#retail price is like $700 up

[noturmuse]

Prada kitten heels are calling my name in my sleep

[richarlotte]

Best places to shop designer?

If you love vintage, look at Japan. Especially for vintage Louis Vuitton bags & cases.

It’s affordable, it’s easy to find and fun to shop for, and it’s actually a great time sourcing pieces. I’ve never spent more than $400 on a piece, and everything I’ve bought has been high quality. I’ve bought some dream pieces of mine, and part of what makes the process so fun is taking the time to find what you want. I bought my Croissant, my Speedy 30, my Pochette, Holdall, Toiletry Bag, and Neverfull for less than $300 each, and aside from conditioning the leather, they’re in perfect condition. I’d strongly recommend looking at Japan’s vintage market if you love Louis Vuitton.

Japan is pretty much the best place to look for any designer items, and the vintage market is the best I’ve ever experienced. The yen is also weak compared to the American dollar, so you’re getting more while spending less. I’ve seen a lot of really nice Chanel and Fendi as well; the more popular bags tend to be bought quickly, but it’s easy to find them, and it’s easier to find rare items on the Japanese retail market than it is to find them on the American market. It’s also very easy to find Hermès scarves and other small items; I love buying small things, and I’m not willing to spend $700 on something I can easily find on the Japanese market for $70. It takes skill but again, the hunt is always fun.

I will say that there are brands I’d avoid and certain stores as well. All of my bags have come with receipts and certifications of authenticity that have held up to the authentication process I put them through here in America. The one thing I’d recommend against purchasing is badly made costume jewelry; it’s not worth it at all, and Chanel costume jewelry is very cheaply made and then marked up to obscene prices. I can make a post about where to shop, what’s trendy and what I’d recommend buying, customs/paying, and how I style the things that I’ve purchased so far. Just let me know, and I'll write a guide up when I have time. 

Let me know if you’d like any of my shopping recs.

[ofmermaidstories]

there’s something so bittersweet and lovely about fanfic, at it’s core. it’s so impermeable, because it’s so individual. fics don’t get finished. fics get lost because they were typed out and sent to friends, in the 70s, and somewhere along the way someone packed it up in a cardboard box and their kids shuffled it to the attic. websites go down. archives get built, but then people lose faith in the story or the canon or the creator and delete them. you read it at like, 3am, and can’t remember the title months later when you look for it again.

the tiktok these comments are from was lamenting about the loss of a favourite fic—it (the tiktok) had 85k+ likes, and over 700 comments, mostly similar to these. people talking about downloading fics to read on a tablet only for them to disappear the next day. using the wayback machine and combing through results, just to find something they loved. i think it’s sweet because it’s so human—how easily we love something, and how easily we lose it. i used to print out my favourite fics, as a kid—i still have a binder of them, buried under yearbooks and the old journals i kept during those topsy turvy preteen years. i could tell you the overarching plot to a Cardcaptor Sakura fantasy AU i read (and loved; it became my personality for months afterwards) but i can’t remember how it ended, or if it even did. i finally broke down and signed up for an account on AO3 specifically to bookmark an old, old fic that i had read somewhere else, years and years and years ago and found again on AO3 only because i accidentally stumbled on the author here on tumblr (i had only found the fic in the first place all those years ago because of a playlist). i used the same shade of lipstick for years purely because a fic i really liked had the main character apply it (it was a limited edition one at the time; i bought my first one from a ebay seller in the UK at double the retail price, lmao) while the love interest watched them, but i can’t remember the name of it, only how it made me feel (and how, for years afterwards, i would wear that shade whenever i felt like the day had something promising to it).

one of the first anon’s i ever got, in the early days of this tumblr, was someone who asked me if it was okay if they downloaded surrender—and of course it was. of course it is. there was a point, during the final stretch when i was trying to write the last chapter, that i almost lost the entirety of what i had written for that fic—and i mean, it was on AO3 by that stage so it would’ve only set me back a chapter or so, but it goes to show how fragile things can be. how sometimes fics only last in tiny ways—because of the unfinished PDF file someone downloads. The patchy memory of someone’s who’s jumbling it and three other fics together. Because someone wore the same shade of lipstick you mentioned, off-hand, for years afterwards.

(this is a love letter to the silent readers; the silent savers. the lurkers. fandom and the internet at large is made of lurkers (eighty-five thousand likes. seven hundred comments). people who saved fics and waybacked them and will reread them, even uncompleted. telling each other we did a good job, that we liked this or we liked that is wonderful, and fun, and a great (and important) way to build a community and has also given me my current friends—but sometimes something you make will matter and live on in a way you will never, ever know. and it’s just how it is. it’s part of the fun and it’s part of the charm. it’s just how we work as people.)

[zerofuckingwaste]

Let's talk about the fast fashion industry. Specifically, the duplicitous, copycat nature of many companies- the likes of Shein and such.

I'm betting you've seen an ad like this before:

A piece of clothing you would love to have and wear, not only great aesthetics, but comfy looking too. It looks official, too- it's between two news articles from reputable papers, and it has the word "Official" on it, and it's a sponsored ad- how could it afford to be all sponsored if it wasn't legit, right?

Let's take a look at the actual listing.

It's got a number of pictures, which lends further to its air of legitimacy. The material is unfortunately listed as polyester- aka plastic- and there is very little detail on the obviously intricate design, the fit, etc. Upon closer inspection, it's all very vague. And, it's under $50- a price tag which should raise red flags, for being suspiciously inexpensive.

If we take two seconds to do a Google lens search, we find the following:

Suddenly, we have a listing that makes sense. Nearly $700, with a description that goes into detail not only on the design (complete with the name of the designer) and style (including information on the fit), but the materials- 100% natural linen and ramie, both renewable, non plastic resources.

Doing a deeper dive into the legitimate retailer, we find the following:

There's a lot more, but it all essentially boils down to "this is a carbon neutral company dedicated to transparency, using renewable resources, and ethical labor practices". Compare that to the shady site, which offers no such assurances, instead boasting about low prices... Which usually can only happen by under paying over worked laborers, not compensating designers, and using non renewable, cheap, and low quality materials.

Yes, the price tag for the real thing is high. REALLY high. But that is the cost of wearing what is essentially a piece of art. Buying fast fashion as a way to get around that price tag is a great way to promote unethical labor practices, low quality non renewable resources, and not compensating the artists who work so hard to design these things. Only occasionally purchasing clothes you actually need/want, so that you cultivate a wardrobe that will last you decades if not a lifetime and beyond, will allow you to save money, and support ethical practices and renewable materials, and as a bonus, you'll craft a closet full of things you actually want to wear, with no duds.

You can only wear one outfit a day. You don't need to buy new clothes all the time. You don't need hundreds of pieces of clothing, you would be surprised how little you need. I am far from a minimalist- I would say I'm a maximalist- yet all of my clothes fit in half a dresser and half a closet, with room to spare, and yet in combination, I have a seemingly endless amount of options for outfits. So, why fill your closet with half assed crappy clothing that will fall apart and go to a landfill in a few months, wasting your money and time, when you can instead thoughtfully choose good pieces of clothing that will last forever, meaning you don't need to buy more clothing to replace it ever again?

