How Much Does a Temp Agency Charge?
January 21, 2012 | 
Author If you’ve never used a temporary staffing agency and want to know what it costs, or if you want to know if you are being overcharged by yours, read on. I’ll cover how a temporary staffing agency makes money and what price ranges are out there.
How am I Charged?
With temporary staffing agencies, the client needing the temp pays the fee, not the candidates (employees). As the client, you will be invoiced on a regular basis for the hours worked by the temporary employee placed at your company. You will be charge an hourly bill rate which consists of the hourly rate paid to the temporary employee by the temp agency plus a markup to cover the agencies recruiting time, payroll taxes, workers comp insurance, unemployment insurance and profit margin.
What Can I Expect for a Bill Rate?
The amount of mark up on the temp employees hourly pay rate will vary greatly by the type of position, job location and how much business you give the temp agency (volume). Generally speaking, you can expect an hourly markup percentage of between 35% – 100% on most positions.
Position Type
The skill level and available talent will affect the difficulty for the temp agency to locate a qualified individual. For example, markup on an administrative position should most certainly be lower than that of a computer programming position due to the fact it there are less computer programmers in the world than administrative workers, so it is easier to locate the first rather than the latter.
Job Location
The cost of living can vary greatly in one part of the country versus another. Therefore, candidates in one location for a particular job will require different salary requirements in another. For example, a Medical Biller in Kansas City will require less of an hourly rate than a Medical Biller in New York City.
Your Relationship with the Temp Agency (Volume)
Like most businesses, a temp agency should give a discounted mark up when a client gives exclusivity for their services or a significant volume of business. You should consider whether or not giving all your temp business to 1 agency is best for your organization, however, before doing so. If you have the same type of positions that you need temps for, then it makes sense, so long as you are happy with their quality. If you have varying types of positions or those requiring specialty skills, you should remain non-exclusive, so you can engage the services of specialty staffing firms that specialize in 1 industry or position type (i.e.: Marketing staffing firm or Medical Coder staffing agency).
How We Mark Up
At Certified Staffing Solutions, we use a transparent way of formulating and conveying the bill rate to clients. We let you know what the mark up % will be for your particular position based on the factors explained above. Many agencies will not tell you what they are paying a candidate in hopes of getting the maximum difference between what they are billing you and what they are paying a temp. We just don’t feel this is conducive to growing long term relationships with our clients and candidates. Why not be open and honest? That just seems right to us.
The Meaning of Cowrie Shells
The cowrie shell has many uses and meanings. It has shown up in the form of money, jewelry, and even religious accessories in almost every part of the world.
Found in the islands of the Indian Ocean, the cowrie shell soon gained popularity throughout much of ancient Africa. Its influence, however, also spread to China, where it was used as a form of currency to such an extent that the Chinese used its shape to form their pictograph for money. Today excavations have found some of the money of ancient China in the form of brass and silver cowrie shells. Wherever the cowrie shells were found, it seems as if they were thought of as wealth.
The back side of a cowrie shell resembles a female sexual organ. The front side is shaped like the abdomen of a pregnant woman. The meaning is not erotic, but represents a miricle of life. This unique design of the cowrie shell is one main reason why this shell has maintained so much popularity throughout history.
Spiritually, according to African legend if you are attracted to cowrie shells you could be family to an ocean spirit of wealth and earth. It also represents Goddess protection which is very powerful and connected with the strength of the ocean. Throughout Africa, and South and North America, the cowrie symbolized the power of destiny and prosperity. Thought of as the mouth of Orsisas, it also is believed to have taught stories of humility and respect.
However you interpret these tiny white shells they are a fascinating, unique addition to your wardrobe. Whether in jewelry, or in crafts, or in any other use you can imagine these shells are sure to add an exotic feel of Africa and make an excellent, one of a kind, fashion statement.
Do You Know About Boxer Dogs?
Boxer Dogs Information – What Are Boxer Dogs?
Boxer dogs are great all around dog breeds, distinguished canine and the coolest, most lovable dog out there! Boxer Dogs are medium-built and strong breed that are so named because of its habit of standing on the hind legs to begin a fight and boxing with the front paws.
