Category Archives: Consumer Information

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Parcel2Go Says Firms Should Make The Most Of Growing Online Spend

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With people in the UK spending more money online than ever before, companies need to make sure that they have a suitable digital presence to be able to market their goods and services effectively, according to Britain’s largest online parcel delivery service.

Parcel2Go helps online companies of all shapes and sizes to deliver customers’ orders to addresses across the UK, and around the world, every day. And according to research carried out by payment services firm WorldPay, the average British consumer now spends a quarter of their disposable income with online retailers.

Parcel2Go has seen the effects that increasing consumer confidence and the ease with which people can now buy online have had on parcel delivery volumes. The company’s marketing director Richard Mercer said firms must ensure they have suitable parcel delivery systems set up in order to capitalise on the increase in online spend.

He said: “Having a website that is easy to find and intuitive to use is vital if businesses want to draw in customers in the first place. Having a smooth and simple delivery process for when an order has been placed is then vital if they want to keep those customers.

“It has never been more important to have a fast and efficient domestic and international parcel delivery offer. WorldPay’s research is evidence of how much consumers have come to rely on the internet when it comes to purchasing goods and services, and Parcel2Go’s experience is that customers now expect to receive their goods quickly and in perfect condition.

“Hiring the services of a professional world courier to handle deliveries is now critical.”

Parcel2Go assists businesses in organising deliveries to countries across the world, from Spain to Singapore, with the help of some of the industry’s leading courier companies, including City Link, Parcelforce, FedEx and UPS.

Via EPR Network
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Parcel2Go calls on consumers to support British businesses

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One of the leading online parcel delivery firms, Parcel2Go, has called on consumers to help get the country’s economy back on track by supporting British businesses.

The Office for National Statistics announced last week that the UK economy had gone back into recession, leading to calls for people to be more patriotic when they are making purchases. Parcel2Go has added its voice to the campaign and encouraged shoppers to do what they can to help support British firms.

Richard Mercer, marketing director at Bolton-based Parcel2Go, said: “It’s more important than ever that we buy products made in Britain and support British businesses. The internet has made it simple to purchase products from all over the UK, and if companies use the services of reliable courier firms then items can be with consumers extremely quickly.

“As has been said by other retail industry commentators, UK firms also need to make sure that they are promoting themselves and their products properly and ensuring potential customers know if their goods are made in Britain.”

With the London 2012 Olympics and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations both falling within a short space of time, businesses have been advised to do everything possible to make the most of the patriotic mood sweeping across the UK.

Parcel2Go works with a huge variety of British businesses to organise delivery of their products to addresses all over the UK on a daily basis. The company helps individuals and British businesses to deliver more than two million domestic and international parcel consignments every year with the assistance of industry-leading couriers including Parcelforce and City Link.

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Retail Results Highlight Importance Of Parcel Delivery Services, Says Parcel2Go

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Despite UK retailers feeling the pressure as consumers’ incomes continue to be squeezed and shoppers keep a tight rein on their spending, online channels are still delivering impressive results. According to online parcel delivery specialist Parcel2Go, businesses must look to capitalise on the opportunities available and encourage consumers to spend by providing a reliable service and rapid parcel delivery options.

Recent financial results from Marks & Spencer revealed a 22.8 per cent increase in e-commerce sales in the 13 weeks to March 31. That was despite a 0.7 per cent fall in like-for-like sales in the UK. Department store John Lewis also posted impressive online sales results in the week to April 14, with a 57.8 per cent year-on-year increase in sales at johnlewis.com. This followed a 39.1 per cent year-on-year increase the previous week.

According to Richard Mercer, marketing director at Parcel2Go, these latest results highlight just how important online channels have become to retailers, and should serve as a reminder that customers expect goods ordered online to arrive promptly.

He said: “As an increasing number of shoppers become comfortable with shopping over the internet, all businesses must appreciate how vital it is first of all to have an online presence, and then to ensure goods arrive with shoppers quickly and in tip-top condition.