$700 is a lot of money. It's the same as 14 of those $50 plastic dresses. But keep in mind, those $50 dresses are of bad quality, with uncomfortable material; you'll throw them out within months, at most a few years. But that $700 dress is made of light, breathable cloth, thoughtfully made to be quite comfortable as well as beautiful- it's these kinds of dresses that will end up being passed to your children when you die, because they're still good as new. I have dresses that my grandmother bought in the 70's in my closet, that have at most needed a button replaced in the last 50 years since.

Think about it this way: that dress that you have to save up for can last a lifetime and beyond, in your closet, or someone else's that you pass it to- the dress that you can buy without a second thought will also last a lifetime and beyond... In a landfill.

Don't waste your money on fast fashion. Spend it wisely, supporting good business practices, and cultivating a wardrobe you'll actually be able to enjoy for years to come.

[reversemoon255]

Xros Figures SkullKnightmon + DeadlyAxemon

This is it. The whale. The impossible get. Frequently valued around $700 on the aftermarket, I managed to find a boxless Singapore version for... half of that.

What can I say? It was the only one I was missing.

Now, it's definitely not worth either of those prices; this did retail for $30ish when it came out. And for $30, this is a fantastic toy. Back in the day I might have even paid $50 and have been satisfied. But let's talk about why it's so good, its few faults, and why mine looks different than yours.

The Good: SkullKnightmon is fairly posable, with almost all of its joints being ratcheted. The head, wrists, knees, and ankles can all swivel, and the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees can all click. The upper arm can click outward, but there isn't any form of bicep rotation.

DeadlyAxemon is a component Digimon, and as such shares some of the issues others like Sparrowmon and Deckerdramon have. Though, you are able to move its arms slightly to adjust its pose.

And this pair is capable of forming two different combinations. SkullKnightmon Big Axe Mode utilizes its parts in a completely different way than DarkKnightmon. And while Big Axe Mode becomes slightly encumbered by the size and weight of its weapon, it does maintain all of SkullKnightmon's posability. Similarly, DarkKnightmon doesn't lose any posability through combining (replacing its swivel neck for a ratcheted one), and its shoulder pauldron can swivel out of the way for posing.

The Bad: It came up in the previous section, but SkullKnightmon doesn't have any real outward arm motion, which hinders the use of its large lance. Similarly, DeadlyAxemon is still very brickish. Also, while Cavalier Mode is depicted as an official form, doing it with the figures is just you teetering SkullKnightmon on top of DeadlyAxemon; there's no connection.

In terms of construction, while most of it holds together well, DarkKnightmon's chest ornament likes to fall off. The lances have these weird nubs on them not present on the actual design that end up getting in the way of certain things (I considered cutting them off and painting over them, but I'm pretty sure they're hollow). Lastly, as I have researched this figure a bit in trying to find a decently priced one, the interior shoulder clips used to hold DeadlyAxemon as a shoulder pauldron can break, and DeadlyAxemon's neck has a tendency to pop out while combined as DarkKnightmon.

The Details: And of course I sullied this expensive figure by customizing it!

These guys were ever so slightly damaged when I got them, so it wasn't unwarranted. SkullKnightmon has some paint scuffs on its head and the center of the chest, so I sought to fix those. I repainted the horns and patched the silver on the forehead and chest.

As for added details, there were only three. I painted the codpiece silver and dotted it with red to match the official art, and I painted the underside of the cape blue to match its appearances in the anime. I also panel lined around the eyes to make them pop more.

Similar to SkullKnightmon, DeadlyAxemon required a few fixes. The gold on the knees and the small spikes on its back were both chipped, so I repainted those. There was also some damage to the back, so I filed and sanded it as smooth as I could. There's still a small nick, but it is significantly smaller than it was.

In terms of colors, DeadlyAxemon actually changes color depending on which piece of art you're looking at. I decided to keep the spikes next to the head gold since that's what color they are as DarkKnightmon. No color needed to be added to DeadlyAxemon outside of deciding to do that or not, so all I needed to do was panel line its back toes and leg bandages...

Except its panel lining over paint, which can set weird, and cleaning it up ended up scratching some of the paint, so I decided to weather the bandages a bit to hide it.

Ultimately, the DarkKnightmon set (if undamaged), doesn't require very much to make it screen accurate. That might lend to why it's so popular, as it's a very good representation of the design.

Overall, this is a good figure. It's not worth the after market prices, but know you're getting a good toy if you find one at a decent price. I'm semi-tempted to track down more copies of some of the Xros Figures to do some heavier repaints, like Shoutmon Blue, Greymon Orange, or purified SkullKnightmon, but only if I can find them cheap. Also, I might be thinking about drawing a new SkullKnightmon partner...

[badgraph1csghost]

(Alt text in HTML)

I didnt want to add this to the original post because it's just too darn long.

You want to know how Black Friday used to be? I mean, it's always been psychological trauma for retail workers, but I'm talking like OUTSIDE the building.

People would queue up. Right? When there was a new game console or something coming out, they'd queue up, sometimes for 16 hours. They'd sleep on the queue. They'd have dinner on the queue. They'd have to limit their fluid intake because there were no toilets on the queue.

Because there were doorbusters. There were door prizes. There were savings unfathomable to the 2023 mind. People would form groups to rush the doors, people would get trampled, there was an incident at Kohl's where the manager got trampled to death by a herd of frantic soccer moms who hadn't taken a piss in 16 hours and absolutely HAD to get the best deals on cookware before anyone else.

Just 10 years ago, it was like this.

You didn't understand the phrase "every man for himself" until you saw a group of American suburbanites, half-frozen from the late November cold-snap fighting-- literally FIGHTING like fucking Mortal-ass Kombat-- to get their hands on what? A god damn toaster oven. At Best Buy one year about 10-12 years ago, a soccer mom went to jail because she cut a guy's hand off to get the last big-screen TV.

Why? Why do that? You don't know, do you? The sales were BIG. I tell you, this TV was as big as the wall in my sitting room and it was normally $995; it was on sale for $350. That's a savings of almost $700 fucking dollars, can you imagine it? No, of course you can't, because we live in the 2020s, where the prices of everything have been going up and up and up for the past 5 years.

TVs like the one I mentioned are now $1500 and go "on sale" for $1490. Yeah, save 10 bucks on a fuckin almost $2000 TV that only cost probably $200 to build in the first place. Black Friday doesn't fucking exist anymore.

And I've been saying this like it's a bad thing. It's not. I want to live long enough to stop seeing Black Friday and Cyber Monday ads in the post. But the fact that people STILL behave like they're gonna walk away with a deal just points to how thoroughly the corporate feudal state has convinced us that 700% inflation is just a fact of life.

Oh, yeah, and those stores I mentioned? The Kohl's where so many people burst into the place that the manager got trampled to death? The Best Buy where the guy got his hand cut off? They closed 2 and 3 years ago. No more business. They cut their stock back, still not enough business, and they closed. Yep, nothin' wrong with THIS economy.

