#inventory turnover

[productiveandfree]

Leveraging Performance Metrics for Strategic Growth

Effectively measuring the progress of your company is crucial for your business’s long-term success and growth. Key performance indicators (KPIs) can be deeply motivating, too, as your employees want to know when they’re exceeding expectations or have to up their game.

Leveraging performance growth metrics can help you identify areas for improvement and make operational changes, too. This is particularly important if you work in a competitive industry, where marginal gains can make a world of difference.

Utilizing performance metrics can improve your brand strength, too. Metrics like customer retention and brand awareness are easily quantifiable and can help you spot areas for improvement. This is crucial in today’s digital era, where consumers have plenty of choices and will use their voices to critique or praise businesses online.

Must-Have Metrics

Establishing relevant KPIs and metrics can be tricky if you’re new to the world of business management. There are thousands of potential KPIs to choose from and picking relevant metrics is crucial for employee motivation and operational efficiency. Start by making use of essential business metrics that are utilized by companies around the world, including:

●     Turnover Rate: A high turnover rate is a sure sign that you’re doing something wrong at the management level. High turnover means that you’re losing talented staff due to issues like engagement, salary, or safety concerns.

●     Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC): A key financial metric, CAC measures the effectiveness of your marketing efforts. This can give you a fresh sense of purpose when drawing up marketing strategies and will help you find new ways to engage with customers.

●     Inventory Turnover: If you sell a product, you need to track your inventory turnover efficiency. Low inventory turnover may be a sign that you should head in a new direction or revise your product to better align with consumer needs.

●     Supply Chain Waste: Reducing waste can minimize your costs and help you run a more efficient company. Limiting supply chain waste minimizes your carbon footprint and helps you appeal to consumers who care about sustainability, too.

When researching your must-have metrics, remember to utilize industry-specific measures. An effective range of industry-specific metrics can help you outperform your rivals and provide a better service to consumers. This is particularly important in service industries, where a strong reputation is the best way to improve customer retention and build brand awareness.

Employee Motivation

Your employees are the backbone of your business. Without highly motivated staff, your efforts are doomed to fail. Fortunately, tracking employee motivation and productivity is easier today than ever before. If you believe employee motivation is falling by the wayside, consider tracking metrics like:

●     eNPS: Employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS) asks employees how likely they are to recommend your business to a prospective hire. A low eNPS is a sure sign that more must be done to improve the employee experience at your place of work.

●     Attendance: If your staff are regularly showing up late or taking time off, you may have a motivation issue. Rather than punishing these employees, focus on making the workplace somewhere they want to be.

●     Satisfaction Surveys: Surveys are a quick, easy way to spot potential issues. Regularly survey staff to find out more about work standards, identify opportunities for growth, and assess company culture.

These metrics can help you assess performance and keep track of morale. This is key if you want your employees to guide your brand through a period of growth, as you’ll need highly engaged staff if you want to outperform your competition. You can also use these insights to review your existing business systems and identify areas for growth or revision.

Social Media Metrics

An effective social media presence can be a real boon for your small business. Folks will flock to pages that offer legitimately useful content and will respect your brand if you put out high-quality images and videos. However, if you’ve been in the social media game for some time, you’ll know how hard it is to capture the attention of your target audience.

Improve your digital marketing efforts and win the attention of your audience by leveraging social media KPIs. Start by using free-to-access metrics like reach, engagement rate, and impressions. These metrics should be freely available in the analytics tab of your social platforms and can help you better understand follower behavior.

If you notice that your social presence isn’t generating much in the way of sales, consider tracking metrics like click-through rate (CTR), cost per conversion, and average order value. You can keep track of these metrics on your website by parsing out user data by traffic source. This will show you how social users interact with your brand and will help you adjust your social media marketing efforts accordingly.

Conclusion

Successfully leveraging performance metrics is crucial for the long-term growth of your company. Key data points like eNPS can help you identify issues and make changes to the culture of your brand, too. This is crucial in today’s fast-paced business world, where talented employees are constantly looking for better opportunities.

Katie Brenneman

Katie is a passionate writer specializing in time management, marketing, and education-related content. When she isn't writing, you can find her with her nose buried in a book or hiking with her dog, Charlie. To connect with Katie, you can follow her on Twitter.

Share in the comments below: Questions go here

[mobio-solutions]

Unlock the secrets of retail success! 🛍️ Dive deep into the world of data-driven decisions and discover how mastering inventory turnover can skyrocket your sales! 📊

[ordazzle22]

What is inventory turnover rate? Importance of inventory turnover

Why is it important to know your inventory turnover rate?

As an e-commerce retailer, it is important to know your turnover rate and understand the factors behind it. It is the rate at which you sell and replace your inventory, and it is a key metric for measuring the efficiency and profitability of your business. In this blog post, we will explore why e-commerce retailers need to know their turnover rate, and how inventory management solutions can help retailers manage and optimise their inventory.

What is an inventory turnover rate and how is it derived?

First, let’s define what inventory turnover rate is and how it is calculated. Inventory turnover is the number of times a retailer’s inventory is sold in a specific period. It can be calculated by dividing annual revenue by average inventory. This gives you two different ways to express your inventory turnover rate: as a percentage (aka ROI), and as a ratio.

For example, if you sell 100 items in one month and your inventory comprises 100 items, your turnover rate is 1.0. If you sell 200 items in the same period, your turnover rate is 2.0. The higher your turnover rate, the more efficient and profitable your business is.

A high inventory turnover rate may indicate that the business is effectively managing its inventory and selling its products quickly, while a low turnover rate may indicate that the business is not selling its products as quickly as it should be and may need to change its inventory management strategy. Knowing your inventory turnover rate can help you make better decisions about how much inventory to keep on hand and how to price your products to maximise your sales and profitability.

Inventory turnover rate in e-commerce

What makes turnover rate a critical metric for e-commerce retailers (especially multi-geography sellers)? There are several reasons.

