#Sellers accreditation

[indiesellersguild]

The Marketplace Accreditation Project: Transforming The Internet

We've been talking about Etsy, Etsy alternatives, and holding marketplaces accountable our entire existence as an organization. Our social media and blog posts have discussed the formation of this marketplace accreditation program. Now, a dedicated page on our website has gone live.

What exactly is "marketplace accreditation"? The following contains excerpts from the above page.

Marketplace Accreditation is our collaborative project to transform the internet – from an internet where online marketplaces are monopolies that seek to extract maximum profits from creative small businesses into an internet where marketplaces are supportive partners that share in our success.

How will it work?

Together, we will bring down the barriers that stand in the way of community-focused marketplaces – barriers that block them from forming in the first place, barriers slowing their growth, and barriers that make it difficult for creative indie sellers to join and support them.  And finally, when those marketplaces do achieve success, our guild will hold them accountable to the promises they made to their community.

Want to help? Take our multiple choice Marketplace Accreditation Survey, and check out the page linked above for our Roadmap.

This is still only the beginning.

[irisintheafterglow]

alright @mididoodles since you're so determined to absolutely annihilate my psyche every time you press post, here's wonderwall hockey player!satoru x skater!reader

it couldn't be that bad to go a little later to the rink, right? right?

wrong, so very wrong.

on top of sleeping through your alarm, you couldn't find your skate guards after you carelessly tossed them on your desk the night prior. you ended up having to wrench them from your dog, nearly dropping your car keys in the trash in the process. by the time you were through the double doors and shivering against the frigid air, someone's already occupied your usual timeslot. sure, it was a free skate before doors officially opened, but years of going to the same rink established that you were the one on the ice at the asscrack of dawn. the ticket sellers knew it, the zamboni drivers knew it, even other skaters knew that you had first claim. everyone was aware of your seniority, it seemed, except for the lanky hockey player swinging pucks into a net on the far side of the ice. you lace up your skates and pray for him to leave, grimacing when he doesn't and hopping onto the rink anyway. if he hit you with a puck, the lawsuit would certainly pay for your next program's costume.

you tune him out the best you can and try to ignore the way his muscles stretch against his compression long sleeve, something much too light to be wearing for a typical hockey player. you don't skate close enough to see his face, but the corded muscle on his back was enough to have your face heating. his hair was nearly the same color as the ice, and he flipped it back every so often to get it out of his face. in another world where you weren't sharing the rink with him, you'd have found yourself with a little crush on him. the music in your earbuds isn't enough, however, to drown out the sound of the stick hitting the puck over and over and over again, not to mention the times when he misses the net and the puck ricochets off the walls of the rink. your jumps become messier than usual, as are your spins, and you can only accredit it to the other occupant of the rink. after barely a few minutes of trying to share and run through your drills without using half your space, you give up and make to leave. you'd just have to come back tomorrow and hope he wasn't there.

"hey, wait! i was just leaving," a vaguely familiar voice calls to your back. it's melodic and incredibly confident, borderline arrogant. "sorry i stole your spot; i have a game tonight and i wanted to get some extra practice goals in before class." the crunch of skates sprinting across the ice and power-sliding to a halt floats into your ears and you look at the perpetrator from the corner of your eye, turning fully to look at him when your brain clicks into place who he is. "oh, shit!"

"satoru?" he mirrors the surprise in your tone, throwing his head to the side with a lopsided smile as he states your name tenderly. "oh my god, what are you doing here?" your mouth breaks into a grin, grateful to be free from the scowl you were wearing a few minutes prior. your eyes flick down to his lips as his tongue runs absentmindedly over a sparkling canine.

"i had to come in a little earlier than i usually do; i didn't know that it's during the time you're here. it's really good to see you," he says warmly and you feel your face warm. "you went pro, yeah?" you nod, casually leaning a shoulder against the plexiglass walls of the rink. he crosses his toned arms across his chest and you fight the urge to stare. it's rude to ogle the arms of your childhood crush turned hot hockey player bad boy, you scold yourself. "how's that going?"

"mmm, i just got back from russia a few weeks ago. holiday intensives and such."

"wow, that's incredible. not like i'm surprised, though. you were always the best skater in our group."

"not true. i had to use you as a walker a few times when we were first starting out," you remind him and he laughs at the memory. "you made me hold your hand while i shimmied around the perimeter."

"and you asked if i was born with skates on my feet, i remember."

"how's suguru?"

"he's great. he's usually here with me but i couldn't drag him out of his house this early in the morning."

"in true suguru fashion, really," you joke. you feel like you're seven again, staring up at satoru's bright blue eyes absolutely lovestruck. he still makes you feel butterflies, even over a decade later. "you said you had a game later?"

"yeah, here at 6:00. you should come if you're free. watch me kick ass on the ice for old time's sake."

"i'll do my best. i'm meeting a new ballet teacher who's coaching us on musicality later this afternoon."

"i don't know what any of those words mean," he states plainly and you snort. "i never understood your world."

"and i never understood yours," you confess. "yet, here we are."

"here we are, indeed," he murmurs, looking at you with an expression you've never seen on his face before. it has your heart racing like an idiot. "well, i'll let you have your rink back. thanks for letting me borrow it." he carefully steps past you and heads for the benches, throwing back his snowy hair in a way that has you gripping the edge of the wall for stability. it takes all of your willpower to keep your voice from shaking.

"i'd say come use it anytime, but i am very protective of my timeslot." he sends you a smile over his shoulder. holy shit, were his shoulders always that broad? and was he always that tall? was he always this fucking hot?

"i'll respect it, though i might pop in to watch you skate. you're mesmerizing, you know?"

"careful, any more sweet words and i'll think you have a crush on me." the words slip from your mouth faster than you can stop them and he looks at you curiously, and you'd be lying if you said he didn't look amused at your jab. you'd learned to flirt from him, after all.

when he's slipped out of his skates and re-approached you, you're barely tall enough to look him in the eyes. "it was good to see you," he murmurs.

"feeling's mutual." he's close enough that you can smell his shampoo and you resist the urge to touch his undercut.

"i missed you." his three words have you feeling weak in the knees and slightly breathless. "a lot." despite the chill, you feel your palms start to sweat.

"i missed you too."

"keep your eyes on me tonight?" you roll your eyes at his familiar, comforting self-assurance.

"like i would look at anyone else." his eyes are sparkling and time seems to slow down to a honey-covered crawl. "what number should i be watching?" he cracks a mischievous smirk, shrugging and walking to the exit. you're speechless on the ice until he turns back a final time.

to tell you that his number is your birthday.