“By calling on the services of reliable and affordable courier firms, all companies can put themselves in the best possible position to win repeat custom.”

Results of a survey released earlier this month showed that out of 2,000 online shoppers, 74 per cent had abandoned purchases because they felt the delivery charge was too high, suggesting that the issue postage rates is something else businesses trading on the internet must remain aware of.

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Parcel2Go Urges Companies To Take Note Of BRC Online Shopping Statistics

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An increasing number of consumers from outside the UK are going online to search for products from British firms that must now react, says Parcel2Go.

Britain’s largest online parcel delivery specialist believes businesses have an opportunity to increase the volume of goods they export to customers around the world if only they seize it. Parcel2Go currently helps businesses and individuals in the UK to send more than two million parcels to destinations around the world with courier companiesevery year.

Richard Mercer, marketing director at Parcel2Go, said research from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and Google had revealed that during the first quarter of 2012, total search volumes from overseas consumers rose by 57 per cent year-on-year.

The BRC/Google search data showed developing countries including Mexico and Pakistan played a significant role in driving traffic to UK sites in the first quarter of the year, with year-on-year growth of 135 per cent and 101 per cent respectively.

Mr Mercer urged companies to take advantage of the fact that more and more foreign shoppers are interested in British brands and products.

He said: “The figures show this is the perfect time for companies here in Britain to capitalise on the interest being shown by foreign consumers in our goods and services. As well as having a strong online presence, businesses must make sure they are clearly offering a range of international parcel delivery options to entice foreign consumers and boost their sales.

“Parcel2Go works with the world’s leading parcel delivery companies and it’s with the help of cheap international courier businesses that firms here in the UK will be able to prosper in new overseas markets.”

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But when will I see Granny?

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Imagine a situation where both parents work and care is divided between both maternal and paternal grandparents. In an ideal world this arrangement would continue after a divorce or separation, but frequently all goodwill breaks down leaving children having to cope with new arrangements and often the loss or deterioration of a relationship with one or both sets of grandparents.

I often get asked ‘but what about my rights?’ by caring grandparents who are desperate to continue a relationship with their grandchildren. The sad, depressing, answer is that grandparents have no automatic right to make an application to the Court for contact or residence, unless the children have been living with them for at least 3 years.

Grandparents have an additional hurdle, of having to first apply to Court for‘leave’ to make an application. This application is sent to both parents, who have the opportunity to oppose, or agree to leave being granted. Only if the Judge is satisfied that it is in the child’s best interest for the application to be granted will the matter move to the next stage when a Judge will consider what, if any contact, there should be between grandparent and grandchild. That contact has to be viewed in context as often the children will be spending time with the ‘other’ parent. Frequently, the Court has to juggle complex arrangements to try to accommodate all members of the family (and the child’s school or social commitments).

The Government applauds grandparents for the vital role they play in shaping a child’s future, providing unpaid childcare so parents can return to work. However, since 1989 successive governments have so far refused to amend the law to provide grandparents the automatic right to make an application to the Court to preserve their unique relationship with grandchildren. Following the Family Justice Review, there has been a recommendation that Grandparents should be included in ‘parenting agreements’ setting out the time that children of separated parents should spend not only with Mum and Dad, but Granny and Grandpa too.

Whilst the judicial system may not be quick to help grandparents, I have used other dispute resolution such as mediation, collaborative law and family conferencing to assist in breaking the deadlock between family members and re-establishing contact.

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Perfect for College Students & the Unemployed, Angels of Mercy Foundation Launches New Directory of Over 670 Work-from-home Opportunities

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Angels of Mercy Foundation has developed and made available a new 42 page directory of over 670 firms who have work-from-home opportunities available. These opportunities are perfect for college students, the unemployed or anyone at least 18-years-old in need of additional income. The data has been fully researched and includes links for immediate access. A bonus 17 page paid survey work directory is also included. Daily income is guaranteed if the individual is willing to work from their personal computer on a regular basis.

