BJM Free Press |

COMPUTER INFORMATION SERIES NO. 2 OF 3

To complete your computer system purchase, you’ll need to choose the right printer for your needs. Since there is such a wide variety to choose from with prices ranging from $120 to $6,000 we need to look at what each one is, and how much it costs to operate and maintain.

Dot-Matrix Printers (obsolete technology).

Essentially obsolete with the advent of inkjet and laser printers, these printers print using a series of dots. There are 9-pin and 24-pin dot matrix printers. A 9-pin will print 9 dots per inch on your paper, where a 24-pin will print 24 dots per inch on your paper. Naturally, a 24-pin is going to make your print-out with more detail and clarity because there is more printing per inch therefore if there is only a small difference in price — you should get the 24-pin.

Dot-matrix printers don’t cost much to maintain. They use a printer ribbon similar to a typewriter ribbon at an average cost of $12 each. The ribbon has about the same life as a typewriter ribbon, so you be the judge as to how long they’ll last you.

A dot matrix printer is a perfect investment if you plan to use your computer for mailing lists and occasional writing of letters. There is also a software you can buy called “Emulaser” (purchase from TigerSoftware for $69.95 by calling 1-800-888-4437) that will make your dot matrix printer think it’s a laser printer. The print-out will almost be of the same professional quality but your printer will print much slower. (Emulaser is not recommended for older computers with a 8086 or similar processor. A minimum of a 286 or 386-based computer system is recommended)

Daisy Wheel Printers (obsolete technology).

Don’t get stuck with one of these. Remember the old IBM Selectric typewriters that used a wheel to type a character instead of a typewriter key? This is what a daisy wheel printer uses. You can NEVER print a photograph or picture and it’s not too great at drawing lines and boxes either. Besides, you can get a dot matrix printer for a much lower price and print anything you want to!

Inkjet and Bubblejet Printers.

Both of these printers use a WET ink to print onto the paper. There is no danger in smearing because the ink dries instantaneously — however, if the printed page draws moisture or something is spilled on it, you could have a few problems and have to print the page
again.

Although they are not costly to maintain, if you have a mail order business the chances of ink smearing during the mailing process is greater. Therefore, inkjet and bubblejet printers should not be used — especially for printing labels to apply to the outside of the envelope.

Laser Printers.

If you plan to do more with your computer than maintain mailing lists, keep records and write occasional letters; you will want to seriously look at purchasing a laser printer. A laser printer hardly ever wears out and is one of the best investments you can make if you’re in for the long-haul.

A laser printer is like a mini-computer. It has a memory board in it and will accumulate an entire page in it’s memory banks BEFORE it prints the page. Just like making sure you have enough RAM in your computer to operate the software, you need enough RAM in your laser printer to print a page.

How much memory do you need? If all you wanted to print was a 1-page letter containing only words you could print it on a laser printer with 512K of memory. However, if you want to print that same letter with a graphic (cartoon, photograph, lines, boxes, etc.) you would need more memory in your printer. The “safe” amount to purchase would be 1MG but we highly recommend 4MG. This way, you won’t be in any trouble when you are trying to print something that takes up 2MG of memory and you only have 1MG on your printer. If this happens, the page will not print and your computer will tell you that you have run out of room!

Laser printers print with a DRY ink (similar to a high-speed copier.) The ink comes in a cartridge and most cartridges will print 5,000 to 8,000 pages. Prices vary for purchasing cartridges but normal costs are $35 to $150 for a NEW printer cartridge. After you buy a NEW cartridge, you can have it refilled at 50% to 75% less than the price to purchase another NEW one. This saves you money on future purchases and also helps our environment! (A good refill company for toner and office copiers is Roman Office Supply, 652 Rebecca St, Westerville OH 43081 or you can call and get a specific quote from Jim Varadi at 614-794-3412.)

Have a great time!

Continue reading Part 1, Part 3, and Part 4 of the series.

WHY DON’T WE HAVE A GOOD PEOPLE ALERT?

I’m glad to know that “Hambro Sudefy” is a scam artist but I want to deal with a good mail order company. Where do I turn? What do I do?

This problem faces many of the beginners in mail order today. That’s why it’s important for publishers to not copy the news media and only report derogatory information — but publish the good stuff too.

While scams and rip-offs should NEVER be ignored and are the best ways to prohibit their growth, why don’t more people start writing about the company who “did” issue them a refund check? Or the dealer that was late processing their order but “did” put 250 extra copies in the box to compensate for the delay?