By nature, Boxer dogs are working dogs. Throughout history it has been trained as:
- hunting dog
- police dog
- seeing-eye dog for the blind
- guard dog
- circus dog
- courier dog on the battlefields during World War
I and World War II
- fighting dog in the once popular sport of dog fighting.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) categorizes dogs into 7 groups of herding, hound, non-sporting, sporting, terrier, toy and working. And the largest breed registered in the working dog category is the Boxer.
No doubt the Boxer Dogs make for great utility dog but the greatest advantage to owning one is that Boxer Dogs can be your most outstanding companion on four legs and great source of personal fulfillment.
By the way, the AKC registered over 150 different breeds totaling nearly one million dogs in 2003. To put that in perspective, the animal shelters in America rescue up to 12 million homeless dogs and cats every year and 25% of these are purebreds.
Devoted and glad owners of Boxer Dogs have come up with a long list of attributes and traits of their favorite pet that include:
Alert
Boisterous
Boundless energy
Brave
Canine clown
Courageous
Devil dog
Devoted
Dignified
Exuberance
Family dog
Fearless
Friendly
Hearing dog
Highly trainable
Intelligent
Intuitive
Keen judge of character
Loving
Loyal
Patient with children
People dog
Poor swimmer
Playful
Quick learner
Self-assured
Smart
Soulful
Spirited
Stoical
Vigilant
Working dog
Wonderful pet
And you can add to the list…
The Boxer Dog’s history could be traced back to feudal Germany, where it was a small hunting dog that could tenaciously hold onto a bull, boar, or bear till the master arrived. It was also a utility dog for peasants and shop owners, and even a performing dog in circus.
The Boxer Dogs as we know it today is a bigger breed – a mixture of the German Boxer with a taller, more elegant English import. The era of this modern Boxer began in the 1880s and became really popular in the United States in the late 1930s-1940s.
Handsome dog: Within the canine world, Boxer Dogs are medium-sized dog standing at 21 to 25 inches at the shoulder for a full-grown female, and weighs some 50 to 65 pounds. The male can be taller and 15 pounds heavier.
It has a striking good look with chiseled head, square jaw and muscled body that make for a very handsome silhouette.
The ears are cropped and erect that enhance its hearing – the Boxer most developed sense. It is always alert and vigilant, an instinctive guard dog.
The shortened muzzle makes hot and humid weather uncomfortable for the Boxer Dogs.
The coat is short, hard and smooth, and possesses a natural sheen that can be enhanced with rubdowns with a chamois cloth (especially after a bath).
The short coat cannot protect him well from extreme elements of the weather and thus Boxer Dogs should definitely not be kept outdoors. It is a housedog, sensitive to temperature extremes, does not enjoy the draft, summer heat or cold.
Boxer Dogs come in attractive basic colors of fawn and brindle. The fawn varies from a tawny tan to an especially beautiful stag red. The brindle (clearly defined black stripes on a fawn background) can be sparse, in between or dense.
A beauty standard for Boxer Dogs is that their white markings or “flash” should add to their look and may not cover more than one-third of the entire body. Some predominantly or all-white puppies (known as “check”) may be born in a litter.
In the US, however, the American Boxer Club members are pledged not to register, sell or use these “whites” for breeding so as to retain the beauty of the true fawn and brindle colors in the breed.
Personality-wise, Boxer is a cool dog that will not bark without cause. Its expressive face – the furrowed forehead and dark, soulful eyes – is a charming quality that sets the Boxer apart from other breeds.
It can mimic the moods of its master and adopting one could bring you 9 to 11 years of joyful companionship. In exceptional cases the Boxer can live up to 15 years.
Boxer Dogs As Pet
Pet Boxer Dogs although low-maintenance, require your consistent attention, exercise, human interaction, consistent obedience training and lots of love. You cannot leave them to their own design for too long or they get lonely, bored and into trouble.
Being a big and strong dog as well as a highly intelligent one, Boxer Dogs need both physical and mental stimulations to keep them even-tempered and dignified while still keeping their impish spirit and fearless courage in tact.
All the best!!!
Warm regards,
Bryan Kinnear
A Boxer Dog Lover.