The work-from-home firms are in need of survey takers, mystery shoppers, data entry clerks, email processors, information research clerks and more. The bonus survey work directory includes hundreds of survey companies willing to pay people immediately after they complete surveys online. The directory costs $25.00 for the general public and $20.00 for high school/college students and senior citizens (age 55 and over) via Paypal.com to access your directories. After your payment is received, a ‘Thank You for your Purchase’ page will appear with two (2) links for downloading your ‘Work-From-Home-Directory and PAID Survey Directory. You will have access immediately.

Interested parties need to have a computer with internet access, a printer, a telephone and a prepaid debit card that accepts direct deposits. More information about acquiring a prepaid debit card with free immediate activation should click here:http://angelsofmercyfoundation.org/Prepajd-Debit-Card-Info.html. This prepaid debit card program will issue the user’s direct deposit banking information, immediately. Users will be able to write online checks through the program and they will receive the prepaid debit card in 5-7 days. This is the, only, prepaid debit card program that provides a Second Chance Checking Account for those individuals who need to write checks.

About Angels of Mercy Foundation

Angels of Mercy Foundation specializes in helping people in every area of their lives. Right now, they are dedicated to helping those individuals who have been out of work for several months and students, housewives, etc., who need supplemental income. Their market research has enabled them to develop these new directories. They have researched hundreds of companies around the world that spend huge amounts of money trying to understand how people think and shop, why they buy certain products, etc. This acquired information helps these companies improve their products and services.

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Plan Parcel Delivery Needs And Don’t Get Caught Out By London 2012, Says Parcel2Go

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The UK’s largest online parcel delivery specialist has warned individuals and businesses not to get caught out by the inevitable disruption set to be caused by the London 2012 Olympics this summer.

The Olympic Games will take place at sports arenas across the United Kingdom between July 27 and August 12 this year, with the majority of events happening in London. Unsurprisingly, the anticipated influx of visitors to London will have a significant impact on the capital’s transport network and may also lead to disruption at Olympic sites across Britain.

Organisers of the Games have already told businesses that road closures and parking restrictions will impact on parcel deliveries and collections. The UK’s leading courier companies such as City Link, FedEx and TNT are all working to find ways to minimise the inevitable disruption to customers and are liaising with organisers as part of their attempts to provide reliable services during the Games.

Parcel2Go’s marketing director Richard Mercer said: “The London 2012 Olympics will be a huge international event and understandably the sheer volume of people set to descend on the capital and other UK cities will cause disruption and delays. Courier companies are working hard to formulate plans to counter the effect of road closures and parking restrictions, and have pledged to keep customers informed via Olympic delivery information pages.

“Parcel2Go is calling on people to plan ahead as much as possible and make parcel recipients aware of the situation. For now, the best thing is to keep regularly checking couriers’ websites for updates on how the Games is likely to affect day-to-day operations.”

The parcel tracking services available online through Parcel2Go play a vital role in helping individuals and businesses to remain aware of where their consignments are, and when they are likely to arrive. During the Olympics, these services are expected to be key in assisting customers to stay informed and up-to-date.

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Parcel2Go Backs Government Call For SMEs To Break Into New Overseas Markets

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A call by the government’s trade and investment minister Lord Green for more small businesses in Britain to attempt to break into new markets overseas has been backed by the UK’s largest online parcel delivery service.

Parcel2Go, which assists individuals and businesses in shipping more than two million packages across the globe with world courier firms every year, believes there are significant opportunities waiting for forward-thinking companies.

During a recent appearance in Gateshead, the minister said small businesses sending their products overseas were at the heart of the government’s plans to grow the economy. Lord Green said that while the domestic market continued to grow slowly, opportunities were going to come from overseas. He also stressed the importance of looking to new markets outside of the eurozone, such as Asia, the Middle East and the United States.

Parcel2Go’s marketing director Richard Mercer said: “Small businesses are certainly central to the economic recovery, and Lord Green is correct in highlighting the importance of overseas markets to businesses in the UK. There are opportunities out there and at Parcel2Go we want to help as many companies as possible beat the downturn and explore avenues for growth further afield.