First, knowing your turnover rate allows you to measure the efficiency of your inventory management. If your turnover rate is low, it may indicate that you are holding onto inventory for too long, which can lead to lost sales and reduced profitability. A high turnover rate may indicate that you are not keeping enough inventory on hand, which can lead to stock-outs and lost sales. By understanding your turnover rate, you can determine how much inventory to keep on hand and how much to order, as well as how much money is tied up in inventory.

In addition to measuring the efficiency of your inventory management, knowing your turnover rate can also help you plan your e-commerce operations better for future sales and demand. By analysing your turnover rate over time, you can identify trends and patterns in your sales and demand. You can then use this information to make more informed decisions about how much inventory to stock and when to order new inventory. You can also allocate your resources more accurately for maximum efficiency across relevant stores, regions, and fulfilment centres.

How to optimise inventory turnover to ensure stock availability?

There are several ways that e-commerce sellers can optimise their inventory turnover to ensure they have the right quantity of stock available. Some of these strategies include:

Conducting regular inventory assessments to identify slow-moving or excess inventory and taking steps to clear out that inventory through sales or other means.

Using data and analytics to better understand customer demand and buying patterns and using that information to adjust inventory levels accordingly.

Implementing a just-in-time inventory management system, which involves only ordering and stocking the exact amount of inventory needed to meet current customer demand.

Using tools and technologies, such as inventory management systems, to automate and streamline inventory management processes, making it easier to keep track of inventory levels and demand.

Using automated tracking systems such as RFID tags or barcodes for all products throughout their lifecycle from receiving through shipping.

By implementing these and other strategies, e-commerce sellers can optimise their inventory turnover, ensuring they have the right quantity of stock available to meet customer demand and avoid lost sales and revenue opportunities.

Why e-commerce businesses need automated inventory management systems for more efficient tracking

While e-commerce brands and sellers may implement strategic and operational changes to adapt to demand and drive sales, they cannot overlook the importance of technology and digitising processes. Hence, automated inventory management plays a critical, almost make-or-break, role in the modern e-commerce landscape.

An inventory management solution is a digital tool that allows retailers to track and manage their inventory levels, orders, and shipments in real time. This type of solution can help retailers in several ways.

First, an inventory management solution can help retailers prevent stock-outs and lost sales. By providing real-time visibility into inventory levels and orders, the platform can alert store managers when inventory levels are low and help them quickly reorder products before they run out of stock. This can help retailers to avoid lost sales and keep their customers happy.

Second, using inventory management systems allows retailers to have a better understanding of their inventory levels at any given time. This is important because having too much or too little inventory can be costly for any retailer. Too much inventory can lead to higher storage costs and the potential for products to become obsolete, while too little inventory can lead to lost sales and disappointed customers.

Automated inventory management can help you better understand your inventory turnover rate, which is a key metric for e-commerce businesses. Automating processes in the inventory lifecycle also enables you to manage your inventory efficiently and avoid overstocking or under-stocking products. Any modern automated inventory management platform will provide real-time data on how your inventory is moving across stores, warehouses, and fulfilment centres. This type of business intelligence data is extremely useful in helping you adjust your inventory management strategy to strike the right balance between having enough inventory on hand to meet demand and avoiding holding onto inventory for too long.

Overall, inventory management systems are a valuable tool for retailers because it helps them better manage and optimise their inventory, which can lead to increased efficiency, cost savings, and improved customer satisfaction.

Conclusion

Inventory turnover is one of the most important metrics for e-commerce businesses, and it is key for retailers to understand their inventory turnover rate in comparison to their competitors. The faster your inventory turns, the more money you’ll save by not having excess stock sitting around for months or even years at a time! Automated inventory management solutions can also help them optimise their inventory by providing insights into which products are selling well and which ones are not. Retailers can quickly identify low-performing products using an automated system that sends alerts when items don’t sell well so merchants can adjust pricing or promotions accordingly (and with no human intervention).

Ordazzle offers an end-to-end Inventory Management solution you can trust. With our API-driven inventory management solution, you can scale your business to process not just thousands, but millions of orders a day, tracking order movements, logistics, and even returns and cancellations through a single, integrated dashboard.

Would you like to try our solution and see the value it can offer your business? Get in touch for a consultation today!

[hometoursandotherstuff]

After 35 yrs. the owner of this fabulous 1877 Victorian in Mantua, NJ is retiring. The florist business and all the inventory comes with it (and there's a LOT- wait'll you see). Plus, the owner's apt. is upstairs. It has 3bds, 2ba. Asking $624,950. (And, I want it so baaaad.) It's also a venue for weddings, and the conservatory is used as a tea room/celebration room.

It's seriously a Victorian store. But, don't you have to learn how to be a florist? Like you have to know how to do floral arrangements, bouquets, corsages, etc. You have to know how to order, where buy from, all that stuff.

I could do the gift stuff, but I don't know about fresh flowers.

I wonder how hard it would be to convert it back- you can see the dining room entrance here.

Wow, too much stuff.

The conservatory has tables and chairs, but in this photo, it looks like it has Valentine roses ready to go.

This is the powder room for the conservatory.

More merch. Wonder what the turnover rate for this stuff is. I mean, you can keep the same stock out, but how can you buy more if you haven't sold any of this? If you rotate it, regular customers will notice.

Then, this is the workroom.

Look at all the sinks.

So, this is the little kitchenette in a corner where they make the tea and stuff for the tea room. And, those are the stairs to the apt.

And, after a long day, you climb the stairs home.

Here we are.

Comfortable living room.

Nice large kitchen. Look at the ceiling. No dishwasher? After being in the store all day, you have to come up here, cook and wash dishes, too?

Nice bath. Very pretty.

The primary bedroom has an alcove.

In the attic, there's storage.

The gardens are absolutely beautiful.

How pretty.

The wedding area.

The name of the business is Lavender & Lace.