Courier Work – Our Top 5 Vans
In terms of deciding what’s most important for your courier work you need to consider your priorities – comfort, size, speed, parking, economy and yes, even to be superficial – good looks! (Because really, let’s face it – who doesn’t secretly want to be dating the best looking AND smartest girl in town!) Of course, everyone’s different and this is by no means a definitive list – one mans pride and joy may well be another mans worst nightmare! But in the interest of fairness and equality we have selected (in no particular order) to feature vehicles that have been tried and tested by guys in the know, and we think cover all the bases. You decide!
PEUGOT PARTNER
For mid size courier work this workhorse has very few downsides. It has a great cab capacity (it actually holds three which is unusual for a van this size) and lots of dash room for those essential extras – drink, pens, A to Z’s, atlases, and lunch! It’s a sturdy little fellow and one of the best things about it is the easy access to the storage area. It has twin asymmetric back doors, and a sliding nearside door that can you save loads of time and awkward load stacking. It comes with a 1.6L diesel engine that really holds its own even on the motorway, and the powerful optional air-conditioning is also a welcome feature. (If you’re test-driving in summer, give it a burst and you’ll be sold! In terms of economy, the Partner gets about 45mpg, which is pretty great news for the owner driver in these times when a bigger van can seem thirstier than you on a Friday afternoon!
MERCEDES BENZ SPRINTER
Just the name Mercedes evokes respect, and driving around in one of these do your reputation wonders! Any owner driver lucky enough to be considering a Sprinter can be pretty well assured it is one of the top of the line vehicles for courier work. It’s one of the larger vans on the road and its four cylinder, five or six speed transmission will get you out and on the along the motorway in record time. It has a huge load capacity, (up to 1400kg) and its hinged rear doors open out to 180 degrees as well as having a sliding left door as well for easy access. It’s a simple matter to load up and head off looking good! There’s loads of stowage in the cabin in the doors, centre console and above the windscreen, and the power steering will have you turning on a sixpence. This is one of the fastest vans on the road, and the 22-30 MPG fuel consumption is not bad for one so nippy. To say she’s a looker would be an understatement – with a streamlined Arctic White exterior, pert little snout, and the iconic Mercedes insignia shining on the bonnet, this is a girl with a whole lot of class. With the huge range available and Mercedes’ renowned reliability this one is ideal for the owner driver – but be warned this much style and class doesn’t come cheap!
CITROEN RELAY
The Relay is a real gem in terms of driving satisfaction, so for courier work it’s a great choice. It is Citroens largest van available and it handles top notch out on the road and on the motorway. The cabin is so quiet you really feel like you’re in a car, and safety features like the standard driver’s airbag and ABS are standard so you can rest easy in the knowledge that the only extra option you’ll need to pay for is your courier insurance! There are various models available (about 30, in different wheel base and load capacities) and all have impressive standard on board features. The Relay is one of our favourites for security too – it’s fitted with an immobilizer and deadlocks, so no ones getting in without your say so! In the cabin, it’s the little extras that will make your day when it comes to your courier work. There’s a handy document clipboard, and the passenger seat folds down to make a great office away from the office without getting yourself in a mess. And talk about looking good! This is one classy ride, and if you choose to buck the white van man standard and opt for the fire-engine red model – you’ll be making a statement for your business that can’t be missed!
FORD COURIER
This is an oldie but a goodie! We thought we’d throw this one in even though they are no longer in production. The last year model was 2003, but if you’re new to the game and considering taking on some courier work, you can still pick yourself up a very reasonably priced second hand one, and this could be a perfect option for you. Although this is quite a basic van, you don’t feel like you’re missing out on too much. The later models have power steering, but the earlier ones still handle exceptionally handle well, and even with a full load you don’t feel like you’re under any strain. It has great leg room in the cabin and a surprisingly large load capacity for such a small looking van. There is also a rear window which helps with parking, and really makes this an ideal transition from driving a car to a van if you’re a first time owner driver. The market in these is still quite strong as they have a well-deserved reputation as a reliable working vehicle. You won’t have any problems with economy in either the petrol or more popular diesel versions, and this little baby still looks good even if she is a little outdated!