“It is understandable that small firms especially might be hesitant about attempting to build new customer bases in countries a considerable distance from Britain. However, with the help of partners such as Parcel2Go, which can help take the hassle out of shipping goods abroad, it is possible for these firms to flourish overseas.”

Parcel2Go works with some of the world’s leading parcel delivery couriers, including Parcelforce, City Link and FedEx, to organise the delivery of parcels to countries across the globe, from Australia to Cyprus. International delivery services to fast-growing economies including Brazil, South Africa and China are also available through the website.

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Parcel Delivery Firm Backs Findings Of Online Shopping Survey

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Bolton-based online parcel delivery specialist Parcel2Go has given its backing to a recent internet shopping survey, which found that high delivery charges had led many consumers to abandon purchases.

A survey of 2,000 UK consumers, carried out by ecommerce specialist Econsultancy, found that nearly three-quarters of people (74 per cent) had abandoned an online purchase because they thought the charge for having their product delivered was too high.

Parcel2Go’s marketing director Richard Mercer says this is an issue that all online retailers should be aware of, and work towards addressing.

He said: “The fact that so many consumers have been in the position where they are all ready to go ahead with a purchase, and then have decided to abandon it at the last minute, should certainly start alarm bells ringing with firms. Excessive delivery charges are something that online shoppers are clearly not prepared to put up with.

“Of course the majority of online businesses are not able to go down the same route as the major players such as Amazon and Play.com and offer free parcel delivery as standard, but this survey highlights how important it is to get delivery charges right.”

Parcel2Go helps individuals and businesses arrange shipping of more than two million parcels to destinations in the UK and across the world every year. By partnering with some of the leading world couriercompanies such as FedEx, City Link and Parcelforce, Parcel2Go is able to offer its customers access to a huge range of competitively-priced domestic and international delivery services.

Mr Mercer added: “The internet has made it easier than ever for businesses to organise their parcel deliveries, and so by offering low-cost, reliable courier services with parcel tracking through their site, firms can increase the number of shoppers who complete purchases at the checkout.”

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Compare Mobile Plans Supports ACMA Plan for Clarity of Comms Industry Terminology

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Australian mobile users can look forward to less confusing mobile industry terminology if industry regulator Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) gets its way. The body has warned ISPs and mobile providers to clear up the various buzzwords they use such as ‘cap’ to help consumers enjoy more clarity of pricing plans.

ACMA is also targeting other industry terms in a bid to make consumers’ lives easier – the regulator wants to see a voluntary code of conduct in place to which ISPs will commit. Other industry terms are on the ACMA hitlist as it seeks to make the sector clearer and simpler for consumers.

‘Unlimited Plans’
Any companies which claim to offer ‘unlimited’ plans now need to clarify what they are supplying to subscribers. Many consumers remain confused about contractual details as small print often contains nuances about what is actually covered in their ‘unlimited’ contract, such as heavy charges for calling 1300 numbers.

ACMA wants all providers to remove the misleading word from promotional materials to help reassure consumers. In recent times some operators have taken steps to do this, including Vodafone removing ‘Infinite’ from plans and Amaysim including 1300 and 1800 numbers in Unlimited plans.

Sarah McDonald, spokesperson for Compare Mobile Plans, says: “We are really pleased to see ACMA taking this step, and it can only benefit consumers and the industry in general. Those providers which promise ‘Unlimited’ plans must deliver on that commitment or remove the term from their plans.”

Cap and Included Value
ACMA is also targeting misuse of the term ‘Cap’ in plans, unless providers are truly promoting plans which genuinely limit subscribers on what amounts they can spend on calls and data usage.

In its recent clarion call ACMA included a demand for providers to issue a ‘unit price’ for two-minute voice calls, unit prices per text and a standard cost for 1MB of data usage.

Flagfall
Visitors to Australia from outside the country regularly find themselves confused by the term ‘Flagfall’, which is linked to call connection charges – something which no longer exists in other western telecoms markets like the USA and Europe.

