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Understanding how to take advantage of tax deductions is essential for any business. The IRS offers several options for companies to work out their tax deductions, but do you know how? In this blog, we reveal the most common deductible expenses and how to use them effectively to save money. Take note, the first step to start this process is to choose well your business structure or get to know it in depth if you already have it; depending on which, you are going to pay more or less taxes, and it is a guarantee to improve your financial management. There are different types but these two are the most common: Common Types: LLC (Limited Liability Company): If the legal structure of your company is an LLC, you will undoubtedly have greater tax flexibility, because you can report income as a sole proprietorship or as a partnership, avoiding double taxation. S-Corp (S-Corporation): If you create a business structure within this formality, you have the opportunity to reduce self-employment taxes, since income can be allocated between salary and dividend distribution, and so decreasing the tax load. 💡 One of the benefits of an LLC is that it safeguards the owner's assets. 🎯How to reduce your business' tax load? ⚠️ Important: Before moving on with any process, you should consult a specialized accountant. Every Business is unique and laws vary per state. Tax reduction for operating expenses: The IRS allows businesses to deduct the operating expenses they usually use. Which ones apply? Here, we tell you: Business Operation: Rental of the premises and business insurance. Utilities, such as water, electricity, gas and internet. Payroll: Employee salaries and benefits. Equipment and other supplies. Marketing and advertising budget. 👌Remember: You must keep all documentation supporting these expenses. Devaluation and/or amortization of assets: Did you know that you can reduce taxes due to devaluation or the useful life of your working assets? Companies can reduce their tax burden through depreciation and/or amortization of assets. Devaluation or depreciation: This applies to vehicles, machinery, and other equipment that lose value over time. Amortization: Applies to liquidate copyrights, patents, and other franchise costs. 📝 Tax credits Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC): in case you didn't know, hiring minorities helps you save money. If your employee roster includes seniors, the disabled, and others, you can apply for tax breaks while helping the community. FICA Tip Credit: If your supermarket has tipped employees (such as an in-store bakery or cafeteria). Employee Benefits: If you manage a large list of employees, and you have a benefits program for them such as health insurance, retirement plans, and transportation subsidies, without a doubt, this money can be deducted from your taxes. Loss and donations reports- Foundations and/or Donations: If you are part of non-profit organizations or participate in donations. Commercial loss claims: If a product is damaged or expires, you can report it as a loss and apply for deductions. Inventory and cost management: If you use accounting methods such as FIFO or LIFO, you can optimize tax payments, depending on how product costs fluctuate. Deduction for using energy-efficient buildings: If you own or make use of a building with these features, you may qualify for a tax deduction by promoting energy savings. The deduction is allowed under section 179D of the Internal Revenue Code and was expanded under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Commercial use of your home: If your home is used for commercial purposes, you may be eligible for a tax deduction, read more about this. HERE . Fees for the commercial use of vehicles: If you have an automobile for business, charitable, medical, or moving purposes, you can get a deduction based on the mileage used for that purpose. Claiming credits: If your company has any credits you can apply for tax deductions. Want to know which ones might apply? Clean vehicle credits. Advanced energy projects. Energy-efficient home builde rs . Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) tip credit. Find more information on business deductions, on the official website of the IRS, Credits and deductions for businesses For business owners, taking advantage of strategies such as deductions, tax credits, and appropriate business structures can be the best opportunity to recover capital that can be reinvested in the development of the company, promoting further competitiveness and sustainability. Our advice is to stay well informed of these benefits as set by your State! Did you find this info useful? Subscribe to our blog, where we provide you with the best information to grow your business. Follow us on our social networks to stay updated with value content, products and offers: Facebook , X, and   Instagram LinkedIn: Universum 📣Disclaimer:  This information is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is recommended that you consult with a professional to ensure compliance with the specific requirements of your state or country.