RENAULT KANGOO
Yee ha! What a little beauty! We love the Kangoo – it is the perfect zippy little van for your city courier work, and out on the motorway – look out! It comes in a van and a compact body (although for versatility we prefer the van) with up to 800kg load capacity. You’ll get ABS, driver’s airbag, radio/CD, height adjustable steering wheel and loads of other extras standard. If you choose the ML+ model you’ll also get a left loading sliding door in addition to the back openers, for those courier jobs that require a bit of creative load stacking! The Kangoo has a great panoramic windscreen, and you also sit a little higher in the front than other small vans, so it feels really spacious to drive. For a full time owner driver , or just if you want to do a few self employed courier jobs, this good looking, practical little mover will hold its own against any of the more established models on the road.
Importer Security Filing ISF Bond Requirements
Most importers know about the new US Import Security Policy that went into effect January 26, 2009. It requires importers and vessel operating ocean carriers to provide US Customs and Border Protection CBP with advance notification for all ocean vessel shipments inbound to the United States. The U.S. Import Security Policy is commonly known as the 10+2 ISF Importer Security Filing.
The new US Import Security Policy places the burden of compliance to the new security filing on the U.S. importer. Generally most importers do not clear their own goods directly with US Customs and know little about customs bond requirements. In many cases, customs bonds are arranged by the customs broker when the importer provides a signed Power of Attorney to the customs broker authorizing them to interface with US Customs on their behalf.
The new US Import Security Policy requires an Importer Security Filing ISF bond. The bonding requirement has created confusion with small importers. Recently US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued some clarification regarding the Importer Security Filing ISF bond. Below is clarification that US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided:
When will the bonds, including the stand alone ISF bonds be required? January 26, 2009 or January 26, 2010? Can we file ISFs during the delayed compliance period without obtaining a bond first? CBP Answer: Due to the structured review and flexible enforcement period, bonds will not be required until January 26, 2010. Therefore, ISFs may be filed during this period without obtaining a bond first. However, CBP is prepared to accept bond information in the ISF filing starting on January 26, 2009.
If an ISF agent allows his bond to be obligated, is he considered the ISF Importer with all of the liabilities associated with the ISF filing? CBP Answer:
If an agent is submitting an ISF on behalf of another party and the agent posts its bond, the agent agrees to have its bond charged if there are breaches of obligations regarding the filing. However, the ISF Importer remains ultimately liable for the complete, accurate, and timely ISF filing.
If the importer does not have a bond, can the ISF filer obligate its own bond? CBP Answer: Yes, the filer can obligate its own bond. See 19 CFR 149.5(b)
Will an import bond rider be required to fulfill the regulatory changes required in the ISF rule? CBP Answer: No. The Rule amends the terms and conditions of the activity code 1 (basic importation), 2 (custodial), 3 (international carrier) and 4 (foreign trade zone operator) bonds to include the obligation to meet ISF filing requirements. No rider is necessary for any of these bonds.
What is the process of notifying CBP that a bond is actually on file? CBP Answer: Use of single transaction bonds may be allowed on a case-by-case basis. CBP is currently in discussions with trade groups regarding the process for the use of a single transaction bond for an ISF filing.
Can a single transaction bond be utilized for the ISF filing? If a broker does not have a continuous bond and the importer does not have a continuous bond how will a bond for ISF be filed? Will CBP allow the use of a single transaction bond? If so, how will this actually work? Will there be paperless single transaction bonds for ISF purposes? CBP Answer: Use of single transaction bonds may be allowed on a case-by-case basis. CBP is currently in discussions with trade groups regarding the process for the use of a single transaction bond for an ISF filing.
As single transaction bonds for entry require a paper submission to CBP, how will an ISF single transaction bond be matched to an electronic ISF filing? CBP Answer: Use of single transaction bonds may be allowed on a case-by-case basis. CBP is currently in discussions with trade groups regarding the process for the use of a single transaction bond for an ISF filing.