Yes folks, they’re out there! People just don’t take the time to point them out to other people. It’s really not fair! They get their order and everything is fine so they have no reason to complain. They will place another order in the future but will never tell anyone else about them unless a problem arises.

I think it’s time a lot of us started bringing out the “good” side of the coin. People need to see the “Right” and “Wrong” of an issue. Being exposed to “Wrong” all the time is a distorted way to conduct your life and your business.

In fact — here’s a partial list of some GOOD people to help you get started. Please take the time to write these people FIRST because this report may be old by the time you read it. I have taken precautions to only list people who have been in business quite awhile and are likely to stay in business for a long time to come. However, people can die, move, become ill and get out of business altogether. Keep trying until you do hook up with some of them and they will help introduce you to others like themselves.

List of Good People We Recommend:

Don Harris, PO Box 1052, Oviedo FL 32765
Artcraft Press, PO Box 225, Mankato MN 56002-0225
Ken Weiand, PO Box 624, Cherokee Village AR 72525
Harland DeGroot, 2765 W Jefferson #H, Springfield IL 62702
David Dye, PO Box 1002, Battle Creek MI 49016
Robyn Marie Hormel, 4615 Takilma Rd, Cave Junction OR 97523
Marianne Hunter, PO Box 50027, Reno NV 89513
Gary Davis, PO Box 80, Foyil OK 74031
Coal Publishing, 27 So. 4th Ave, Highland Park NJ 08904
Graphico Publishing, PO Box 488, Bluff City TN 37618
Lori Thorn, 1807 Stillwater #5, St Paul MN 55119
Glenn Bridgeman, PO Box 10150, Terra Bella CA 93270
Tom Leash, 64 W Main St, Dallastown PA 17313
C J Nelson, 1825 Domanik Dr, Racine WI 53404
William Thrailkill, Jr, 4811 - 16th Ave, Chattanooga TN 37407
Thomas McCrary, PO Box 64, South Holland IL 60473
Carl O’Shea, PO Box 700, Baldwin Park CA 91706
Jerry Goodwin, PO Box 429, Johnson City KS 67855
Gail Lamothe, PO Box 46, Derby VT 05829
Dale Rolland, 2045 Deer Trail, Floresville TX 78114
Don Smith, PO Box 7600, Newark DE 19714
Maynard Hawkins, PO Box 3403, Wichita Falls TX 76301

And Remember:

You have to ALSO be a good person to benefit the rewards and help of a good person. You can’t go into a relationship with any of these people with the sole thought of “using” them until you make some money. Instead, you should treasure these people as a breath of fresh air. Dealing with honest people will save you lots and lots of money. Treat them like the gems they really are and you and your business will certainly be successful in the long run. Good luck to you.

THE LEGITIMATE SCAM

After spending the last 2 months talking to people who don’t know anything about “our” type of mail order, I found it evident that every one of them was introduced to mail order through “The Legitimate Scam!” What is this scam and why can’t it be stopped? Basically, because it IS a legitimate scam!

Now come on Victoria, who ever heard of a legitimate scam?

EXAMPLE 1:  Collect names for us. We pay $20 each. Guaranteed!

The truth is this company WILL pay you $20 for each name you collect for them. What they DON’T tell you is that each person has to spend $100 or more by placing an order before you get your $20.

The beginner is led to believe that all they have to do is get out their phone books and start sending the company names and addresses. In return, the company will send them $20 for each name and address they send them.

When they send away for the details they discover the “Legitimate Scam” and think everybody in mail order is operating this way. Result: Mail order is labeled as a scam and illegal business activity.

Here’s another example:

EXAMPLE 2:  How to flood your mailbox with $1 bills. Just send $1 for information.

To the seasoned pro, he or she can recognize this scam as very obvious — but to the beginner it’s very intriguing. Besides, it only costs $1 to find out.

What the beginner finds out is that they are expected to run the same ad in newspapers and tabloids. Other people will send $1 for information and their mailbox is “supposedly” flooded with $1 bills. This ad is NOT illegal. It asks you to send $1 for information and you DO get the information.

These types of ads are all a bunch of paper-passing — and I classify them under the heading of a “Legitimate Scam.” You can’t complain that your order was not filled. You can’t complain the idea is not possible. You can’t complain the ad promised something it didn’t deliver.