“There isn’t really any justification any longer for Australian ISPs to be charging for flagfall. This is another area where providers could help both the
industry and subscribers out by getting rid of it,” Sarah McDonald went on.

In recent times fledgling provider Amaysim took a stand and launched a range of no contract SIM only plans for Australian subscribers which don’t include any flagfall charges.

Included data
ACMA is also targeting included data contracts which can mislead consumers, in response to the high levels of smartphone penetration today enjoyed in Australia – the country is at 37% penetration right now.

“While ISPs and operators may find it easy to distinguish between ‘included data’ and ‘excess data’ plans, many consumers remain a bit baffled by them and need more clarity,” Sarah McDonald goes on. “Roaming charges is another area which consumers are still pretty puzzled by and they are fed up of getting charged huge sums simply for travelling – providers must address this.”

Comparing mobile phone plans
The variety of confusing industry terms around can make it hard to source and purchase the right subscription – but websites are here to help. Comparison specialists such as Compare Mobile Plans offer simple ways to calculate your needs and how much you want to spend on voice and data before signing up to a deal. The website carries all the latest offers from providers including Telstra, iPrimus, Westnet, Internode, TPG Internet and many more. Users can also compare the latest handsets and mobile devices on the site.

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Don’t Miss Out On Opportunities Thrown-Up By The Tablet Explosion, Urges Parcel2Go

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The number of people in the UK who own a tablet computer is rising rapidly, and online parcel delivery specialist Parcel2Go has called on companies of all sizes to make sure they don’t miss out on the wealth of opportunities available.

The market for tablets has been recognised as one that is significant and growing, with new product releases such as Apple’s third generation iPad helping to boost interest in the sector. Apple’s first iPad went on sale just over two years ago, and the company has sold around 55 million of the devices since then.

The latest version, which hit the shops earlier this month, had “a record weekend” according to the company and chief executive Tim Cook, who has said he expects tablets to outsell computers within three years.

Parcel2Go’s marketing director Richard Mercer said the fact that tablet computer ownership is spreading so rapidly, and that research has shown the average tablet owner spends more money shopping online other internet users, means businesses must act.

He said: “The convenience and ease of browsing and shopping using tablet computers has been recognised by consumers, and businesses must recognise the importance of having a strong online presence in order to take advantage of the situation.

“Parcel2Go helps a large number of companies to get their products out to customers with domestic and international parcel delivery firms. We know that customers have come to demand that businesses today not only offer an online shopping experience that is intuitive and enjoyable, but also one that allows them to have access to delivery services that are fast, reliable, inexpensive and will ensure that the product is in their hands in the shortest possible time.”

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Help Spot and Avoid a Fake Mobile Phone for WCRD 2012

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On World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD) 2012, consumers worldwide are reminded that they have the power to make the right choice and avoid fake or knock off mobile phones.

“People can inadvertently purchase a fake or sub-standard phone, through no fault of their own, by trying to find a cheaper price for a phone – especially on the internet,” said Michael Milligan, Secretary General of the Mobile Manufacturers Forum (MMF).

“Everyone wants to be able to buy a product at a good price. But unscrupulous suppliers are exploiting that desire for a bargain to sell products that are not what they claim, or that are just poor quality and perhaps even dangerous. To help consumers identify and avoid these fake or knock-off phones, genuine manufacturers have created the www.spotafakephone.comwebsite.”

Most fake phones are counterfeit copies of genuine handsets, which steal intellectual property such as designs, technologies and trademarks to deliberately deceive consumers. Fake phones are also produced without government approval, safety testing or certification and are sold illegally on the world’s black markets.

“The global black market for fake handsets has grown rapidly over the past few years and is estimated to be in excess of 200 million devices every year,” Mr Milligan said.

“With counterfeiters imitating all facets of a phones appearance, including labeling, design and packaging, it can be hard to spot whether a phone is fake or genuine, so the mobile industry developed this website to help consumers identify fakes and make the right choice.”