Will CBP accept one bond for the ISF filing and a second bond for entry? Is this true for a continuous bond as well as Single Transaction Bonds? CBP Answer: Yes, if the ISF Importer and the importer of record on the entry are not the same party. And that is true for continuous and single transaction bonds. However, if the ISF Importer and the Importer of Record are the same party and the ISF and entry are submitted to CBP via the same electronic transmission (“unified filing option”), that party must submit one bond for both ISF and entry purposes.
How will ISF bonding requirements be determined when the value of the cargo is unknown? CBP Answer: The liquidated damages amounts are not based on the value of the cargo. That was changed from the proposed to the interim final rule.
How does the agent agree in writing to allow its bond to be used for an importer who doesn’t have a bond and why is this necessary? Is there draft language for such “agreement”? Will the agreement be acceptable on a per-ISF basis, a blanket basis, or either (at the filer’s option)? CBP Answer: The written agreement could be a power of attorney or other similar document. It is necessary to make clear the authority to use the bond. CBP will not intervene in how this agreement is to be drawn up.
The Interim Final Regulations provide that every ISF Filer/Importer must have a Basic Importation Bond under which the principal agrees to comply with the new provisions of part 149. To the extent that many ISF Filers/Importers have existing bonds, how does CBP intend to enforce this provision when the existing bonds do not contain this language? Is CBP suggesting that ISF Filers/Importers will need to obtain bond riders to reflect this change? How will CBP monitor compliance with this new bond requirement? CBP Answer: All existing activity 1, 2, 3, and 4 bonds now contain this language. Riders are unnecessary.
Will the Bond tie to the entry or will they have to have a Bond for Security Filing and a Bond for entry? CBP Answer: The same bond can guarantee the ISF and the entry if the ISF Importer and the importer of record on the entry are the same party.
For additional information about ISF bond requirements, talk with CBP or your customs broker.
1000 Ways to Improve Your Business
One of the best things you can do for your business is to give information away. Information empowers your customer and brings them back for more. There are many great ways to give information to current and potential customers, which will instill confidence in your business. Many send out newsletters or email online newsletters to keep customers in their minds. It is important to keep customers aware of what is going on and tell them you appreciate their patronage. Some businesses send out gift certificates and Christmas Cards. But there is an easier and better way. One I think you might be aware of.
I recommend writing articles about things in which you have lots of knowledge in, areas of expertise where you are either an expert or borderline expert. Many companies and professionals write articles or have columns in industry rags or trade journals. Some write articles in their newspapers. But the very best way I have found to get the word out is this fast growing really cool company called EzineArticles.com where you can post your articles for free and people from all over the world come to see them and often reprint them on their websites, their company newsletters, the ezines and even read them on the Radio. This is especially good for someone like me, who has the perfect face for radio as I was once told by a former girlfriend.
Since it costs no money to post you can post as many articles as you would like. So I tried it at first by posting 2 articles and I was surprised when I searched “ME” on the Internet and found someone else liked my articles and posted them on their websites. So then, I thought; HA so I posted 10 more. Wow, again I saw three of my new articles on the Internet and people actually contacted my business within only 4 days. So, I posted some more. Then I got addicted, because it is so fun. So over the next 8 weeks, I posted 1000 articles. Today. I have searched and found at least one of my articles on about 45 websites, but I am sure it is much more, those are just the ones I could find. And in that time all my articles total have received 85,000 hits or views. I have had so many people contact my business, I had to take my website off the bottom my articles. But they still find me. I travel so much; I cannot call everyone back. HELP. It works too good.
As a writer I am not very good really, but each time I write an article I get better and actually some people like my articles even though my writing skills are not so great. I think everyone for their business should write one article per day at least so that they will have 30 articles per month and in no time they will be getting contacted by people all over the world who might like to do businesses with them. That is how it works you see, I know because they keep contacting ME.
I cannot believe the power of writing articles on the Internet. I wish I knew about this sooner. If I can do this and I am not even a writer really then you can too. I still don’t believe it, you have to admit it is pretty cool. But each article brings me business and in 8-weeks I already have 85,000 hits and hundreds and hundreds of stars next to my articles on EzineArticles.com people actually like what I wrote? Cool. All these people are coming to my websites and my Internet traffic has went up a lot.