How the house looked originally.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/130-Bridgeton-Pike-Mantua-NJ-08051/2052976688_zpid/

[ashimetsu]

Heatstroke 【Reader x Azul Ashengrotto】

: ̗̀➛ The outdoors are far too hot for Azul to focus on flight lessons. Instead, he has a plan to skip out and spend some time with you instead : ̗̀➛ Fluff and smut, sly and snarky Azul, reader is fem : ̗̀➛ 1.2k words : ̗̀➛ [a/n]: hope the guy who watched over my shoulder the whole plane ride liked this one as much as i do. props to him for the beta read :D

Inventory turnover, return on assets and an upcoming history of magic exam lay heavy on Azul’s mind. Although solved with a few hours of solitude, keeping Mostro Lounge afloat while dealing with customer issues and overseeing Octavinelle as housewarden has Azul occupied. To top it off, flight lessons happened to be after potionology. While already a dreadful hour, the late summer heat of September has Azul dreading being soaked in sweat.

You notice Azul's brow furrowed next to you, creasing his otherwise smooth and unblemished skin. A slight nudge from you perks his head up and relieves some of the tension built in his face. You flash a gentle smile his direction and Azul quickly fires back a smirk. It's amazing how quickly a glance can change his face from perturbed to cunning. Before you let that thought fester, you bring your attention back to the front of the class. Whatever Azul has planned, he can wait to tell you after class. The most benevolent student would never distract you from your studies, right?

As you make your way from class to the locker room to prepare for flight lessons, a gloved hand grasps your forearm. The material, size, shape, and force of the hand tells you exactly who it is: the conniving octopus. If it wasn't for a sly smile placed evenly on his lips, you might have thought he was trying to hurt you with the strength of his grip. Perhaps in another context… you quickly banished that thought before things could get out of hand.

You yelped as Azul dragged you to a vacant classroom before you could even protest. Closing the door as swiftly as you both came in, Azul essentially tackled you against the wall. You almost believed there was some kindness left in him as he locked a soft gaze with your eyes for a moment before leaning in and taking your mouth with his own. Placing his hands lightly on your hips as you complacently wrap your arms around his neck, he persistently pressed against you. His soft lips dragged you in further, leaving no room for return. Swallowed by his kindness and warmth, you fall completely for his trap. Azul noticed you give up resistance and promptly seized victory. Gentle kisses turned rough as Azul grinded his thigh between your legs, claiming your moan as his prize.

"If you keep me here, you know we're both going to be late." you say breathlessly after forcing Azul away from your lips. Noticing the clock above the chalkboard, it had already been 10 minutes since class started.

"Did you think I didn't account for that?" he replies, gasping like a fish out of water. "After all, it's 90 degrees out, I might as well be sweating from working you over."

You huff a sigh before Azul goes back to being gentle, apologizing for skipping class with butterfly kisses. Once again, he feigns gentleness briefly before nipping your bottom lip. As he kisses you in apology, you gently moan his name again, eliciting another bite, harder this time. You open your eyes and see a tempest in his eyes, hungry for more of you, your body, your reactions. His hands, formerly resting at your hips, begin to travel up your torso, stimulating you ever so slightly. You move into his touches, craving more and more from the generous housewarden. As he explores your body with his hands, Azul makes no haste to plant kiss on your neck, nipping and biting gently, making sure to leave no marks. Maybe another day, another location. He pauses, hovering his mouth over your ear, his hot breath giving you shivers.

"My, my, I must be spoiling you… it's not too much, is it?" Azul whispers, fabricating innocence as his body stills against you. The loss of stimulation is killing you as you move against his firm body to try and get some feeling out of his cold heart.

"Mmmgh, please Azul… don't stop now…" you moan weakly into his shoulder, begging for something, anything, from the once-kind ruler in front of you.

"Your wish is my command, darling."

Suddenly, your senses become clouded with the stimulation; Azul's assault on your lips, his thigh rubbing slowly back and forth between your legs, and now his gloved hands crawling further under your blouse, rubbing small circles over your waist. You hate how he knows what makes you tick, the constant movement, the texture of leather on skin, his mouth traveling across your body, edging you, then immediately clocking back in on your body. Moans fill the empty classroom as Azul continues to work your body. You barely notice his right hand snaking past your waist, cupping your breast and squeezing slightly. You lean into Azul as he thumbs your nipple, feeling the bud firm. Craving more and more, you move in sync with him, creating a steady rhythm.

You feel Azul's hot breath panting against your neck as you look down and see tight creases in his otherwise neatly pressed pants. Quickly, you snake your hand and cup the noticeable bulge, earning a soft sigh from the other. Keeping up with Azul's rhythm, you rub him firmly, eliciting louder and more frequent moans. You press a kiss to Azul's cheek as you reach for his zipper, freeing his painful erection. Hearing his moans only turns you on more as you lube his cock with his own precum. You start slowly at the base, squeezing as you move up. The moans in the room have been almost completely replaced by Azul's, who's shaking and holding onto you for support. As you recover from his stimulation, you continue to drag your hand up and down his cock at a steady pace. With your free hand, you lift Azul's chin, which had been resting on your shoulder, and imprint his expression into your mind forever. It was one of bliss and pain, like he hasn't felt this much sensation in a very long time. You grinned and sped up while taking his face in your hand and pressing your lips together. This moment, with Azul's hands on your waist and breast, his thigh trembling against your wetness, moaning against your mouth while you stroke his face while jerking him off, is something of pure ecstasy for you both.

"I-I'm close…" he wimpered weakly against your mouth, and with a few quick pumps, he moans loudly as he spills over you both, soiling your school uniforms. You ride him out, pumping him through completely.

"Hah…hah… s-sorry, I didn't mean for this to go this far…" Azul sighs breathily into your shoulder, recovering from his high. He pushes up his glasses and releases you, smoothing out your blouse and fixing your hair from his reign of terror. You both rest for a moment, breathing each other's air and relying on the other for support. Azul moves to lean against the wall next to you, wrapping his arms loosely around your waist.

"I guess we can't go back to class after this, huh."

"Suppose not," Azul huffs. "Care for a shower in Octavinelle?" You hear the smirk in his voice.

"After this? I don't think I can trust you to keep your hands to yourself again." you retort with a playful pout.

