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How to Hire a Car in Australia | What You Need to Know

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If you plan to visit Australia, you need to know that a car will be essential for easy transport. How much time you will be spending in the country also matters when it comes to your mode of transportation. If you are staying for weeks, hiring a car will do you good, but if you plan to stay for months or even years, purchasing a car will be economical. Australia is considered one of the countries where people are allowed to drive at a young age. At 14, you can drive under your parent’s supervision. Most states will offer you a driver’s license at the age of 17. These qualifications, however, change when it comes to hiring a car in Australia. Here is what you need to know

1. You must be 21 or older

Car hiring companies will only allow you to hire a car if you have attained 21. If you are an Australian citizen, this means that your license will be three years old. If you are a visitor, you should have an open license that has been operational for at least one year. additional charges are given to people below the age of 25 and above the age of 75.

2. A car hire insurance is mandatory

If you are planning to travel to Sydney and need car hire for special events, you need to understand that an excess cover is necessary. This insurance will cover you against damage to the car and other properties.

3. You pick the car when it’s a full tank, and it’s expected to return that way

Whether you pick the hired car at the airport or a designated point, the hiring company will bring the car when it is fully fueled. It is expected of you that it is as it was when you received it on the day of returning. If you are coming from overseas, it will be better to book a classic car hire in Sydney online.

4. You need to stay in contact with the hiring company the whole time

When you hire a car, the hiring company has the right to know where you are taking their car and what you are doing with it. For example, it is prohibited to take a rented vehicle into ferries. That is why you need to have GPS either on the car or your mobile phone.

5. Adhere to the road rules

Australian roads are well taken care of, and any mistake you make on the road will warrant infringement notices sent to the hiring company. Be assured that this will cost you a lot. Here are some basic rules you should never forget.

  • Keep left when driving.
  • Don’t make left turns on any red signals.
  • Drunk driving is a crime. If you exceed the 0.5% limit, then you are on the wrong side of the law.
  • Seat belts on all seats are compulsory.
  • Never use your mobile phone when driving.
  • Pay your fines before leaving the country. Failure might lead to the refusal of car hires or the cancellation of your visa to the country.

10 Tips to Find the Best Massage Therapist in Australia

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The whole process of massage will be determined by the skill of the massage therapist you chose. Therefore, it is essential to consider some factors before scheduling a session, as this will dictate if the event will be a great one.

1. Ask for referrals

Your family or friend who mostly gets massages can get you information on why they love going for the sessions. In addition, they can provide you with a list of professionals who can attend to you.

2. Reading of reviews

It is always good to go through reviews online and see what others have to say regarding location, surroundings, and the quality of services rendered before settling for a choice.

3. Check availability

The type of meeting, variety of services being provided, and the days convenient for you will help you decide. The schedule for appointment booking and letting your therapist be aware can enable you to get a good spot.

4. Inquire about experience and licenses

Please check on their experience to ensure that you acquire the best services. Some therapy methods also require specialized training; hence, it is always important to ask to get a general idea of your ideal therapist.

5. Attend Pre-massage Consultation

Going for consultations will enable you to make the right choice since a proper analysis is done on you, past medical issues, and what you want to achieve is determined. With this, proper targets will be placed for your program.

6. Determine your need first

The various therapies are tailored for a specific situation and expectation. For example, patting off the upper body or spine stretch is meant for a specific office syndrome. The service will base on the training of the professional on how to conduct the therapy. You can also find a remedial massage in Brisbane Northside is for relaxation.

7.Consider the location

It is essential to look around you first. The distance and your willingness and frequency to travel will make a difference if you create time to fit into your schedule.

8. Communicate with your therapist

Good communication will ensure you get the best experience; hence it is essential to have a genuine conversation with your therapist.

9. Knowing your preference

The service to be provided will be based on your preference in terms of the gender of the therapist and the nature of the atmosphere you like. Some people prefer home-based sessions. You will know your therapist well and how helpful they can be.

10. Inquire about the costs

Ensure that you have asked about the fees of the therapy and if there are discounts. It will enable you to work within your budget. Different modalities vary in rates, and some may have concealed charges.

Final thoughts

With the above tips covered, positive results can be achieved, and there is a need for people to be more driven towards their physical health. A relaxed body can increase productivity and mental stability. Consider paying a visit to your therapist frequently for improved wellness of the body.

Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival Economic Impact

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the cup for racing

Have you heard of the Turnbull Stakes, The Sandown Guineas or the Moonee Valley Cup? These races run during The Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival. It is among the biggest and best events that appear on the sporting calendar. Organised in Melbourne, it occurs during the spring season and attracts many contestants from all over the continent. Besides the race, the carnival brings lots of foods, wine, fashion, and entertainment worldwide. As such, the economy in Melbourne and the cities around blossom during this time of the year. This article explores the economic impact that Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival has on the city and its environs.

It Generates Business Opportunities for the Locals

At the onset of the carnival, you can feel the heat from Melbourne. Local businesses begin to brace up to receive visitors and host them in the best possible way. They will start preparing all categories of cuisines and drinks. The hotel industry also blooms as these visitors find a place to stay during the carnival. Most hotels are usually fully booked by this time, hence making full returns for the owners. It is a beautiful time for the locals to reap massively.

It Boosts the Economy by Far

Festivals such as carnivals attract visitors. Visitors will be spending money while in the city, which boosts the local economy (on-site and the environs). For example, those attending the carnival will spend on admission fees, parking fees, food, beverages, and souvenir sales. If every person spends at least $40 per day, this translates into rich pockets for the locals. Looking at a broader perspective, the visitors will make stops at the local gas stations, restaurants, and souvenir shops. When night time comes, they will be spending time at the hotels within the city, bringing more revenue to the locals. Even the Turnball stakes go up. It is a win-win situation.

It Promotes Tourism in Melbourne

When visitors come to the city for the carnival, they are tourists. They will spend time at the carnival for a few days, bringing more money to the city. If they are not at the festival, they will visit the nearby attractions such as museums, national parks, theme parks, and resorts for some outdoor fun. It is a great time to explore Melbourne. As they move around, they will spend on different things such as food and hotels, contributing to more profits to the locals. It is a touristic event that wins better returns for Melbourne. If one sees great spots in Melbourne, they will tell more people about them, promoting tourism. Even better, they might plan to revisit the city and further explore.

It Brings Pride to the Community

How does it feel when you host visitors in your home? Visitors always come with great things. Hosting the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival alone is a prestigious title. The greatest thing about it is that it comes with goodies and profits for the locals in business. In preparation for the event, Melbourne’s administrators’ prep the city and venue in order to accommodate the visitors. It is a plus for the residents.

Carnivals are great. The Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival has been happening every year and has brought loads of benefits to both the attendees and contestants. While they focus on the core values of the business, Melbourne rejoices from the huge economic benefits. It is a touristic event that stimulates tourism growth, the growth of the business, and Melbourne’s economy at large.

How to buy stocks in the Australian stock market

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stock market crash with covid and stock picks recovery

The current stock market is in turmoil with a lot of volatility in share prices here in Australia, however there is a growing number of people who think getting in now could be profitable for them in the long term. So how do you get into the stock market ? How do you buy shares to take advantage of the current stock market tumble.

There are two different ways that you can get into the stock market  and buy and sell shares

1. Sign up with bank share trading account that allows you to buy and sells shares

2. Sign up with a stock broker that specifically allows you to buy and sell shares.

There are other ways to buy shares like buying a bunch of blue-chip stocks or buying an ETF (which is also buying a bunch of shares) – but we will come to that later.

Banks as a stock trading buy and sell platform

Most big banks allow you to sign up with them for a stock trading account so that you can buy and sell shares. If you are already signed up with one of them, just enquire with them. Here is a list of banks that facilitate stock trading

1. Commonwealth bank ( Comsec – their share trading platform)

comsec trading australia

2. National Australia Bank ( Nabtrade – their share trading platform)

nabtrade

Below we give you further details about brokerage fees these bank charge and also prices for some popular dedicated share trading platforms.

How much money do I need to start trading the stock market?

Technically, there’s no minimum amount of money needed to start investing in stocks. But you probably need at least $500 — $2,000 to really get started right.

How do I make money in the stock market?

There are many ways to make money in the stock market, however the most simple method to understand this is when you buy a share today that cost you $500 , but its worth tomorrow is $600 and so you sold it – then you just made $100

To break that into much more realistic detail and give you an example

Eg. Say you got $500 to invest

Westpac bank shares are $15 each today, so you bought 32 Westpac shares

32 Westpac shares X $15= $480 + (add $10 bank fees for buying)

Total cost is $490 to buy the shares

Three days later (or six months later), there is a bit of recovery and Westpac share price rises and is $20 each share.