I CALL WRITING THE GAME I'M GONNA WRITE THE GAME I WANNA WRITE THE GAME SOON I JUST FEEL SO AWKWARD WRITING WITHOUT ANY FIRST MEET/CONTEXT

if you enjoy my writing and would like to support me, you can buy me a coffee on my ko-fi! you can also check out my full masterlist here :)

[novlr]

i'm writing a character who is a serial killer but not willingly if that makes sense. like, she kills once she finds that she finds herself in a murder or be murdered type of situation.

like in one scene, her mother's ex boyfriend comes back to try and get back together with her, but finds her daughter instead so he tries to s/a her but she stabs him and he bleeds out.

then in another scene she get's jumped by two guys and she stabs them both to death as well.

so i'm just wondering if you have any tips for writing such a complex character who kills but feels bad about it before, during and after the fact.

she doesn't enjoy the act of murder. she doesn't get off on it. she simply on kills so she can survive.

thanks so much!

This is a topic very close to my heart! I have a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in forensic psychology, both from accredited U.S. institutions. No fictional murder best-sellers under my belt, but it’s a topic I know a lot about. 

Sometimes, people kill for reasons that aren’t nefarious. There’s the cut-and-dry self defense (“it’s me or them”), the culmination of years of abuse, or sometimes it’s completely an accident (which is called “involuntary manslaughter”). 

Murder mysteries and thrillers are top-notch reads and go hand-in-hand with pop culture’s fascination with true crime. But what goes into writing an accidental serial killer, or one that’s more upstanding than you’d think? 

Define your morals

In order to establish morally gray, you’ve got to set the good and evil boundaries within the world you’re writing. Is it a modern-day story, where a cold-blooded killer is the evil one and a person defending themselves against an attacker is the good one? Or is it a more intricate fantasy or science fiction setting, where the laws and morals aren’t quite the same? 

The important part of writing a morally gray character, in general, is establishing the normal bounds of morality in your story world and then placing the character’s values somewhere in the middle. They’re not looking to hunt other people for fun, but the act also wasn’t a noble defense or socially acceptable resolution to the problem. I think that’s the hardest part, building enough plausibility and setting up empathy for the character’s actions while still writing them as a ‘villain’.

The vigilante

The easiest example of a morally gray killer is the vigilante. Typically, their motive comes from a righteous or judicial point of view, and they’re killing the “evil” ones. These types are taking out drug dealers, abusers, or anyone committing what they consider to be egregious or immoral acts. They perform bad actions to do good. 

Doing bad things for good reasons is often considered “lawful evil”, wherein a character is still following rules but they’re doing so in a ‘bad’ way. That circles us back to the beginning; there should still be a compelling reason for their actions. That’s what pushes their assigned morality back from ‘black’ into the ‘gray zone’. 

Crossing the lines

Consider what factors or events‌ would persuade a character to act in a worse or better way as a one-off circumstance, or a trigger that sways their actions. Perhaps they won’t kill parents, no matter what brought them into that position; maybe violence against women will often trigger a violent episode. 

Gray, on the moral scale, has the obligation to be interesting — so don’t think too hard about staying within neutral territory. Swing one way or the other occasionally with good narrative build-up and support to really bring out the character’s individuality. 

What if it’s always an accident?

Maybe your character is frequently caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, but they always manage to come out on top. What do you do then?

It’s first necessary to define a serial killer. Definitionally, a serial killer is a person that commits multiple murders. Murder being the key word — it must be on purpose for the act to fall on that definition. Otherwise it’s manslaughter (which is an incidental death where even if harm was meant, death was not). I can’t stress this enough: by definition, you can’t have a serial killer whose only kills were in self-defense or accidental. Your character must progress to proactive murder on more than one occasion for them to be considered a serial killer. 

Of course, that’s not to say you can’t have other characters (or even their inner monologue) refer to them as a serial killer. Social knowledge rarely sees eye-to-eye with legal or academic terms and definitions. I just caution you against using ‘serial killer’ in marketing material or descriptive collateral, if this is the case. It is a technically inaccurate descriptor, and someone waiting for that switch from accidental to purposeful is going to be sorely disappointed when it never happens. 

It could, however, be a great plot device to start there and explore the character’s evolution from unfortunate events to intentional murder. Maybe they were targeted for multiple violent crimes, and one day decided to be proactive and preemptively solve their problem (via murder, of course). 

Avoid the Angel of Death

While a vigilante may be a good character type for the morally gray serial killer, the Angel of Death is not. This type of killer is looking for personal gratification by taking someone’s life into their own hands. More often than not, the Angel of Death is looking to make themselves a hero by saving the day, and the deaths are secondary (and a sign of their failure). I’ll admit that the line between “personal gratification” and “justice” can be a thin one.

 The important distinction to keep in mind here are the moral definitions you’ve created: I can’t argue that an Angel of Death is serving any higher purpose than their own desire to cause situations where they might be a hero. It’s like hiring a hitman to take out a target, but intercepting the hitman just in time to save the target. The entire situation is at the mercy of the character; there’s no justice in the actions, no redeeming qualities. They don’t feel bad for sending the hitman — the outcome was planned from the start. And if they can’t beat the hitman? Oh well, better luck next time. 

Convincing the reader that the protagonist has a good (“enough”) reason for their actions is key to achieving the moral middle ground. A reasonable, morally upstanding person probably won’t resort to the character’s actions, but they understand how the thought process could bring them where they are. The Angel of Death is fabricating the entire situation; a morally gray killer should be working towards a goal, or acting on a strong reason. 

The morally gray serial killer isn’t looking to win anyone over, or get a standing ovation for their good deeds. They’re killing for a reason — a reason that wouldn’t normally drive someone to kill, but the reader can see how they got from point A to point B in the thought process. 

written by S.K. Eleteon

[moral-autism]

my silliest political take may be that we should legalize organ sales, but only if the seller is already rich (maybe use the accredited investor criteria?). it responds to the common objection to organ sales that this would exploit people. also i want to see what would happen.

[topicteller1122]

Real Estate Agent Salary: How Much Do Real Estate Agents Make?

Real estate can be a lucrative career, but how much do real estate agents actually earn? If you're considering becoming a real estate agent or just curious about the profession, this guide will break down the average salaries, commission structures, and factors that impact earnings.

How Real Estate Agents Make Money

Unlike traditional salaried jobs, most real estate agents earn money through commissions. When an agent helps buy or sell a property, they receive a percentage of the sale price as their payment. This means an agent’s earnings are largely performance-based.

Commission Structure

Real estate commissions typically range from 4% to 6% of the property’s sale price, with the amount split between the buyer’s agent and the seller’s agent. If a home sells for $300,000 at a 6% commission rate, that’s $18,000 in total commission, which is usually divided as follows:

50% to the buyer’s agent ($9,000)

50% to the seller’s agent ($9,000)

Brokers may take a portion of the agent's commission, reducing their take-home earnings.