“Often it is the sub-standard components, low quality manufacturing and poor performance that impact on consumers after they have already purchased a fake, especially in the area of consumer safety, and usually the consumer has no recourse with the supplier.”

“Another important benefit of buying a genuine phone is that original manufacturers stand behind the quality of their own products and provide important product warranties to consumers should problems arise after purchase.” Mr Milligan said

Consumers can do their part in helping to identify, report and avoid fake or knock off phones by going to: www.spotafakephone.com.

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Peps Mattress Reviews – Mattress Technology & Certifications

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This is a review about Peps Mattresses, the technology used, the quality standards and products. The article also talks about the partnership with Restonic Mattress and the review of quality standards met by Peps. The Peps sleep solutions also meet the benchmark defined by Restonic Corporation, USA for its Restonic range of products. Peps Spine Guard Mattress is one of our special mattress product release in the market.

The technology is patented and uniquely delivered in its product range. Some of the features of the products include: individually pocketed inner springs that absorbs weight and compress independently, so that you will feel your partner’s movement a lot, less. The reinforcement in the middle helps reduce the back strain significantly. The restonic range of mattress includes the normal top range, euro top range and the pillow top range.

The Peps mattress is certified by Entomology Center Cambridge, under AATCC 147/30/1424 standards. The Peps range of products is crafted from materials and components of highest quality standards and certifications. The products are delivered with care to exceed the customer expectations. The mattress is internationally certified for no odor, no fungus, no dust mite & no bacteria.

The manufacturing facility is built in a 15 acre industrial campus in Coimbatore. The world class manufacturing facility comprises machineries from Germany, Sweden and USA. Peps is India’s only manufacturer of sleep systems that match exact quality and technology benchmarks of Restonic Corporation of USA. Peps’ unique expertise and insights of Indian consumer strengthen an already formidable partnership.

A brief review about the quality of materials used: the high carbon tempered steel wire is used to inter connect & form rigid, durable & yet flexible core. The ‘secure lock’ feature reduces motion transference and partner disturbance. The super edge feature binds the perimeter making it stronger and increasing the sleeping surface. The Belgian outer quilt & damask knitted ticking makes the first feel of great experience. The five zone sleep system makes provides special support to head, neck, shoulder, back and calf body areas. The peps range of mattresses are available at the exclusive mattress store – The Great Sleep Store.

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Parcel2Go Highlights The Importance Of Offering A Variety Of Shipping Options On eBay

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One of the UK’s leading online parcel delivery services has stressed how important it is for UK businesses to make sure they are appealing to as wide a group of online consumers on eBay as possible.

Bolton-based Parcel2Go made the call following an interview given to the Daily Telegraph by the online auction and retail giant’s president of global marketplaces this week. Devin Wenig told the newspaper the UK had now become eBay’s fastest-growing marketplace, highlighting the fact that the British site receives visits from 17 million unique users every month, with sellers listing 40 million products.

Parcel2Go marketing director Richard Mercer said the news highlights just how important it is for businesses using eBay to ensure that they are doing everything possible to attract customers.

He said: “The popularity of eBay is something that all businesses should be looking to take advantage of. E-commerce is continuing to grow at a staggering pace and companies should be trying to maximise their exposure to potential customers.

“On eBay, one way of doing this is by offering a wide range of shipping options to customers as this will ensure that listings appeal to as wide a range of people as possible. For example, by offering international shipping options through international courier firms you are going to suddenly make your products available to a whole swathe of new customers.”

In his interview, Mr Wenig also highlighted the increasing role that mobile is playing, describing its growth as “exponential”. He said one item per second is now purchased through a mobile device.

“Smartphone usage is spreading rapidly and as more consumers get access to sites such as eBay while they’re on the move, sales will naturally increase. We want as many businesses as possible to benefit from this opportunity,” added Richard.

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Barclays Bankers May Lose £1bn Bonus To PPI Claims Says PPI Claims Company Simple Financial Solutions

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Barclays bank is considering a move that will see the bonuses planned for its staff cut to pay the fines and compensation claims for PPI mis-selling, and may even institute a claw back of bonuses already paid, says PPI Claims Company Simple Financial Solutions.