The way you communicate with your customers can make the difference between winning or losing a sale. Having an accessible and effective channel not only makes it easier for them to find you when they need you, but it also reinforces trust and loyalty toward your brand. Discover how strategic communication can boost your business and ensure that your customers always remember you. Don't miss this opportunity to start connecting better with them! To improve your external communication, we will analyze four key factors: ✅ Your business' name choice. ✅ Choosing appropriate communication channels. ✅ Customer service ✅ Corporate communication Each one of these aspects plays a fundamental role in the market's perception of your business. Read on and learn how to optimize them! What is external communication and why is it key to your business? External communication is all about how your business projects itself to the world. Aside from helping to build market recognition it also defines how you relate to customers, suppliers, and partners. You can transmit messages clearly and effectively through different channels and objectives that go hand in hand with your company's policies, strengthening your brand's image and trust. Choosing the name of your business: You must begin the process of planning, organizing, and operating your business by thinking about the best way to reach your customers. We know that a name or brand with a creative impact helps to build a strong identity, and without a doubt, it is the first method to attract customers and leave a lasting impression on them. Keep in mind that a name that is difficult to read, pronounce and/or spell will be a disadvantage when your clients wish to contact you quickly. Always try to make sure it is coherent with the product or service you offer, thus, better communicating the policies and values you have created for your business. Choosing the communication channels: The task is to create appropriate communication channels that are official, easy to remember, and quick to connect, to ensure good customer service while creating marketing, advertising, and communication strategies through them. 💡Remember: Each channel serves a specific function and not all of them are handled in the same way. Phones and WhatsApp chats: Customers generally feel more satisfied through these channels, the answers are personalized and quicker. Emails: These Undoubtedly guarantee official and formal attention. The advantage of this channel is that you can inform your customers about any advertising or promotion within your business. Social networks: This tool has become the window with the greatest visibility for businesses. Businesses must use it to generate interaction with customers. It can also be a way to know what they think and to plan sales strategies. Based on the name of your business, you should design your customer service channels. The advice is to write email users, social networks , as well as web pages with the name of your business. Blog: Blogs have become a great tool to share brand information and to generate educational content about the product or service promoted by the business. If you want to know more about how to implement social networks in your business, this blog may interest you: The hidden power of social networks to boost your business. Customer service: Ensuring a good customer experience should be a priority for every business. Keep in mind that many factors are involved in it. Channels to be contacted: Provide your customers with telephone numbers, e-mails, social networks, and chats enabled for quick attention. Train personnel to perform the tasks and provide friendly and efficient service. Follow up on customer requests via telephone or email to better address your customers' concerns. 📖 Learn more about customer service by reading this blog: Customer service, the key to selling more. Corporate communication: Having a corporate email is a priority for your business to project the professional image it requires to strengthen credibility and efficient communication with customers. In addition, a specific email address allows you to separate personal activities from business activities and filter suspicious emails. Remember to use official and clear responses in the same tone of communication. 💡 Universum Pro Tip: If you decide to have corporate mailings, you can organize the internal departments of your business and name them according to their functions. Common Examples: management@yourbusiness.com sales@yourbusiness.com operations@yourbusiness.com 📝 Note: Corporate email platforms have additional advantages, including more tools and more storage than personal or free accounts. 🎯 Platforms that can help you: Business mailings providers Google Workspace Outlook corporativo Personalized domain: GoDaddy Bluehost Ionos Hostinger Good communication with customers is the basis for building connections and loyalty. That is why we repeat the importance of using the right channels, such as official telephone contacts, social networks, and corporate emails, which allow customers to access business information, in addition to transmitting more confidence. If you want to continue learning with us and receive more tips to help you meet your business goals, subscribe to our blog. At Universum, we are always thinking about ways to provide you with quality content to keep your business growing! Don't forget to follow us on our social networks to stay updated and check our offers: Facebook , X, and   Instagram LinkedIn: Universum