Average Salary of a Real Estate Agent

The annual salary of a real estate agent varies based on experience, location, and work ethic. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

Median Annual Salary (2024): Around $51,220

Top 10% Earners: Over $112,000 per year

Lowest 10% Earners: Under $25,000 per year

New agents often struggle in their first year as they build a client base, while experienced agents with strong networks can earn six figures or more.

Factors Affecting Real Estate Agent Salaries

1. Location

Real estate agents in high-demand markets earn significantly more. For instance, agents in New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco tend to make higher commissions due to expensive property values. In contrast, smaller towns and rural areas may offer lower commissions due to lower home prices.

2. Experience Level

Entry-Level Agents (0-2 Years): Typically earn between $30,000 and $50,000.

Mid-Career Agents (3-5 Years): Earn between $50,000 and $80,000.

Experienced Agents (5+ Years): Can earn over $100,000, especially if they have a solid referral base.

3. Number of Sales

A successful real estate agent closes multiple transactions per year. The more deals closed, the higher the earnings. Top-performing agents sell 30+ homes per year, while the average agent sells around 12 homes per year.

4. Brokerage Commission Split

New agents often work under a brokerage that takes a percentage of their earnings. Some common splits include:

50/50 split: Half goes to the agent, half to the brokerage.

70/30 split: Agent keeps 70%, brokerage gets 30%.

100% commission model: Agents pay a flat fee to the brokerage and keep the rest of the commission.

5. Specializations & Certifications

Agents who specialize in luxury homes, commercial properties, or investment properties tend to earn more. Additional certifications like Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) or Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) can also increase credibility and income.

How to Increase Your Salary as a Real Estate Agent

1. Focus on High-Value Properties

Selling higher-priced homes leads to bigger commission checks. Targeting upscale neighborhoods or commercial properties can significantly boost earnings.

2. Build a Strong Network

Referrals and repeat clients are key to a steady income. Building relationships with past clients, mortgage lenders, and local businesses helps generate leads.

3. Leverage Online Marketing

Having a professional website, social media presence, and utilizing SEO-driven real estate blogs can attract buyers and sellers. Investing in digital marketing can help grow your client base.

4. Work With a High-Commission Brokerage

Choosing a brokerage with a better commission split means keeping more of your earnings. Some brokerages allow agents to keep 100% of their commissions in exchange for a monthly fee.

5. Become a Real Estate Broker

Experienced agents can become brokers, allowing them to earn from their own sales and from the agents working under them.

Final Thoughts

A real estate agent’s salary varies widely based on location, experience, and effort. While new agents may struggle in the beginning, those who stay dedicated and build strong networks can earn six figures or more. By specializing in high-value properties, leveraging online marketing, and working with the right brokerage, agents can maximize their earnings in this dynamic industry.

FAQs About Real Estate Agent Salaries

1. Do real estate agents get a base salary? Most agents work on commission, meaning they don’t receive a fixed salary. However, some brokerages offer a base salary plus commission.

2. Can real estate agents make six figures? Yes, top agents who close multiple high-value deals can easily earn over $100,000 per year.

3. How long does it take to start making money as a real estate agent? It can take 3-6 months to close the first deal. New agents often struggle at first but can build momentum with consistent effort.

4. What is the highest-paying real estate job? Luxury real estate agents, commercial real estate brokers, and real estate investors typically make the most money.

By optimizing your career strategy and staying committed, you can make real estate a highly rewarding profession. Are you ready to start your journey as a real estate agent?

[mariacallous]

In 2017, Pratik Sinha and Mohammed Zubair cofounded the fact-checking website AltNews in India. Almost immediately, the pair were targeted with persistent and vicious attacks from the far-right news website OpIndia. Many of the attacks claimed that Zubair was a Rohingya Muslim who illegally migrated to India and that his cousin was a rapist. In several headlines, the site described Zubair as an “Islamist” spreading fake news.

This wasn’t far off from OpIndia’s other coverage: In addition to routinely attacking journalists and news sites critical of the government, OpIndia spreads conspiracies and, at times, outright disinformation, particularly about the country’s minority Muslim population. Founded in 2014, OpIndia is regularly name-checked by leading lawmakers in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the site admits it is funded in part by ads run by the BJP. As hundreds of millions of Indians vote in elections across the country, critics fear that OpIndia’s election-related disinformation and overt support of the Modi government could further undermine trust in the democratic process. Already, the website has echoed Modi’s widely criticized description of the Muslim vote as “vote jihad.”

Yet despite this, US tech companies, which have rules against hate speech and disinformation, continue to platform OpIndia and, in some cases, allow it to continue to make money through advertising. OpIndia has a robust presence on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Additionally, a new report, shared exclusively with WIRED, has found that Google’s ad platform is being used to partially fund OpIndia’s operation.

“In an increasingly polarized space, they create a vicious narrative against you,” Sinha tells WIRED. “All of this is narrative building. Their job is to defame anyone who's critical of the government, and that's what they do.”

Despite repeated efforts by activists to defund the site—and the fact that publications that have partnered with a Google-supported election fact-checking initiative, Shakti, have fact-checked OpIndia’s articles and found it routinely publishes fake news—OpIndia continues to operate thanks in part to ads that Google’s ad exchange platform places next to its content. In 2019, Poynter’s International Fact Checking Network, which accredits publications as trustworthy arbiters of information, rejected OpIndia’s application.

“Google’s own publisher policies prohibit the monetization of content that incites hatred, incitement of racism, promoting discrimination of an individual or group,” says Sarah Kay Wiley, director of policy and partnerships at Check My Ads, a nonprofit digital advertising watchdog organization and author of the new report. “Google also says that they don't monetize or work with publishers that make claims that are false and could significantly undermine trust in an election or democratic process.”

Ad exchanges allow publishers to sell ad space and advertisers to buy it through an entirely automated process that happens in the split seconds before a website loads. Ad sellers and buyers set limits for price and spending, with Google taking a cut of all transactions. Because of the automated nature of the process, advertisers likely don’t realize that their products are showing up next to hateful and misleading content.

Other ad exchanges such as Magnite have discontinued working with OpIndia. If Google were to stop working with OpIndia, says Wiley, that “would definitely have a material impact.”

On Facebook, OpIndia runs pages in English and Hindi, with 310,000 followers and 431,000 followers in each language, respectively. Both pages list their administrator as Aadhyaasi Media and Content Services Private Limited, which owns OpIndia.

On its Hindi page, OpIndia has shared stories promoting the “love jihad” conspiracy theory, which asserts that Muslim men are trying to marry, seduce, or kidnap Hindus in order to force them to convert and create a demographic shift in Hindu-majority India, and has promoted false claims, including that a new inheritance law would reallocate wealth from Hindus to Muslims. Meta spokesperson Erin McPike did not comment on whether this content violated Meta’s policies, nor on whether Meta takes into account the violations of the Hindi page when assessing the English page.

