legal

Breaking E-Mail Marketing News: CAN-SPAM Act Update

by Rebecca Button
Published
  • Mixx
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Google
  • NewsVine
  • Technorati
  • TwitThis

The Federal Trade Commission announced in a press release today that it will soon be publishing clarifications to the CAN-SPAM Act of 2003. The following topics are to be addressed: (1) an e-mail recipient cannot be required to pay a fee, provide information other than his or her e-mail address and opt-out preferences, or take any steps other than sending a reply e-mail message or visiting a single Internet Web page to opt out of receiving future e-mail from a sender. (2) the definition of “sender” was modified to make it easier to determine which of multiple parties advertising in... Read more

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

No Comments »

Non-Compete Contracts and Whether or Not You Should Use Them

by Danny Brown
Published
  • Mixx
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Google
  • NewsVine
  • Technorati
  • TwitThis

With businesses constantly wary of losing staff to rival companies, many are now enforcing what’s known as non-compete contracts. This is where new employees sign a contract that states they cannot contact a client of their old company to take them to their new place of work. It usually applies for anywhere between 2-3 years from the date the ex-employee leaves the company. However, whilst it’s an excellent way for business owners to protect not only their clients but also their intellectual property, it can also have its negative sides. The Pros of Non-Compete Contracts The obvious benefit of having... Read more

Tags: , , , , , , ,

No Comments »

10 Ways to Avoid Judge Judy…besides changing the channel.

by Rebecca Button
Published
  • Mixx
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Google
  • NewsVine
  • Technorati
  • TwitThis

It ranks right up there with getting your wisdom teeth pulled or surviving the first anniversary of your 29th birthday (for those who haven’t had their coffee yet, that would be your 30th birthday-the horror!). And yet, much like getting your wisdom teeth out (probably inevitable) and turning 30 (definitely inevitable), if you run a business, odds are you’ll eventually have to deal with the unpleasantness known as a lawsuit. Your best defense is a good offense and you can create a good offense by taking some preventative steps to reduce the risk of being threatened with a lawsuit according... Read more

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

No Comments »

Don’t Get Mad - Get to Know The National Ombudsman

by Leeia Ladipoh
Published
  • Mixx
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Google
  • NewsVine
  • Technorati
  • TwitThis

Have you ever felt that taxes and regulations are unfairly burdening your business or industry? If you are like many small business owners, you are of the mindset that there is nothing you can do about it, and that you should just suffer with it. After all, how are you going to convince government forces that they are hurting you? As a small business, you may think you do not have enough influence to make a difference. In some respects, you may be right. Your small business alone does not have the sway with government regulators and lawmakers that a... Read more

Tags: , , , , , ,

No Comments »

Mistakes That Can Land You in Court - and Out of Business

by Leeia Ladipoh
Published
  • Mixx
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Google
  • NewsVine
  • Technorati
  • TwitThis

When you are selling items online, you have to balance your desire to make the sale with the importance of not making an offer your items can’t live up to. When you look over your product descriptions, are they as honest and accurate as they could be? Even if you think they’re pretty close, the details you omit, or allow to be assumed could be an opening for a lawsuit. In this article, we’ll take a look at how having accurate product descriptions could keep you - and your business - off the docket. Mistakes Happen….Right? Once upon a time... Read more

Tags: , , , , , , ,

No Comments »

Avoiding Contract Disputes

by Danny Brown
Published
  • Mixx
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Google
  • NewsVine
  • Technorati
  • TwitThis

One of the hardest things to deal with in any business is a contract. Because they can be so intensive down to the minutest of details, more often than not they can result in contract disputes. Yet often it can also be the simplest of things that can lead to a contract dispute - that simple disagreement can lead to a costly court case and damages for the “hurt” party. So how can you avoid these disputes? Unfortunately, sometimes it’s easier said than done, but there are ways you can limit the potential of a contract dispute. Don’t Go By... Read more

Tags: , , , , , ,

No Comments »

Hiring an Attorney to Take Care of Your Business Issues

by Carrie Hinkel
Published
  • Mixx
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Google
  • NewsVine
  • Technorati
  • TwitThis

Many small business owners think that lawyers are only needed when a lawsuit arises or when a contract needs to be drawn up. Unfortunately, it’s that kind of thinking that can end up giving business owners some serious future regrets. Instead of thinking of attorneys as professionals who fix legal problems, think of them as people who prevent problems from ever occurring. A good business attorney will guide you through every step of your business - from startup through expansion - and will ensure that your business’ best interests are kept in mind. Why having an attorney can help you... Read more

Tags: , , , , ,

No Comments »

What To Do When You Have To Sue

by Steve Strauss
Published
  • Mixx
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Google
  • NewsVine
  • Technorati
  • TwitThis

Q: One of my vendors owes me about $5,000. I also think he defrauded me. Do you think it is worth it to hire a lawyer and sue or is small claims the way to go? Ali A: While I like to joke that I am a "recovering attorney," I still have plenty of respect for my old profession, warts and all. And when it comes to lawsuits, there are undoubtedly warts a plenty. I understand and appreciate that there are all sorts of reasons to take a dispute to court: * There is an emotional satisfaction that comes from... Read more

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

No Comments »

Determining Whether You Should Charge Restocking Fees

by Carrie Hinkel
Published
  • Mixx
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • StumbleUpon
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Google
  • NewsVine
  • Technorati
  • TwitThis

Some companies accept a return on a product, but will then deduct a portion of the price (usually between 10% and 20%) for restocking fees. Over the years, restocking fees have gotten a bad reputation - customers think they are just another way for retailers to unjustifiably keep their money. However, when you take a closer look, restocking fees are really just ways for retailers to recoup some of the costs they incur when accepting a returned item. There are definitely times when a restocking fee is warranted, and other times when it is not. Here are some examples of... Read more

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

No Comments »

Subscribe to the goWholesale Blog