Customer Reviews:
Retail Merchandising.......2007-01-21
I bought this book for my merchandising principles class at the fashion school. I never once referred to this book for any information. If you're interested in learning about retail buying and the accounting principles and math behind it, I would recommend purchasing a book that is specifically for that purpose. Usually, in accounting and mathematics books, there are general summary of the industry and practices, then they delve into the quantitative portion. There is no use getting this book. It will put you to sleep. FAST!
Fashion Buying for the 1970's.......1998-02-25
Diamond and Pintel's 5th Edition continues to focus solely on Retail Buying for the Fashion (softlines) industry. The focus is on high end retailers Macys, Nieman Marcus and The Limited. There is only cursory mentions of other retail types.
While some of their basic principles are sound, the technology is 20 - 30 years behind the times. Therefore, a student interested in improving their marketability is sorely served by text that constantly refers to paper forms, "the growing use of computers" and the increased use of the UPC.
Only a good read if you are interested in how retail fashion buying was conducted in the 1970's.
Book Description
Shocked by the commerce in everything from pet cloning to patriotism, frightened by the downward spiral of her finances and that of the trash-strewn earth, Judith Levine enlists her partner, Paul, in a radical experiment: to forgo all but the most necessary purchases for an entire year.
Without consumer goods and experiences, Judith and Paul pursue their careers, nurture relationships, and try to keep their sanity, their identities, and their sense of humor intact. Tracking their progress -- and inevitable lapses -- Levine contemplates need and desire, scarcity and security, consumerism and citizenship. She asks the Big Questions: Can the economy survive without shopping? Are Q-tips necessary?
Not Buying It is the confession of a woman any reader can identify with: someone who can't live without French roast coffee or SmartWool socks but who has had it up to here with overconsumption and its effects on the earth and everyone who dwells there.
For the humor and intelligence of its insights, the refreshment of its skepticism, and the surprises of its conclusions, Not Buying It is sure to be on anyone's list of Necessities.
Download Description
"""The idea occurs to me, as so many desperate resolutions do, during the holiday season. I have maxed out the Visa, moved on to the Citibank debit card, and am tapping the ATM like an Iraqi guerrilla pulling crude from the pipeline. Convinced I am picking up no more than the occasional trinket...this atheist Grinch has managed to scatter $1,001 across New York City and the World Wide Web."" And so, disgusted with the commerce in everything from pet cloning to patriotism, panicked over the fate of her finances and that of the trash-strewn earth, Judith Levine enlists her partner, Paul, in a radical experiment: to forgo all but the most necessary purchases for an entire year.
Customer Reviews:
interesting outlook.......2007-10-08
This book is written based on the experience of an everyday consumer bucking American traditional consumerist notions. I loved that it is written by someone who is not already "off the grid". (Although the author does include an interview with a man who lives "off the grid") The author explores a different topic over the course of a year. One of my favorite ideas: she discusses how asking for help is almost not allowed in society. Our ability to purchase things creates a feeling of independence. Great to read pre-winter, especially pre-holiday gift giving.
Disappointed.......2007-08-22
Did not like the political nature of this book. I had hoped for a more emotional tale about going without extras. I must admit to skimming through the political and statistic sections which made it a quick read.
Borrowed from the library.......2007-07-22
I am glad I did not pay for this book. I do not recommend it. There are some points in Ms. Levine's messages but the author's own life make her a poor spokesperson for this cause.
Ms. Levine, what is the point of saying "Merry f____g Christmas" on the third page ? How is that ok? Would you appreciate if someone wrote "Happy f____g Hanukkah" or maybe if you are not religious "Have a Happy f____g Thanksgiving" ? No matter how you look at this, you mean to be disrespectful. Why? Perhaps, a little hate, envy, a sense of insecurity, lack of depth!?
