Labels for LifeLabels for Life will give tips for organizing your life, home and office.

Do you shudder when tax-time comes? Do shoeboxes of bills and receipts confront you in April? Organize yourself for tax-time all year round.

Mom and Dad at Taxtime

All is not lost. There’s still time to get ready for April 2009 without getting flustered. You can do one better for 2009 records. At the very beginning of the year grab a file folder, duly label it Tax year 2009. In you pop those DMV bills that let you claim license fees on your 1040. If you have medical bills, prescription, flex or HSA claims, pop them in or better yet, have a separate sub-folder for them. An accordion file, subcategorized with appropriate labels, is another device for all your tax papers.

If you have a home office and who doesn’t these days, have a separate file for your mortgage bills. If you claim your home office on your personal income tax it’s a sound idea to have your mortgage bills readily available. Have you made charitable contributions? Those receipts should also be safely tucked away to claim your deductions. For small business home offices you might have other claims. Do you claim a percentage of your utility bills, landscaping and gardening and other such expenses? All this paperwork should also be ready at hand.

When February rolls around, the bank will send you your mortgage annual statements. 1099s will arrive daily in the mail. All your annual stock statements will be arriving. Immediately stock them away in your 1040 file. As soon as they are all there, you can easily start on your income tax return.

Once those returns are done, you can begin to relax. Maybe for once you can actually enjoy those April showers and flowers and Spring! There’s one more chore, however. If there are credit card statements and other expenses that you couldn’t take any deductions for, if you don’t need them for anything else, do shred and discard them. Returns from previous years and back-up paperwork for them can be archived and put away so they don’t clutter up your new filing system. If you follow these simple tips, when tax-time rolls around again, you will be less stressed. With no disorganization and chaos to deal with, come tax-time you will save time and tax-time will become less taxing!

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Credit card companies, financial institutions and others are constantly pushing everyone to save some trees and request ebills. One reason why people are reluctant is probably their limited access to digital storage. But no more. These days all sorts of storage is available in the internet “cloud.”

Digital photographs, videos, all sorts of electronic files, your daily backups can all be stored in a safe, remote location right from your own desktop. There are many advantages to this not the least of which is being invariably forced to sort through all the digital data cluttering up your hard drive, categorize them in some way, choose and pick from them and in short, get organized!

Digital storage totally bypasses the need to buy and burn and make custom labels for CDs or DVDs and store them in boxes on shelves. However, if you do choose to use CDs or DVDs make sure to label and mark them as you go. With web storage, digital information is freed from one computer and /or location. It can be accessed from almost anywhere via any internet-connected device.

Earlier this month Microsoft launched its SkyDrive service that offers 5GB of free, safe storage accessed via one’s Live ID. SkyDrive offers personal, shared and public folders which facilitates safe file-sharing with friends and family and the public at large.

Free, unlimited storage is available from MediaFire. One doesn’t need to register for this site. The site is accessed via a cookie stored in the individual’s computer. However, it is recommended that one register for their free account. This way there is no chance of unwittingly deleting the cookie and losing all one’s stored files. MediaFire, at the moment, offers unlimited uploads but each file is limited to 100 MB. MediaFire also offers safe, personal file storage and the ability to safely share files with others.

Mozy

Xdrive offers 5GB of free storage for backups. However, for under $10 a month or an annual charge of $99.50, it is possible to get 50 GB for backup of one’s personal data. Carbonite offers only paid but unlimited storage for backups. Box.net offers 1 GB for free and 5GB for a charge of $7.95 a month. Mozy Online Backup Home offers 2GB for free and unlimited storage for $4.95 a month.

Goods shipping are hollering on the phone that they have run out of shipping labels and the re-order for the new ones has not arrived.

Do you:

(a)    Tell them to write them out by hand on sticky labels;

(b)   Tell them the person who usually does the ordering has fallen into the Grand Canyon and not done the re-order;  or

(c)    Get online and find a supplier who will deliver the new shipping labels at the right quality, right price and right now!

Pretty obviously the answer is c., but when you get online you will be confronted by hundreds of thousands of print stores offering you shipping labels yesterday!