Each article brings me new contacts and since I have posted 1000 articles; that is 1000 ways I improved my business. I am averaging over 2700 article views per day now and that is almost 1 million article views per year; it works, 1 million people will read my articles in the coming year. Write more articles everyone, increase your business today, what would you do with one million potential new customers? I think I will write some more articles tomorrow. Think about it
How to Start a Business in Sri Lanka
The process to start any business will vary in different countries. As opposed to other countries around the world, Sri Lanka is much more open. The formalities are easy-going and will enable anyone to make investments easily on this island. Presently, the economy in Sri Lanka is flourishing successfully as a result of lax taxation and bureaucracy, which had been driving entrepreneurs crazy for many years. This article will provide some useful information on how to start a business in Sri Lanka.
Investments will not offer immediate dividends, but it will grow steadily over time. Some of the most successful industries recommended for business in this country include Garment Technology, Rubber Industry, Tea Industry, Call Center Operations and Software Development.
Thousands of investors from around the world have shown interest in starting businesses on this small Island. This is mainly because of a higher literacy rate of 97%, significantly cheaper telecommunications, English Speaking population, just to name a few.
Steps to start a business:
Contact the Board of Investment in Sri Lanka
Put together a business proposal
Register the business with a Government agency
Find a local business consultant
Market your business concepts using local media
Generate a demand for your service and product worldwide
Assess the progress of your income
Maintain a procedure for continuous improvement
Important warning
Always conduct a feasible research before carrying out any kind of investment.
Get advice only from professional consultants and successful entrepreneurs.
Requirements for Registration:
Make an application to get approval for the name of your company; this process takes three days and will cost 15% VAT + LKR 350.
Register the business at the Companies Registry. This will take three days, plus a registration cost of 15% VAT +- LKR 9550 for Form 1 and 15% VAT + LKR 350 for Forms 18 and 19.
Register with the tax authorities to get a Free TIN in two days
Register with the Department of Labor in order to get an ETF and EPF registration. This will take one day to file and roughly 1 month to get the EPF and ETF numbers issued free of cost.
Courier Catchphrases
No matter what job you end up in, there is always some kind of secret ‘industry language’ you’ll have to try to decipher. By the time you get your head around all the jargon and insider jokes you may think you’ve landed on another planet. Courier work is no exception and you will come across many words and phrases that are completely foreign to you at first; but stick with it, and you too will soon be peppering your conversation with some of these little gems and actually knowing what they mean!
Drop it and Get Clean
The most basic of all courier terms are ‘drop’ and ‘clean’. Without these you won’t know whether you’re coming or going. Drop, simply means completing the job that you’re doing right now. As in ‘I’ve got a drop in Newcastle’. Depending on where you are in the world, this can also be referred to in a variety of different ways so if you hear, tag, ticket or run, then be assured, they all mean the same thing in courier land…
‘Clean’, means that you’re, in effect, empty. As in, you’ve done your drop and you’re ‘heading home clean’. This can also be called ‘clear’ or maybe even the obvious one – ‘empty’!
Backloads and In-boxes
A backload is a load that you pick up and carry on the return journey of your original courier job. If a backload is advertised it usually means that the company isn’t fussy about a quick delivery and consequently will want a reduced rate – so be aware of this.
Just when you’ve got your head around emailing and the Internet, the meaning of the word ‘in-box’ has just changed! Well, in the courier world anyhow. An in-box is a little like a left luggage department. The courier will leave the consignment in a designated locked box to be collected later by the client or their representative.
Dedicated Deliveries
Hopefully this will also refer to the driver’s attitude as well but, in courier language, a dedicated delivery is a consignment that has been paid for to be picked up, and then delivered to the destination address with no stops in between to pick up other jobs. If you are being paid for a dedicated delivery it is important to respect the integrity of your company and adhere to the rules.
ETA, FLT and ITT
Double Dutch? No, these acronyms are simple once you learn how!
ETA (estimated time of arrival) is probably a familiar part of your language already and, in courier speak, it means the same as anywhere else; although in this business it’s probably a little more important than letting your wife know what time to put the pie in the oven to coincide with your homecoming.
FLT just refers to a fork lift truck – an accessory you may become friendly with in your travel in the courier world.