Ms. Levine, my advice is: "See a shrink, or find a true friend or perhaps an good lover that will make you see things in a brighter light!". In the meantime avoid publishing. You should still write for yourself to get your thoughts in order and prioritize your negative emotions. You see, by publishing you'll only add to the faster demise of our planet by the harmful use of ink, paper, glue and all of the fuels and resources of time and goods used in the distribution of your silly book.
Really Ms. Levine, sometimes doing nothing is the best thing for this planet and you should do NOTHING!
Gave up reading it.......2007-07-14
The inside flyleaf suggests that the author is "panichked over the fate of her finances and that of the trash strewn earth.
By page 20 we discover that she and her partner have two homes, one of which they are extending to cope with just two people's junk. Finances? Earth friendly? Rubbish book, first this century that I haven't bothered tor read to the end!
Good topic but too much wandering.......2007-06-01
I liked her thoughts on consumerism and the voluntary simplicty movement but could have done without the NY activism and political asides.
Book Description
This new definitive guide provides clear, concise explanations for finding, buying, operating, and growing a successful franchised business from top experts from the ASBDC and the American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD).
Checklists, forms, worksheets, and easy to follow strategies along with a sample franchise business plan and contract allow readers to discover how to: evaluate a franchise opportunity, develop forecasts and budgets, estimate start up costs, and get financing.
Customer Reviews:
A Must Read If You Are Seriously Considering Franchising.......2005-06-02
As the President of FranchiseInterviews.com, I am constantly reading books and articles on franchising. I consider Franchising 101 one of the best sources on franchising.
Simply the BEST.......2004-02-15
I have read 4 different books on franchising and would definately consider this one the best!
Opened my eyes.......2001-12-14
My husband and I are considering opening a franchise. Although we have business experience, neither of us have ever actually managed a retail store or food service establishment. We certainly had never negotiated a lease or franchise agreement. This book points out a lot of details that will help you protect yourself when negotiating with a landlord or franchisor. It also gets you to think about whether you are a good fit for this type of lifestyle and are you reviewing an appropriate territory for your business. I checked this book out at the library and now I am buying a copy so I can highlight it, make notes and such.
The Franchising Bible.......2001-08-26
Upon embarking on an endeavor to purchase a franchise business with my wife, we realized we knew nothing about where to start. We decided to start at the bookstore and purchase a book on franchising. We chose Franchising 101 because it appeared to be laid out in a format that was easy to read and follow -- we were right! This book has become our bible every step of the way. From analyzing the opportunity to digesting the UFOC, every question we have stumbled across has been answered by this book. In addition to the valuable information provided, we actually found our franchise attorney by contacting one of the contributing authors. Franchising 101 leaves no stone unturned in looking at this very important life decision. It is a MUST READ for anyone considering the purchase of a franchise business.
Practical Pragmatic Preparation.......2001-07-16
Practical, Pragmatic Preparation
Cooked up by CPA's, Attorneys and Insurance Brokers, with a dash of disgruntled franchisees and a pinch of fatherly advice from a Franchiser, this utilitarian dish is nothing if not healthy.
With a steady diet of this recipe, potential franchisees will leave the table full and satisfied and yearning for a VERY rich desert to make up for all the pragmatic, reasonable and intelligent ingredients used to prepare this three course meal.
Section 1: "Choosing Your Franchise" opens with a franchising history explaining how Singer Sewing Centers were the first franchiser in 1858. There are tales of early automobile dealerships, oil company and service station franchises, and motel chain successes that led to the explosion of the franchise phenomenon in the 1950's and 60's.
The most interesting portions describe the rise of Ray Croc's ëFranchise of the Centuryí, McDonald's. There's a promise of a "Good News Future" discussing the establishment in 1992 of the American Association of Franchisees and Dealers or AAFD, (the equivalent of a Franchisees union).
There are multiple warnings that you must be very clear of the large difference between an entrepreneur and a franchisee. It is simply stated that if you spend more time thinking about how things "could or should be" then it is likely you are an entrepreneur and franchising is definitely not for you.