"Rest assured, I would never pull a stunt like that in my own dorm, much less with Jade and Floyd around."

You don't believe him. Yet, you still found yourself spending the night in Octavinelle that night…

[doukeshi-kun]

funny how i wanted to be a novelist so badly when i was a child since i started writing at nine and now i'm in front of my laptop calculating inventory turnover. not that i hate it—i really do love math actually. i really prefer to calculate things rather than reading theories.

[pixeldistractions]

The kitchen greenhouse was a favorite haunt for Stephanie. She often snuck out here at different parts of the night to check on the plants or take inventory. It was lovely and dark, a little chilly in the night, and heady with the scent of tomatoes, basil, and parsley.

“It’s so quiet and peaceful,” Maria said, “I see why you like it out here.” 

“When are you leaving?” Stephanie asked, beating her to the punch.

“Oh, how did you know?”

Stephanie shrugged, always quiet and observant, always knowing things in her way. “It was a lot of little things.”

“I need to be with him,” Maria said. “He loves me, and I love him, and we need to be together.”

“Oh, I know, honey. I would be disappointed if you didn’t go.” 

“You would?”

Stephanie nodded. “Of course. I knew ever since he asked me to bake that birthday cake for you. You should have seen his face.”

“Really?”

“Don’t feel bad. Everybody’s leaving, you know.” 

“Oh? But Drake is still here.”

“His girlfriend graduates this year,” Stephanie said. “She’s a music major, so she’ll want to move away. And he wants to marry her, so he’ll probably follow.”

“What about Ian?”

“Maybe a year or two into grad school, he’ll need to start an internship. He won’t have time for this.”

“Oh,” Maria said. “Well, now I do feel bad. It makes it worse that everyone’s leaving.”

“It’s not your fault,” Stephanie said. “Hospitality industry, high turnover. This place is just not what it used to be. Maybe I should be leaving, too.”

Stephanie laughed it off, so Maria laughed with her, but she looked so worn down sometimes, like her life had been hard and unfair. Maria hated to add to that stress. 

“I’m sorry to do this so suddenly. I mean, this doesn’t happen all the time, feeling this way? It’s worth trying to make it work?”

“I know it is.”

“But everyone thinks this is so stupid.”

“Everyone? Who said that?”

“Well, I guess just my sister so far,” Maria admitted. “But it’s just, I was so happy. I was so excited to tell someone, and she just thought it was the dumbest thing. And the thing is, if she took it that badly, I know my parents won’t approve.”

Stephanie lingered a moment in her memories before deciding to launch into a story. “Okay, so… When I first kissed Justin, we were both married to other people. None of our families were excited about that. Okay, well, except for maybe my mom. She always liked Justin for me. But he was actually married to my high school best friend. And… it gets worse. I had a crush on him all through college, but guess what I did? I set him up with that friend, who he ended up marrying. Not one of my smarter moments.”

“Oh, wow. You never told me that.”

“It’s not the kind of thing I tell many people. A lot of people were mad for a long time. Sometimes it’s messy. Sometimes nobody gets it but the two of you. Sometimes it looks wrong on the outside. But you know in your heart what the answer is. Maybe only you know it, but that’s enough.”

“Oh, gosh, thank you for saying that.”

Maria ambushed her friend with the biggest hug. That was everything she needed to hear tonight.

— from “boxes and squares #4.5: home is wherever you are, part 3” (8/11)

footnotes: Stephanie’s story, by the way, is not just backstory. It’s not on Tumblr and it’s super long, but that was one of my favorite sim-stories (novel, I’m telling you!) I’ve ever written. If anyone is looking for a long summer read, you won’t be disappointed!

Also, the alien war that Stephanie and Justin endured in that story is the same war that Maria’s husband died in.

Next ->

[taycpastudies]

Welcome to my work desk! I’m planning to come in an hour and a half early and stay an hour and a half late every day to get studying in, when I’m not at a client site.

I got all 3 hours in today! It’s crazy how much easier it is to focus with a routine already. I’m staying motivated! If I can do 25% of a section per day, that’ll have me in a good spot. Hopefully on the weekend or on days I work from home I can do more.

Next week I get to go to a client site! Of course as soon as I figure out a study strategy it gets thrown off, but that’s ok, I’m so excited to get out of training and into an audit room, there’s so much to learn!

I felt really good with some of the concepts I learned today, especially turnover ratios. Inventory turnover is how many times a company sells its entire stock of inventory during the year, calculated by averaging the beginning and ending inventory and dividing by cost of goods sold!

[americangeophysicalunion]

What is the age of groundwater venting at submerged karst sinkholes?

Dear AGU,  

Mysteries abound regarding ground water composition, inventories and fluxes. This is particularly true for the age of ground water venting from submarine and sublacustrine vents such as the submerged karst sinkholes in the Laurentian Great Lakes. Currently, we have no idea if the groundwater venting out of nearshore and offshore sinkholes in Lake Huron is days, years, centuries, or even many millennia old – even though this know-how is key to understanding aquifer recharge and turnover, assessing its contribution to lake levels and the potential for groundwater contamination and its transfer to the lake’s interior.

            Here onboard NOAA’s R/V Storm, divers have just brought up groundwater samples in airtight Van Dorn bottles from the bottom of Middle Island Sinkhole (~23 m depth). Working underneath the shade of an umbrella, research technician Tony Weinke and graduate student Cecilia Howard are carefully draining the groundwater samples into copper collection tubes that will be sealed without bubbles and exposure to atmosphere for sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) measurements. Since anthropogenic SF6 arose about 70 years ago, its presence or absence in venting groundwater will inform us if it is relatively young or quite old, respectively.   

— Bopi Biddanda and Tony Weinke, Annis Water Resources Institute, Grand Valley State University (https://www.gvsu.edu/wri/); Cecilia Howard and Diana Velazquez, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Michigan (https://lsa.umich.edu/earth); and Steve Ruberg, NOAA-Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab (https://www.glerl.noaa.gov/), Michigan.