[news365timesindia]

Research by Subhash Chandra Agrawal Jan Aushadhi Kendras are now being opened under Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojna claiming a huge saving to commoners ranging from 50-90 percent on purchase of generic medicines from these about 10000 centres throughout the country with average monthly sale of just rupees 1.50 lakhs per month for each centre. Much more could and should be achieved simply by fixing a maximum trade margin on all medicines and medical-consumables including generic medicines of say 30-percent between ex-factory price and Maximum-Retail-Price (MRP). Presently there is a huge trade-margin specially on generic medicines are considered to be economical substitute of branded medicines. A box of 10-20 strips is available with distributors at about one-tenth of printed MRP including those marketed by renowned drug-manufacturers of branded medicines. A box containing 20 strips of ten tablets each of Vogliboz-0.3 tablets marketed by Knoll Healthcare Pvt Ltd with printed Maximum-Retail-Price MRP of rupees 100 each (MRP of complete box rupees 2000) was available with the distributor at just rupees 250 meaning a profit of 700-percent for the retailer. A box of 300 tablets of Lipvas-10 (Atorvastatin) manufactured by Cipla Limited with total MRP rupees 1837.20 was available at rupees 300. A box of 20 strips of ten capsules each with MRP rupees 114 per strip (Total MRP rupees 2280) of Pantosec DSR marketed by Cipla Limited was available at a wholesaler at just rupees 550 meaning thereby a trade-margin of 315-percent. Even wholesalers are at liberty to earn huge by offering just 20-percent discount on printed MRP of Generic Medicines. Same is case with thousands of generic medicines manufactured by various companies Even branded medicines had varying trade-margins with a box of 10 strips of 10 capsules each of Bifilac-HP with total printed MRP of rupees 2100 per box was available with the distributor at just rupees 1140 per box. Even World Health Organization (WHO) established that even essential drugs in India with lowest printed MRP are exorbitantly priced over manufacturing-cost followed by abnormally high trade-margin between ex-factory price and MRP. Same holds good for other medical-consumables like a box of 200 Accu-Check Safe T Pro Uno single-use lancing device with printed MRP of rupees 2200 used to be available at just rupees 400 only. Drug-manufacturers at times pack just eight lozenges per strip of commonly advertised cough-medicines instead of usually ten because consumers usually judge by price per strip rather than per lozenge. Many drug-manufacturers have started packing medicines in strips of fifteen rather than earlier ten to boost up sale because most chemists sell complete medicine-strip rather than cutting the strip to sell in loose. National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) should direct all medicines to be compulsorily packed in units of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 and likewise higher multiples unless permission is sought from concerned authorities to pack certain medicines in units other than these for dose-wise administration. Name of medicine is usually printed just once on a side of medicine-strip. Wrapping-foil must be so designed that name of medicine may appear for each packed tablet/capsule with name of medicine also embossed/printed on each tablet/capsule. Ex-factory prices of different branded medicines for same basic salt has vast difference. Branded medicines from different renowned companies are priced with heavy difference depending on popularity of brand like Calmpose and Valium-5 both having Diazepam-5 as basic salt have huge price-difference. Government-owned Indian Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Limited (IDPL), since closed, sold Diazepam-5 under brand-name Calmod at still lower price. Medicines are put in different categories for price-regulation with Calmpose and Valium-5 put in a category where there is no price-regulation. System of having multiple categorization

for medicines must be removed because patients have to take prescribed medicine irrespective of their categorization. A study conducted by a prominent newspaper in the year 2018 revealed that five chemist-shops around premier Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) at Chandigarh were selling a particular medicine having price ranging from rupees 255 to rupees 1550. There is a regular price-increase of many branded medicines, with NPPA being mute spectator. NPPA should devise a mechanism whereby drug-companies may be allowed to have some basic profit-margin on all types of drugs irrespective of their categorization allowing any price-revision only once in a year say in January or April every year. Madras High Court once directed Income Tax Department to submit details of claims made by pharmaceutical-companies towards tax-deduction for gifts made to doctors, names of doctors and penalties paid by these companies for drug-overpricing. Any type of gifts by drug-companies must be banned. Paying commission to medical practitioners by pathological laboratories, investigating centers and hospitals should also be criminal offence to ensure economical medical investigations. Private hospitals should be directed not to take any share from consulting/visiting fees of medical practitioners. Some upper limit should be fixed for consultation-fees of medical practitioners. Since wholesale medicine-market of Bhagirath Palace (Delhi) has virtually turned to be a retail market giving 20-25 percent discount even on single strips of medicines, tenders can be invited for opening chemist-shops in government and private hospitals at least in big cities where branded medicines may be available even in single strips at 20-percent discounts. It is quite usual that many a times some medical-practitioners including in Unani, Ayurvedic and Homeopathic fields mix strong doses of allopathic steroids in unbranded medicines like powders and syrups in a bid to exhibit their self-acclaimed expertise in curing diseases. Only branded medicines should be allowed to be prescribed in all fields of medicines including Allopathic, Ayurvedic, Unani, Homeopathy with Central Government having its large production-units for very type of medicines by reviving Indian Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Limited (IDPL) in a big way and popularising and extending scope of its Ayurvedic unit Indian Medicines Pharmaceuticals Corporation Limited to develop a healthy competition to force big drug-companies to bring down heavily prices of branded medicines. Central Information Commission (CIC) in its order dated 01.10.2018 in file-number CIC/NPPAT/A/2017/152869-BJ recommended NPPA and others concerned to consider all these suggestions in larger public interest. But shockingly, NPPA challenged the CIC-decision just on recommendations (and not directions) at Delhi High Court vide WP(C) 10366 of 2019 and CM No. 42777 of 2019. Soon after Competition Commission of India (CCI) in its policy-note also pointed out towards unreasonably high trade-margins as reason for exorbitant drug-prices. But no corrective measures are seen at least on non-essential and generic medicines. BJP MP Bhartruhari Mahtab raised issue of generic drugs in Lok Sabha on 19.07.2019, rightly demanding an inquiry to find out the efficacy of generic drugs quoting a book-study that Indian drug manufacturers were producing quality generic medicines for US and European countries with sub-standard generic medicines marketed in domestic market. NPPA should ensure that generic medicines sold in Indian markets are of export-quality. Export of world-class generic medicines can provide country adequate foreign-exchange and reputation because of Indian generic medicines are economical than foreign-branded medicines of which major part is royalty of drug-manufacturing companies. Lucknow bench of Allahabad High Court in the year 2018 imposed fine on three doctors for illegible hand-writing on injury-reports. Odisha High Court on 13.