Around 1965 a guy ran an ad in 1,000’s of national magazines that said: “How to make $10,000 a year. Send $1 for the complete answer.” A co-worker I knew responded to the ad and in return received a piece of paper that said: “Get a job.”

So friends, if this type of activity has been going on since 1965 — and I suspect it really started in the Garden of Eden, why do you think we can put an end to it today?

However — don’t confuse the “Legitimate Scam” with “Lead-Generating Ads.” A mail order buddy of mine will run an ad that states: “Want to make a lot of money? Call (his telephone number.)” This is NOT necessarily a scam or rip-off. Since there is no cost involved — it might be worth your time and effort to call the number and see what this dealer has to offer.

Also, some dealers run ads that don’t tell you what the product is because they have an entire package of information they want to send you. It would be too costly to advertise the complete information in a small 1″ or 2″ ad, so they run “Lead-Generating Ads” to bring them inquiries. This is also NOT illegal and is common business practice. You’ll also find that real “Lead-Generating Ads” DON’T ask you for a lot of money up front. They only tell you enough about the product to entice you to send in a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope) or $1 for more information. They are unlike the “Example 2″ that basically tell you the scam before you order it! (It may take a little time for you to make the distinction between these fine lines.)

However, our duty as good mail order dealers should be to ban together and inform the public that “normal” mail order is NOT a part of the “Legitimate Scam.” And when we see one — we should cut it out and send to a mail order publisher to expose. So many people overlook the power of the PRINTED WORD. Instead of complaining, people should be writing their mail order publishers when they are ripped-off, providing them with documentation and a 2 or 3 paragraph summary of the “Legitimate Scam.”

Use wisdom. Get your facts straight. Have documentation to back-up your findings and submit them! Wouldn’t it be great if everybody in the world were honest? What a wonderful world this would be!

DON’T FALL FOR THE FREE MASTERCARD AND VISA RIP-OFF!

I’m sure you’ve seen them! You know the kind. They arrive in your mail from some “official looking” bank claiming that you have been Pre-Approved for a Mastercard or VISA credit card.

Of course, you don’t have to have any credit. You can even have bad credit or have just filed bankruptcy or even be rated as a “slow payer.” It doesn’t matter because these companies want to give you a second chance! Bull! This is a typical example of what I personally call “A Legitimate Scam” — something that can be done but has a hidden meaning that is non-appealing to the average consumer.

Why would companies want to make it easy for you to obtain a credit card? Do they like you? Do they want to help you because they know you have been through hard times and need a break? NO! They only want your money! You mean nothing to them!

How the thing works is that you must send $35 to receive an application that provides you with a name and address listing of banks willing to give you a VISA and/or Mastercard without any credit approval. That’s a stiff price to pay for a sheet of paper, don’t you think? The instructions that come with the application will let you know how the scheme works. You must open up a bank account with the bank once that bank approves you. Big deal! They make it appear that you have won some contest or something and people will feel “good inside” that someone has approved them.

But that’s not all. The minimum amount you must deposit is $200 but you can deposit as much as you want. In return, you get a Mastercard or VISA credit card with a credit limit up to the amount you deposit. Wow! What a great honor! This is no break! Think about it. If a stranger gave you $200 to hold for him until Friday wouldn’t you feel safe in granting them a $200 loan? I mean — it’s their own money you’ve got. If they default, you’ve got the full amount to pay off the loan. It takes a twisted mind to take $200 from you, grant you $200 credit with your own money plus charge you astronomical interest rates just to take the money from your hand and give it back to you. That’s insane!

Of course — to combat this insanity, the great and wonderful banks claim to help fix your credit report. They say that if you maintain payments in a correct fashion, this information will be reported to the credit bureau. Yea, right! When Shell calls the credit bureau to check your credit for a gas credit card, your report shows 47 defaulted loans and a bankruptcy. However, there is one company that you make payments to on-time. Big deal. Don’t you think the rest of your bad credit will still be the deciding factor in Shell’s final decision? You bet you bottom dollar!

Look at this: the bank makes money from the interest of your deposit. The bank also makes money by charging you 18% to 22% interest for the right to use their Mastercard or VISA. Plus the bank is guaranteed their money because if you don’t pay on time, they take the money out of the bank account you opened with them along with any interest you have accumulated.

Why would anyone with $200 to deposit want a credit card with a $200 limit? If you have $200 and want to buy an item for $200 — go out and purchase it. That way, you’ll own it lock, stock and barrel. No interest, no payments, no hassle! Plus, you won’t owe your soul to the company store — so-to-speak.