These narratives then get picked up and spread on other platforms, like X and Telegram, says Siddharth Venkataramakrishnan, an analyst with the Institute for Strategic Dialogue. “In some of these places there’s even more explicit calls for violence against Muslims or for the removal of Muslims,” he says. The site has international appeal as well: WIRED was able to find OpIndia articles shared in non-Indian, right-wing channels on Telegram, including a pro-Kremlin channel with over 1.3 million subscribers and numerous conspiracy channels with hundreds of thousands of followers.

The site is also highly active on the social media platform X with the official OpIndia account, which has 688,000 subscribers. OpIndia appears to pay for X Premium, giving it a blue checkmark, but did not respond to whether it subscribes to the service. WIRED has identified at least half a dozen OpIndia writers, columnists, and editors, including editor in chief Nupur Sharma, who has more than 680,000 followers, who appear to be subscribed to X Premium.

Sharma did not respond to a question about OpIndia monetizing its content via X Premium, and the company itself also failed to respond.

“It’s a hyper-partisan, right-wing outlet that set themselves up by saying that mainstream news media in India have a liberal bias, very similar to what American right-wing outlets say about professional journalism in America,” says Kalyani Chadha, an associate professor at the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University who published an in-depth report in 2020 on India’s right-wing media ecosystem that included OpIndia. “They bill themselves as a news outlet, but there's not a lot of original reporting. A lot of it is commentary and opinion.”

In addition to Sinha and Zubair, OpIndia has regularly targeted journalists and outlets it sees as “far left.” In one piece, the site’s staff listed the Indian journalists and publications supposedly associated with billionaire George Soros, who has long been the target of conspiracies from the global far right. In another, they attacked veteran journalist Ravish Kumar, falsely accusing him of harboring sympathies for the perpetrators of a 2019 rape case. OpIndia has also spent years attacking Raqib Hameed Naik, an Indian journalist and the founder of India Hate Lab, which documents instances of hate speech and conspiracies that target India’s minority communities. This, he says, was made all the harder by government officials sharing the articles.

“The goal is to amplify this disinformation, and you have BJP leaders sharing this, so people think it’s authentic,” says Naik. “In the long term, this kind of builds the case against a critic, a journalist, that this person is bad, because there is reporting against them.”

When WIRED contacted OpIndia for comment, Sharma responded to our emailed questions by posting her responses on X.

When asked about hate speech and disinformation on her site, Sharma wrote: “Our critics are mostly Islamists, Jihadis, Terrorists, Leftists and their sympathizers—like yourself. We don't particularly care about any of them.” She then added that “Islamophobia does not exist” and pointed to an OpIndia article that outlines her position. Sharma added that it was “none of your concern” when asked if OpIndia was funded by the BJP. Sharma’s post also tagged one of the authors of this story, who then faced a torrent of abuse from Sharma’s followers.

For years, activists and researchers have tried to highlight the problematic content published by OpIndia. A 2020 campaign from UK-based advocacy group Stop Funding Hate led to a number of advertisers removing their ads from the site. Google, however, says the content published on the site does not appear to breach its own rules.

"All sites in our network, including Opindia, must adhere to our publisher policies, which explicitly prohibit ads from appearing alongside content promoting hate speech, violence, or demonstrably false claims that could undermine trust or participation in an election,” Google spokesperson Michael Aciman says. “Publishers are also subject to regular reviews, and we actively block or remove ads from any violating content."

Despite this, users can find ads for Temu or the Palm Beach Post next to many OpIndia articles promoting conspiracies and Islamophobia, placed with the help of ad-exchange platforms like Google’s Ad Manager, which is the market leader.

Facebook, meanwhile, says Wiley, is more of a “walled garden.” Once a publisher meets the company’s criteria for monetization, including having more than 1,000 followers, it can earn money from ads that run on the page.

While researchers that spoke to WIRED were unable to tell exactly how much the site has made from Google Ads and Facebook monetization, they said it’s likely that OpIndia is not solely reliant on the ad exchange for its revenue. It appears that, as with many news outlets in India, part of that funding comes in the form of more traditional advertising from a major client: the government.

“A large section of India's mainstream press depends on the government ads for their survival,” says Prashanth Bhat, professor of media studies at the University of Houston. “That revenue is critical for the mainstream media survival in a hypercompetitive media environment like in India. We have about 400 round-the-clock television news channels in India in different languages, and we have over 10,000 registered newspapers. For them to survive, they definitely need government patronage.”

Sharma confirmed that OpIndia is reliant in part on ads from the government. “Literally every media house gets advertising from various political parties,” said Sharma. “In fact, a part of your salary could also be funded by such parties and/or their sympathizers. Do get down from your high horse.”

The BJP has, however, also sought to help OpIndia in other ways. In 2019, the BJP reached out to Meta directly, asking the company to allow OpIndia to monetize on Facebook. Meta spokesperson McPike told WIRED that OpIndia’s English page is still able to monetize but that monetization on its Hindi page is currently not allowed “due to violations of our policies.”

“In order to monetize on Facebook, Pages must comply with our community standards, our partner monetization policies, and our content monetization policies,” McPike says.

Google did not respond to questions from WIRED about whether it had ever received a similar request from the Indian government. Google’s Aciman says, “As we do with all publishers, we’ve taken prior page-level enforcement action on this site when we’ve found policy violations. We will of course continue to enforce our policies on violating content across our publisher network.”

X did not respond to questions about whether OpIndia and its staff are able to monetize through X Premium or whether the company has ever received requests from the government to restore content from OpIndia or its staff. The company has complied with several takedown requests from the Indian government to ban accounts or tweets critical of the government.

But Wiley says that without transparency on the part of tech companies as to how they’re deciding which organizations are able to earn money through ads—and how much—outlets like OpIndia will continue to fall through the cracks.

“The business model of the internet at the end of the day is advertising, and what we're seeing over and over again is, that business model is broken,” she says. “Advertisers don't know where their money is going. And the biggest issue is that a lot of that is being funneled to mis- and disinformation online.”

[coramatus]

Poor Em, living rough on the streets.

But I realised something, he actually wouldn't be able to get most jobs a NYC subway. He doesn't have any certificates on him and even if he did then they'd be invalid since the schools/college/uni he got them from doesn't exist. He wouldn't even be able to be a depot agent since that actual requires a minimum of 2 passing grades.

Emmet would have to work his way up from the very bottom, probably getting a job a a ticket seller or a cleaner and transferring up within the job. I think eventually, if he believe that he'll be stuck in NYC forever, then he'll go back to college just so he can go back to being a conductor/engineer.

Realistically, Emmet’s situation is a logistical nightmare. He has no birth certificate, no social security number, no record of his existence, no visa, no legal citizenship, no legal ID, never mind any accredited educational degree or job training certificates. If this were any other story, he’d be categorically fucked.