08.2020 advised doctors to write legible prescriptions preferably in capital letters. Medical-practitioners should compulsorily issue computerised prescriptions. Exemption may be for aged ones not familiar to use computers. Union Health Ministry should develop user-friendly soft-wares separately for hospitals, pathological laboratories and medical practitioners providing unique ID for each patient so that complete medical history may be available even online to the patient.   Dual pricing must not be allowed in health-services including for pathological and biochemical tests for normal patients and those covered under Central Government Health scheme (CGHS). Vegetarian cellulose capsules should be encouraged to replace non-vegetarian gelatin capsules presently having 98-percent market share to respect sentiments of majority vegetarian population. Supreme Court ruling of the year 2013 had made it possible to distinguish vegetarian and non-vegetarian medicines by having green and red dots. Providing land at subsidised cost/lease is substantial government-funding. All such hospitals should be directed to sue-motto declare themselves as public-authorities under section 2(h) of RTI Act, or else pay market-price of land provided to these hospitals at current market rates. Union Health Ministry in the year 2018 banned 328 Fixed-Dose-Combination drugs out of total 349 recommended to be banned by Chandrashekhar Kokate Committee with six more allowed with restricted sale. Banned medicines included commonly advertised popular medicines like Saridon and Vicks-Action-500 which continued to be household names in India for last so many decades. Medicines considered harmful are banned in India years after these are banned in foreign countries. Union Health Ministry should take immediate decision once some medicine is banned in other countries. Action is necessary against celebrities advertising the popular medicines without having knowledge about the advertised medicines. There should be a total ban on advertisements of medicines in view of ban imposed on commonly advertised medicines. Reports were there in media with opinion of medical experts about artificial health-food and cosmetic surgery being possible reasons behind the cardiac-arrest responsible for sudden untimely death of Bollywood-superstar Shridevi (54) on night of 24.02.2018 at Dubai. Fast life-style has made youngsters to switch to costly gyms from natural walk. Trend of cosmetic surgery for looking beautiful and fit is also increasing with same pace. Union Health Ministry should set up an expert-committee to study after-effects of artificial health-food and cosmetic surgery, and only certified health-food should be permitted to be sold. Writer is RTI consultant holding Guinness World record for most letters published in newspaper

[news365times]

Research by Subhash Chandra Agrawal Jan Aushadhi Kendras are now being opened under Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojna claiming a huge saving to commoners ranging from 50-90 percent on purchase of generic medicines from these about 10000 centres throughout the country with average monthly sale of just rupees 1.50 lakhs per month for each centre. Much more could and should be achieved simply by fixing a maximum trade margin on all medicines and medical-consumables including generic medicines of say 30-percent between ex-factory price and Maximum-Retail-Price (MRP). Presently there is a huge trade-margin specially on generic medicines are considered to be economical substitute of branded medicines. A box of 10-20 strips is available with distributors at about one-tenth of printed MRP including those marketed by renowned drug-manufacturers of branded medicines. A box containing 20 strips of ten tablets each of Vogliboz-0.3 tablets marketed by Knoll Healthcare Pvt Ltd with printed Maximum-Retail-Price MRP of rupees 100 each (MRP of complete box rupees 2000) was available with the distributor at just rupees 250 meaning a profit of 700-percent for the retailer. A box of 300 tablets of Lipvas-10 (Atorvastatin) manufactured by Cipla Limited with total MRP rupees 1837.20 was available at rupees 300. A box of 20 strips of ten capsules each with MRP rupees 114 per strip (Total MRP rupees 2280) of Pantosec DSR marketed by Cipla Limited was available at a wholesaler at just rupees 550 meaning thereby a trade-margin of 315-percent. Even wholesalers are at liberty to earn huge by offering just 20-percent discount on printed MRP of Generic Medicines. Same is case with thousands of generic medicines manufactured by various companies Even branded medicines had varying trade-margins with a box of 10 strips of 10 capsules each of Bifilac-HP with total printed MRP of rupees 2100 per box was available with the distributor at just rupees 1140 per box. Even World Health Organization (WHO) established that even essential drugs in India with lowest printed MRP are exorbitantly priced over manufacturing-cost followed by abnormally high trade-margin between ex-factory price and MRP. Same holds good for other medical-consumables like a box of 200 Accu-Check Safe T Pro Uno single-use lancing device with printed MRP of rupees 2200 used to be available at just rupees 400 only. Drug-manufacturers at times pack just eight lozenges per strip of commonly advertised cough-medicines instead of usually ten because consumers usually judge by price per strip rather than per lozenge. Many drug-manufacturers have started packing medicines in strips of fifteen rather than earlier ten to boost up sale because most chemists sell complete medicine-strip rather than cutting the strip to sell in loose. National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) should direct all medicines to be compulsorily packed in units of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 and likewise higher multiples unless permission is sought from concerned authorities to pack certain medicines in units other than these for dose-wise administration. Name of medicine is usually printed just once on a side of medicine-strip. Wrapping-foil must be so designed that name of medicine may appear for each packed tablet/capsule with name of medicine also embossed/printed on each tablet/capsule. Ex-factory prices of different branded medicines for same basic salt has vast difference. Branded medicines from different renowned companies are priced with heavy difference depending on popularity of brand like Calmpose and Valium-5 both having Diazepam-5 as basic salt have huge price-difference. Government-owned Indian Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Limited (IDPL), since closed, sold Diazepam-5 under brand-name Calmod at still lower price. Medicines are put in different categories for price-regulation with Calmpose and Valium-5 put in a category where there is no price-regulation. System of having multiple categorization

for medicines must be removed because patients have to take prescribed medicine irrespective of their categorization. A study conducted by a prominent newspaper in the year 2018 revealed that five chemist-shops around premier Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) at Chandigarh were selling a particular medicine having price ranging from rupees 255 to rupees 1550. There is a regular price-increase of many branded medicines, with NPPA being mute spectator. NPPA should devise a mechanism whereby drug-companies may be allowed to have some basic profit-margin on all types of drugs irrespective of their categorization allowing any price-revision only once in a year say in January or April every year. Madras High Court once directed Income Tax Department to submit details of claims made by pharmaceutical-companies towards tax-deduction for gifts made to doctors, names of doctors and penalties paid by these companies for drug-overpricing. Any type of gifts by drug-companies must be banned. Paying commission to medical practitioners by pathological laboratories, investigating centers and hospitals should also be criminal offence to ensure economical medical investigations. Private hospitals should be directed not to take any share from consulting/visiting fees of medical practitioners. Some upper limit should be fixed for consultation-fees of medical practitioners. Since wholesale medicine-market of Bhagirath Palace (Delhi) has virtually turned to be a retail market giving 20-25 percent discount even on single strips of medicines, tenders can be invited for opening chemist-shops in government and private hospitals at least in big cities where branded medicines may be available even in single strips at 20-percent discounts. It is quite usual that many a times some medical-practitioners including in Unani, Ayurvedic and Homeopathic fields mix strong doses of allopathic steroids in unbranded medicines like powders and syrups in a bid to exhibit their self-acclaimed expertise in curing diseases. Only branded medicines should be allowed to be prescribed in all fields of medicines including Allopathic, Ayurvedic, Unani, Homeopathy with Central Government having its large production-units for very type of medicines by reviving Indian Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Limited (IDPL) in a big way and popularising and extending scope of its Ayurvedic unit Indian Medicines Pharmaceuticals Corporation Limited to develop a healthy competition to force big drug-companies to bring down heavily prices of branded medicines. Central Information Commission (CIC) in its order dated 01.10.2018 in file-number CIC/NPPAT/A/2017/152869-BJ recommended NPPA and others concerned to consider all these suggestions in larger public interest. But shockingly, NPPA challenged the CIC-decision just on recommendations (and not directions) at Delhi High Court vide WP(C) 10366 of 2019 and CM No. 42777 of 2019. Soon after Competition Commission of India (CCI) in its policy-note also pointed out towards unreasonably high trade-margins as reason for exorbitant drug-prices. But no corrective measures are seen at least on non-essential and generic medicines. BJP MP Bhartruhari Mahtab raised issue of generic drugs in Lok Sabha on 19.07.2019, rightly demanding an inquiry to find out the efficacy of generic drugs quoting a book-study that Indian drug manufacturers were producing quality generic medicines for US and European countries with sub-standard generic medicines marketed in domestic market. NPPA should ensure that generic medicines sold in Indian markets are of export-quality. Export of world-class generic medicines can provide country adequate foreign-exchange and reputation because of Indian generic medicines are economical than foreign-branded medicines of which major part is royalty of drug-manufacturing companies. Lucknow bench of Allahabad High Court in the year 2018 imposed fine on three doctors for illegible hand-writing on injury-reports. Odisha High Court on 13.