[bunnyb34r]

BRING OUT THE CHAMPAGNE BOYS! QUEUE UP "ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST" AND "WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS"

BALDBASTARD IS LEAVING!!! 🥂🍾🎉🎉

He says he's deciding to leave after 22 years at the job, but that's also what old BossMan said when he left ... yknow day after an employee threatened to shoot another at work. Not related. Nope.

Theory is that our inventory was sooo fucking bad, we lost like nearly 10 managers in the 1.5 years hes been here, and/or bc of our high turnover rate. But maybe he did decide "I'm over this job"

But anyway agdgdgdg yaaay! 🥰

Maybe that's why the corporate lady hugged former LadyTeamLead 3x AGDGDGDGDG like oh thank GOD this bitch is LEAVING!

AND the teamlead I hate is seriously considering moving states soon 😁😁😁😁 yay

Now quick everyone pray and send out good vibes that we get an actual good store manager next (and that they're not shutting down the store lmao)

[taramjitsita]

Business Operations Plan for Eco Green Candles

Eco Green Candles is a sustainable candle business located in Greater Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. Our mission is to provide environmentally friendly candles made from natural ingredients and packaged using eco-conscious materials. This operations plan outlines the key strategies and processes we will implement to ensure the smooth functioning of our business.

Production Process

Ingredient Sourcing: We will source high-quality natural waxes such as soy or beeswax, along with essential oils for fragrance, from trusted suppliers with a commitment to sustainability.

Candle Making: Our candles will be handcrafted in small batches to maintain quality and consistency. We will utilize environmentally friendly production techniques and minimize waste throughout the manufacturing process.

Packaging: Eco Green Candles will be packaged using biodegradable and recyclable materials to reduce environmental impact. We will work with suppliers who share our commitment to sustainability.

Inventory Management

Stocking Levels: We will maintain optimal inventory levels to meet customer demand while minimizing excess stock. Regular inventory assessments will be conducted to ensure efficient stock turnover.

Quality Control: All incoming materials and finished products will undergo rigorous quality control checks to ensure adherence to our high standards of quality and sustainability.

Sales and Distribution

Sales Channels: Eco Green Candles will be sold through multiple channels, including:

Online store

Local retailers specializing in eco-friendly products

Farmers' markets and craft fairs

Distribution Strategy: We will establish partnerships with local courier services for efficient and eco-friendly delivery of online orders. For wholesale orders, we will work closely with retailers to ensure timely delivery and replenishment of stock.

Marketing and Promotion

Brand Identity: We will develop a strong brand identity centered around our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Online Presence: Our website and social media channels will serve as platforms to showcase our products, share our story, and engage with customers.

Promotional Activities: We will participate in community events, collaborate with local influencers, and offer promotions to attract new customers and retain existing ones.

Customer Service

Communication: We will maintain open and transparent communication channels with our customers, responding promptly to inquiries and addressing any concerns or feedback.

Customer Education: Eco Green Candles will provide resources and information to educate customers about the benefits of using eco-friendly candles and the importance of sustainability.

Operational Efficiency

Workflow Optimization: We will continuously review and streamline our operational processes to maximize efficiency and minimize waste.

Technology Integration: We will leverage technology solutions such as inventory management software and automated systems to streamline operations and improve productivity.

Financial Management

Budgeting: We will develop a detailed budget outlining projected expenses and revenue streams, allowing us to effectively manage our financial resources.

Profitability Analysis: Regular financial analysis will be conducted to assess the profitability of our products and identify areas for improvement.

Regulatory Compliance

Product Safety: We will ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and standards for the manufacturing and sale of candles, including safety labeling and product testing.

Environmental Regulations: Eco Green Candles will adhere to local and national environmental regulations regarding waste disposal, emissions, and sustainability practices.

Conclusion

The successful operation of Eco Green Candles relies on the effective implementation of the strategies outlined in this plan. By prioritizing sustainability, quality, and customer satisfaction, we aim to establish Eco Green Candles as a trusted provider of environmentally friendly candles in Greater Sudbury and beyond.

Thank you for your support as we embark on this journey to promote environmental stewardship through our business endeavors.

[vigneshvipsline]

Salon Management Software: The Key to Streamlining Your Salon Business

Salon management software has emerged as a game-changer, revolutionizing the way salons operate. This blog will delve into the essentials of salon management  and explore the transformative role of salon POS software in streamlining business operations.

I. Understanding Salon Management:

Salon management involves overseeing the various aspects of a salon business, from appointment scheduling and inventory management to employee scheduling and customer relationship management. The goal is to create a seamless experience for both clients and salon staff.

II. The Importance of Salon Management Software:

Appointment Scheduling:

Efficiently manage appointments, reduce no-shows, and optimize staff schedules with the help of salon management software. Clients can book appointments online, and staff can access real-time schedules, enhancing overall workflow.

Inventory Management:

Keep track of products, manage stock levels, and streamline the ordering process. Salon management software helps avoid product shortages, reducing the risk of missed sales opportunities.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM):

Build lasting relationships with clients by utilizing CRM features. Personalized client profiles, appointment history, and automated reminders contribute to enhanced customer satisfaction and loyalty.

III. Salon POS Software: A Closer Look:

What is Salon POS Software?

Salon POS software, or Point of Sale software, is a specialized system designed to handle transactions and streamline the sales process in a salon. It combines the functionality of a cash register with advanced features tailored to the unique needs of the beauty industry.

Key Features of Salon POS Software:

Transaction Processing:

Facilitate quick and secure transactions, including cash, credit cards, and digital payments, providing convenience for both clients and staff.

Inventory Integration:

Seamlessly integrate with salon management software to ensure real-time updates on product availability and sales data.

Appointment Management:

Sync with the appointment scheduling system to unify the booking and payment processes, reducing wait times and enhancing the overall client experience.

Reporting and Analytics:

Generate comprehensive reports on sales, popular services, and inventory turnover, enabling informed decision-making for business growth.

IV. How Salon POS Software Streamlines Your Business:

Efficient Transactions:

Salon POS software speeds up the checkout process, minimizing waiting times and enhancing the overall customer experience.