In the wake of Sir John Vickers banking reform report, Barclays Chief Executive Bob Diamond has put forward the idea that some of the large fines for PPI mis-selling could be met by withholding the bonuses of its staff as a type of penance and using the money to meet its PPI mis-selling commitments instead.

In a meeting with the MPs of the Treasury Select Committee, Mr Diamond was taken to task by Committee Chair Andrew Tyrie about PPI mis-selling. In explaining that the staff responsible for the mis-selling had now gone, Mr Diamond added in reference to the PPI fines: “We are taking into account in our businesses that impact in our remuneration.”

Some believe his comments have come following the decision of Lloyds bank to claw back some of the bonus its chief executive, Eric Daniels, received because of the heavy financial toll of £3.2bn the PPI mis-selling scandal  is predicted to have on the lender.

However, Mr Diamond appeared to be losing patience with proceedings when later asked about bankers’ level of pay and remarked that it was ‘disappointing’ to be asked about it again. ‘I was looking forward to a discussion on the Independent Commission on Banking and its report and we’re right on to the same issues as last time, which I do find disappointing,’ he said.

A spokesperson for PPI Claims Company Simple Financial Solutions, said: “It seems that the bankers wish everyone would just shut up and forget about the PPI mis-selling scandal, as if it is water under the bridge, old history, best forgotten. Nobody has forgotten Mr Diamond’s comments earlier this year when he proclaimed the time for‘remorse and apology’ was over. The trouble is, it isn’t and it won’t be. Barclays has been identified as being one of the worst offenders for dragging its heels over settlingPPI claims and until the matter is fully concluded and Barclay’s customers are properly and fairly treated, Mr Diamond will hear a great deal more on the subject.”

“Cutting staff bonuses for poor performance is just the start of the steps Barclays should be taking to get its house in order. A bonus claw back from those senior manager who time and again failed at their jobs and caused this mess would be a good idea and might see Barclays earn a little lost respect back from customers.”

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Parcel2Go Calls On Businesses To Keep Customers In The Loop During Bad Weather

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With more snow expected to hit the UK in the coming days, online parcel delivery specialist Parcel2Go has called on companies to ensure they keep customers expecting deliveries informed.

Forecasters have warned that the cold spell currently gripping Britain could last until the end of the month, with very cold temperatures leading to hard frosts in the coming days. Severe weather warnings for snow and ice are in place across many parts of England and Wales, and Parcel2Go, which helps individuals and businesses to organise more than two million international and UK mail shipments each year, has warned that delays are possible.

In order to help customers stay on top of the latest developments, Parcel2Go has added a new weather warning information link to its homepage which is being updated as necessary with news of the latest weather-related developments affecting postcode areas across the UK.

Parcel2Go’s marketing director, Richard Mercer, has called on businesses to check the site for important updates and where necessary, communicate these to customers who are expecting domestic and international parcel deliveries.

He said: “Temperatures have been well below freezing and unsurprisingly this is playing havoc on some of the country’s roads.

“Parcel delivery services and collections will continue as normal if it is deemed safe for drivers to reach addresses, but to a large degree we are at the mercy of the elements and as we have seen over the past week, conditions can change extremely quickly.

“We’re asking people who are expecting parcels to be collected to bear with us if weather conditions are preventing a driver from calling, and for companies to let their customers know that consignments could be delayed as a result.”

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Scottish Broadband Plan Would Be Boon To Small Businesses, Says Parcel2Go

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New plans to dramatically increase the speed of broadband internet services to homes and businesses in Scotland by 2015 have been welcomed by the UK’s largest online parcel delivery specialist.

Parcel2Go, which helps individuals and businesses across Britain to send consignments to addresses here in the UK and countries all over the world, said if the Scottish government’s plans come to fruition, the result would be a major boost for small firms.

As part of the Infrastructure Action Plan (IAP), the government hopes that 85 to 90 per cent of properties in Scotland will benefit from broadband speeds of between 40-80Mbps. At the moment the average broadband speed in the UK is just 6.8Mbps.