08.2020 advised doctors to write legible prescriptions preferably in capital letters. Medical-practitioners should compulsorily issue computerised prescriptions. Exemption may be for aged ones not familiar to use computers. Union Health Ministry should develop user-friendly soft-wares separately for hospitals, pathological laboratories and medical practitioners providing unique ID for each patient so that complete medical history may be available even online to the patient.   Dual pricing must not be allowed in health-services including for pathological and biochemical tests for normal patients and those covered under Central Government Health scheme (CGHS). Vegetarian cellulose capsules should be encouraged to replace non-vegetarian gelatin capsules presently having 98-percent market share to respect sentiments of majority vegetarian population. Supreme Court ruling of the year 2013 had made it possible to distinguish vegetarian and non-vegetarian medicines by having green and red dots. Providing land at subsidised cost/lease is substantial government-funding. All such hospitals should be directed to sue-motto declare themselves as public-authorities under section 2(h) of RTI Act, or else pay market-price of land provided to these hospitals at current market rates. Union Health Ministry in the year 2018 banned 328 Fixed-Dose-Combination drugs out of total 349 recommended to be banned by Chandrashekhar Kokate Committee with six more allowed with restricted sale. Banned medicines included commonly advertised popular medicines like Saridon and Vicks-Action-500 which continued to be household names in India for last so many decades. Medicines considered harmful are banned in India years after these are banned in foreign countries. Union Health Ministry should take immediate decision once some medicine is banned in other countries. Action is necessary against celebrities advertising the popular medicines without having knowledge about the advertised medicines. There should be a total ban on advertisements of medicines in view of ban imposed on commonly advertised medicines. Reports were there in media with opinion of medical experts about artificial health-food and cosmetic surgery being possible reasons behind the cardiac-arrest responsible for sudden untimely death of Bollywood-superstar Shridevi (54) on night of 24.02.2018 at Dubai. Fast life-style has made youngsters to switch to costly gyms from natural walk. Trend of cosmetic surgery for looking beautiful and fit is also increasing with same pace. Union Health Ministry should set up an expert-committee to study after-effects of artificial health-food and cosmetic surgery, and only certified health-food should be permitted to be sold. Writer is RTI consultant holding Guinness World record for most letters published in newspaper

[biggestsupplierr]

Understanding the Wholesale Prices of Pista and Mamra Badam

In the competitive world of nuts and dry fruits, two popular items stand out: pista (pistachios) and mamra badam (mamra almonds). These nutritious snacks are not only favored for their taste but also for their health benefits, making them a staple in many households and a lucrative product for wholesalers. If you’re a retailer or looking to purchase these items in bulk, understanding the wholesale prices can help you make informed decisions.

Pista (Pistachio) Prices in Wholesale

Pista is celebrated for its unique flavor and vibrant green color. When buying pista in wholesale, prices can vary based on quality, origin, and market demand. As of the latest market trends, the average wholesale price for 1 kg of pista 1 kg price wholesale ranges between ���700 to ₹900. Premium quality pista sourced from regions like Iran or the USA may command a higher price, often exceeding ₹1000 per kg. It’s essential for retailers to stay updated on market fluctuations, as prices can be influenced by seasonal changes and global supply chains.

Mamra Badam Prices in Wholesale

Mamra badam, known for its superior quality and taste, is another nut that has gained popularity among health-conscious consumers. Unlike regular almonds, mamra almonds are less processed and maintain more of their natural oils and nutrients. The wholesale price for mamra badam wholesale price typically falls between ₹1200 to ₹1500 per kg. The demand for this nut has seen a steady increase, especially among those looking for nutritious snacking options. Factors such as the sourcing of these almonds and the overall health food trend play significant roles in determining their price.

Factors Influencing Prices

Several factors influence the wholesale prices of pista and mamra badam, including:

Quality and Variety: Higher quality nuts naturally fetch higher prices.

Seasonality: Prices can fluctuate based on the harvest season and global availability.

Market Demand: Increased consumer awareness of health benefits can drive up demand and, subsequently, prices.

Conclusion

For retailers and businesses looking to procure pista and mamra badam, understanding the wholesale pricing landscape is crucial. Staying informed about current market rates can help you make competitive purchasing decisions. When sourcing these products, consider partnering with a reputable supplier. Biggest Supplier offers an extensive range of high-quality pista and mamra badam at competitive wholesale prices. By choosing Biggest Supplier, you can ensure that your business meets customer demand while maintaining a healthy profit margin.

[nwtmaxx2210]

HP PageWide Pro 477dw Price: Comprehensive Guide to Features, Value, and Best Deals

HP PageWide Pro 477dw Price: What You Need to Know

When considering a new printer for your office or home, the HP PageWide Pro 477dw is a model that often comes up in discussions. This printer is known for its speed, reliability, and energy efficiency. But, like any significant purchase, understanding the price and what influences it is crucial.

Understanding the HP PageWide Pro 477dw

Key Features

The HP PageWide Pro 477dw offers a range of features that make it stand out in the market. It includes a robust security system, versatile connectivity options, and high-yield cartridges that minimize the need for frequent replacements. Its standout feature is the PageWide technology, which ensures faster printing speeds without compromising quality.

Performance and Speed

One of the main selling points of the HP PageWide Pro 477dw is its impressive speed. It can print up to 55 pages per minute, making it one of the fastest printers in its category. This speed is particularly beneficial for businesses that require large volumes of prints in a short time.

Print Quality

While speed is important, print quality is equally crucial. The HP PageWide Pro 477dw does not disappoint in this area. It produces sharp, vibrant prints with consistent color accuracy, making it suitable for both text documents and high-quality images.

Energy Efficiency

In today’s world, energy efficiency is a major consideration. The HP PageWide Pro 477dw is designed with this in mind. It uses significantly less energy than comparable laser printers, helping businesses reduce their carbon footprint and save on energy costs.

Pricing Overview

Average Market Price

The price of the HP PageWide Pro 477dw can vary depending on where you purchase it. On average, you can expect to pay between $400 and $700. This range takes into account factors such as retailer pricing strategies and any ongoing promotions or discounts.