Accurate Inventory Management:

Real-time updates on inventory levels and sales data help salon owners make informed decisions, preventing overstock or shortages.

Integrated Systems:

The seamless integration of salon POS software with management tools ensures a synchronized and efficient operation, reducing manual errors and increasing productivity.

Conclusion:

Salon management software, coupled with a robust POS system, is undeniably the key to streamlining your salon business. From optimizing appointments to managing inventory and enhancing customer relationships, these tools empower salon owners to focus on what they do best – providing exceptional beauty services while ensuring a smooth and efficient operation. Embrace the technological revolution in the beauty industry and watch your salon thrive.

[redskyhospitality]

Unlocking the Power of Revenue Management Software: A Comprehensive Guide!

Understanding the Significance of Revenue Management Software!

In the dynamic world of business, revenue management software plays a pivotal role in steering organizations toward profitability. This software is a multifaceted tool designed to forecast demand, analyze revenue opportunities, optimize pricing and promotions, and streamline the reservation process.

𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐨𝐟𝐭𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞!

The primary function of Revenue Management Software is price optimization. By considering factors such as cost of goods sold, marketing expenses, marginal costs, and inventory turnover rate, companies can evaluate potential revenue opportunities. The software empowers organizations to manage their product portfolio effectively through features like forecasting demand, identifying revenue-generating opportunities, optimizing pricing and promotions, and automating the reservation process.

𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲

Implementing revenue management software enables organizations to not only reduce customer churn rates but also boost profits. By harnessing the software’s features, businesses can navigate through competitive landscapes, ensuring strategic pricing decisions that align with market demands.

𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲

In the Hospitality Industry, revenue management software emerges as a game-changer. Its ability to optimize revenue, manage inventory, and monitor room rates positions it as a crucial tool for hotels. Acting as a centralized hub, this software stores comprehensive information on hotel bookings, including guest rooms, room rates, and inventory. Real-time data analytics further empower hotels to gauge the performance of their deals, paving the way for increased revenue.

𝐄𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬

For optimal results, every revenue management system should encompass key features:

𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬: Streamlining routine tasks, this feature allows revenue managers to focus on strategic decisions by automating price updates.

𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: A robust analytics component offers easy-to-read reports, visualizing data trends and patterns for enhanced decision-making.

𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: Seamless integration with other systems, such as booking engines and property management systems, ensures a cohesive approach to revenue management.

𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐲𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠: The ability to manage distribution channels and room types independently, with dynamic pricing suggestions, enhances flexibility and adaptability.

𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐨𝐟𝐭𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞?

Selecting the right revenue management software is crucial. Consider these five factors:

𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐲 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬: Look for software that aligns with your revenue strategy, incorporating forecasting tools and budget-building functionalities.

𝐅𝐥𝐞𝐱𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬: Ensure the software allows for on-demand optimization, enabling instant rate updates.

𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐝𝐬: Opt for software powered by cutting-edge algorithms, especially crucial in volatile markets with rapidly changing trends.

𝐔𝐬����𝐫-𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞: Evaluate the ease of use, preferring solutions that offer both automated and manual controls for a balanced approach.

𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭: Research the reputation and expertise of the software provider, ensuring they have a track record of success and expert talent.

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐮𝐦 ™: 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

In the real of revenue management solutions, Precium Technologies LLP stands out as a comprehensive and efficient choice. This end-to-end solution provides insights into occupancy, rates, and room demand, enabling hoteliers to maximize profitability.

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐮𝐦 ™!

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐮𝐦 ™ offers a strategy management system that aids in revenue management and data analytics. It excels in:

𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐲: Suggests optimal prices based on occupancy goals.

𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐲: Guides toward the best pricing strategy for maximum income.

𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐲: Determines pricing based on the hotel’s positioning relative to competitors.

𝐀𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐲: Recommends optimal pricing based on room availability.

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐮𝐦 ™?

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐮𝐦 ™ empowers hotels to efficiently manage occupancy, rates, and overall profitability. Key features include a user-friendly interface, multiple strategy options, automated optimizations, an interactive yielding slate, integrated platform solutions, and virtual revenue expert support.

𝑰𝒏 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒍𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐮𝐦 ™ 𝒔𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒖𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒊𝒕𝒔 𝒊𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒂𝒄𝒉. 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒄𝒕 𝒖𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒛𝒆𝒅 𝒅𝒆𝒎𝒐 𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒍𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒉𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒍’𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔.

[linisiane]

“The Matrix” by Upton Sinclair and HP Lovecraft

or “How Robin Swift Learned He Wanted to Work at Amazon by Working at Amazon”

It was in the midst of an aimless June that I accepted the job at the Fulfillment Center (a kinder term for Bezos’s infamous Amazon warehouses), and somehow found confidence in my chosen major, Data Engineering, in the middle of a harrowing matrix of pallets racks and blasphemous turnover rates.

Let me first emphasize that I, with a clear mind and undisturbed faculties, would never have chosen an Amazon ‘Fulfillment Center’ as the place of my self-actualization. However, my mother—worried about financing my spending and, more importantly, my lack of work experience—had been the one to urge me to apply, as she had quit her own Amazon warehouse job only a few months prior.

The exhaustion on her face after a hard day in the freezer did not speak to a job appealing to kids my age, whom I knew to work the front at trendy cafés or as busboys in the back, but who was I to turn up my nose at a job my own mother had worked? Especially when I was struggling to find a better one to occupy my time.

Thus, my coming of age was to be set against the backdrop of towering pallets and “unsafe conditions,” as the great US Department of Labor put it.

…

“Thud, thud, thud,” echoed the sound of my steel-toed boots, like ominous sonar pulses broadcasting my location for Big Brothers unseen, as I reported for my first day.

They were steel-toed, my ‘Learning Ambassador’ Tyderius (“But You Can Call Me Tee”) had explained that day, because we legally were not allowed on the 'Order Picking Floor' without them.