You had bought $32 shares earlier; you sell it today for $20 (that’s a $5 increase in the share price)

32 shares x $20 =$640 – $10 bank fees

You have $630 from your sell

Sell price $630 – Bought price $490 = Your profit $140

The bank does not charge you anything for holding the shares, but charge you for each buy and sell, which bring us to our next point -broker fees.

Now say if that investment was $5000 instead of $500 your profit could be $740 in one trade

How much does it cost me to buy and sell shares?

stocks to check

Every broker and every bank have different set of prices for buying and selling shares. It really comes down to ease of use, broker fees and availability of stocks to trade on each platform. Here is short comparison of some top bank and broker fees

Share trading fees – Banks

Commonwealth Bank – Comsec Fees:

For shares under $1000 in value – $10 each transaction

For trades between $1,000 and $10,000 – $19.95 each transaction

This is called the brokerage fee

Website https://www.commsec.com.au/support/rates-and-fees.html

National Australia Bank – Nabtrade Fees:

Up to and including $5,000 – $14.95 each transaction

From trades between $5,000.01 – $20,000 – $19.95 each transaction

Website https://www.nabtrade.com.au/investor/pricing

Share trading fees – Brokers

Two popular brokers apart from Banks are Self wealth and Ig markets. They both allow trading in Australian stocks as well as international stocks and CFD.

Self-wealth trading fees:

Brokerage fee for every trade, regardless of size – flat $9.50 (Only Australian Shares)

self wealth trading

Website https://www.selfwealth.com.au/online-trading/

 

IG markets Trading fees:

Trading Australian shares – $8 per trade or 0.1% whichever is higher

For US markets – US$10, or 2 cents per share

ig markets australia

Website:https://www.ig.com/au/charges

With IG markets you can do Australian and US stock market trading and also trade in CFD’s for which you have to sign up separately with them.

Other share trading platforms worth mentioning are ANZ share trading, Bell Direct and CMC markets.

Other new low brokerage share trading platforms introduced lately   is superhero, Raiz & Comsec pocket.

Most banks and stock trading brokers provide additional data and tools for company and stock analysis, creating watchlists, setting price alerts, creating specific set price buys and more. Features offered can differ from platform to platform.

With Comsec and Self wealth – All trades are CHESS sponsored

There are two ways for shares to be held:

CHESS Sponsored Shares – Shares that are registered with a stock broker (CommSec or another broker). CHESS Sponsored Shares are allocated a Holder Identification Number (HIN) by the broker.

Issuer Sponsored Shares – Shares that are managed by the issuer of those shares via the issuer’s Share Registry. Issuer Sponsored Shares can be traded through any broker, providing conditions set out by that broker are met. Issuer Sponsored Shares are allocated a Security Reference Number (SRN).

In reality it does not make much difference to your trading profit, if it is chess sponsored or issuer sponsored.

Risky Stock Trading with penny stocks

There is a difference between big companies and small companies (smallcaps) and with small companies come more risk in comparison with blue chip stocks like BHP, Westpac.

Some traders can get lucky and pick a small company stock that can become a winner.

Take for example FMG – Fortescue Metals Group (iron ore miner)

This stock was once trading for between $2 and $3 – Today the price is $10

Say you dropped $5000 when it was $2, so you got 2500 shares of FMG

You sold it when it reached $10 today x 2500 shares=$25,000

You just made $25,000 from $5,000, however this is very rare- though people have gotten lucky with their stock picks and made money.

FMG was once a small cap with lot of debt and considered risky, but now they have paid up their debts and are considered much safer than they were before.

ETF’s

Another popular method of buying into shares right now is called ETF’s . With buying an ETF you have options like buying into a group of shares  where you can also invest by putting money in a regular basis  as low as $50 a month/week. Some providers/brokers also allow you to invest  in ASX 50 or a lumpsum into a group of blue chip stocks.

ETF’s are available through bank trading platforms

Learning how to trade the stock markets is essential, before you decide to have a punt on your hard-earned money.

The stock market can make you money, but it can also take your money and put you at a loss. Doing dummy trading, joining stock trading groups and researching companies for three to six months is a good idea before jumping right in. Good luck!