Factors Affecting Price

Retailer Pricing

Different retailers may offer the HP PageWide Pro 477dw at varying prices. Some may include additional perks such as extended warranties or bundled accessories, which can influence the overall cost.

Geographic Location

Your location can also affect the price. For example, prices may be higher in regions where the printer is in higher demand or where shipping costs are substantial.

Availability of Discounts

Promotions and discounts can significantly reduce the price. It’s not uncommon to find this printer on sale during major shopping events like Black Friday or Cyber Monday.

Comparing Prices with Competitors

Price vs. Features

When evaluating the HP PageWide Pro 477dw, it's essential to compare its price with the features it offers. While it may be more expensive than some models, the value it provides in terms of speed, print quality, and energy efficiency often justifies the cost.

Value for Money

In terms of value for money, the HP PageWide Pro 477dw is a solid investment. Its long-term savings on energy and ink costs, combined with its durability, make it a cost-effective choice over time.

Price Comparisons with Similar Printers

HP vs. Canon

When compared to similar models from Canon, the HP PageWide Pro 477dw often comes out ahead in terms of speed and energy efficiency, though Canon may offer slightly better photo print quality.

HP vs. Brother

In comparison with Brother printers, the HP PageWide Pro 477dw generally offers better print speeds and lower energy consumption, making it a better option for high-volume printing environments.

Where to Buy the HP PageWide Pro 477dw

Online Retailers

Amazon

Amazon frequently offers competitive prices on the HP PageWide Pro 477dw, along with the convenience of fast shipping and customer reviews to guide your purchase.

Best Buy

Best Buy is another popular option, often featuring exclusive deals or financing options for this printer model.

HP’s Official Store

Purchasing directly from HP can provide benefits like additional customer support and access to bundled deals that might not be available elsewhere.

Local Stores

For those who prefer to see the product in person before purchasing, local electronics or office supply stores may carry the HP PageWide Pro 477dw. Prices here may vary, but you might be able to negotiate or find in-store promotions.

Second-hand Options

If you’re looking to save money, second-hand options from sites like eBay or refurbished models from certified resellers can offer the HP PageWide Pro 477dw at a fraction of the cost.

Tips for Getting the Best Deal

Waiting for Sales

Patience can pay off when it comes to getting a good deal on the HP PageWide Pro 477dw. Waiting for sales events like Black Friday can lead to significant savings.

Checking for Coupons

Before making a purchase, it's always a good idea to search for any available coupons or promotional codes that can reduce the price.

Considering Refurbished Models

Refurbished models can be an excellent way to get the HP PageWide Pro 477dw at a reduced price while still benefiting from a warranty and guaranteed performance.

Conclusion

The HP PageWide Pro 477dw is a versatile and efficient printer that offers excellent value for its price. Whether you’re looking to make a one-time purchase or want to save on long-term printing costs, understanding the factors that influence its price can help you make an informed decision.

FAQs

Is the HP PageWide Pro 477dw worth its price?

hp pagewide pro 477dw price

Yes, the HP PageWide Pro 477dw offers a good balance of speed, print quality, and energy efficiency, making it worth the investment for many businesses and home offices.

How does the price of the HP PageWide Pro 477dw compare to other printers?

Compared to other printers in its category, the HP PageWide Pro 477dw is competitively priced, especially when considering its advanced features and low operational costs.

Where can I find the best deals on the HP PageWide Pro 477dw?

The best deals can often be found online, particularly on platforms like Amazon and during sales events at major retailers.

Are there any ongoing promotions for the HP PageWide Pro 477dw?

Promotions can vary, but it's always a good idea to check major retailers and HP’s official store for any current discounts or bundled offers.

Should I consider a refurbished HP PageWide Pro 477dw?

A refurbished model can be a great option if you're looking to save money while still getting a reliable printer. Just be sure to buy from a reputable source that offers a warranty.

[lcttruckingco]

Navigating the E-commerce Boom: Logistics Opportunities in India

India's e-commerce sector has been on an upward trajectory, significantly transforming the retail landscape and creating substantial opportunities for the logistics industry. The surge in online shopping, driven by increased internet penetration, smartphone usage, and changing consumer behavior, has necessitated robust and efficient logistics solutions to meet the growing demand. This comprehensive blog explores the growth of India's e-commerce sector, the resulting opportunities for logistics, and the challenges and strategies for leveraging these opportunities.

The Growth of India's E-commerce Sector

India's e-commerce market has seen rapid and significant expansion over the last ten years. Factors contributing to this growth include:

Internet Penetration and Smartphone Usage: With over 700 million internet users and increasing smartphone adoption, a significant portion of the population now has access to online shopping platforms. The convenience of mobile shopping has fueled e-commerce growth.

Digital Payments: The proliferation of digital payment solutions like UPI, mobile wallets, and credit/debit cards has made online transactions seamless and secure, encouraging more consumers to shop online.

Government Initiatives: Initiatives like Digital India and Make in India have created a conducive environment for e-commerce growth. Additionally, the implementation of GST has streamlined interstate commerce, benefiting e-commerce businesses.

Urbanization and Lifestyle Changes: Urbanization and the rise of the middle class with higher disposable incomes have led to increased spending on online retail. Consumers are increasingly valuing convenience, variety, and competitive pricing.

Pandemic Impact: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated e-commerce adoption as lockdowns and social distancing measures pushed consumers towards online shopping for essentials and other goods.

Opportunities for Logistics in the E-commerce Boom

The rapid growth of e-commerce in India has opened up numerous opportunities for the logistics sector. Here are some key areas where logistics companies can capitalize on this boom:

Challenges in E-commerce Logistics

While the opportunities are immense, the e-commerce logistics sector also faces several challenges that need to be addressed:

Infrastructure Deficiencies: Inadequate infrastructure, including poor road connectivity and limited warehousing facilities in certain regions, can hinder efficient logistics operations. Investment in infrastructure development is crucial.

High Delivery Costs: The cost of last-mile delivery can be high, especially in densely populated urban areas with traffic congestion and remote rural areas. Balancing cost efficiency with service quality is a significant challenge.

Technology Integration: Integrating advanced technologies like AI, IoT, and blockchain into logistics operations requires significant investment and expertise. Ensuring seamless technology integration while maintaining operational continuity is essential.

Regulatory Compliance: Navigating complex regulatory requirements and ensuring compliance with various state and central laws can be challenging for logistics companies. Staying updated with regulatory changes is crucial.

Environmental Sustainability: The environmental impact of logistics operations, particularly in terms of carbon emissions and packaging waste, is a growing concern. Adopting sustainable practices and green logistics solutions is becoming increasingly important.

Strategies for Leveraging Opportunities

To effectively leverage the opportunities presented by the e-commerce boom, logistics companies need to adopt strategic approaches:

Investment in Technology: Investing in cutting-edge technologies like AI, machine learning, and IoT can enhance operational efficiency, optimize routes, and improve inventory management. Real-time tracking and predictive analytics can provide valuable insights for better decision-making.

Collaborations and Partnerships: Forming strategic partnerships with e-commerce platforms, retailers, and technology providers can create synergies and enhance service offerings. Collaboration can also help in sharing resources and expertise.