Imagine you have a great business idea, but your company's legal name doesn't reflect your brand or what you offer. That's where DBA comes in, a key tool to give your business identity and develop a better connection with your customers. In this blog, we will explore what DBA means and the advantages of operating commercially under a different name than your legally constituted company. In addition, you will discover the strategic and legal benefits it can bring to your business. Let's get started, What's a DBA? DBA or “Doing Business As” is the trade name under which a legally incorporated company will be known to its customers in the United States. ⚠️ Important: Having a DBA does not mean that it becomes a new company; on the contrary, it is an alternative name and, on paper, does not have any different impact from the legal name . However, you should know that when drafting official documentation of the company, such as contracts or tax returns, these processes must be done under the legal name. What benefits come with having a DBA? 💡 Let's say you own a supermarket legally registered as “ Martinez y Hermanos LLC ”, but you want a name that is more attractive and easier for your customers to remember. You decide to operate under “ Martinez Supermarket ” because it sounds more commercial and is aligned with your business. To use this name in advertising, signage, invoices, and social media, you need to register it as your DBA (Doing Business As) and operate legally under that business identity. Branding: Instead of operating under a generic or hard-to-remember name, you can choose an attractive and representative business name, which makes it easier for customers to recognize you and associate your business with trust and professionalism. In addition, a well-chosen DBA improves your social media presence, advertising and market positioning. Advertising: Gain the trust of more customers through the promotion and advertising of products or services, generating a better brand perception. A clear and consistent brand in advertisements, social networks, and marketing strategies allows your business to stand out from the competition. In addition, consumers tend to trust companies with a well-defined brand name, which can translate into increased sales and customer loyalty. Data privacy: If you register a DBA, you can operate under that name without having to disclose your company's legal name, which adds an extra layer of privacy. This is especially useful for sole proprietors or small businesses that want to separate their identity from their business, minimizing risk and protecting their legal information. Legal compliance: Keep in mind that in some states, it is a mandatory requirement to register the DBA and verify that the name you want is not taken. This also protects your business identity, preventing other businesses from using a similar name and confusing your customers. 🎯 How to register a DBA? The DBA must be registered with the Secretary of State or the local government entity by completing an online form and mailing the documentation by mail or in person. To begin this process, please consider the following information: The name is available in the state where you wish to register your DBA. 💡Search your state's Secretary of State website and take advantage of their online tool to verify trade names and see if the DBA name of your choice is available. Complete the DBA application online or at the designated office to do so. If you are in Massachusetts, go to gov. If you are in Rhode Island, check with the Department of State. If you are in New York, check with the Department of State. The registration fee depends on the state and varies from $10 to $100 US. Remember that according to state laws, the DBA must be renewed after a certain period; check your state regulations. If you have already incorporated your company and registered a DBA to operate legally, the next step is to optimize your business's management. At Universum , we offer POS solutions to help you grow and achieve your company's success. Our software and equipment will allow you to have control over your sales accurately, manage inventories, generate detailed reports, and perform all kinds of transactions efficiently. Did you like this read? Subscribe to our blog and enjoy the best info on how to grow your business. Follow us on our social networks to stay updated and see our offers: Facebook , X, and   Instagram LinkedIn: Universum Disclaimer: The content provided in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice . It is recommended that you consult with a qualified professional to ensure you comply with all of your state's regulations and requirements.