Credit is a wonderful thing if you use it intelligently. I know people who charge $100 at the beginning of the month and use that $100 to make $300. It’s free money for 30 days. Then, when the bill comes, they immediately pay the entire balance and come out smelling like a rose with $200 to the good. Credit is also needed in certain circumstances for establishing clout. You can’t call in a telephone order unless you can charge the purchase to your credit card. This delays you from getting items you want now.

In fact — some companies will try and make you feel “low class” if you don’t own a credit card. I am proud to say that I DON’T OWN one. When I’m in a store and they say “Would you like to put this on your charge?” I promptly say, “No, I pay for everything I buy!” They immediately shut up. And if they would snap back with a rude answer, I’d leave the stuff sitting on the counter, walk out of the store and get what I needed somewhere else. You don’t have to take abuse just because you don’t choose to line the pockets of the rich credit card companies! It’s insane!

If you’ve ever had a credit card and charged $200, you know you end up paying back $400 or more (unless you pay the balance within 30 days.) Stop allowing these “so called” banks to rip you off.

WHERE TO PURCHASE YOUR OFFICE SUPPLIES

Whatever you do, DO NOT, purchase your office supplies at your local drug or grocery store. The office supplies sold here are only for people who want to write a letter back home to Mom and Dad, or to send an occasional greeting to a friend. Businesses do not purchase their office supplies from these types of stores because of the extreme difference in price. My mother used to always purchase her business envelopes at the grocery store. She thought the price was very cheap when she only paid $1.29 for 50 envelopes. Her lined writing tablet contained 100 sheets for around $1.29 also.

However, I can drive right down the street to Staples Office Supply and purchase 500 envelopes for $4.00 — 10 TIMES the quantity for only $2.71 more. In addition, I can buy 500 sheets of 8 1/2×11 laser paper for $2.99. So not only am I getting TWICE more the size of paper (her writing tablet was approximately a 6×9 area) but I also got 5 TIMES the amount of paper — and all this was only $1.70 more! What a difference! So don’t be fooled on supposedly cheap pricing of office supplies.

If you live in a small area that does not have any office supply stores, you need to contact: Quill Corporation, PO Box 94080, Palatine IL 60094-4080 and request their latest catalog. Since I have been in business-related situations all my life I have had to learn how to cut corners all the time — I have found Quill to have the best mail order prices around. Not only is everything reasonably priced — they don’t have a sale and raise prices on everything else like some other company’s do. This tactic that some company’s use is blatant abuse and demonstrates bold faced greed!

What Do I Buy?

Most every small business will need the following “staple” supplies to start with:

• paper (typing paper or paper for your computer printer)
• ink pens
• tape and tape dispenser
• stapler and staples
• paper clips and dispenser
• 1 or 2, 3-ring binders
• 3-hole punch
• envelopes (business size #10)
• 8 1/2×11 paper trays or wire baskets for organizing the “to do” and “to do later” pile manila file folders and labels
• hanging files to fit in your file cabinet (I started out using a banker’s cardboard storage box so the hanging files would fit; since I didn’t have the money to afford a metal file cabinet)
• ruler
• scissors
• staple puller
• rubber bands
• glue stick or other paper glue
• highlighter markers
• scrap note paper or post-it note pad (get in a habit of writing everything down so you can follow-up effectively)
• roladex or address book

This should be enough to set-up any basic office. Your filing system is the most important thing to your business right now. If you start it out right you can keep up with it. Neglecting to set it up correctly in the beginning will start a pattern that is very hard to break later on — and can eventually destroy your business. Let’s take a couple minutes to discuss some basic accounting procedures so you can set your files up correctly from the very beginning.

The Next Step

As soon get your beginning office supplies, before you do any business by mail you need to get a letterhead and envelope. People will not take you seriously until you do. One simple and easy way to get these two items is to type your name, address and phone number at the top of a piece of white paper. Either print it out on the laser printer of your computer or have a competent typesetter like Muchmore Marketing, PO Box 50027, Reno NV 89513 do it for you. (The cost is around $5.)

You then purchase some nice letterhead stationary at your office supply store and copy your letterhead onto the paper. Letterhead stationary is not expensive either and the best grade only runs about $7 for 250 sheets. It’s money well spent.

To obtain your business envelope, check with mail order printers. Prices normally are $24 per 1,000.