Scalable and Flexible Operations: Developing scalable logistics solutions that can adapt to fluctuating demand is essential. Flexible warehousing options, such as on-demand warehousing, can help manage peak seasons and sudden surges in order volumes.

Focus on Customer Experience: Enhancing the end-to-end customer experience is crucial for retaining customers and building brand loyalty. Transparent communication, real-time updates, and efficient problem resolution are key to a positive customer experience.

Sustainable Practices: Adopting environmentally friendly practices, such as using electric vehicles for delivery, optimizing packaging to reduce waste, and implementing energy-efficient warehouse operations, can help meet sustainability goals and appeal to eco-conscious consumers.

The Role of LCT Truck in E-commerce Logistics

LCT Truck, a leader in logistics and transportation, is at the forefront of leveraging the opportunities presented by India's e-commerce boom. By integrating advanced technologies and innovative solutions, LCTtruck aims to provide efficient, reliable, and scalable logistics services tailored to the unique needs of e-commerce businesses.

LCTtruck's comprehensive logistics solutions include state-of-the-art warehousing facilities, last-mile delivery services, and specialized cold chain logistics. The company's commitment to sustainability and customer satisfaction ensures that it remains a trusted partner for e-commerce retailers looking to optimize their supply chain operations.

Conclusion

India's e-commerce sector presents significant growth opportunities for the logistics industry. By addressing the challenges and leveraging the opportunities through strategic investments in technology, collaborations, and a focus on customer experience, logistics companies can play a pivotal role in driving the success of e-commerce businesses.

LCTtruck's innovative approach and commitment to excellence position it as a leader in e-commerce logistics, ready to meet the evolving demands of the market. As the e-commerce landscape continues to expand, the logistics sector must remain agile and adaptive, embracing new technologies and practices to ensure sustained growth and success.

[onlinecompanynews]

Foreign carmakers in China face 'increasingly precarious' position, consultancy says - Journal Important Web https://www.merchant-business.com/foreign-carmakers-in-china-face-increasingly-precarious-position-consultancy-says/?feed_id=133194&_unique_id=6696218b13276 Newly produc... BLOGGER - #GLOBAL Newly produced electric vehicles are being seen at Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory in Shanghai, China, on December 31, 2023.Costfoto | Nurphoto | Getty ImagesBEIJING — New tariffs on Chinese electric cars aren’t enough to help foreign automakers stay competitive, especially in the lucrative China market, according to consulting firm AlixPartners.China is the world’s largest auto market. It’s taken the global lead in the development of new energy vehicles, which include battery-only and hybrid-powered cars.The NEV category now accounts for more than 40% of new passenger cars sold in China — and domestic automakers are mostly leading sales, with foreign companies lagging behind.A lot of foreign car companies still haven’t figured out how their products can stand out in China’s EV market, Stephen Dyer, co-leader and head of AlixPartners’ Asia automotive practice, said during an annual industry outlook event on Wednesday.“Unless [foreign car brands] change their mindset of developing and manufacturing cars to one that is more willing to take risks, and consider how to design and manufacture a car from so-called first principles, their position will become increasingly precarious,” Dyer said in Mandarin, translated by CNBC. He was referring to a concept that refers to problem-solving based on fundamental aspects of the issue.German luxury brand Porsche said last Tuesday that China sales plunged by one-third in the first-half of the year. The company blamed consumers’ “focus on value oriented sales.”Chinese automakers from Nio to BYD have already started to export cars to Europe and other overseas markets, prompting the U.S. to raise tariffs on the vehicles from 25% to 100%.The EU also announced in June it would impose tariffs of up to 38% on Chinese EV imports to combat the “threat of economic injury” to European EV makers. In response, China has said it’s in talks to “reach a mutually acceptable solution” with the European Commission ahead of the tariffs’ implementation in November.Even with the EU tariffs to come, China cars will still make a profit of 20%, according to Dyer, who noted that the profit margin would be the same as if they were sold in China’s market. That’s because the wave of tariffs will likely accelerate China EV makers’ move to localize production strategies in Europe that will cut transportation costs, he added.BYD is opening a factory in Hungary. Last week, the company announced a $1 billion deal with Turkey, and opened its factory in Thailand.Currently, Chinese-made EVs cost 35% less to produce than comparable vehicles from foreign automakers, according to AlixPartners.Business Local partnershipsChina has been a major market for many of the world’s largest carmakers, which are trying different strategies to retain their domestic sales.Some foreign firms are trying to enter China’s market by partnering with local brands. Dyer cited Volkswagen and Xpeng‘s inked partnership earlier this year to launch an SUV which saw the German automaker buy nearly 5% of Xpeng for $700 million last year. Other brands are trying to cut prices.Earlier this month, German automaker BMW launched a new Mini-Cooper EV in China through its joint venture with Great Wall Motor (GWM).Based on prices in China, the vehicle’s retail price starts at the equivalent of $26,140 — almost 5% cheaper than the fuel-powered Mini Cooper 3-door’s price of about $27,520.In comparison, BYD sells its cheapest EV, the Seagull, at a much lower price of $9,700.BMW announced the first electric Mini Cooper in 2019, which began deliveries in China and Europe the following year.While collaborations are “rational” to attain market share, Dyer said it is difficult to stay in the China market long-term if foreign carmakers don’t switch things up.

Last month, an analyst from the Bank of America said U.S. automakers based in Detroit should exit China “as soon as they possibly can” because they were at the losing end against China EV giants.China’s NEV makers have also slashed development time for new models to 20 months — that’s half the 40 months needed by Chinese legacy auto brands, according to research by AlixPartners. Chinese NEV-dedicated brands also roll out new models far more quickly than non-Chinese brands, the research firm said, noting the cars come with tech and battery specifications that are about two to three years ahead of what the foreign companies have planned.Electric cars are less complex than internal combustion engine-powered vehicles. A major industry challenge has been convincing consumers to buy the battery-powered vehicles, primarily by reducing anxiety about driving range.The Chinese government has mandated nationwide construction of battery charging stations, while startup Nio has rolled out battery swap stations that claim to give drivers a full charge in just a few minutes.Another problem for foreign automakers is competing with local manpower, as Chinese workers are far more willing to pull long hours.China EV employees worked up to 140 hours overtime per month, far more than the 20 hours of excess work at traditional car companies worldwide, Dyer said, noting the Chinese “spirit of being able to overcome hardship.”With that drive, AlixPartners expects Chinese brands to take more than 70% of the NEV market in China by 2030, and grab one-third of the global auto market — or 9 million cars a year.Correction: This story has been updated to reflect that Dyer was referring to “first principles.” A previous version of the story misstated it.“New tariffs on Chinese EVs don’t help foreign automakers stay competitive, especially in the lucrative China market, says business consultancy AlixPartners…”Source Link: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/07/16/foreign-carmakers-in-china-face-increasingly-precarious-situation.html http://109.70.148.72/~merchant29/6network/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1721114109_654_-1x-1.jpg #GLOBAL - BLOGGER Newly produced electric vehicles are being seen at Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory in Shanghai, China, on December 31, 2023. Costfoto | Nurphoto | Getty Images BEIJING — New tariffs on Chinese electric cars aren’t enough to help foreign automakers stay competitive, especially in the lucrative China market, according to consulting firm AlixPartners. China is the world’s … Read More