In recent years many entrepreneurs have started a side hustle as a way to generate additional income. However, many do not know when they are at the right point to begin formalization and turning it into a small business. In this blog, we help you determine if the time is right and how to do it in compliance with all U.S. regulations. 🎯 These are possible signs that your Side Hustle is ready for the next level: Consistent income: If your business generates consistent and predictable income, It's time to formalize. High demand: If it has become complicated to run your business alone due to the rising demand for your product or service, it is time to expand. Lack of time: If your side business consumes most of your free time, it might be time to make it your main source of income. Growth opportunities: Without a doubt, a formal business will give you more credibility and access to financing, and thus the opportunity to expand your market or diversify your offers. Need for more infrastructure: If you need tools such as a point-of-sale (POS) system to manage sales and customers, this is a clear indicator of your business needing to evolve and become more of a professional establishment. After previously analyzing the signs of your side business having enough potential to expand, here are some of the benefits you will obtain if you decide to formalize it. 💡 Benefits of Formalizing Your Business The multiple benefits of a formal business are part of the key to facing future challenges and growing consistently. Here we tell you: Access to financing: Have access to small business loans and lines of credit. Legal protection: Registering your business protects you from personal liability in case of litigation. Increased customer confidence: A registered business generates greater confidence and allows you to accept credit card payments, and more, through a POS system. Opportunity for growth: You can hire employees and have access to commercial contracts. Tax Benefits: Companies can deduct operating expenses and access tax incentives. 🇺🇸 U.S. Legal Requirements To formalize your business, it is important to know there are some steps to follow and state laws to comply with: Choosing a Legal Structure: Sole Proprietorship LLC (Limited Liability Company) Corporation (S-Corp or C-Corp) Partnerships Register your business: You can register your business name with the Corporations Division. Obtain an EIN: An IRS Employer Identification Number (EIN) is required to pay taxes and hire employees. Apply for an EIN here. Licenses and permits: Depending on your industry, you may need specific licenses. You can check the requirements at USA.gov . Open a business bank account: Separate personal finances from your business finances. BONUS Set up a POS system: A POS system will allow you to accept different types of payments, manage inventory, and improve customer experience. See our POS offer here. 🚀 Take your business to the next level with a POS When formalizing your business, a POS system is key to improving sales and management, maintaining better financial control, and accepting electronic payments. A modern POS offers: Fast and secure payment processing. Detailed reports for better decision-making. Integration with inventory and accounting. Improved customer experience. If you are ready to expand your business, contact us to learn more about our POS solutions and how they will fit the needs of your business. Turn your side hustle into a successful business today! ⚠️ Remember: the content provided in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. Before formalizing your business, it is recommended that you consult with a qualified professional to ensure you comply with all regulations and requirements. Each case is unique, and laws may vary depending on your location. Don't forget to follow our social networks for more information about us and our services. Facebook ,  X  and  Instagram LinkedIn:   Universum

You're missing out on money that you have no idea about. 👀 Ellos lo hicieron y ahora ganan miles, tú también podrías lograrlo Nowadays, even a hobby could become a real source of income. In a world where entrepreneurship is increasingly challenging, generating extra cash without quitting your job can make all the difference. But here's the secret: The market is not just looking for products or services; it's looking for innovation and added value. Have you ever wondered if your hobby has the potential to become a profitable business? Having a Side Hustle is more than earning extra money.  It is the opportunity to create a path to financial independence without the risk of leaving your current job. Plus, in a highly competitive market, having an alternate income gives you more stability and flexibility for the future. In this blog, we will show you how to take the first step to transform your passion into profits, build a profitable business, and generate more money.                     💡What's a Side Hustle?                                  A Side Hustle is a secondary economic activity that a person performs and usually alternates it with their official employment. The objective is to generate extra income by offering a product or service according to your market needs. How to start a side hustle? It may seem difficult, but if you take the time to plan it out, you can get successful results. Here are some ideas and a step-by-step on how to get started in the world of financial independence: 🎯 Create your business idea: If you don't have a business idea yet, define what you would like to do. Generally, when creating a business, the main objective is to solve a problem with a product or a service, evaluate the market, and propose a value offer. Do not forget that no matter how good the idea is, it is advisable to understand what needs it satisfies. How? Research the market and create an element that makes you stand out. 