Article written by Jeff – I blog about stock trading – Check my stock market blog over here

4 Common Relocation Mistakes You Should Avoid At All Costs

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shifting homes

Source:https://www.pexels.com/photo/happy-couple-unpacking-boxes-in-new-home-4247768/

They say you commit mistakes to bridge the gap between inexperience and experience. But moving home isn’t exactly the best time for the hit and trial approach.

In fact, relocation is stressful and exhausting. One rookie mistake down the line can cost you a lot of money and energy. Therefore, these mistakes must be avoided at all costs.

In this post, we will talk about the 4 common relocation mistakes to avoid.

Not Curating A Moving Checklist

Most people underestimate the power of moving a checklist, and therefore, start the process without one. Not only does it lead to disorganisation and chaos, but chances are likely that you may forget one or the other important task that has to be done.

So, sit down. And before you start the planning process, write down everything you have to do pre-move, during the move, and post-move.

Once that list is ready, you can move ahead and start the work.

Making It A DIY Project

Many people assume that relocation is a DIY task. Mostly, because they want to save costs associated with hiring a professional moving company.

The truth is relocation is not a one man’s job. And while it may be tempting to avoid moving costs, things can get out of hand if you don’t know what you are doing. Moreover, if you are moving on your own, you will have to hire moving pods, buy various supplies and accessories, which will ultimately cost you a lot of money and energy. Plus, you may not know the tricks to move heavy furniture like the professionals.

So, it is advised that you hire reliable but cheap removalists in Sunshine Coast. Qualified movers have the knowledge and experience to tackle all kinds of relocations.

Waiting Until The Last Minute To Pack And Also, Being A PackRat

When it comes to packing, waiting last minute can lead to chaos that can further make unpacking much more difficult. So, ensure that you start packing as soon as you finalise the moving date.

Now, we are not asking you to pack everything in a go. Rather, go room by room, and wrap things at ease. Packing in haste is a recipe of disaster. So, take things slow, and label each box properly. You can also consider writing down a list of all the items every box contains.

Moreover, avoid making the mistake of packing all your belongings. You may have collected a lot of clothes, utensils, furniture, accessories over these years, but that doesn’t mean they have to gather a place in your new house too. Moving house is a perfect opportunity to declutter. So instead of being a packrat and moving everything you have, dispose of the things that you no longer need/ use.

Nobody likes to keep broken or useless goods with them. So take out some time and assess the stuff that you can donate/ sell or throw away.

For certain items that take a lot of space in your home but are needed only once a year, consider options of storage in Sunshine Coast.

Not Keeping An Essentials Bag For First Week At The New Place

A common mistake that a lot of people make is packing everything all together and forgetting to set out some essential items. Now, that can cause you extreme inconvenience.

So, make sure you pack an essentials bag with all the things you may need for the first week at your new place. With numerous things to look after, you may not get the time to unpack immediately after the relocation.

A bag with essentials can help you transition better.

TIP – Keep some clothes, toiletries, food items, towels, bedsheets, and medicines.

Final Thoughts

Moving can get stressful and overwhelming if you don’t have a set plan. So, plan everything in advance and avoid these mistakes to move without any hassles.

Hopefully, this was helpful.

Ready for a Starter Home? 5 Things you Must Keep in Mind

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start a home and costs involved

Homeownership rates in Australia are touted to reach 64% by 2021.

Undeniably, having a place to call your own is an incredible achievement, regardless of whether you are purchasing a starter home or a forever home.

This achievement is, however, a substantial financial undertaking that calls for preparation, foresight and a lot of diligence.

Are you in the market for your first home? If yes, here are five things to keep in mind.

1. Your Credit Score Will Matter Greatly

Your credit score is among the most significant determinants of what your loan’s terms are going to be.

It’s therefore advisable to know what it is, way in advance. If it’s less than pleasant, you will have some time to try and improve it before you actually make a loan application.

Australia scores individuals on a 0 to 1200 scale, with 500 to 700 considered as average. While you might still get a financier with a below-average score, this will likely be on higher interest terms.

A good score, by and large, gets you a better offer.

2. There Will be Additional Expenses

There are several other chargeable fees over and above the actual cost of the home. Some of these include insurance, repair costs, property taxes, association fees and so on.

You should, therefore, have the budget or income to cover not just these costs, but also to cover emergency costs that might arise.