Predefined trade dress, business practices, required equipment, signage, etc., are each carefully chosen and non-negotiable by the franchisee. Once again, the AAFD proudly defines newly negotiable items of contracts and leases while clearly stating that the Franchiser maintains the upper hand in all cases.
From the initial colorful history right into the bland body of "how-to" information through helping the potential franchisee to determine the selection, research, pricing, purchasing a franchise and choosing location and leasing details.
Finally there is a tale by a none too happy franchisee who thought long and hard but ignored danger signs in acquiring a business she had decided on before her research told her that this was a sour deal.
Section 2: "Acquiring your Franchise" is the main course and while definitely healthy and well prepared, it is something you read because it is good for you, not because you like it. This course is made up of a discussion of another acronym, the UFOC or Uniform Franchise Offering Circular. This is a federally mandated document outlining 23 tightly defined items which are illuminated to simplify them for the reader.
If you are purchasing a franchise, then this will always be the first and most important step in determining core issues about a particular Franchisor. Two attorneys walk you through the preparation of the franchise agreement, lease negotiation, incorporation, then come the CPA's with cash flow, banking, loans and business plans. It's all critical to those considering the purchase and highly informative as a checklist of important issues.
Section 3: "Managing your Franchise" is a discusses the managing, motivating, hiring and firing of employees. The bulk of this chapter is made up of more essential pragmatic requirements of market research, taxes, insurance, accounting, marketing and business management practices. This section chafes a bit with the fatherly advice of a franchiser who basically suggests that franchisees should respect their elders and be good kids and they will be rewarded with favoritism. Business should not be run on favoritism, but realistically, it's good advice as people skills often determine business success.
Altogether, what it all comes down to is that operating a franchise is serious business, that it takes money to make money, and that it will clearly be very hard work.
There are the benefits such as managing your own time, doing what you enjoy, scheduling your own vacations, and making major decisions without a boss hovering over you. It will leave those with a taste for perks and bonuses wanting. This is definitely your minimum must-have businesslike presentation without discussing even a few of the benefits of self-employment.
This step-by-step guide will no doubt be good for you if you've already firmly decided that franchising is the career path you wish to follow. Nothing is left out and there will be plenty of good information to answer your financial questions and set a course for smooth franchisee sailing.
After you make your decisions you'll definitely want to go elsewhere for convincing reasons to become a franchisee because Franchising 101 offers up only pragmatic, practical fare. This is the hard work without discussing any of the rewards to tantalize you and only a sad tale of one unhappy franchisee answer your questions regarding possible self-fulfilling careers.
Product Description
This book is a great resource for both prospective franchises and franchisors as it explains in detail what the franchise system entails and the precise benefits it offers to both parties
Customer Reviews:
Mr. Franchise Weighs In - . . . A Very Good Book.......2007-01-24
I was asked by the publisher to review-edit the chapters of this book. They liked my input so much, I was then asked to write the forward. Most, but not all, of my editorial comments-revisions were included in the published version. Unfortunately, they elected not to include my comments about the misleading nature of franchise 'success' statistics and some other critical information. For additional details about buying a franchise not included in this book, feel free to visit the Franchise Foundations website at www.franchisefoundations.com Peruse the "Buying A Franchise" and "Articles II' pages. These will provide additiional information and resources to use in making an informed evaluation-investment decision. That being said, this book stands head and shoulders above anything else that's currently published for the general public. Kevin B. Murphy, B.S., M.B.A., J.D.
Read This Book First, Buy Franchise Second.......2006-10-27
This book is a must for anyone even remotely considering the purchase of a franchise or, for that matter, considering the franchising of their own business. The title says it all, The Franchise Handbook, and it is indeed a comprehensive and thorough handbook treating all factors that must be considered before and after buying a franchise business.
The Handbook discusses approaches to the selection of a franchise; pre- and post-purchase financial issues; marketing, operating, and expanding the franchise; legal issues; and all of the factors that should be considered when contemplating the franchising of one's own business.