🎯 Create a name or a brand name: Analyze and choose a name that is easy to remember, sounds attractive, and also relates to what you sell or offer. Work on the brand identity. Remember that technology offers free and paid tools that can allow you to create logos and designs focused on your business. 💡 Tools to create logos: Canva  (Free or with Subscription) → Visit here Hatchful by Shopify  (Free) →   Visit here Wix Logo Maker  (Free with the option to subscribe) → Visit here 🎨 Graphic design tools: Canva  (Free or with Subscription) → Visit here Adobe Express  (Free or with Subscription) → Visit here Figma  (Free or with Subscription) → Visit Here 🎯 Promote your Side Hustle. Build an online presence with a website and social media: Instagram, Facebook. Create a sales strategy to help capture more customers. Ask your customers for recommendations and post them online to make your product stand out. 🎯 Organize your business: Remember, knowing how to reinvest profits in improving your product or service is important. Make sure you are stocked up with the products offered. A customer values the product, but also the delivery times. 🎯 Accept different forms of payment: As a business owner, don't forget to offer different payment methods as well and don't limit yourself to a cash-only type of business. Accept debit and credit cards to increase your sales. You may want to check this blog: These are the payment processing devices for a more efficient and secure business. The most profitable Side Hustles and how to innovate with them 🚀 If you're looking to make extra money, here are some popular ideas with great potential - choose the one that suits you best and give it your innovative touch! Sell trending products:  Open an online or physical store with high-demand items, such as gadgets, sustainable clothing, or eco-friendly products. Monetize your talent or art: If you have skills in music, painting, photography or any type of art, you can offer classes, create digital content or sell customized products. Health food businesses:  From fit snacks to meal preps, more and more people are looking for nutritious and practical options. You can sell meal plans on social networks and delivery platforms. Beauty and personal care:  Promote skincare, makeup or wellness products with online sales strategies, subscriptions or personalized consulting. Become an influencer or content creator:  Share reviews on products, restaurants or experiences on social networks and earn money with collaborations and affiliations. Freelance services:  Offer writing, graphic design, programming or digital marketing on platforms such as Fiverr, Upwork or Workana. Delivery and collaborative economy:  Join food and product delivery apps or rent a space in your home on platforms such as Airbnb. 👉🏼 Extra tip:  The key to standing out is not only to choose a profitable business but to differentiate yourself with innovation and added value. Which of these Side Hustles would you like to try? Do you dare to create your own Side Hustle? If you want to know more about how to succeed with an alternative business and make the best out of it, Universum has the info for you. Subscribe to our blog and stay up to date on the best ways to organize your business and receive all kinds of payments. Don't forget to follow us on our social networks: Facebook , X, and   Instagram LinkedIn: Universum

You are living in the United States and your goal is to achieve financial stability that allows you to create a business that complies with the country's legal regulations, but you have no idea where to begin. Keep reading... this blog is for you! We know how important it is to comply with tax responsibilities and access the different benefits of the U.S. Financial System. That is why, if you don't have a Social Security Number (SSN) yet, getting an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is your first option to follow tax regulations and avoid future penalties. What is the ITIN ( Individual taxpayer identification number )? It is an identification number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of the United States. It is designed for those who need to comply with tax obligations in the country, but do not have a Social Security Number (SSN) yet. What benefits do you get by having an ITIN? The Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN,) is very useful for individuals because it provides financial opportunities, allows you to report income, pay taxes, and thus avoid legal penalties. Important benefits: Start a business: Do you want to formalize a business? With an ITIN you can register a business in the U.S., pay taxes, and operate legally. Access to bank accounts: With an ITIN you can open bank accounts in the U.S. , especially for your business, if needed. Credit History: By having a personal identification number, you can build a good credit history and access credit. More advantages to grow your business! Legal requirement: Having this number demonstrates commitment and interest in complying with state regulations. It allows people to report and pay their taxes, thus complying with the law and avoiding legal problems with the IRS. 