Think ahead to how you intend to furnish your home and how much house leaves you with enough to do that.

If you’re on a shoestring budget, it’s advisable to start with the basics such as living room furniture, beds and bedding and basic kitchen utensils and appliances. But don’t rush to the shop if your old stuff is still usable.

However, don’t drag dilapidated belongings into your new home. If you live in the capital, and want to throw away your mattress, consider mattress recycling in Canberra instead of sending it to a landfill.

3. A Good Realtor is Key

Each neighbourhood has unique qualities and peculiarities you should be well aware of before making a purchase.

A credible agent will have a firm handle on what these are, as well as an array of properties with different features and a wide range of budgets.

As you shop for an agent, look for one with extensive experience and coverage in the area you are looking to settle in.

4. You Need a Reputable Home Inspector

A home inspection is done to identify any problems with a house that might require repairs or overhauls.

Without a reputable home inspector, you run the risk of missing some of these issues. The last thing you need is an inspector that overlooks problem areas just to help a seller or a realtor to make a sale.

If you are referred to a tried and tested agent, you can ask them to refer an inspector to you. If not, then you’re better off finding and vetting an inspector or an inspection company by yourself.

If you buy a house with major damage, you will find yourself in a pinch months or years after the purchase as repair and labour costs can get quite high.

5. You Need to Protect Your Financial Standing

Your pre-approval will be solely set within the information given at the time you make an application.

Any amendments like a job with a different salary, additional loans or job loss can result in your loan being denied when you begin the purchase process.

As much as possible, try to hold your financial position constant so as not to jeopardize your homeownership dream.

Easy Does It

Finding and buying a house is not a process that should be rushed. When you finally decide to take the steps towards homeownership, allow yourself the gift of time.

This should enable you to shop around for a great house in an enviable neighbourhood and at a good price.

It should also allow you the time to vet agents, inspectors and lenders. Ultimately, you deserve not only the home of your dreams, but you also deserve to get a good deal on the home of your dreams.

World’s Best Boss – 5 Tips For Keeping Employee Morale Up During The Coronavirus Pandemic

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Photo: Andrea Piacquadio / Pexels

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to wreak havoc on the world’s economy, many people are worried about their current and future state of employment. While workers deemed “essential” are still fortifying the work front, many laid-off workers wonder if and when they will return to their jobs.

Although times are uncertain right now, employers can do a lot to boost morale and ease the minds of their employees. If you’re an employer, take a look at the suggestions below to keep your workers’ spirits up as this worldwide crisis continues.

1. Give the Gift of Appreciation

COVID-19 has separated and isolated the public at large. As such, workers may feel disconnected at home and taken for granted in the workplace. As an employer, you can help your workers, both at home and in-office, feel connected and valued by giving corporate gifts of appreciation.

You’d be surprised at how much small gifts can help during this trying time. It will remind your employees that they are part of a larger group and that they are still valued as a member of the team.

2. Keep the Lines of Communication Open

Because times are uncertain right now, it’s important to keep the lines of communication open. Whether your employees are working from home, working in-person, or laid off during this time, you must keep them apprised of any and all changes taking place. By adopting an “open-door” policy, your employees still feel connected and able to discuss their concerns about work, family, and health with you.

3. Embrace Virtual Technology

As the coronavirus spreads, many people are forced to work from home. Aside from the traditional phone call or email, employers should adopt other forms of virtual tech to help employees feel less disconnected. Facetime, Skype, Zoom, and other online technologies make it possible to conduct one-on-one video calls as well as group video conferences over a wi-fi signal. As an employer, you should use as many virtual enhancements as possible to help your workers feel as if it’s business as usual, even if they’re quarantined at home.

4. Give Working Parents a Break

The rapid spread of the coronavirus has led to the mandatory closing of schools as well as some childcare centers. This leaves working parents struggling to balance their jobs with childcare. As the boss, it’s up to you to recognize this struggle and give your working parents a break when you can.

If their job isn’t one that needs to be done during normal business hours, you can allow them to work when it’s convenient for them. Alternately, you could relax project deadlines to give them more time to complete their work.

5. Make Sure Your Network Can Handle Remote Work

Despite the many reasons to be feeling down about COVID-19, many people are still motivated to do their jobs well. As such, your company’s network must be able to handle the influx of remote work that’s taking place. If it can’t, your workers may begin to feel dejected with an attitude of “why bother?”