But this is where the vigilante train repairs come in.

In frustration from not being able to fix the stupid portal device that dumped him here, Emmet figures he might as well fix something and takes it out on NY’s shittiest subway cars. And because he’s from a (slightly) more technologically advanced society, he knows a few things people here haven’t figured out yet.

Before the MTA knows it, suddenly their drivers are discovering their trains are running like a dream when before they might as well have been scrap (ok well, the grosser parts are still an issue but Emmet’s a train engineer, not a train janitor).

When the admins learn about this, it doesn’t take them long to find out who did it. Some want Emmet arrested, but a few others think there can’t be any harm letting this good samaritan rando keep up his free volunteer engineering work. It means the less they need actually spend on maintenance, right??

And this might have worked if the unions hadn’t caught wind of it.

Because then, there’s the threat of the actual paid engineers losing work and the skirting of work safety laws because of these unapproved repairs by a volunteer, which sets a very bad precedent. And why not get this guy on board and actually pay him for his work? It’s only the right thing to do, isn’t it? >:)

The next time Emmet sneaks into a rail yard to tinker with the trains, someone catches him in the act. Emmet expects to be arrested and isn’t surprised when the MTA cops show up. But, they’re just there to escort him to headquarters, not arrest him. Apparently the higher ups are verrrry interested in meeting with him.

When Emmet makes it to the main offices, he’s questioned about his motives, who he is, what is he doing here, how did he learn that kind of electrical engineering, etc.. (Based on what Jamal warned him of, he was expecting this of scary government people, not the train police). And as he expected, his answers are not encouraging, re: paperwork.

What really throws him for a loop is that some of the higher ups are willing to… bend the rules a bit for him, perhaps. Emmet is pretty sure that’s illegal, but the MTA is a bit desperate to get him on board lest the unions go on strike again. They can help him with some legalities. Illegal immigrant with only foreign documentation? They can pull a few strings to arrange a work visa for him (he refuses a green card, he does not want to be a US citizen). No education or certifications? Pass the GED and if he really is as good an engineer and conductor as he claims, then pass the tests (he would have scored perfect on these if the New York state and US federal rail laws hadn’t tripped him up). He can’t circumvent the waitlist to be a driver, but in the meantime he can try teaching their engineers whatever electricity magic it is he’s been doing. As for everything else? They’ll work it out when they get there.

Emmet is speechless at this offer. Who knew fixing trains made that much of an impression? It’s a lot to take in but he recognizes that if he wants any chance of thriving here and not driving Jamal nuts from squatting in his apartment, then he’ll never get a better chance than this.

So Emmet accepts.

The subway systems of NYC are never quite the same afterwards…

[handmadehazefromtheheart]

An Engaged Update

I’ve been waiting for a moment of calm so I could wrap up the HH’s goings-ons in a narratively satisfying blog post. Things haven’t really calmed for me, though, so this one will have a lot of loose threads.

Since my last big update, I have arranged a functioning Linktree for convenience, and I updated my website with a new landing page and ToS. Plans to start paying for my own domain are still up in the air.

As I’ve said on social media, the shop itself is closed because I’ve moved back to Germany, and I need to sort some things out. In the meantime, I’ve been working diligently on preparing for a more permanent reopening!

Just the other day, I decided to redesign the logo.

I wanted to connect the H’s and make them flippable. As you can see, I also decided to — not exactly rename Handmade Hearts, but I made the logo with the German “Herz,” which means “heart” (pronounced like if the “ear” in “hearts” sounded like “air”). It felt appropriate. I’m going to see about registering my business with the German government once I have my long term residence permit that allows me to work. Once I have all the legal stuff sorted, I will be opening up again on the newly launched Artisans Cooperative markeplace.

I already have my own page on the marketplace, and I’ve even bought in as a member-owner. The price to share in co-operative ownership is anything between $1,000 on the spot and $10 combined with essentially working for the Coop in my own time over the next year. Can you guess what option I chose? (Hint: I’m not exactly employed at the moment.)

Before I joined the Artisans Coop, I was and still am involved with the Indie Sellers Guild. I run their official Tumblr and help to verify new members. Current projects we’ve got going on there include:

Pressuring Etsy to let up on its harmful business practices

Working with U.S. legislators to pass a bill to crack down on resell scams

Developing a program to accredit online marketplaces using university-funded research

I should note, my joining the Artisans Cooperative won’t mean that I’m leaving Ko-Fi. My page there is very useful for one-off donations, and I might someday use it for monthly donations à la Patreon. I might cross-post listings for reach, too. Details… are still a bit loose.

Hold on, monthly donations? For what?

I’m glad you asked! For full access to my patterns — and probably discounts to other things. I’ve been doing a lot of work to write and test my original crochet patterns. So far, I’ve had one pattern fully tested and uploaded, with plans for much, much more.

Germany, co-ops, guilds, patterns… It’s a lot going on. Here’s a paragraph to breathe. I hope you’ll stick with me to the end of the post. Please remember, while I have the support of my partner and community, I am just one body and brain. (And I’m working with not entirely abled versons of each.) If it seems as though things should be happening faster or more efficiently, do keep that in mind.

I haven’t even discussed my inventory yet.

Since the beginning, I’ve been contemplating and recontemplating what I wanted to sell. I knew from the start that I wanted to design it all myself; that’s what makes experimenting and pattern-writing so important. Now, I’m close to a solid decision, and I love to make animal plushies and embroidery art.

While working on the aforementioned legal stuff, I’ve been building an inventory of original animal plushies (some of them cat toys), bags, fidget balls, bracelets, hats, and scarves. All of it is crocheted, though I’d like to expand into knitted and sewn items in the future. I am working on multiple amigurumi cat designs, and a songbird design. There will also be further work and testing on the snake pattern –– and it’s not just the shapes; no, I’ve developed designs for tapestry crochet that are yet to be redrafted into something testable.

I don’t have much of anything embroidered in my inventory yet. I’ve been commissioned once for some art, and I’m content for now to keep it at commissions.

Embroidery wasn’t even on my radar when I first decided to make Handmade Herz, but I have fallen in love with it. I’m currently putting some practice into portrait embroidery, which may end up becoming a staple of HH if all goes well.

A lot of loose threads we’re weaving… and I don’t even know how to weave.

You may be wondering about the title of this blog post, “An Engaged Update.” I thought it was a little bit punny, or it might be if I’ve managed to make this engaging.

I am engaged!

I have been, technically, for some time, but now it’s on a legal level. I’ll be getting married in late November. The original plan was to get married in summer, so I went ahead a few months ago and made my partner a “wedding” dress just in time for the July pride parade in our city.

This dress was the most ambitious project I have ever taken on, if only because it is a wearable of that many stitches. I was so afraid of getting it wrong! But it turned out beautiful and comfortable, and a proof of concept for my ability to make wearables this big. Someday, I hope to include original clothing designs in my inventory.