💡 In addition to qualifying for tax refunds . Having an ITIN is the first step to financial opportunities and economic stability! ⚠️ Universum Pro Tip: Avoid Confusion! An ITIN does not change immigration status. An ITIN does not authorize you to work legally in the United States . An ITIN does not serve as identification outside of the Federal Tax System. 🎯 Did you think getting your ITIN was difficult? You'll be surprised how easy it is! Forget about myths and complications. Obtaining your ITIN is easier than you think, and you can do it quickly and securely through several channels. Here's one way to start your application process: The IRS offers users different options to manage the ITIN: At a local IRS office. Find a Taxpayer Assistance Center in your city. In person. Find an IRS-authorized processing agent. Via e-mail. Complete and send Form W-7. It is important to know that there are factors that warrant ITIN renewal. Click here to find out. If you want to learn more with us and receive more tips to help you comply with the country's legal regulations, do not hesitate to subscribe to our blog, At Universum, we are always thinking about creating quality content that improves your finances! 📝Remember this information is for educational purposes and does not constitute professional legal advice. We recommend you consult a professional in the area if you require specific advice. Don't forget to follow us on our social networks to stay updated and see our offers: Facebook , X, and   Instagram LinkedIn: Universum

In a world where the common ingredient to achieve success for any industry is trust, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) must demonstrate their credibility to stand out. BBB (Better Business Bureau) certification is not just another seal, but a symbol of trust telling your customers: “This is a business you can trust” . At Universum we want to help you strengthen your business: What does this certification entail and how can it benefit your business? Read on to find out how BBB certification can transform the perception of your business and open new doors in the market. It's time to turn trust into an asset for your company! 📚A LITTLE INFO FIRST📚 The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a non-profit organization founded in 1912, dedicated to fostering a culture of trust, honesty, and fairness between businesses and their customers. The BBB certification is supported by four non-profit organizations that work together to accredit businesses that meet the requirements to obtain this certification. These organizations are: Better Business Bureau International Association: The organization that represents local and independent BBBs in the United States and Canada. BBB.org BBB Institute for Marketplace Trust: It is the organization that provides business education. BBBMarketplaceTrust.org BBB Wise Giving Alliance: Helps businesses make informed donation decisions and promotes high standards of conduct among organizations that solicit contributions from the public. Give.org National Programs: Oversees national self-regulatory programs that ensure high standards in advertising practices and corporate privacy. BBBprograms.org 💡 What's the BBB Accreditation? The BBB (Better Business Bureau) certificate is a recognition that shows that your business is trustworthy, meets high ethical standards, and offers good customer service. It's like a guarantee to your customers. They can trust you and what you offer. These standards include: Honest advertising: Follow legal and ethical advertising practices. Telling the truth: Representing products and services truthfully. Transparency: Disclose the nature, location, and ownership of the business. Honor promises: Your business fulfills all agreements and commitments. Be responsive: Addressing disputes promptly and in good faith. Safeguard privacy: Protect collected data from unauthorized disclosure. Integrity: Your business operates under all applicable laws and regulations. Obtaining BBB accreditation offers multiple advantages: Increased visibility: Your company will be listed as a BBB Accredited Business, which puts you in front of potential customers looking for trustworthy businesses. Enhanced credibility: The BBB Seal of Accreditation adds additional credibility to more than 400,000 businesses in the U.S. and Canada. Differentiation: Accreditation shows that your company is committed to the BBB Trust Standards, fostering customer confidence and setting you apart from the competition. Business Tools and Benefits: The BBB provides access to business tools and resources to make business management easier and thrive in a competitive market. BBB “Request a Quote” Program: Consumers can instantly request a quote from BBB Accredited Businesses directly from your personalized business profile page. BBB Business Profile Page: Build your business profile to showcase your products, services, and track record in the market. OK! All of this sounds very nice. Now the important thing... 🎯 How can you get BBB accreditation for your business? ⚠️ Note: To be eligible, your business must have been in production for at least six months and meet all relevant licensing and permit requirements. If you want the BBB accreditation for your business to make sure your customers, and potential ones, know your business operates with honesty and integrity, you can start the accreditation process by visiting: Complete the online application, which takes approximately 10-20 minutes . Your application will be evaluated against the BBB's 8 Standards of Trust to determine eligibility. 📝 In conclusion: BBB accreditation is more than recognition! It is a commitment to business excellence. If this information has been useful to you, don't forget to subscribe to our blog and our social networks to stay updated and see our offers. Each week we share trends, tips, and strategies designed to help you achieve your business goals and grow in a competitive marketplace. Success is just a click away! Facebook , X, and   Instagram Linkedin: Universum 👉🏼 If you own a business this blog might also be of interest to you: Licenses needed to operate a business in the U.S. Other links that may help you: Find my local BBB Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Business Resources Consumer Resources Resources: https://www.bbb.org/all/newbiz/eligibility