The Handbook is a remarkable resource, and provides pretty much all that the prospective buyer of a franchise should consider before and after making the decision.
Great Franchising Information.......2006-10-17
If you've ever considered owning a franchise, this book is for you. The book contains valuable information for researching and choosing the best franchise for you. The information in the book will help you consider all the important factors in a franchising business. An alphabetical listing of companies offering franchising is included in the back of the book. Each listing contains the address, contact person, phone numbers, email addresses and websites for every company listed.
The legal issues surrounding franchises are covered in depth in this book. Federal laws regarding franchises are discussed in the book. State laws and the difference between registration and relationship states are also covered. A list of franchise attorneys grouped by state is located in the back of the book as a handy reference. There is also a glossary of terms related to franchising to help you learn the terminology.
The financial aspects of franchises are discussed in the book as well. Each type of business entity is discussed and an easy comparison chart is included to help you easily see the differences between each type of business entity. The information on creating a business plan and getting financing is very helpful if you are new to the concept of franchise ownership. You will learn how to create a business plan, conduct a market analysis and create financial statements.
The Franchise Handbook covers all the bases........2006-10-11
The Franchise Handbook contains a LOT, and I do mean a LOT, of information about franchise systems. Included are step-by-step guidelines regarding how to research possible franchise options including how to estimate start up costs and how to finance the franchise purchase. Of course, the information doesn't stop there; the book goes on to outline how to prepare financial statements, how to conduct a market analysis, and how to successfully choose a franchise location. All pivotal to franchise success or failure.
Then, the book goes beyond that. It offers additional strategies on how to hire and manage employees, purchase and manage supplies, protect your franchise territory, and then, when everything is going just the way it should, how to expand your operations. The book is proactive toward developing successful franchise and business practices. It has an unbiased view of the facts and even lists the pros and cons of selecting a franchise model business. Chapter 18 looks briefly at legal issues that affect franchise models and Chapter 19 offers a list of companies that offer franchises and franchising resources.
This book is a great starting point for building a level of independence by living the American dream and becoming your own boss at your own business. A definite must read!
The must-read book for aspiring franchisees and franchisors.......2006-10-10
I've always dreamed of having a franchise of my favorite old-fashioned diner, and The Franchise Handbook has given me valuable insight into what to expect as a franchisee: from finding the initial startup costs and hiring employees to managing employees and purchasing supplies. The Franchise Handbook offers valuable, in-depth advice, even going so far as to offer tips on how to conduct your market analysis, so you don't need to hire an expensive market research firm. One of the unique, and most interesting, parts of the book is the section devoted to franchising your own business, which includes a detailed list of questions to ask oneself before making the decision to franchise.
This book also includes a list of franchises (with website, email address, and other pertinent information), an exhaustive glossary, and a plethora of links to helpful sites for the aspiring franchisee or franchisor. If you're considering becoming a franchisee or want to franchise your business, make sure you buy this book first! It's an easy, educational, and enjoyable read, definitely worthy of five stars!
Book Description
Let a franchising guru show you how it's done.
A multimillionaire who built Action International up from a home-based operation to the 16th fastest growing franchise in the world in just twelve years, with nearly 1,000 franchises worldwide, Brad Sugars is one of the most successful franchising experts in the world. With the help of real-life examples, including KFC, Subway, and Howard Johnson's, Sugars arms you with powerful information you can put into action-immediately. You'll discover:
- Everything you need to know about buying a franchise
- How to franchise your own business
- The pros and cons of franchising versus licensing
- Insider tips for selling a franchise
Get real results right now when you discover all that Instant Success has to offer!
Instant Advertising * Instant Cashflow * Instant Leads * Instant Profit * Instant Promotions * Instant Referrals * Instant Repeat Business * Instant Sales * Instant Team Building * The Business Coach * The Real Estate Coach * Successful Franchising * Billionaire in Training
Customer Reviews:
Let the Franchising Guru show you how it's done!.......2006-05-10
Successful Franchising reveals the process through which Bradley J Sugars built his company Action International into a worldwide business coaching leader.