Thanks for reading to the end. I will try to write more frequent blog posts, hopefully with more narrow themes. I’ve still yet to be a vendor at a craft market, partly because of everything going on and partly because I’m very nervous. I will be writing something up about my experience when it finally happens.

Stay strong.

[ninetimesnetwork]

Choosing a Real Estate Agent on Maui, Hawaii

Choosing a Real Estate Agent on Maui, Hawaii

When it comes to buying or selling a home on Maui, having the right real estate agent by your side can make all the difference. With so many real estate agents here to choose from, how do you know which one is going to be the best fit for you? Here are some tips to help you choose a real estate agent on Maui.

You should look for experience and local knowledge. It is important to find a real estate agent or team who has a deep understanding of the Maui real estate market and can provide valuable insights and guidance throughout the process. It's also helpful to find someone who is familiar with the specific neighborhoods and communities you are interested in. Maui is small but not that small. Keep in mind that just because someone has lived on Maui for a long time, does not mean that they are the best agent for you.

Next up, you should consider their communication style. Buying or selling a home can be a stressful process, and it's important to have a real estate agent who is responsive, communicative, and available to answer your questions and address your concerns. Many agents here on Maui are part-time agents selling less than 6 homes a year. Look for an agent who is willing to take the time to listen to your needs and preferences, and who is able to clearly explain the process and provide updates to you on a regular basis. As for us at Nine Times Network, we will touch base once a week whether there is anything to update you on. You can call, text or email us.

Check their credentials and reputation. It's important to choose a real estate agent who is licensed and in good standing with their local board of realtors. You can check their credentials by looking for a professional designation, such as the National Association of Realtors Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) or the Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR) designation. It may be a good time for you to do an online search. What are other clients saying about them? Do they have an online presence?

This is a big one in our opinion. What is their marketing strategies? When it comes to selling a home, it's important to have a real estate team who is able to effectively market and advertise your property to potential buyers. Look for an agent who has a strong online presence, as well as a track record of successful sales and a solid marketing plan. Most buyers and sellers on Maui are not even in Hawaii, so marketing should be at the top of your list of things to ask about. Are they using videos? Are they on social media? How many platforms are they on? Do they have a YouTube channel? Most real estate agents do the 3 P's of Real Estate: They put a sign in your yard. They place your property in the MLS and then they sit around and pray that someone else sells it for them. At Nine Times Network, we do that 4th P: Proactively look for buyers for our sellers and for sellers for our buyers.

How are their negotiation skills? Whether you are buying or selling a home, you need an agent who is skilled in the art of negotiation. Look for an agent who is able to effectively communicate your needs and get you the best deal possible. Real Estate is simple and not easy and who you work with does matter.

And finally, It is vital to find someone who is a good match for you. It's important to choose a real estate agent with who you feel comfortable working with and who you feel understands your needs, wants and goals. Look for an agent who is easy to communicate with, has a personality that you enjoy, and who you feel you can trust.

Choosing a real estate on Maui can be a challenge, however, by considering factors such as experience, communication style, credentials, marketing strategies, negotiation skills, and fit, you can find the right agent to guide you through the process of buying or selling a home on the island.

We take great pride in NOT being like every other real estate agent you may speak with on Maui. Google Nine Times Network and consider hiring us for all of your Maui Real Estate Needs.

Adam Miller R(S) 81648

808-866-6606

Jessica Miller R(S) 81811

Jessica and Adam Miller are licensed real estate agents on Maui. They are with Real Broker, LLC and their team is Nine Times Network.

We take great pride in not being like every other real estate agent you'll meet. 

(more about Nine Times Network)

Mahalo for reading our blog. If you have any questions about Maui real estate or if you are looking to buy a home, sell a home or invest in Maui real estate, we would love the opportunity to speak with you.

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

Egypt cleared collagen, gelatin exports from Brazil

The Arab country has authorized exports of two more items from Brazil. Sellers must meet the sanitary requirements, have an SIF and an IS EG Halal company certification.

Egypt has authorized Brazilian imports of two more items: collagen and gelatin, said a statement released last week by Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. According to the information, the authorization came on May 15.

The Ministry said sales of gelatin and collagen from any established under the SIF that meet the sanitary requirements and are certified by the IS EG Halal were cleared.

SIF is Brazil’s Federal Inspection Service, affiliated with the Agriculture Ministry, that assesses the quality of animal food products as required for import and export activities. IS EG is an entity accredited by Egypt’s government to certify halal products exported to the country.

Continue reading.

[indiesellersguild]

Our all-volunteer team has prepared an awesome set of postable images, printable fliers, and copy-paste-able text for you to help us spread the word about the Marketplace Accreditation Research Survey.

Find these and more on our share kit.

How to help:

Post a blurb or one of these images on your social media page.

Put up or hand out fliers at a local flea or artisan market.

Hang a flier up on a relevant bulletin board, i.e. at your university or craft club.

Take a picture of a flier you've put up and share with us on one of our social media pages; you can find our Instagram, Twitter, Reddit, etc. on our website through the share kit link above. For Tumblr, just tag us or send an ask!

Are you an indie seller with a blog or newsletter? Include a blurb, or one of these images, to let your supporters know that their voices are wanted!

Are you a fan of a particular indie seller? Send them a question, email, DM, etc. asking them to spread the word!

With permission from the owners/mods, share with your Discord servers!

You have the power to make a difference in how independent artists and curators are treated by our marketplaces. Speak out! The more people talking, the more people will be motivated to join the conversation! ✊

[miamimarinesurveyorfl]