If you notice that your IT infrastructure isn’t keeping up with the demand, you should get the expert help it takes to get things running smoothly for your employees. If you don’t have the funds for in-house IT workers, small business IT support services can save you in these difficult times.

No one knows just how long the coronavirus is going to continue to wreak havoc on the world. Until it’s all over, though, employers can help boost the morale of their employees by adopting some or all the suggestions listed above.

The crucial role of technological input in modern business

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property lease

When it comes to running a successful business, there is no getting around the fact that it is a job that demands constant attention to detail and intricate involvement on every level possible. These days, modern businesses are functioning and thriving at an all-time high, and a massive part of the reason why that is comes down to the fact that technological innovation has well and truly impacted the modern business landscape for the better. Of course, the goal of technological influence is always to improve an aspect of life as we know it, but the simple truth is that sometimes certain technological innovations have more of a profoundly positive impact across the board than others.

Today, the landscape of business is one of the most tremendously impressive landscapes in the world. There is an incredible amount of determination and hard work that goes into bringing these landscapes to vibrant life. There is something to be said about the businesses that are willing and able to take their approach to the next level by introducing and embracing modern marvels like technological influence. More than ever, technology is present in business in fresh and exciting ways that are challenging, if not near impossible, to come to terms with otherwise.

Respecting the balancing act of entrepreneurship

The art of entrepreneurship is one that is well and truly involved in a tremendously impressive inclination towards the ongoing evolution and improvement of a business model. Being an entrepreneur is never an easy job, and it is so incredibly important that all entrepreneurs, no matter their background, are entirely dedicated towards the cause. It is a balancing act that never seems to come to an end, and it is a balancing act that is significantly important when it comes to successful and long-lived business in this modern era.

Introducing technological input into a business

The key to longevity and success for modern businesses is to work with technological innovations (among other aspects and points, of course). This was mentioned earlier, but the importance of including and embracing technological influence in a modern business cannot be overstated. The rest of the world is moving increasingly in the direction of a digital future. What that means for businesses specifically, is that they are now in a position of essentially having to transform the way they approach growth, by means of technological advancement.

Consistently thriving and elevating the business

lease calculation australia

Thriving and consistently elevating a business takes a lot of determination and hard work. This much is glaringly obvious, and it is also incredibly important to not that the influence of technological power in modern businesses is making this task easier than ever. Whether it is incorporating an automated novated lease calculator for company vehicle utilisation, or expanding a business by creating and building upon an online presence, the point is always, and without exception, the same: success in business these days is at least partially hinged on the business in question’s willingness and capability to embrace technological innovation.

10 Office Waste Management and Reduction Tips

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skipped bin rubbish

Australia is one of the world’s strictest countries when it comes to recycling and waste disposal. Unfortunately, despite most of us adhering closely to laws concerning waste recycling, we are still in the midst of a full-blown recycling crisis.

In any case, we can all still do our part to help offset the effects of the ongoing issue. The key is to reduce the amount of waste we produce so that less needs to be processed. Given that commercial establishments are some of the biggest waste contributors, it makes sense to start there.

Here are some ways your office can be part of the solution:

1.) Consider renting rather than buying some equipment

Many workplaces only need to use certain types of equipment occasionally. Photocopiers and projectors, for instance, are not likely to see daily use in most small offices. Rather than storing these onsite, where they may deteriorate with disuse, it may be better to simply rent infrequently-used equipment as needed.

2.) Invest in long-lasting fixtures

On the other hand, you’ll want to invest in more durable versions of the types of fixtures and equipment you do use. For instance, it may make sense to spend a little more on chairs if they are more likely to last longer. This can significantly cut down on the fixtures and equipment that you would otherwise have to write off every year.

3.) Ask vendors to reduce packaging

If you purchase certain supplies in bulk, ask your vendor to provide you with these without the individual packaging. Also, try to see if they can ship the items in reusable containers that they could take back and refill.

4.) Reuse durable office supplies

Folders, binders, poster board, and other similar items that could be used more than once, saving them from an otherwise premature fate at the landfill. Envelopes could also be reused if adhesive labels are used for the addresses.