The book teaches you how to buy and sell a franchise business, as well as the basics on how to franchise a new business enterprise. Sugars outlines the elements of the basic Business Chassis, a schematic that can be used to describe any and all businesses, and demonstrates how readers can use the Business Chassis to better understand their own business's future.
Successful Franchising provides business owners with the knowledge of how to go about speeding this transition. Successful Franchising gives entrepreneurs a clear and accessible recipe for franchising success so that they can start moving towards their own professional satisfaction.
Find out the why's and how's of successful franchising.......2006-01-04
Successful Franchising explains in Sugars' familiar, relaxed writing style how to buy and sell a franchise business, as well as the basics on how to franchise a new business enterprise. Sugars outlines the elements of the basic "Business Chassis," a schematic that can be used to describe any and all businesses, and demonstrates how readers can use the Business Chassis to better understand their own business's future.
The business methods Sugars outlines in Successful Franchising are drawn from the author's many years of professional success. Financially retired at 26, Sugars is a multi-million business mogul who assists, motivates, and trains hundreds of thousands of business professionals worldwide through books, DVDs, seminars, and Action International's team of business coaches.
Book Description
Retail buying covers broad areas such as organization of retail establishments, distribution, roles of buying groups, planning and control, choosing vendors, negotiation, pricing, and selling of goods and services to the consumer. This text offers detailed and up-to-date coverage of retail buying, promoting smart decision making in today's complex global marketplace.
Book Description
Franchises are today's hottest entrepreneurial opportunity - provided you know what you're doing. This issue-by-issue crash course shows franchisees how to ask the right questions, avoid the common pitfalls, and make an optimal purchase - from choosing a location and lining up a loan to navigating the legal mazes.
Customer Reviews:
simply fantastic.............2006-08-17
As prospective franchise purchasers, my wife and I highly recommend this book. It is well balanced, presenting the path from initial consideration, analyzing the data including the daunting UFOC, and a list of resources that are helpful. It is not biased towards the viewpoints of franchisers, which is one of the downfalls of the Dave Thomas book which is otherwise a good companion to this text.
It is simultaneously a good and quick read, but is also full of information. I hope that anyone interested in the franchise route will read this and learn from it.
Much better than the other books on franchising.......2004-11-17
I found this book very informative on the subject of franchising. It gives you a great deal of information to consider and look for. As for the questions it raises I went to the authors website and that helped somewhat but I still had questions that I needed to get answered so I found and expert to help me.
A little investigation, and Google, led me to George Knauf. I wanted to use everything available to me and the book was a good start, but don't dicsount the benefit of some good and experienced advice. The book was worth the investment and the advice was somehow free, how can you beat that?
AMAZING!.......2002-11-13
I started off with no knowledge of the franchising industry..until this book. Tips and Traps takes you through the whole franchise process. After devouring this book ( I am already on my fourth reading!), I have become a franchisee in an expanding food franchise! I would like to find Mary E Tomazack and shake her hand...she changed my life!
Very informative on questions about Franchising.......1999-10-28
Very informative and interesting on the Franchising Business
Tips and Traps When buying a Franchise is a Must Read!.......1999-05-08
The ABC's of franchising are all in Mary Tomzack's book Tips and Traps When Buying a Franchise. Clearly covered and simply explained are everything you want to and need to know about franchising. This book should be a must read for business majors and anyone interested in franchising. This book is worth the price of the book.
Average customer rating:
- Very informative and easy to read
- A great starting point.....
- Very, Very Useful Primer on Vacation Rentals
- Nice title, but way too basic info, too wordy (filler)
- Limited and biased
|
How To Rent Vacation Properties By Owner: The Complete Guide to Buy, Manage, Furnish, Rent, Maintain and Advertise Your Vacation Rental Investment
Christine Hrib-Karpinski
Manufacturer: Kinney Pollack Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Similar Items:
-
The Vacation Rental Organizer
-
Profit from Your Vacation Home Dream: The Complete Guide to a Savvy Financial and Emotional Investment
-
How a Second Home Can Be Your Best Investment: New, Tax-Free Methods for Using a Vacation Home for Recreation, Retirement...AND Investment!