So how do you choose which supplier to fulfill the order?

To get the labels on time and looking as they should follow these tips when ordering online.

First, deal with established print and design outlets that have a physical base in the country.  Many of the internet sites are glossy fronts for overseas print companies with many offering very cheap pricing because they are based in the Far East and especially China.  Your delivery will not be seen for possibly several weeks and certainly not this week.  You can check this by looking for a physical mailing address and a landline telephone number; if the web site you have selected shows neither, avoid them and move on to the next potential supplier on your list.

Second, online purchasing is becoming more the norm than the exception.  Modern online security is very safety conscious and you are fully protected in the event of mishap.  But you do need to make sure you are dealing with a print provider who is operating a retail website and has the necessary “back-end” to provide the security.  When you are looking at a payment screen on your computer, look in the browser bar where the website address is entered – you are looking for https://websitename.com – note that little “s” after http; that means it is a secure and protected section of the site which is safe for you to use with your banking and credit card information.  If it doesn’t have this – move on to the next supplier on your list.

Third, look for customer reviews elsewhere on the internet.  Once you have found a potential supplier, simply put their name into your search engine along with something like, “customer reviews” and see what comes up.  Bad news travel fast and furious especially if the company behaves unscrupulously or badly towards customers, so in this instance, treat no news as good news though it is always assuring to read positive comments.

Fourth, if this is truly a rush order, call the company up and explain the situation to them.  Be prepared to pay a little extra for the privilege but you can also negotiate with other business that you have too.  Shipping labels are something you are going to use again and again, so be sure to ask the supplier questions such as will the price be the same for re-order and what are the minimum (and maximum) order quantities they are able to handle as well as typical turnaround times.

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I’ve always loved dogs. People always say, “There are dog people and there are cat people.” While I do like cats, I really have always gotten along so well with dogs. I worked in an office for years but my heart just wasn’t in it. It was a job…you know what I mean? But I always smiled when I came home to my dog. I think a lot of people are that way. So when my company closed in this lousy economy I took a leap of faith and started what I’d always dreamed of: a doggy daycare. I named it See Spot Run Doggy Daycare – cute right? I found the perfect storefront and several college kids to take care of dogs with me. It was perfect. Except I didn’t think about how to promote my business!

I really started to panic. I mean, I’d put so much time, money and myself into this business. But my husband said, “What about bumper stickers?” He travels a lot on the road for business and he always likes to tell me about funny bumper stickers he’s seen. He’s even called me from the road about a good one – so I realized that if my husband is looking at bumper stickers then other people are too! I placed an order that afternoon for full color bumper stickers.

It was really easy to order the bumper stickers. I added my logo of “Spot” the mascot dog and chose my font. I wanted a bright and colorful bumper sticker. I chose purple and yellow – something I knew would really get attention out there and looked fun. I added our company name and our telephone number and website url. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on those bumper stickers.

When the bumper stickers came in, I gave them to friends and family and to the clients I had. “How cute!” one of my customers said as she attached it to her convertible. I smiled as I watched her drive away. With her dog leaning out the car, it was like the perfect advertisement for my doggy daycare.

After a few days, the telephone started to ring and people and their dogs were walking in. My business picked up by 35% in just two weeks! I know it was because of those bumper stickers because I didn’t have a chance to do any other advertising. And the best thing about the bumper stickers is I didn’t have to wait for a magazine or newspaper advertisement deadline. The bumper  stickers also last and last on someone’s vehicle. I designed them to look so cute that I knew people would enjoy driving around with them!

My days are pretty busy now, walking dogs and taking care of them all day. Some people think when you run a doggy daycare that it is all fun and games but it is really a hard job sometimes. But I love it, I really do. I mean where else am I going to get to spend my entire day around all of these great dogs and make them all happy? And I think my office days are behind me.

So I’m really glad I listened to my husband about those bumper stickers. They were the easiest thing I’ve done to let people know about my doggy daycare – and at a price that simply can’t be beat!

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As the holidays approach, many are thinking about sending out packages. Whether you have a business or personal packages to send out – the holidays create an ideal time to use festive address labels.

