Buying used machinery entails proper inspection before buying because it helps discover crucial facts about the quality of the machine that helps to justify the price.  After gathering all information about the machine from the seller, which might be a company like CWR resources, you must inspect the machine to verify the facts and even discover something more that helps make a well-informed decision.

Checking the machine physically and on-site has been the norm. However, with the advancement of technology, the method of inspecting machines has changed. Many companies that sell used machinery and equipment are offering online inspection of devices that save time and speed up transactions. Moreover, it does away with the spending involved in a physical examination and provides the opportunity of buying used machines from any location, no matter how far it might be.

The benefits of online machine inspection will become clear on going through this article.

Cost benefits

Inspection is an exercise to assess the machine’s condition and consider its suitability for use by focusing on every aspect from the build to the safety features. Now that the used machinery market has gone online, it has expanded the choices of buyers who can directly reach out to sellers in any part of the country. Online access to machines has encouraged virtual inspections, too, as it is now possible to conduct inspections online for machines located hundreds of miles away. It saves the cost of traveling to far-off places and deputing people for inspection that might take many days to complete. It also eliminates the need to hire third-party inspection agencies that saves cost.

Speedier transactions

The online interactions do away with the physical processes of transactions which now you can conduct online. It greatly increases the speed of transactions as all documentation happens online, eliminating the need for any person to be physically present when closing the deal.  The faster turnaround time is beneficial for buyers who can quickly install a machine as soon as they want to avail of some unforeseen business opportunity.

Eliminate fraud

Online inspections eliminate the need to rely on third parties and reduce the chances of fraud as buyers can thoroughly inspect the machine as they would do physically. The online process brings more transparency to the transaction because buyers are aware of what they are getting for their money. Online inspection allows checking the minutest details and repeats the process if needed without spending any money. It gives them more confidence in knowing the machine inside out before they buy it.

Buy the right machine

The online inspection allows a much more in-depth assessment of the machine, which might not be possible during physical inspections due to lack of time.  If needed, buyers can ask for multiple checks to get answers to their queries. In addition, it means that buyers can gather more information about the machine by conducting a virtual inspection.

As a result, buyers are more confident of buying the right machine at the right price, which gives them a lot of satisfaction.

If you are looking to start a small business, you need the right planning and financial support. If your business gets the right funding to implement the plan, then you have a greater chance of success. However, most business people know how hard it is to secure funding for a business. The reason is that many financial institutions and people are not willing to invest their money in a business that is just stepping into the market for the first time. Fortunately, there are so many ways through which small business owners can raise funds without dipping their hands into their savings. Read on to discover the top 13 options for funding your small business.

1. Small business start-up loans

Small business loans are a great way to fund a start-up. This type of loan offers a great opportunity for those who want to finance their small trade. There is a wide range of small business loan options on the market that are designed to help people finance their small trades. One of the most popular products in this segment is the SBA loans that can be used to pay rent for a business premise, employee salaries, and even purchase inventory for your business. The good thing is that you can use these loans in bettering many areas of your business.

Getting an SBA loan today is not a hard thing when you have all the requirements. You can find numerous SBA lenders in your area that can provide you with the loan facility that you require. Alternatively, you can access these loans online by connecting with an appropriate lending service.

2. Credit cards

If you are not looking for a commercial loan to finance your small business, you can easily turn to credit cards. Many credit card companies offer credit cards for start-ups that are far much better than personal credit cards. However, a business owner needs to know that credit cards come with higher interest rates. But if you are seriously in need of capital, this is an option that you need to consider. Before signing for a credit card, a business owner should learn all the terms and conditions of the card.

3. Family and friends

If you want to be a successful business person, you should avoid mixing business with pleasure. But if you have the opportunity to borrow money from a friend or a relative, why should you look for an outside investor? The benefit of getting funding from friends and family is that you do not have to look for commercial loans. Getting backing from your family and friends gives you confidence when looking for outside investors. If your friends and family do not believe in your idea, why would other people do? It is also important to have the friendly loan agreement written down as that can prevent disagreements and confusion in the future.

you however need to be careful when borrowing money from family and friends as that can run relationships should something go wrong in the process.  

4. Savings

Your savings can help solve your business’s financial needs. In addition to giving muscle to your business, your savings gives you control over the funding and finances of your business. However, it is important to be careful about the amount of savings that you use in your business. This is because you need some money ready should your business not generate enough revenue in the first few months of operation. It is also important to know that you are investing part of your finances into the business and this can be tricky to manage. That is why you should consult with a financial advisor before proceeding.

5. Bank loans

Traditional bank loans are a great source of funding for many start-up businesses. However, you need to do proper research on the types of business loans to get since terms and interest rates vary considerably from bank to bank. Business loans are ideal for someone who has a good relationship with their bank and can make a well-researched business case for their business.

6. Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding allows you to source the entire amount of money that you need for your business from the public. In this method, people either lend you the money or purchase a stake in your venture. Crowdfunding is ideal for businesses with great growth potential and can attract a lot of attention from potential investors.  

Also, you will find that the more people that you can reach, the better are your chances of getting a great deal. However, it important to note that crowdfunding is not a quick way to finance your small business as it takes a while. You need to invest a lot of effort and time in the process.