If you own a business or are in the process of creating one, you may want to take advantage of the energy that comes with the new year and start your projects covering the very essentials, creating successful marketing strategies and promoting sales through programs that increase customer loyalty. We know this process is not easy at all and, on top of that, maintaining and promoting a business requires planning, discipline and complying with a few legal requirements in the United States. In this blog, we will look at some of the regulatory licenses that businesses must have in check to operate in the U.S. without issues. 🎯What licenses do retail stores require in the United States? Generally, businesses need federal and/or state licenses and permits that vary according to their business activities. At Universum we want our clients to be on the market for a long time, so our advice is: Don't forget to keep your business under the regulations! Grab a notepad, and let's take a look at the main licenses: Business license: This is your business's main license to operate in your state. The process depends on your business' location. You should keep in mind that these licenses are renewed annually and the fees depend on the jurisdiction were your business operates. That is, according to federal law. The business license proves who the are the business' owners and allows these businesses to conduct sales activities of products and/or services. What are the benefits of the commercial license? ✅ Compliance with state and local laws. ✅ Protects business owners ✅ Protects the business from others. ✅ Protects against potential lawsuits. State License: Do you want to know if your business can operate in i'ts location? Then you should be aware of this requirement, which determines whether the business is allowed to run in the state. State laws also regulate that businesses do not disturb residential areas. Sales Tax Registration: This is the Sales Tax permit, which authorizes the collection of sales tax from customers and must be remitted to the state government. It applies to businesses that sell taxable products or services. 💡Universum Pro Tip: Find information regarding small businesses and laws in the United States here: 🔗➡️ Small business administration, SBA . Health Permit: This requirement is necessary for businesses that need to implement food handling, pharmaceuticals or medical devices. This permit certifies that the company complies with U.S. public health and safety regulations. How is this permit obtained? It must be requested from the Health Department of the State in which the business is located. The business will be inspected to verify that it complies with health and safety standards. Keep in mind that local authorities regularly inspect businesses to verify that they comply with the health permit over time. Failure to comply with this permit may result in a fine or closure of the business. Undoubtedly, having the State-required licences up to date is an essential step to operate without inconveniences, as well as to ensure compliance with the regulations and the correct operation of the business. If your goal is to start this 2025 with the right foot, we invite you to research the requirements according to your state, so that your business runs "by the book", this will not only avoid problems but will also contribute to the credibility of the business when customers visit. If you want to learn more and receive tips to make the best out of your business in this new year, do not hesitate to subscribe to our blog! Don't forget to follow us on our social networks to stay updated and see our offers: Facebook ,   X , and   Instagram LinkedIn:   Universum

Today, state programs like WIC represent an invaluable opportunity for supermarkets . Learning to take advantage of said programs brings countless benefits, in 2023 alone, nearly 6.7 million pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, children under five, and infants actively participated in the program* , showing that WIC is a great sales Asset. Studies indicate that WIC beneficiaries prefer to shop in places where they can find everything they need easily and conveniently, such as small bodegas or supermarkets, which represents a great opportunity for small businesses to increase sales. This blog will show you key strategies to optimize your supermarket and attract customers who use WIC cards. ⚠️ Don't know what WIC is? You may be interested in this blog: 🔗 Don't miss any sales! Guarantee the availability of WIC items in stock: The most important thing is that you have enough in stock to supply this demand and thus provide a better experience to your customer. Signage: Place eye-catching ads inside the store and at strategic points to ensure visibility. Don't forget that the most popular spots should be the cash registers, aisles, and shelves where the products within the program's regulations are located. Highlight WIC-authorized products: Label items for easy selection and purchase. Use flyers and distribute them throughout the store. You can also leave them in strategic places where there is a large influx of communities, such as schools, community centers, and health centers. Provide information about your supermarket and how families subscribed to the program can take advantage of it when shopping at your store. Design promotions with WIC products: Encourage sales by making exclusive promotions targeted to the WIC-Specific public. Sounds good, right? now, how can you implement these strategies? 