Small Business: Industry: Manufacturing
Jay Bhatt, Vikram Sports, Laguna Hills, Calif.
I want to sell baseball bats and table tennis rackets to big retail chains. My company is a 100% minority owned business. What is the best way to proceed? What gross margin do these stores expect to make? How should be my pricing structure be (discounts, co-op, etc)?
Ron McCue, PTI Engineered Plastic, Shelby Twp., Mich.
I'm trying to convince my employer to let me work from home one day a week. I currently reside in Michigan. Are there any tax savings for my employer for letting me telecommute?
Monica and her partner want to grow their horse treat manufacturing and distribution business. Have you used outsourcing for your business? Would you recommend it?
Christopher wants to know how to handle write offs for defective imports on his taxes. Do you have experience with defective imports? How did you handle the situation?
Alan wants to know how he can get a manufacturer interested in making his product. Have you pitched a new product idea to a company? How did you do it?
Steven wants to know the tax advantages of hiring mentally disabled workers. Have you hired an employee in one of the targeted groups, such as a veteran or ex-felon? What were the tax advantages?
Agnes wants to expand her business to the U.K. market. Have you recently expanded your business overseas? Can you offer Agnes helpful resources?
The housing slump is taking its toll on some FSB readers' businesses. Have you launched a successful side business?
Carlos Valdes wrote in for advice about convincing clients that his Chinese plants operate under U.S. and European standards. What's your take?
Here's FSB's advice on how to get the word out that your concoction is the next big thing. Do you have a food product that grabbed the attention of supermarkets and consumers? Talk about your struggles bringing your product to market here.
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