7. Business angels

Angel investors are rich people who invest money in your business in exchange for shares. There are angel investors who work in groups while others work as an individual. Although this is a viable method for raising small business funds, it is something it is not suitable for individuals who want to keep 100% ownership of their business. Nevertheless, angel investors have usually experienced business persons who will offer you valuable business advice and guidance.

8. Venture capitalists

Venture capitalists are people who put large amounts of money into a business in exchange for equity. These types of investors can pool more resources than business angels. The motive of a venture capitalist is to help a business grow at a faster rate so that it can realize a return on investment much faster.  

If you have a small start-up that has huge growth potential and are willing to give up some equity, venture capitalism can be a great way to source funds. The good thing is that a venture capitalist can also offer expertise on how to grow the business at a faster rate while opening the doors to their networks and connections.

Since venture capitalists are going to invest huge amounts of money, you are likely to lose a large portion of equity from your business.

9. Short-term loans

If you do not require a lot of money for your small business, you may consider investing in short-term loans. Many institutions on the market provide pay-day loans. Such funding is very important in boosting cash flow, enhancing working capital, and starting a project.

This funding method is ideal if you are just looking to top up your funds and is sure of making repayments on time. Short-term loans are relatively fast to access if you qualify. Unfortunately, short-term loans have a relatively high amount of interest.

10. Guaranteed loans

Guaranteed loans are designed for small businesses that do not qualify for huge bank loans. This is especially if they do not have a trading history and lack the necessary security to guarantee the loans. This is a good source of lending for those who have tried other traditional routes but have been turned down. Schemes such as enterprise finance guarantee fall into this category and have lower repayments as they are subsidized by the government. However, it is important to note that guaranteed loans have strict requirements to qualify.

11. Incubators and accelerators

We cannot complete small business funding options without looking at incubators and accelerators in the market. These programs are designed to scale and accelerate start-ups with great growth potential. Incubators and accelerators provide a seed investment as well as mentoring in exchange for equity in your business. Business owners are however required to go for training on how to develop their business. However, it is important to note that the application and selection process can be very grueling.

12. Research and development grants

If your small business is involved in innovation, you could be a candidate for research and development grants from the government. These grants are a way to reward the most promising innovators in the market. You can be given cash directly or exempted from paying some taxes. The good thing with these grants is that they are free money and you do not have to repay them. Unfortunately, they are limited to businesses that only engage in innovation and technology.

13. SEIS and EIS

Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) and Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) are the other way of securing funds for your small business. In these arrangements, investors who subscribe for shares in your business are given a tax back. On the other hand, if they make a loss on their investment, they are given further income tax relief. This is a highly persuasive method of attracting investors to your business.  

Conclusion

We hope that the above small business funding options will help you make informed decisions. However, it is important to note that each of the options above comes with risks that can jeopardize the growth plans of your business. To make the most out of small business funding options, you need to look at your profit margins, creditors, debtors, cash flow, forecasts, and other aspects of your business.

Parcel delivery company Fastway suffered a cyberattack which has compromised personal details from over 440,000 parcel deliveries.

Established in 1983 in Napier in New Zealand, Fastway has grown to operate in Australia, Ireland, Northern Ireland, and South Africa—in addition to New Zealand.

Fastway Couriers confirmed that one of its IT systems experienced a cyberattack which was identified on February 25.

The company said that many personal details of the 446,143 parcel deliveries were compromised in the leak like names, addresses, emails, and/or phone numbers of recipients. Fastway added that no financial information has been compromised—Fastway does not store any financial information in its systems.

The compromised data relates to deliveries, in-flight or undelivered parcels of around 30 days from mid-January onward, according to the Fastway. Customers in Ireland and other jurisdictions may have also been affected by the breach.

Fastway’s third-party IT development contractor identified the breach on February 25, and by 9 am on the 26th, had fully mitigated it. Fastway was advised by the IT contractor about the breach on March 2nd. 

Once Fastway learned of the breach, it advised the Data Protection Commission and the Gardai. Fastway also made a requisite data breach submission to the Data Protection Commission.

Fastway CEO Danny Hughes said in a statement that it was distressing that the company’s system was compromised by a malicious attack. “I deeply regret that people’s personal data has been compromised and I apologize to our clients and their customers,” he said.

Fastway looks to rebound as quickly and safely as possible from the malicious attack, and to continue to develop a relationship rooted in trust with clients. That sentiment is further backed by the immediacy with which Fastway has made the attack public knowledge and outlined the company’s intentions moving forward. Disclosing cyber-attacks quickly is often bad for the company’s stock, but it gives clients a chance to react and work alongside IT support services in order to make sure more of their data isn’t compromised.

Hughes stressed that no financial data was at risk and the issue is limited to only delivery information. A bit of relieving news in the wake of the jarring incident. Hughes stated that Fastway will continue to work closely with the DPC, the Gardai, and clients to manage the situation in line with the best practices.

Fastway is committed to protecting its clients and their information and puts its best foot forward when dealing with cyberattacks and the preventative measures that must be taken with such attacks. Concerned customers are advised to contact Fastway directly. 

With the pandemic still at large, many physical stores and businesses remain closed, and many customers have turned to online shopping and parcel deliveries. This breach hits almost a year after the first public health restrictions were announced.

The breach takes advantage of the unusual situations brought on by the pandemic—where companies like Fastway have been supporting beams for clients and economies the world over.

The Irish Data Protection Commission confirmed they were notified of the breach last week and are actively investigating the issue.