In: Dropshipping|Last Updated:
Trademark vs. Copyright: Which Is Right for Your Business?

Trademark and copyright symbols—™, ®, and ©—frequently appear next to brand names, logos, and titles. While people often mix them up, they have distinct roles. Small business owners should grasp their differences and overlaps to navigate intellectual property rights effectively.

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What is a trademark?

A trademark uses a unique symbol, word, or phrase to identify a business, product, or service. The ™ symbol indicates a trademark that’s been established through consistent business use. In contrast, the ® symbol signifies a federal trademark registration with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Using another business’s trademark without permission can lead to trademark infringement and potential litigation.

Trademark examples

Trademarks safeguard your business’s identity under intellectual property protections. They shield everything from names and logos to distinct symbols and memorable phrases. Examples of what a trademark protects include:

Brand names: Amazon, Snapchat, or Timberland.

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Brand slogans: Lines such as “Open Happiness” (Coca-Cola) or “Save Money. Live Better.” (Walmart).

Brand symbols: The Apple’s apple or Puma’s leaping cat.

How long does a trademark last?

Trademarks can last indefinitely when …

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In: Dropshipping|Last Updated:
Print On Demand Vs. Dropshipping: Which is More Profitable?

Struggling to decide between print on demand vs. dropshipping? Well, you’re not alone. Many entrepreneurs find themselves at this crossroads.

On one hand, print on demand lets you sell your own custom products. On the other, dropshipping gives you a whole catalog of items you can offer.

In both cases, the supplier ships products directly to your customers on your behalf.

So, what’s the right choice for your entrepreneurial journey? This article will cover the key aspects of both print on demand and dropshipping to help you make an informed decision.

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What is print on demand (POD)?

Print on demand (POD) is when you sell your own custom designs on various different types of products. Print on demand products include t-shirts, hoodies, books, and many other items. Like any business model, print on demand (POD) has its own set of pros and cons, which we’ll discuss below.

Best T-Shirt Mockup PSD Templates- Dribbble

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Print-on-demand dropshipping is a great business model for entrepreneurs young and old. Here are some advantages you stand to gain by choosing this business model.

Create your

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In: Retailing Tips|Last Updated:
Ethical Sourcing Storytelling: Why it’s Important for Retailers and Brands

Fair Trade month is observed in October to raise awareness about fair trade practices and products. It’s a time to celebrate ethical and sustainable shopping and support products that prioritize fair wages, safe working conditions, and environmental responsibility. When products are sold as Fair Trade Certified™, a fraction of the sale returns to the producer communities as Community Development Funds. These funds allow farmers and workers to invest in development projects that address their community’s greatest needs, such as water, education, housing, and healthcare.

Fair trade empowers producers and enables businesses to support sustainable livelihoods, safe working conditions, protection of the environment, and community development.

Fair Trade and workers’ protections

Farmers, fishers, and factory workers often face challenges. In 2022, the United Nations reported that nearly 3 million people around the globe die every year due to risk factors in the workplace, including accidents, work-related diseases, and extreme working hours. The benefits of strong workplace safety standards are immeasurable for workers and their families.

When a company’s safety standards are verified through a reputable third-party organization, brands, retailers, and traders can source their products with confidence, improving traceability and credibility for their business and align with consumers who care …

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In: Dropshipping|Last Updated:
10+ AI Tools To Run Your Business from A to Z

Are you wishing for higher profits in your business? Do you yearn for an assistant to handle the mundane tasks that no one wants to do? Are you feeling overwhelmed by the multitude of tasks required to run a business, but lack the budget to hire more staff? The year 2023 is a fantastic time to be alive because today's AI tools can help you achieve all of these goals. 

Let's delve into 10 powerful AI tools that can significantly improve the efficiency and profitability of your business.

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AI for Up-To-Date Competitor Monitoring

First on the list is an AI tool that keeps you updated by the minute with your competitors' activities. Browse AI is a tool that provides hour-by-hour updates on what your competitors are doing. It might feel a bit sneaky, but this tool notifies you when your competitor makes important updates, such as adding a new product or changing their pricing. Instead of checking back every day, you'll receive an email alert with the keywords and products that matter to you. This tool is incredibly useful and worth checking out.

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In: Retailing Tips|Last Updated:

In today’s hyper-competitive market, product discovery is often more challenging for emerging brands than the production process for its products. While large retailers and e-commerce giants have typically been the avenues of choice, independent retailers are increasingly becoming a viable and rewarding alternative. 

Unlike large chains, independent retailers offer a unique mix of benefits to brands. They are often more receptive to novel products, allowing new market entrants an opportunity to showcase their innovative ideas without the barriers often presented by larger retailers. Independents also cater to a more localized customer base, fostering a stronger sense of community. This can translate into enhanced brand loyalty, word-of-mouth marketing, and customer retention, which are all crucial for emerging brands looking to establish a firm footing in the market.

Moreover, independent retailers are often more flexible in terms of negotiations and contractual agreements. They provide a platform for manufacturers to negotiate better terms and conditions, including pricing, delivery, and payment schedules. This can significantly reduce the financial strain on suppliers, enabling them to invest more in product development and growth strategies.

Egaging independent retailers

Following are some recommendations on how to build relationships with independent retailers.

Research: The first step is to research …

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In: Dropshipping|Last Updated:
Influencer Media Kit: Definition, Benefits, and Steps to Create

So you’ve got the followers, the engagement, and the content. Brands are sliding into your DMs on your social media accounts, and now you’re thinking about leveling up. The answer? An influencer media kit.

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What is an influencer media kit?

An influencer media kit is a brief document that digital influencers share with potential clients. It typically includes crucial details about your target audience and clearly lists the services you provide. This document acts as a quick reference for your work, skills, and what you can bring to a partnership on social media platforms.

An effective influencer media kit doesn’t require multiple pages—a one- or two-page PDF or a dedicated webpage often suffices. And if design isn’t your strong suit, there are various influencer media kit templates available to help you get started.

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Influencer media kit vs. press kit

An influencer media kit is a document you create to highlight your work and appeal to potential clients. A press kit, meanwhile, serves as a tool to communicate information to media outlets. A standard press kit outlines a business’s services, introduces …

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