of interaction or more comprehensive surveys and advisory groups will help to identify gaps for improvement and oversee the opportunities in the long run.

Invest in technology

Technological advancements brought various benefits and opportunities to the business world. Investing and deploying technology will save time and money while enhancing overall work efficiency and productivity. This is a great way to outperform the competitors and provide your customers with a better product or service.

Outsource business processes

Many companies outsource their non-core functions as a way to increase efficiency and save money. Besides of many benefits that this process poses, it is a great way to stay ahead of the competition through operational flexibility as a means of focusing on high-level strategic tasks. The key is to choose an outsourced firm that will deliver upon your goals and expectations. A BPO company Helpware is proven to provide high-quality services within customer support, back-office, marketing, and video & image annotation. With years of experience, this company can bring your business closer to success.

Formulate clear short-run and long-run goals

Defined goals and objectives for your business will significantly help you to stay ahead of the competitors. Formulate what and when you are planning to achieve, which strategies to pursue, and the results you wish to accomplish. Your goals have to be aligned to the SMART criteria (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-Bound), which will help in your decision-marketing process.

Invest in your marketing efforts

Today’s world is extremely digitalized, which requires a constant online presence to stay competitive. Enhance your online marketing through different channels, develop a strong promotional strategy and SEO, and get the most of digital marketing. In return, you will get greater customer satisfaction and engagement, and, most importantly, a higher return on investment.

Although the world of shopping has largely turned to online means for buying and selling, maintaining foot traffic to your physical business is still crucial for forming long-lasting customer relationships, loyalty, and providing service. Customers that shop in-person have the chance to experiment with your products and ask questions before buying in a more personal face-to-face setting. Here are some ways to increase foot traffic to your business and ultimately boost sales by building customer relationships in-person.

Offer an In-person Only Sale or Coupon

An easy way to get customers through the door is to offer an exclusive, in-person only coupon, sales event, or discount. Alternatively, having a “first come, first serve” sale with limited inventory is also a great way to encourage customers to visit your store. These methods provide incentives for consumers to take the time to drive to your store and get to know your business more personally than just through your online presence. Additionally, offering fun events like a free giveaway or prize drawing can also attract customers to your business.

Refresh your Signage and Branding Materials

Make sure your storefront is appealing to customers by using an up-to-date and vibrant sign that markets your business and your brand or logo. If you are using an aged or damaged sign, contacting a sign repairs company is a great first step to ensuring that your store makes a good first impression to customers. Signs that follow contemporary design trends like minimalism and abstraction are more likely to entice customers. Also, regularly refreshing your branded social media pages and website helps to attract new consumers and visitors to your store.

Use Online Tools to Advertise Effectively

Market your in-person store to consumers by regularly posting on your business’s social media pages, blog, or website. These online platforms can be a great way to inform a wide audience about your upcoming in-person sales and increase foot traffic and participation for them. Optimizing your online presence is crucial for informing new customers about your business and for identifying new or changing target audiences. Customer-written online reviews are widely trusted by consumers, so encouraging patrons to make testimonials or comments on your website or social media sites is a great (and free!) way to draw in customers.

Overall, there are many ways to increase foot traffic to your physical business or store. Offering in-person discounts or coupons, updating your signs and branded materials, and building a strong online presence to reach your audience can help increase visitors to your store and thus boost your sales over time. Be sure to be creative with your in-person events to draw in new potential customers!

Both purchase order and proforma invoice are commercial documents that are used in international transactions. Most individuals get confused about the use of these two documents. If you’re one of them, then this post is for you. Keep reading to learn how purchase orders and Proforma Invoice are different from each other!

Differences Between Proforma Invoice and Purchase Order

Here are the points of differences between the Purchase Order and Proforma Invoice :

1. Definition

Proforma Invoice: A proforma invoice is a document involved in international trade, which is issued by the exporter in order to conform to the terms and conditions imposed on the goods or services to the supplier in a written format.

Purchase Order: A purchase order is another commercial document involved in international trade that is issued by the importer in order to authorize the transaction.

2. Issuers

A proforma invoice is issued by the exporter to the importer as a written proof of agreement on the terms and conditions. On the other hand, a purchase order is generated by an importer to seek the attention of the exporter.

3. Delivery Terms

Proforma Invoice: Generally, the CIF, CIP, CPT and CFR delivery terms are more likely to need a proforma invoice instead of a purchase order. This is because these incoterms signify that the sellers are required to arrange and pay the main carriage charges.

Purchase Order: Under the delivery terms like FCA, EXW and FOB, importers can issue a Purchase Order instead of a proforma invoice because the main carriage is arranged and paid by the importers.

4. Business Status

Proforma Invoice: First-time orders always demand a proforma invoice more than a PO because the importers may not have the complete details of the transaction including the details of the shipment, which is required to generate a purchase order.

Purchase Order: If importer and exporter have involved in a good business relationship, meaning regular shipments are made from the exporter to importer, then a purchase order is used more than the proforma invoice.

5. Information Needed

Proforma Invoice: A proforma invoice is relatively easy and simple and it doesn’t require much details. This is the main reason why first-time importers prefer generating it when they don’t have a lot of information about the exporter.

A proforma invoice requires the following information :

• Complete Customer Details (The details of your company)
• Supplier Details (Details of the exporter)
• Port of discharge
• Delivery address
• Product details(type, quantity, weight, etc)
• Unit price
• Banking information

Purchase Order: A Purchase Order requires more details as compared to the Proforma Invoice. It should include everything in detail such as a detailed description of products including their name, color, type, size, material, etc. Further, other details such as product dimensions, designs, and material documentation is also required in a purchase order.

Here is what you’ll need to include in a purchase order :

• Name of Product
• Colors
• Materials
• Applicable Standards
• File Attachments
• Quantity

Apart from product information, a purchase order also required the following information :

• Full details of your company
• Contact person (Name, Contact info)
• Purchase Order Number
• Full details of the Supplier
• Delivery Address
• Incoterms (for example: FOB)
• Requested delivery time

In addition, you can also include the unit price you’re expecting. However, note that the price will not be finalised until the supplier issues their proforma Invoice. But it’s still a good practice because it signals the supplier that you’ll not accept the products if the price goes beyond your expectations. In other words, it helps in negotiating with the supplier indirectly.

So, these are the five main differences between a Purchase Order and a Proforma Invoice.