🎯 Choose WIC product days . Use them to promote combos and discounts. 🎯 Train staff: Make sure your staff is knowledgeable about how WIC payments work and promote proactivity when helping customers. 🎯 Internal and External Communication Run a loyalty and marketing campaign through E-mails with relevant information to customers. Offer digital or printed guides to help customers find WIC-eligible products in your supermarket. 🎯 Take advantage of social media: Social media is the main channel to advertise your supermarket and provide official information to all your customers. Make campaigns and announcements directed to the WIC population, highlighting that your supermarket sells the products and accepts this type of payment. 🎯 Create quality content: Share educational information and videos about WIC-regulated products. You can make explanatory content on how to use these items, fun recipes for kids, and nutritious recipes for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Optimize your supermarket for eWIC card payments: 🎯 Install a Point of Sale (POS) System: Without a doubt, a POS will change the way your business operates. Install a POS and a payment terminal that allows you to accept eWIC. ⚠️ Remember that your POS must be configured to show if the scanned item is regulated by the WIC Program. See all of our equipment and processing rates at the following link or by calling 888-507-6614 : Don't forget to follow us on our social networks to stay updated and see our offers: Facebook ,   X   , and   Instagram LinkedIn:   Universum   *You can consult more official and recent data about the program on the USDA site and its statistics section.

December is here, the month with the most sales in the year! It is the iconic time to celebrate events, family reunions, friends, and business meetings at the end of the year. This generates a massive increase in visits to commercial establishments. Stores fill up, lines seem endless, and both customers and employees feel the pressure. Have you ever wondered how you can turn this chaos into an opportunity to stand out from the competition? Anticipating problems and providing a quick, easy, and secure buying experience that keeps your consumers satisfied and coming back for more is one of your main goals. Here are some tips. 📝 Tactics to deal with line congestion this holiday season: 💡Long checkout lines go hand in hand with sales and money, but they generate stress and desperation in customers, which can trigger a negative shopping experience for consumers. ✅ These are some of the tools you should have this Christmas season to help your business score a 10 in customer service. Use technology! Get your business a nice POS system: It allows you to systematize all the business information, make transactions and sales reports , and carry out time-limited promotions. Payment terminals: This device should accept different payment technologies, such as band and chip. In addition, it must provide security and high processing speed to improve the customer experience . Implement fast checkout counters: These will help to decongest long lines. Consider admitting a limited amount of products on them. Single-line system: Organize lines according to customers, specifying lines for loyal customers and for the disabled and/or senior citizens. Install price checkers: This tool is quite effective in providing a better customer experience. Place them in strategic spots in your business. Customers can verify for themselves the item's price, allowing them to make quick decisions and avoid unnecessary lines. Self-service checkouts: Self-service checkouts are a perfect opportunity for customers who want to speed up payments in stores and supermarkets and avoid the feeling of wasting time in long lines. Advanced technology: Mobile applications to scan products and pay for them instantly are a plus to minimize lines. Hire extra staff: Hire staff to cover your customer needs, give advice, and speed up sales. Make sure that this staff is friendly and charismatic! 💡Remember that the Christmas season is the busiest time of the year, and it is important to have trained staff for the different areas. Don't forget customer service it is also vital to increase sales! Added value: Offer online shopping/orders and product pickup services at the store or shipping to their homes. This resource can avoid crowded lines and maximize sales. At Universum , we are always working with our customers' welfare in mind. Our POS system has been designed to be the ideal ally for your supermarket or business, speeding up your operations and facilitating customer service. It also helps with the decongestion of lines at your business' cash registers and adapts to any business. Experience high-quality equipment at affordable prices If you would like to learn more about our benefits and services, contact a sales agent at 1-888-507-6614 or visit our website: www.universumsolution.com  to know more about us. Don't forget to follow us on social networks: and subscribe to our Newsletter. Facebook ,   X   , and   Instagram LinkedIn:   Universum