5.) Only print reports on demand

The paperless office might not yet be a reality, but there are now plenty of digital alternatives to paper for many applications. Email and app suites such as MS Office and Google Drive make the use of paper for reports and other documents redundant in most cases. Try to discourage the use of paper unless specifically asked for.

6.) Provide reusable plates and utensils

Disposable plates and utensils are by far the biggest source of rubbish at most offices that use them. Traditional utensils and china tend to be a far more ecologically sustainable choice. Just make sure you can provide facilities for washing them thoroughly.

7.) Rent skip bins to handle higher volumes of waste

In many cases, the local rubbish collection services may not be able to adequately handle the volume of waste produced by your workplace. To improve sanitation and to ensure recyclable materials are sent to the right facilities, it’s often best simply rent skip bins. Skip bin rental services typically quite flexible and can rent out different types of bins depending on the volume and type of rubbish. Be sure to use a skip bin price comparison site such as Skip Compare to find the best long-term rental rates in your area.

8.) Optimize your mailing lists

Take some time to clear out duplicate addresses and long-unresponsive customers from your mailing lists. This will not only cut down on your paper consumption but will also help streamline your marketing expenses as well.

9.) Choose less wasteful landscaping

Choose native plants that don’t require too much maintenance or produce too much waste. You may also consider having a rock garden or some exterior artwork instead, especially if your office is a more arid area.

10.) Try bokashi composting for food scraps

If your office does have a garden, bokashi can be a good way to bring down your landscaping costs while reducing the amount of food waste that has to be hauled off. Bokashi is a traditional Japanese composting method that uses the bacteria naturally found on different types of grain bran to break down food scraps and other non-putrid biological waste. It produces a high-quality organic fertiliser that is almost odour-free, which makes the method an excellent fit for residential and office settings.

skipbins au

Conclusion

In most cases, keeping office waste under control isn’t just a matter of reducing the business’s environmental impact, it’s usually quite financially sound as well. Given the many waste disposal issues facing Australia, reducing and repurposing the waste we create before it’s sent out to processing facilities seems to be the smartest solution.

How to Get the Best Deal at Car Auctions in NSW

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car sales in australia

Buying cars at auctions can be quite a fun activity; you get to enjoy the thrill of bidding and at the same time, you may score a good deal. Many people are increasingly attracted to buying cars in the auction, especially because cars generally go for better prices.

Auctions are also great for buying rare cars that you might never find anywhere else. Many people with unique cars prefer to sell them on auctions. In auctions, people can bid and compete and this can potentially drive the price up.

However, for you to get a good deal, you have to know the ropes of the auction business. The following are four things you can do to get a better deal buying cars at auction.

Avoid getting emotionally involved

This is a fundamental principle in the auction business. For you to get a good deal, you must ensure that you don’t get emotionally engaged with the product. Getting emotionality attached to the product might excite you, which means that you will end up overbidding.

You, therefore, should take each deal as it comes and only gets in at the right time and at the right price. If you like a car, but the bidding drives the price beyond what you planned to spend, you should pull out.

Do proper research

Doing proper research helps you to not only understand how the auction process works but also how you can save money. Before you attend an auction, you must research what type of vehicle you want and how much it averages in price.

Knowing the average market price will help you to place a fair bid. Without doing proper research, it would be hard to know the real value of a car. As a result, you may end up overpaying for it. Researching also helps you to ensure you buy an authentic product because you are able to verify the information provided by the sellers.

Don’t get in too quickly

For the most part, an auction is like a mind game. Bidders drive the price up, waiting for the others to give up. To get the best deal, one should not jump into the bidding war. You should wait for the early bidders to show their cards and see who the real bidders are.

Even if you spot a car you like in an auction, you should hold back your enthusiasm. Show other bidders that you’re not willing to go up on a war. Once they cool down and lock in their bids, now you can make your move.

Watch the crowd

Most people who buy cars from online auctions do it in the comfort of their office or home. In the auction house, the mood is usually a little hyped. This often makes people excited as they enjoy every bit of the experience. You should be on the lookout for such bidders because they enjoy bidding wars and can quickly drive the price above the roof.

Watching the crowd also helps one to understand who the genuine buyers are and who are there just to drive the price up. Being able to read the crowd is a luxury that people who buy cars from online auctions don’t enjoy.

Finding car auctions in NSW is easy. Just Google car auctions NSW and there will be tens of offers for online as well as physical auctions. Remember, always bid with your head and not your heart.