The best address labels have plenty of room for a To address and a From address. They also have room to include international addresses. An address label with extra space means a business or individual can add a telephone number or a second telephone number to contact in case there is difficulty delivering a package. This is a great convenience and an ideal addition in today’s age of unique addresses.

Holiday mailing address labels let your business celebrate the holidays and pass along your Seasons Greetings to everyone who comes into contact with the package. From the package handlers at the Post Office or other delivery center to the mail room where the package is delivered, people will smile as they see your package. The holidays are simply a time when people and businesses seem just a bit warmer and friendlier. It is the perfect time to share your greetings.

Best of all, these Seasons Greetings go out into the world to connect with potential new customers for your business. No matter what products or services you sell – they will be attracted by a festive holiday address label. This address label reminds people of this special time of year and also for the reason for sending the package.

There are many ways to accent your festive holiday address label. Try sprigs of holly or ornaments. Or snowflakes and a wintery scene. Adding a small graphic is quite similar to including a holiday card with your package, and very much like the saying goes “a picture tells a thousand words.” Select festive holiday images that are ideal and that many people will enjoy. Snowflakes are a perfect choice for many as most think of snow during this time.

Print your festive holiday address label with a font that is easy to read. Some may decide to go a bit overboard, choosing a fancy font for their holiday packages too. Often this is a mistake – as then their packages are made much harder to deliver. While a pretty calligraphy font does look very festive, there are lots of people who may squint a bit at this font and wonder if those numbers are what they seem. Don’t leave that overworked post office worker guessing during this season! Use a font like Times New Roman or Courier.

Some companies today use their holiday address labels instead of including holiday greeting cards with their packages. As a business, this can be an excellent way of not only saving money but to also be “green” and act environmentally responsible. In today’s business climate there are many clients who will respond favorably to see a business that acts in a “green” manner and this will also respond them to act accordingly. This is an easy way to make a “green” decision that celebrates the winter holidays for your business.

Classic holiday colors for address labels include red, green, silver, gold, blue and white. But choose colors that are ideal and complimentary to your business, corporate culture and your logo or graphic design on the current packaging. Adding a festive holiday foil label that is complimentary is an ideal decision.

Don’t you just love the holidays? It is traditionally a season of goodwill and love for everyone. There’s something just more friendly about the holidays, even if you are in a corporate setting. People seem more cheerful – it is like there is something in the air. Why it is probably all of the gourmet goodies and treats that come into the office at this time!

Gourmet goodies and treats are the #1 holiday gift for business gifts. Whether you have a large or small business, it seems like they are the most welcomed gift. Everyone can’t resist having a little nibble of chocolate covered popcorn, cookies or candy. Sweets or other treats are a holiday tradition across the globe for all winter holidays. Sharing gourmet goodies and treats is a wonderful way to express your goodwill and cheer and express your company’s personality.

One great tip is to consider buying gourmet goodies or treats and then add your own holiday foil stickers. This is much more convenient than a card, which will likely get lost as the gourmet goodies get passed around the office. A holiday label subtlety promotes your company and the relationship that the two of you have. This is an excellent way to remind this company of the strong business relationship you have – and share something delicious for the holidays!

We suggest you don’t just pick out “any” gourmet goodie – you want to pick out something that expresses your company’s personality and style and also will be the type that your client will want to dive into. Every business or industry is just a bit different. One great idea is to look for goodies that are made by charities or groups that assist people in some way – giving back for the holidays. A nonprofit group might especially appreciate a gift that helps a charity or group that makes the product. The young internet company that works long into the night could enjoy chocolate covered espresso beans, a sweet way to devour your caffeine source (and very addictive!). There are many gourmet treats out there once you start to search – don’t worry, you’ll find just the right one.

Make your holiday label truly festive. Add colorful graphic and use color or even photos. Remember to add a picture of your company or your company logo so people can easily see this treat is from you. Create a holiday greeting that is both warm and sincere. Many companies choose “Happy Holidays” or “Happy New Year” as their ideal choice. Add your company name as a “signature” – or if there is enough space, add your staff names to sign.

