Successor to the typewriter, the word processor gives office staff members the opportunity to prepare correspondence and reports that have a highly professional appearance, with varied font styles, sizes, and even colors. Form letters can be personalized with the recipient’s name and other specifics that increase the probability of it being read rather than discarded. […]
Category: HORTICULTURE
The Most Common Uses of the Computer
Most businesses of America and the developed nations have embraced computer technology, and are quick to accept and incorporate each new advancement. The companies of the green industry are no different. The most common software programs are of three types: (1) word processing; (2) numerical calculations; and (3) graphic visualization. In addition, the explosive growth […]
ALTERNATIVE PRICING METHODS
Once a company understands how to recover its overhead costs correctly, determines its needed markups, and establishes its competitive profit percentages, it is able to select a pricing method that best fits the way the company does business. There are several pricing alternatives. Direct Cost Pricing Bases the selling price on the direct costs of […]
THE MATHEMATICS OF PROFIT CALCULATION
Calculating profit correctly is of obvious importance, yet it is often done erroneously. The most common mistake is made when people believe they have applied profit as a percentage of the selling price, when in fact they have applied it as a percentage of their costs. Example: If the cost of an item or service […]
Setting the Percent Markup
Two major influences help determine the price charged for an item or service. The price competitors are charging is one. Customers may accept a small price differential between businesses if one has a better reputation for quality, honesty, or service, but getting the most for their money is always the first consumer concern. The other […]
Price Components
The price of an item or service is the sum of material costs, labor costs, overhead costs, and profit allowance. Price = Materials + Labor + Overhead + Profit Failure to measure any component of the equation accurately will result in a price that is unfair to either the business or the client. The carefully […]
PRICING MERCHANDISE AND SERVICES
Determining the correct price to charge is an ongoing challenge in any business, and ornamental horticulturists are famous for doing it badly year after year. They have underpriced their products and services for so long that consumers have come to expect a great deal for comparatively little. Too many horticulturists do not know why they […]
FINANCIAL RATIOS
A horticulture firm may measure its financial and earning potential by calculating different ratios that serve as quantitative guides. Ratios can be applied to the analysis of balance sheets and income statements to compare relationships among the different values. Typical financial ratios used by horticulture businesses include: • Profitability ratios: These ratios relate profits to […]
INTERPRETING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The horticulturist should have an outside accountant prepare all financial statements for the business. Few horticulturists have the time to stay abreast of ongoing changes in the tax laws or the rush to computer technology that is altering the way accountants conduct their operations. Still, the horticulturist must be able to understand and utilize the […]
THE LANGUAGE OF BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS
As stated earlier, the horticulturist who would communicate most effectively incorporates a friendly and conversational tone into letters and calls, and emphasizes the positive rather than the negative. In addition, horticulturists should learn to describe their products and services in ways that evoke enthusiastic and receptive responses. For example, a customer may call a flower […]