He said that as easily as he did the various other protocols he claimed ensured our safety, such as my colleagues and I being armored to the gills in protective goggles, hi-vis vests, and IDs. Most of them, including Tee, were years older than me—many of them with children my age, and, therefore, with nothing to say to me, the kid who hadn’t yet found his place in the grand scheme of things. Well, most of them excepting Tee.

He was both disarming/charming and stuck with the unenviable task of training 30 newcomers on the usage of Order Pickers (OPs), which were the Amazon equivalents of warehouse forklifts in all ways except for how you strapped onto the ‘fork’ as you drove.

“Well, young man,” Tee had said, with a reassuring smile, when I’d questioned him on the speed limit of these OPs, “You mustn’t take too much stock in what people around here say. They’ll tell you that speed is all that matters, but we’ll go easy on your first month. Your safety, of course, is our biggest priority.”

That first week it was a chaos of hours-long shifts in the bowels of the warehouse pallet-matrix, never sure of where you were except in relation to the other boots, sonar pulses giving each other away, with only our mandated three 20-minute respites in between. On my second, I didn’t need to be a poet to describe how I had hesitated at the sight from my Order Picker at its zenith, placing inventory on the highest of pallets.

From above, it was like looking down the maw of a great beast – shelves and shelves of sky-high pallet racks like teeth in a cavernous gullet, with only your harness to cling to keep from falling in.

Thenceforth, it was like frenzy had been unleashed upon our 30-man herd.

It was quickly becoming apparent that the reason T was training 30 people at once was because the pressure for high Pick Rates, our inventory rate per shift, had eaten through those who had come before us and were now eating at us. We were no longer in the bowels but the intestines—the claustrophobic linings of the matrix digesting us faster and faster in its Kafkaesque acid nightmare of Pick Rates and accuracy measures, especially as our weakest links began thinning the safety of the herd.

Surprisingly, though, despite my general youth and aimlessness, I was not one of the culled.

It was during that zenith of my second week that I had the epiphany that saved me:

The matrix was not chaos, but—in fact!—order and organization at a magnitude far beyond what a single human could ever conceive.

It was self-evident by its very structure, which I saw as I looked across the tops of hundreds of rows of shelves containing hundreds of pallets packed with thousands of boxes of inventory. The only thing keeping me from getting swallowed was the harness I was clinging to. The machine at my back: my Order Picker.

The screen between me and my machine told me everything—from where I needed to go to how fast I needed to do it—and saved me from trying to conceive of the scale of the impossible.

Thus, the only way to survive was to plug in, physically strapping yourself into your Order Picker and mentally strapping yourself to its screen, becoming one with your personal shuttle of order and efficiency as a cog in the greater machine.

...

In the end, the Fulfillment Center, for me, was only for the summer. Just as it was for my mother’s own Amazon freezer stint. Even then, I didn’t stay beyond Tee’s one month of leeway. My eyes had been opened.

My future would be as one with the machines in Data Engineering.

By enabling the data gathering that scientists need to speak with machines, you become the interface between man-made horrors and man himself, the way I had been and will continue to be at the matrix.

Long after leaving Amazon and my Order Picker behind.

[gokul07]

Unveiling the Strategic Impact: Understanding the Uses of Learning SAP MM Course at SAP Training Institute

In the realm of enterprise resource planning (ERP), SAP MM (Materials Management) stands as a critical module that plays a pivotal role in managing an organization's materials, procurement processes, and inventory. The SAP Training Institute offers a comprehensive SAP MM course designed to equip professionals with the skills necessary to harness the full potential of this module. In this exploration, we will uncover the multifaceted uses and strategic implications of learning SAP MM at the SAP Training Institute.

USES  OF LEARNING SAP MM COURSE AT STUDY GIANT ACADEMY

Efficient Materials Management

At the core of SAP MM lies the ability to streamline materials management processes. Professionals undergoing SAP MM training gain insights into the efficient handling of procurement, inventory management, and logistics, ensuring that an organization's resources are optimally utilized.

Optimized Procurement Processes

Learning SAP MM empowers individuals to navigate the complexities of procurement. From the creation of purchase requisitions to vendor evaluation, the course covers the end-to-end procurement cycle. This knowledge is invaluable in enhancing the efficiency of procurement processes and reducing costs through effective supplier management.

Inventory Control and Visibility

The SAP MM course at the institute delves into the intricacies of inventory management. Participants learn how to maintain optimal stock levels, track goods movements, and implement inventory control measures. This not only prevents stockouts but also minimizes excess inventory, contributing to cost savings.

Integration with Other SAP Modules

SAP MM does not operate in isolation; it integrates seamlessly with other SAP modules such as SAP SD (Sales and Distribution) and SAP PP (Production Planning). Understanding these integration points is a key focus of the training, providing participants with a holistic understanding of how materials management intersects with other business processes.

Vendor Relationship Management

Effective vendor management is crucial for organizational success. SAP MM training equips professionals with the skills to manage vendor relationships efficiently. From vendor selection to performance evaluation, participants gain insights into fostering collaborative and mutually beneficial partnerships.

Compliance and Documentation

In the ever-evolving landscape of regulations and compliance, the SAP MM course emphasizes the importance of adhering to industry standards. Participants learn how to generate accurate and compliant documentation, ensuring that the organization meets regulatory requirements and operates ethically.

Cost Savings through Strategic Sourcing

Strategic sourcing is a key aspect of SAP MM, and the training program focuses on enabling professionals to make informed decisions in the procurement process. This includes identifying cost-effective sourcing strategies, negotiating favorable terms, and ultimately contributing to substantial cost savings for the organization.

Real-Time Reporting and Analytics

SAP MM training goes beyond transactional processes and delves into the realm of reporting and analytics. Participants learn how to generate real-time reports on materials usage, procurement trends, and inventory turnover. This data-driven approach empowers organizations to make informed decisions for future planning.

Career Advancement Opportunities

Completion of the SAP MM course from the SAP Training Institute is not just a skill acquisition; it opens doors to new career opportunities. Professionals equipped with SAP MM expertise are sought after by organizations across industries, positioning graduates for roles such as SAP MM consultant, materials manager, or procurement specialist.