Holiday treats are the perfect choice for every business client on your list. This is a gift that everyone in the office can enjoy. The holidays are a time when most people are willing to have that extra indulgence, and they welcome the opportunity to have a sweet treat or other gourmet treat. Your holiday treat will remind them of your friendship and bring a smile to their day!

Toys Noticed This Holiday Season with Product Labels

Let’s face it – there are a lot of toys on the shelf this holiday season. Every advantage you have to stand out could make the difference between making a sale – or being the Closeout item come this January. Custom Product Labels give your toys a polished and professional look every time.

Toys deserve labels with a highly original and especially playful look. You aren’t going to find that with just an “everyday” label. Labels are important on children’s toys. They can remind parents to buy batteries, of appropriate age levels for a child’s toy or if there are non-toxic or choking hazards in your toy(s). Best of all, a label gets special attention – a label often comes in a contrasting or complimentary color and really stands out. This makes parents pay close attention to whatever you have chosen to put on the label.

A custom product label is an ideal way to point out your USP (unique selling position) for your toy this holiday season. Perhaps your toy is an educational toy that has received outstanding reviews from well-respected publications. A custom product label permits you to highlight these reviews or commendations on your toy’s packaging in a show stopping way.

You can also introduce new features or characters using a custom product label. If your toy has been on the market for awhile but you’ve made some changes to this new version, custom product labels can introduce new and current customers to your changes. Many customers may not read every detail on the toy’s packaging before buying. That custom product label can help you entice buyers – and also avoid confusion or disappointment. If your toy has switched age ranges for example – the parent of a four-year old will want to know that your toy is now appropriate for ages six through eight, not four through eight.

A custom product label is also a unique opportunity to encourage customer (and child) interactivity. If your toy company has a website with interactive features – or free things for purchasers of that toy – a custom product label is an ideal opportunity to highlight this feature. Best of all, you’ll get both adults and children excited about the idea of visiting your website to check out coloring pages, puzzles, games or other fun things they might have otherwise missed out on.

The best custom product label is one that both compliments and also contrasts your toy’s packaging. So if your doll is packaged in a sweet little girl pink color box, consider not choosing another pink color for the customer product label color – but a contrasting color or a color that will compliment yet also stand out. Try another girl favorite color like purple. Or green or blue. Or a metallic custom product label for extra shine – making your label gold, silver or another metallic color.

Custom product labels can be a toy company’s best friend. Children love stickers and will happily look for stickers wherever they go. When they see a sticker on a toy they like, this alone will encourage them to stop and look longer as they view the sticker. Make your custom product labels appeal both to children as well as adults. Remember that you have two different customer bases when it comes to a toy purchase.

If you have a business that ships a product, now is the time to get ready. The holidays are U.S.P.S. and other shipping services’ busy season. Many retailers say they do the majority of their business during the holiday months. You don’t want to miss out on those customers who want to ship something to a family member or friend. Remember – every customer who ships your product to someone could create a potential customer for your business!

That’s why now is the time to get plenty of shipping labels. Not only basic shipping labels like “everyone” else has, but shipping labels that really stand out. Your business should have customized shipping labels with your company name, address, logo and other information on them. Ideally they will be done in your company’s chosen colors. Doing a shipping label using these methods will really make your package stand out from the pack.

Your shipping label should contain certain information to be the most useful to you. Always include your company name, street address, city, state and zip code. Also consider including your website url. Remember that as your package travels people will be looking at it. Simply looking at your package may prompt a sale. That attractive looking label may have a potential customer curious for more. Giving them your website url makes things much more convenient for them (and for you) as they start to shop.

Best of all, every time you ship out a package – you can think of that package as an ambassador for your business. If you are tempted to go with the “everyday” or basic labels, look at them again honestly and ask yourself: is this what you want an ambassador of your company to look like? Most likely you want your company ambassador to be as well presented as possible. You want them to come in your company colors, to have your company logos and to stand out from the pack.

When a gift recipient gets several packages, your package should be the one that tempts them the most to open. With shipping labels that look polished and professional, your package is the one they’ll be the most eager to open!