ITT is an invitation to tender for courier jobs. The client will set out details, expectations and budgets and a company is invited to quote for the courier job.
There are many more quirky sayings and slang terms used in the freight and delivery world but these few may give you the incentive to spend some time learning the language of the road. Who knows, one day you may even add your own phrases to the collection!
International Couriers Preparing for the Festive Season Ahead
International Courier companies around the world are preparing themselves for the busy festive period ahead.
With the growth in online sales and ecommerce trading over the last few years, courier companies have had to be able to cope with the demand in services, not only with local transportation but also international consignments.
Online Trading has given retailers the opportunity to be based anywhere in the world whilst still be able to retail their products in any given country. Reasons for relocation might be cheaper overheads and taxes, but in turn this leads to the requirement for international couriers to help deliver the products overseas.
Naturally, online retailing happens 365 days of the year but come the Festive period, sales can quite literally ‘boom’ putting additional demands on the international courier industry. It is important that the couriers can meet these demands given the expectations that the festive period brings!
One of the issues that might cause delays during winter is the weather. Be it increased turbulence or icy roads the International Couriers need to try to deliver whatever the weather. However, as we saw in the U.K. a couple of years ago sometimes it is just too dangerous to attempt to make a delivery. No matter how much the courier companies prepare for the festive delivery rush it can all change at the drop of a hat if the weather turns on them. For this reason, it is always recommended that online shoppers refrain from ordering their gifts at the very last minute to avoid disappointment.
One of the other things that online retailers do to try and avoid consumer disappointment is provide shipping cut off points. The retailers will work with the courier companies to advertise a date that is realistic in terms of getting the products to the front door of the consumer on time. The onus is then on the customer to ensure that they place their orders before the deadline date to ensure a timely delivery.
So, whilst most companies around the world slowly wind down to the Christmas break it really is quite the opposite for International Couriers and Courier Companies. The festive season is one of, if not the busiest time of year for them and can often continue right up to the last drop on Christmas Eve.
The increased in demand needs to be managed sufficiently to ensure that service levels do not drop – otherwise complaints could end up flooding in, not only from the end consumer but also the retailer that the courier is working for.
Each and every year, during the festive period the International Courier is under immense pressure to reach the expectations of the world in time for Christmas.
OFWs and LBC
Sending Balikbayan boxes is one of the many characteristics known about OFWs. Because of the lack of time that OFWs spend with their loved ones back in the Philippines, the only thing that they can do is to send packages to the Philippines containing all the gifts or any other things that an OFW wishes to give to their loved ones.
A balikbayan box, or literally means a returnee’s to one’s homeland box, is a ubiquitous cardboard box containing any number of small items, and sent by an overseas Filipino or OFW, or also known as a “balikbayan”.
These boxes might contain nearly anything that can fit and that the sender thinks the recipient would like, regardless of whether those items can be bought cheaply in the Philippines, such as non-perishable food, toiletries, household items, electronics, toys, designer clothing, or items hard to find in the Philippines.
A balikbayan box intended for air travel is designed to conform to airline luggage restrictions and many Filipino stores carry them. Some boxes come with a cloth cover and side handles. Others are tightly secured with tape or rope, and thus not confused with an ordinary moving box more lightly wrapped. Shipped boxes are delivered directly to the recipient, nearly always the family of the overseas Filipino.
Shipped boxes are delivered directly to the recipient, nearly always the family of the overseas Filipino. Though balikbayan boxes are commonly brought by Filipinos returning home, some are shipped through freight forwarders specializing in balikbayan boxes by sea or air.
There are different courier services based in the country that offers an easy way for OFWs to send packages to the Philippines. One of those is LBC. Founded in the 1950s, LBC has become a household name to Filipinos since launching its cargo and courier services in the Philippines during the post World War II period over half a century ago.
The demand for LBC’s services grew rapidly in tandem with the number of Filipinos who moved abroad. Given this direct correlation and a trusted record of reliable performance, LBC has become a trusted name and commercial success.
LBC soon became a respected leader offering fast and reliable way for filipinos to send packages to the Philippines. Today, LBC offers the widest coverage and network with over 600 strategically located branches nationwide.