Continuous Learning and Updates

The SAP MM course is designed to foster continuous learning. With regular updates on the latest features and functionalities of SAP MM, participants stay abreast of industry advancements. This commitment to ongoing education ensures that professionals remain valuable assets to their organizations.

WHY DO YOU JOIN STUDY GIANT ACADEMY ?

Learning SAP MM Course at Study Giant SAP Training Institute is an investment in acquiring skills that extend beyond the confines of materials management. The strategic uses of SAP MM span procurement, inventory control, vendor management, and compliance, positioning professionals as strategic assets in their organizations. As businesses increasingly rely on SAP solutions for efficient materials handling, professionals equipped with SAP MM expertise are well-prepared to contribute to organizational success and navigate the intricacies of modern supply chain management.

Study Giant Academy is not just a training institution; it's a hub for transformative experiences. Whether you're starting your SAP journey or looking to upskill, we invite you to be a part of our thriving community. Unleash the power of SAP, embrace digital transformation, and redefine what's possible in your career.

Embark on this journey with us, and let Study giant Academy be your guide to unlocking the potential within you. Here's to many more years of empowering careers and shaping the future of digital excellence!

[bookshelfdreams]

📒

I say this flattered and with nothing but affection but I have never had that many ideas in my life 😅🙈

But okay. You'll get the one that is more than just a vague concept, in that I have actually written some words for it (even though it'll never be finished). Contains: Ghosts and blackbonnet. Also cw for mention of suicide.

So imagine this: Ed is a world-famous author of horror novels. He's a gothic icon, got famous as more of a storyteller (he used to do live events that were half readings, half theatre performances; used to pull all sorts of tricks to make it seem like the venue was actually haunted. To this day, people who are into parascience cite his shows as evidence that ghosts are real). But lately - well, he's not been feeling it. His readings are boring now; he still does them sometimes, big live events, but he's no longer allowed to genuinely scare the shit out of his audiences. And he hasn't done one in years anyway. He sold movie rights a couple of times, and what Hollywood produced made his skin crawl but not in the fun way.

His manager is always on his ass about doing shows, doing more pr (Izzy keeps scheduling interviews for him where he just knows he'll be asked idiotic questions about his "heritage", and "There sure are a lot of queer characters in you novels, Mr Teach", and honestly just thinking about those makes him want to hang himself in front of Izzy. A little.), about how his writing needs to be "more mass compatible". All Ed wants to do is write weird, avantgarde, creepy bullshit. But he can't even do that because he's been having writer's block for months.

Sometimes it feels like he never knew how to write at all.

And then there's footsteps in his attic.

Ed spent the last few hours laying on his couch, staring at the TV; he'd turned the sound off at a commercial block and didn't bother to turn it back on.

Which is how he's able to hear the steps, slow, deliberate, heavy, like the world's most inconsiderate upstairs neighbours is testing their new wooden clogs at 11:30 at night.

Problem: Ed lives alone in his house, the attic is his workspace and there's no one in there.

This one incident could have been chalked up to Ed being mostly asleep, but things keep happening. His half-full glass of really nice brandy spilled with no one in the room. The laces of his boots tied together for some reason. Cabinets left open when he knows he closed them. Etc. Honestly not the most imaginative stuff.

And then there's the dreams.

Ed keeps having vivid, detailed dreams. In them he's in a body that's not his and that he has never seen, and keeps living out scenarios from a life entirely foreign to him, but everything feels so real. It gets to a point where his waking hours sometimes feel like they're the dreams.

In short: Ed is definitely being haunted. By ghost!Stede, of course.

Now Stede, in this scenario, owns a used bookstore. Or well, it's more of an antiquity store that has some books too. Or, if we're being completely honest: Mary threatened divorce if Stede kept cluttering up their house with his "collections", and this is becoming a serious problem, Stede, and where do you even find all this stuff? What on earth makes you think a fucking - chicken skeleton is appropriate kitchen decor?? (It's a pheasant, actually, and it's from 1875!)

Long story short, it got a bit heated (Mary did most of the shouting, and also the word hoarder was used which Stede thinks, is entirely unfair), and Stede agreed to put things into storage.

Mary divorced him anyway.

Which, all things considered, was probably for the best.

And now that he had all his books and little oddities inventoried and neatly packed away, it occurred to him that it really was a shame to keep all this fascinating stuff in a storage unit to collect dust. Wouldn't it be fun to be a shop owner? That way there'd be some turnover and he could keep collecting stuff without it ever running out of space!

He ended up renting out a little store in the old town, called it "Revenge: Books and Antiquities" even though it's more his own personal Wunderkammer. And also, he doesn't know the forst thing about running a store, but that's what employees are for, right? Haha.

(a/n: if I were the kind of person who makes pinterest boards there would be so many for Stede's shop. I see it before me and it's the coolest.)

But the Something Happens. I'm not sure what - a robbery gone wrong. An accident. The horrible part of me says, botched suicide. And Stede ends up in a coma.

So that's the setup. Half is Ed trying to answer questions like: a) Are ghosts real? b) If yes, how do I get him to stop haunting my ass c) Or maybe, I should find out who the ghost is. The ghost never leaves me, always has my back. I can rely on the ghost. This relationship is getting intimate. The ghost has seen me cry. I can tell the ghost things I have never told to anyone, and trust that I won't be judged or that my secrets will be held against me. Maybe the ghost is the best friend I ever had. d) Is the ghost single?

While Stede is trapped in an inbetween-state, not quite alive, not yet dead, slowly forgetting everything: his parents voices, his children's faces. Forgetting what it was like to be alive, to have a body, to move through the world a physical entity. The longer he stays like this, the less he becomes, and maybe that's better, maybe if he waits long enough he can just disappear.

Maybe if he forgets he ever was a person at all, that won't be so bad.

But there's Ed, who speaks to him like he is real, and Stede isn't sure anyone ever has, not even when he was fully alive.

So. It's all very aesthetic, very vibes-based, with little actual substance and I'm probably never gonna write it but I like thinking about it :)