The growing importance of being able to trade online and effectively manage a business through the internet means the plans could have a substantial impact on companies in Scotland. Parcel2Go’s marketing director Richard Mercer, said the parts of the IAP aimed at improving access to mobile data services could also be hugely beneficial to firms.

He said: “More and more small businesses are coming to rely on the internet and are managing to boost their takings through e-commerce. Parcel2Go helps thousands of these companies find cheap courier deals so they can ship consignments across the world, and from feedback, we understand all too well how important online services have become to the UK’s small businesses.

“With Britain facing the possibility of another recession, schemes such as this which will help firms to grow should be made a top priority. It is innovative and dynamic companies that will help Britain move towards an improved economic situation and Britain should be doing everything possible to support that growth.”

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Parcel2Go backs findings of global parcel delivery survey

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The UK’s largest online parcel delivery specialist has said it is unsurprised by the results of a recent study highlighting the growing importance of online delivery services.

A worldwide survey of 93 members of the Universal Postal Union showed that 70 per cent believe postal e-services are strategically important for the future. The research identified 55 different types of digital services which are now available, including track and trace and online bill payments.

According to Bolton-based Parcel2Go, which has been involved in helping businesses and individuals to organise international parcel services for over 20 years and is involved with the delivery of more than two millions parcels a year, demand for online services will continue to grow at a rapid rate.

Richard Mercer, marketing director at Parcel2Go, said the simplicity of arranging shipping services through the internet is one of the main appeals.

He said: “The results of the Universal Postal Union survey make interesting reading, but we’re not surprised to find that an increasing number of organisations are recognising the potential of online services.

“At Parcel2Go we have been focussed on bringing the latest online services to our customers for many years. Feedback tells us that online tools such as parcel tracking are highly valued by individuals, while for many business customers they have become invaluable.”

Richard added that as mobile devices such as tablet computers come to play an increasing part in people’s daily lives, demand for online courier services is only going to increase.

The survey put Switzerland at the top of the list in terms of overall e-services development, while the US, Canada and Germany all featured in the top ten. The Universal Postal Union said it was the first time it had surveyed its members on e-services, but added that this type of study will now be conducted on a regular basis.

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As The Credit Card Industry Suffers Revenue Losses, Consumers In Need Of a New Line of Credit Option

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Overall, the credit card industry earned almost 6% less revenue in 2011 than during the previous year, in large part due to a decrease in the use of credit cards by shoppers and, as a result, less revolving credit that can be subjected to interest charges and fees. While come consumers have made a conscious effort to wean themselves off of spending on credit cards in an attempt to get a handle on their personal debt, others were forced into a credit card-free lifestyle during and after the Great Recession when many card issuers terminated the accounts of risky borrowers. Recent years have seen many lenders competing fiercely amongst themselves in order to pursue only the most creditworthy individuals.

Now with the nation’s economic situation slowly but steadily improving, credit card issuers are feeling more comfortable about relaxing their underwriting standards. This, combined with their acute need to acquire new cardholders in order to shore up some of their revenue losses of late, means that many lenders will looking beyond those with good and excellent credit scores in 2012. This opens up a whole slew of opportunities for people with less-than-perfect credit histories as they can reasonably expect lenders to increase their offering of credit cards for fair credit.

Consumers should beware of rising interest rates on borrowing as credit card issuers flounder to recoup some of their loss of earnings. In fact, experts have reported that going in to the New Year, the average interest rate on consumer credit cards is 15.14%, higher than the 14.75% APR that was the national average just six months ago. One option for consumers to find temporary reprieve from high interest rates is to look into 0 balance transfer credit cards which, when used wisely, can be an invaluable tool when it comes to handling debt.

Credit card companies are going to have to come up with some hard and fast ways to up their revenue over the coming year, whether they resort to raising interest rates, laying off employees, making more unsecured credit cards for bad credit available, some combination of the above or employing another technique altogether.

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