Accredited Marine Surveyor: The Benefits of Hiring an Accredited Marine Surveyor

Title: Accredited Marine Surveyor: The Benefits of Hiring an Accredited Marine Surveyor When considering the purchase or maintenance of a vessel, hiring an accredited marine surveyor can provide invaluable insights and peace of mind. Whether you're a boat owner, seller, or insurance agent, understanding the condition and value of a maritime asset is crucial. This article aims to detail the significant benefits that come with using the services of an accredited marine surveyor. The importance of enlisting an accredited marine surveyor cannot be underestimated. An accredited marine surveyor brings expert knowledge in assessing the structural integrity, safety features, and overall operation of boats and ships. Having an accredited marine surveyor review your vessel can identify potential issues that may not be apparent to the untrained eye. Before making any significant investment in a vessel, consulting an accredited marine surveyor ensures that all parts of the ship are thoroughly inspected. This comprehensive check includes the hull, propulsion system, electrical systems, and safety equipment. An accredited marine surveyor will also evaluate the vessel's compliance with international maritime regulations, ensuring that it meets safety standards before it sets sail. Furthermore, if you need to file an insurance claim related to your vessel, having a report from an accredited marine surveyor can expedite the process. Insurance companies often require detailed reports from an accredited marine surveyor to ascertain the extent of damage and determine compensation accurately. An accredited marine surveyor also plays a pivotal role during buying and selling transactions. A detailed survey by an accredited marine surveyor provides potential buyers with transparency regarding a vessel’s condition, enhancing trust and smoothing negotiation processes. Sellers also benefit from employing an accredited marine surveyor as it underscores their vessel's value and seaworthiness, potentially increasing marketability. For regular maintenance checks, using an accredited marine surveyor helps maintain the vessel in optimal condition. The insights provided by an accredited marine surveyor allow for timely repairs and updates which prolong the lifespan of the vessel and ensure ongoing safety for its passengers and goods. Choosing an experienced company like Sun Coast Marine Surveying & Consulting ensures that you receive comprehensive services from a reliable accredited marine surveyor. It's essential to select a well-respected provider such as Sun Coast Marine Surveying & Consulting when seeking an accredited marine surveyor who adheres strictly to industry standards while offering practical solutions tailored to your needs. In summary, employing the professional expertise of an accredited marine surveyor offers numerous advantages spanning safety assessments, compliance verifications, assistance with insurance claims, transaction facilitation, and maintenance guidance. Companies within the category "Marine Survey Information," such as Sun Coast Marine Surveying & Consulting, specialize in providing top-tier maritime consultation through skilled professionals like an accredited marine surveyor. So next time you’re dealing with anything related to your cherished vessel, remember the unmatched benefits of hiring an accredited marine surveyor. Utilizing their specialized skills not only secures your investments but also ensures that every journey on the water is safe and assured. For further guides on how to best leverage these benefits, consider delving deeper into resources categorized under "Marine Survey Information." Having recognized these extensive advantages, it becomes evident why choosing a certified expert like an accredited marine surveyor is indispensable in the maritime world. Employing their profound expertise protects your nautical interests, fortifying your marine ventures against unforeseen complications. Thus, always opt for the trusted expertise of an accredited marine surveyor for every maritime assessment need.

accredited marine surveyor

[greaterhoustonhousesllc]

Understanding Cash Home Buyers: Is Selling Your Stafford Home for Cash the Right Move?

Selling your home can be a daunting task, especially when time is of the essence. If you're looking to sell your house fast in Stafford, understanding the role of cash home buyers is crucial. These buyers offer a streamlined alternative to traditional real estate transactions, but is this the right move for you?

What Are Cash Home Buyers?

Cash home buyers are typically investors or companies that purchase properties directly from homeowners without the need for mortgage financing. This approach eliminates many of the common hurdles in property sales, such as bank approvals, appraisals, and lengthy closing processes.

Advantages of Selling to Cash Home Buyers

Speedy Transactions: One of the most significant benefits is the rapid turnaround. Without the need for loan approvals or extensive inspections, sales can often be completed in as little as a week.

As-Is Sales: Cash buyers typically purchase properties in their current condition, meaning you won't need to invest time or money into repairs or renovations.

Reduced Fees: By bypassing real estate agents, you can save on commissions and potentially other closing costs.

Certainty: With cash offers, there's a lower risk of deals falling through due to financing issues, providing peace of mind.

Considerations Before Proceeding

While the benefits are appealing, it's essential to be aware of potential drawbacks:

Lower Offers: Cash buyers often offer below market value, compensating for the convenience and speed they provide.

Due Diligence: Ensure you're working with reputable buyers. Research their track record, read reviews, and consult with a real estate attorney if necessary.

Greater Houston Houses LLC: A Case in Point

For homeowners in Stafford, Greater Houston Houses LLC exemplifies a reputable cash home buying company. With over 19 years in business and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau since 2016, they have assisted numerous homeowners in selling their properties swiftly and efficiently.

They offer:

Free Appraisals: Providing homeowners with a clear understanding of their property's value.

Flexible Closing: Allowing sellers to choose a closing date that suits their timeline.

Transparent Process: Ensuring sellers are informed at every step, fostering trust and confidence.

Is Selling for Cash the Right Move for You?

Deciding to sell your house for cash depends on your individual circumstances:

Urgency: If you need to relocate quickly or are facing financial challenges, a cash sale might be ideal.

Property Condition: Homes requiring significant repairs can be more challenging to sell traditionally; cash buyers often overlook these issues.

Financial Considerations: Weigh the convenience and speed against potentially receiving a lower offer than the market average.

In conclusion, selling your Stafford home to a cash buyer can offer a swift and hassle-free solution. However, it's essential to assess your situation carefully and choose a reputable buyer to ensure a smooth transaction.

[silvereye01]

BIS Consultant in Delhi: Your Trusted Partner for BIS CRS Registration

Introduction

In today's highly regulated market, obtaining the necessary certifications is essential for businesses aiming to sell their products in India. One of the most crucial certifications is the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Certification, which ensures product quality, safety, and reliability. Companies looking to obtain BIS certification in Delhi can benefit from expert consultancy services to streamline the registration process. Silvereye Certification is a leading BIS Consultant in Delhi, helping businesses navigate the complexities of BIS CRS Registration and other certification requirements.

Understanding BIS CRS Registration

BIS CRS (Compulsory Registration Scheme) Registration is a mandatory requirement for electronic and IT products that fall under the purview of the Bureau of Indian Standards. This scheme ensures that products conform to Indian safety standards before they enter the market. Introduced by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), BIS CRS Registration is critical for manufacturers, importers, and sellers of electronic goods.

Products Covered Under BIS CRS Registration

The BIS CRS scheme covers a wide range of electronic and IT products, including but not limited to:

Mobile Phones

LED Televisions

Laptop and Tablets

Power Adapters

Smartwatches

LED Lights

UPS/Inverters

Wireless Microphones

If your business deals with any of these products, obtaining BIS CRS Registration is mandatory before launching them in the Indian market.

Why BIS Certification is Essential

Securing BIS CRS Registration offers numerous advantages to businesses, such as:

Legal Compliance: Ensures adherence to Indian regulatory standards.

Market Access: Allows companies to sell their products in India without restrictions.

Consumer Trust: Enhances brand credibility and consumer confidence.

Quality Assurance: Ensures product safety and quality, reducing risks of failure.

Competitive Edge: Gives businesses an advantage over non-certified competitors.

Challenges in BIS CRS Registration

While BIS certification is crucial for businesses, the process can be time-consuming and complex. Some common challenges include:

Understanding Technical Requirements: Different products have different compliance standards, which can be confusing.

Documentation Hassles: The BIS registration process requires extensive paperwork.

Testing Requirements: Products must undergo rigorous testing in BIS-approved labs.

Approval Delays: Any discrepancies in documentation or testing reports can cause delays.