Whether your business sells ski hats, suntan lotion, surfboards, swim fins or other toys for boys and girls – your shipping label should best represent your company. You want a shipping label that has eager hands ready to open that package and reveal its contents. Or to have them visit your website for great gift ideas for their friends and family members.

Choose shipping labels with contemporary and classic designs that always get attention. Whether your business is large or Mom and Pop, your shipping labels should be top-rate! Always let your company ambassadors represent you well as they travel across the country – and beyond. Today’s gift recipient can be tomorrow’s big order of the day – well impressed with a great looking label and a well packaged gift. You never know where your next customer will come from!

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If you have a contracting company, I bet you’d like to know one of the easiest ways to advertise it. I’ll give you a hint: they’re walking around in front of you all day.

Give up? Okay, we’ll let you in on the secret….add Hardhat Stickers to your hardhats. This is an excellent way to make every employee on the job at your sites remind people that Grafton’s Lumber or Smithton’s Contracting is hard at work. And if people like what they see – then they know who to call.

A Hardhat Decal is not merely an advertising method, it’s also a top-notch way of protecting your job site. We all know that your typical job site is a busy place with trucks, other vehicles and people coming in and out all day. If everyone on your job site wears one of your hardhats with a Hardhat Decal, it’s an easy way to scout out someone who doesn’t belong or just plain looks funny there. And in today’s day and age you sure do need to protect your business.

A Hardhat Decal can easily tell people about your company without your needing to say a word. Put your phone number and website on the decal. Add your company logo. Include the months or years you’ve been accident-free on the job. Each of these are great ways to promote your company.

Remember that many of your construction workers will carry their Hardhats with them in their off-hours. This is easy advertising for you even when they are not on a job site. Remind them to mind their manners and that they represent the company as they carry your Hardhat. A polite interaction could lead to a new customer or business relationship for you. Why, it’s like each of these Hardhats becomes silent salespeople for you!

So don’t do things the hard way when you can choose an easier method. Look into Hardhat decals to promote and protect your construction business.

Contact Maverick Label if you are interested in purchasing hardhat stickers or any labels for your business. They are pros in the business. Call 1-800-537-8816, Toll Free from USA & Canada  (425) 771-6500 (Elsewhere)

Looking for an edge over the competition? Now that’s an obvious question! Who wouldn’t like some tips to reach a bit farther than your closest competition is right now? We are telling you to go 3D. Go 3D all the way with Dome Labels and Stickers!

Dome Labels and Stickers have got not just the eye-appeal but a unique texture that makes your potential customer want to reach out and touch them. They’re simply irresistible! The Dome Labels and Stickers have a thick, yet crystal-clear polyurethane dome laid over the label or sticker, giving it a unique appearance. These aren’t your Dad’s stickers anymore: they’ve totally gone 3-D in the wildest way. Look to the Domed stickers for that product or service you want to get attention. With these labels, you’ll easily have the advantage.

So if you’ve got a new software program, coffee bean, virus scanner or anything else people will want to buy – this is something you’ll want to pay attention to. It’s this easy: people like things that go “pop” “wham” and especially – “WOW!” when they look at them. The Dome Labels totally say “WOW!” to your customers – even before first names are exchanged.

The Dome Labels and Stickers seem to “float” a bit above their surface for a cool 3-D effect. That’s the polyurethane at work. Remembering that old adage about a potential customer needing to see your company name at least 20x before it sinking in – these labels pack a 1-2 punch, grabbing their attention and making it simply impossible to look away.

Let’s face it: there’s a lot of noise out there. So you’ve got to make some of your own. With stickers people can’t keep their paws off of, you’re making some noise people will pay attention to. Not every marketing gimmick is quite as appealing as these 3-D stickers as we are sure you would agree. When you choose a marketing tactic you want something that has easy popularity and is instantly appealing.

What’s the best thing about the dome labels? They are totally cool and collectible. Your company’s latest product easily can become viral when you give these Dome Labels and Stickers as give-aways to teens, college students or other passionate markets. They’ll stick your 3-D catchy, full-color labels in places where other people will see them, want to touch them and be curious about what you’re offering. Bet you anything they’re gonna want one too!