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Investing in a Vacation Home for Pleasure and Profit
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The Complete Guide to Second Homes for Vacation, Retirement, and Investment
ASIN: 0974824909 |
Book Description
Author and speaker Christine Hrib Karpinski takes readers through all the steps necessary to purchase and rent out a vacation home. This book contains practical, hands-on advice that shows the reader how to do it without property management companies, and keep 100 percent of the profits. It offers realistic strategies to create a situation in which renters pay the mortgage, while still allowing the owner several weeks a year in that little slice of paradise.
Customer Reviews:
Very informative and easy to read.......2007-09-11
For a person like me who is going to start in the Vacation Rental Business, this book was very helpful and informative. For someone who has experience in the business maybe will find it too elementary or too basic. For me it was a good start.
A great starting point............2007-08-28
I own 5 rental properties, 2 are vacation rentals. I bought this book with pretty high expectations. Well, even though I've been doing this for 15 years, Christine still had some new advice to share. I thought her formula was great for some areas, but in Colorado Ski country it just doesn't work.
I love how she does give a couple different points of view pertaining to financing your vacation home.
I would also preferred more depth, that a chapter on properties outside the US, and buy multiple properties. But as some reviewers have stated, it is an excellent primer.
I do think that her book on booking rentals, The Vacation Rental Organizer is a very useful organizer for the money. I intend to purchase one each year.
Very, Very Useful Primer on Vacation Rentals.......2007-08-01
I have to laugh at the previous two reviews, obviously written by the same person, an admitted student with a bone to pick with the author. Christine is the most well-known expert in the very small field of vacation rental consultants. She literally "wrote the book" to walk potential investors, vacationers, and home owners into successfully taking advantage of the blossoming vacation rental market.
This student disagrees with Christine's recommendations that owners not rent to those under 25 years old, then proceeds to show a perfect example of why owners shouldn't. He attempts to trash her reputation, rather than someone's rental property. I'm a rental owner and have the same rule, based on personal experience and the many experiences of friends and acquaintances. I imagine this student has stayed in 1 or 2 rentals and as a result is now an "expert"...much like the hotel commercials we all laugh at.
As the student says, some of the information in Christine's books is on the Internet, as is information from every book ever written. However, this new version of her "How to Rent Vacation Properties by Owner" contains everything anyone needs to know to look for, purchase, furnish, and rent a vacation home. Some of the information is common sense but much is 'insider information' from her many years as a seminar leader, training thousands of owners and being a 'by owner' property manager herself.
Take the previous reviews for what they are, feeble attempts to get even with someone that disagrees with him. If you want to learn about this industry and how to rent 'by owner' get this book and read it cover to cover and decide for yourself how valuable it really is.
Nice title, but way too basic info, too wordy (filler).......2007-07-31
I thought the title of the book was exactly what I was looking for. I had a property to rent and thought about making it a vacation rental. So, I bought the book thinking it would help point out some not-so-obvious issues about renting a vacation property. But after reading it, I was disappointed with the lack of any real advice or tips. There are a A LOT of words, but they seem to be mostly filler with only very limited and basic useful information. I would not recommend this book to anyone interested in running a real business.
Limited and biased.......2007-07-19
I purchased this book with the intention of gaining a working knowledge of vacation rentals to start a small vacation rental project in Baja California, in Mexico. This guide was not particularly helpful at all, providing only rudimentary information that was already somewhat obvious. It also relies on some dangerous business practices, fundamentally on speculating on the property that you are going to buy and trying to make significant profit that way. It seems to be very limited and unprofessional, almost hokey, in its view of vacation rentals.
I was personally offended as a student in that it explicitly recommends discriminating against students or anyone under 25 as customers.
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- Next
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