How Silvereye Certification Can Help

Silvereye Certification, a trusted BIS Consultant in Delhi, offers end-to-end solutions for businesses seeking BIS CRS Registration. Our expert team ensures a seamless certification process by handling all documentation, testing, and compliance procedures.

Our BIS Consultancy Services

Eligibility Assessment: We evaluate whether your product falls under the BIS CRS scheme.

Document Preparation: Assistance in preparing and submitting all required documents.

Product Testing: Coordinating with BIS-approved labs for testing and compliance checks.

Application Submission: Filing the application on your behalf for smooth approval.

Liaison with Authorities: Direct coordination with BIS officials to expedite approvals.

Post-Certification Compliance: Ensuring continued compliance after obtaining the certification.

Step-by-Step Process of BIS CRS Registration

Determine Product Eligibility - Identify whether the product falls under the BIS CRS scheme.

Select a BIS-Approved Laboratory - The product must be tested in an accredited BIS laboratory.

Prepare Documentation - Compile necessary documents, including technical specifications and test reports.

Submit Application - The application is submitted to the BIS authority for approval.

Obtain Certification - Upon successful verification, the BIS certificate is issued.

Maintain Compliance - Regular audits and updates ensure continued compliance.

Why Choose Silvereye Certification?

Experienced Professionals: Our team has extensive expertise in BIS certification.

Time-Saving Solutions: We streamline the registration process, reducing delays.

Affordable Services: Competitive pricing with transparent procedures.

End-to-End Support: From documentation to final approval, we handle everything.

Client Satisfaction: Trusted by numerous clients for hassle-free BIS consultancy.

Conclusion

Obtaining BIS CRS Registration is essential for businesses dealing with electronic and IT products in India. However, the process can be complex and challenging without expert guidance. Silvereye Certification, a leading BIS Consultant in Delhi, ensures a smooth and efficient certification journey, helping businesses comply with regulatory requirements seamlessly. Contact us today to get started on your BIS certification process and expand your business in the Indian market with confidence.

[thomsangarrett]

How to Choose the Best Automobile Shipping Company in the USA

Identifying a dependable and reputable automobile shipping USA is very important since smooth and easy vehicle transport is vital. Moving to a new state, purchasing a vehicle from an out of state seller, or even shipping your classic automobile to another state, selecting the appropriate shipping company is important. There are so many available options, but you should know what to look into when choosing a vehicle transport service. Rapid Auto Shipping offers the best expert services for you to ship your automobile easily and securely. Follow the tips below for choosing the best automobile shipping companies in the USA.

1. Search and Analyze Multiple Services

Begin with finding and searching a wide range of automobile shipping USA services. Companies are evaluated during comparison in critical areas like customer service ratings, company reputations, and cost of services it provides. Here are key aspects to evaluate:

Years of Experience – The longer a company has operated, the better the range of services they offer.

Customer Reviews – Check Google Reviews, Trustpilot, and the BBB for dependable and honest reviews.

Industry Accreditations – Verify if the company is registered under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and has been assigned with the Department of Transportation (DOT) number.

Rely on Particular Services – Seek enclosed transport, open carrier transport, expedited shipping and door-to-door delivery services.

2. Check for Licensing and Insurance Policy

Credentials and insurance documentation are very important in this business, and a car shipping usa service should have them. Always confirm their FMCSA certificate and DOT number when planning to use their service. This information, which can be obtained through the company’s FMCSA website, determines whether they are operating legally.

Also, in regard to the insurance documentation, find out whether it covers your car when it is being transported. And find out what policy limits there are, and if extra cover is needed for luxury or high value cars. Good companies such as Rapid Auto Shipping always provide comprehensive insurance to cover their clients’ cars.

3. Learn About The Various Methods Used To Ship Cars

Determining how the car will be shipped will ensure that you spend your money wisely and get that car type that you wish for depending on your needs:

Open Carrier Transport. This option is widely used because it is economical. Vehicles using this mode are vulnerable to external weather changes and dirt on the road.

Enclosed Carrier Transport. This is ideal when transporting vintage, expensive or rare cars, since it offers protection by putting the vehicle in a trailer.

Door to Door Shipping – The carrier drives your car from the pickup zone and puts it down to the most convenient place to you.

Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping This is where you deliver and collect your automobile at specific terminals and costs your economical than the rest of the conveyances.

4. Be Inquisitive Regarding The Pricing Compare Them All

Pricing is one of the determinants as to which automobile shipping USA provider to select. Get quotations from several service providers and make a cost comparison. However, be careful about prices that appear unrealistic because they might be too good to be true.

When requesting a quote, make sure to ask for:

The entire cost with no strings attached.

Pickup and delivery places.

Insurance information.

Estimated time of delivery.

Rapid Auto Shipping has the best value with reasonable and open pricing, so their customers have no surprises when it comes to estimates.

5. Confirm Estimated Shipping Durations And Any Tracking Services Provided

Distance between pickup and delivery, shipping methods, and the availability of the carrier influence how long the delivery takes. Do inquire the provider for the most likely shipping period and if there are any expected delays before settling with the service. With Rapid Auto Shipping, they set expectations on estimates and timelines and they tend to offer expedited services for important material shipments.

A quality automobile shipping USA provider should also allow you to track your shipment so you can know its current position. This way, you are sufficiently informed and do not have to worry about the transparency of the shipping processes.

6. Thoroughly Examine the Contract and Its Terms

It is prudent to read all terms and conditions before deciding to sign a contract. It should spell out the following:

How and when the items should be picked up and delivered.

What the cancellation and refund policies are.

What the insurance coverage includes.

What additional charges may exist.

Stay away from vendors that attempt to coerce you into signing contracts without providing proper clarification. At Rapid Auto Shipping, we operate within set guidelines and policies that are friendly to clients so that you have minimal complaints.

7. Know Their Customer Service and Communication

Very good customer support is one of the important considerations for selecting a vehicle shipping company. An experienced automobile shipping USA company should be active in communication, respond to all your concerns, and give you feedback with the necessary information during the shipment.

To enable and assist clients at every point in their vehicle transport journey Rapid Auto Shipping provides 24/7 support which we believe will help sharpen customer focus.

8. Don’t Forget To Ask For Discounts And Special Offers

Majority of the vehicle shipping company offer discounts to selected groups of people, for example, for:

Military personnel.

Students.

Multi-vehicle shipments.

Seasonal promotions.

Be sure to ask what discounts are available before booking in order to save on shipping expenses.

Conclusion

A little research has to be done to select the adequate automobile shipping USA service provider. You must analyze one’s experience, licenses, prices, how long it takes to deliver a vehicle, and even customer service to pick the best choice. Rapid Auto Shipping is one of the most reputable and customer friendly automobile transportation services that guarantee safe and efficient delivery of your vehicle.

Call Rapid Auto Shipping today and get a complimentary quote for a convenient automobile transportation!