[internetcompanynews]

Foreign carmakers in China face 'increasingly precarious' position, consultancy says - Journal Important Web - BLOGGER https://www.merchant-business.com/foreign-carmakers-in-china-face-increasingly-precarious-position-consultancy-says/?feed_id=133193&_unique_id=66962189d6284 Newly produced electric vehicles are being seen at Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory in Shanghai, China, on December 31, 2023.Costfoto | Nurphoto | Getty ImagesBEIJING — New tariffs on Chinese electric cars aren’t enough to help foreign automakers stay competitive, especially in the lucrative China market, according to consulting firm AlixPartners.China is the world’s largest auto market. It’s taken the global lead in the development of new energy vehicles, which include battery-only and hybrid-powered cars.The NEV category now accounts for more than 40% of new passenger cars sold in China — and domestic automakers are mostly leading sales, with foreign companies lagging behind.A lot of foreign car companies still haven’t figured out how their products can stand out in China’s EV market, Stephen Dyer, co-leader and head of AlixPartners’ Asia automotive practice, said during an annual industry outlook event on Wednesday.“Unless [foreign car brands] change their mindset of developing and manufacturing cars to one that is more willing to take risks, and consider how to design and manufacture a car from so-called first principles, their position will become increasingly precarious,” Dyer said in Mandarin, translated by CNBC. He was referring to a concept that refers to problem-solving based on fundamental aspects of the issue.German luxury brand Porsche said last Tuesday that China sales plunged by one-third in the first-half of the year. The company blamed consumers’ “focus on value oriented sales.”Chinese automakers from Nio to BYD have already started to export cars to Europe and other overseas markets, prompting the U.S. to raise tariffs on the vehicles from 25% to 100%.The EU also announced in June it would impose tariffs of up to 38% on Chinese EV imports to combat the “threat of economic injury” to European EV makers. In response, China has said it’s in talks to “reach a mutually acceptable solution” with the European Commission ahead of the tariffs’ implementation in November.Even with the EU tariffs to come, China cars will still make a profit of 20%, according to Dyer, who noted that the profit margin would be the same as if they were sold in China’s market. That’s because the wave of tariffs will likely accelerate China EV makers’ move to localize production strategies in Europe that will cut transportation costs, he added.BYD is opening a factory in Hungary. Last week, the company announced a $1 billion deal with Turkey, and opened its factory in Thailand.Currently, Chinese-made EVs cost 35% less to produce than comparable vehicles from foreign automakers, according to AlixPartners.Business Local partnershipsChina has been a major market for many of the world’s largest carmakers, which are trying different strategies to retain their domestic sales.Some foreign firms are trying to enter China’s market by partnering with local brands. Dyer cited Volkswagen and Xpeng‘s inked partnership earlier this year to launch an SUV which saw the German automaker buy nearly 5% of Xpeng for $700 million last year. Other brands are trying to cut prices.Earlier this month, German automaker BMW launched a new Mini-Cooper EV in China through its joint venture with Great Wall Motor (GWM).Based on prices in China, the vehicle’s retail price starts at the equivalent of $26,140 — almost 5% cheaper than the fuel-powered Mini Cooper 3-door’s price of about $27,520.In comparison, BYD sells its cheapest EV, the Seagull, at a much lower price of $9,700.BMW announced the first electric Mini Cooper in 2019, which began deliveries in China and Europe the following year.While collaborations are “rational” to attain market share, Dyer said it is difficult to stay in the China market long-term if foreign carmakers don’t switch things up.

Last month, an analyst from the Bank of America said U.S. automakers based in Detroit should exit China “as soon as they possibly can” because they were at the losing end against China EV giants.China’s NEV makers have also slashed development time for new models to 20 months — that’s half the 40 months needed by Chinese legacy auto brands, according to research by AlixPartners. Chinese NEV-dedicated brands also roll out new models far more quickly than non-Chinese brands, the research firm said, noting the cars come with tech and battery specifications that are about two to three years ahead of what the foreign companies have planned.Electric cars are less complex than internal combustion engine-powered vehicles. A major industry challenge has been convincing consumers to buy the battery-powered vehicles, primarily by reducing anxiety about driving range.The Chinese government has mandated nationwide construction of battery charging stations, while startup Nio has rolled out battery swap stations that claim to give drivers a full charge in just a few minutes.Another problem for foreign automakers is competing with local manpower, as Chinese workers are far more willing to pull long hours.China EV employees worked up to 140 hours overtime per month, far more than the 20 hours of excess work at traditional car companies worldwide, Dyer said, noting the Chinese “spirit of being able to overcome hardship.”With that drive, AlixPartners expects Chinese brands to take more than 70% of the NEV market in China by 2030, and grab one-third of the global auto market — or 9 million cars a year.Correction: This story has been updated to reflect that Dyer was referring to “first principles.” A previous version of the story misstated it.“New tariffs on Chinese EVs don’t help foreign automakers stay competitive, especially in the lucrative China market, says business consultancy AlixPartners…”Source Link: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/07/16/foreign-carmakers-in-china-face-increasingly-precarious-situation.html http://109.70.148.72/~merchant29/6network/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1721114109_654_-1x-1.jpg Foreign carmakers in China face 'increasingly precarious' position, consultancy says - Journal Important Web - #GLOBAL BLOGGER - #GLOBAL

[rapidpricer]

Automating Flash Sales and Markdown Events

Written By: Gargi Sarma

In the dynamic world of retail, staying competitive requires flexibility, data-driven decision-making and efficient operations. Flash sales and discounts play a crucial role in increasing sales, managing inventory and attracting customers. However, the traditional manual approach to pricing can be time-consuming, error-prone and expensive. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of flash sales and discount automation, explore the amazing impact of unsold products, and highlight how retailers can use automation to optimize their processes.

Figure 1: Problems in Retail Sector

The Price of Unsold Goods

Food Waste in Retail

Let's begin with an unexpected analogy: food waste. Fashion and retail establishments struggle with enormous amounts of unsold stuff, much as perishable food items might go unsold and end up wasted. These are a few startling statistics:

Food Waste

Every year, between 30% and 40% of the food supply in the US is wasted.

Over 3 million tons of discarded clothing are in landfills, while over 700,000 tons are shipped abroad.

Almost 6 million tons of unsold food, comprising both edible goods and inedible waste, are produced by the grocery retail industry.

Fashion Industry

Approximately 21 million clothing items (6.5% of Dutch retail stocks) are never sold, and only 33% are subsequently sold following markdowns or reductions.

The garment industry's excess of returned and unsold inventory is estimated to be worth about 700 billion euros.

The Label Changes and Labor Costs

When it comes to labor-intensive manual activities like label change for markdowns and promotions, retailers must bear heavy labor expenditures. Let's dissect it:

Label Changes:

When there are sales and markdowns, retail staff members manually alter price labels for hours on end.

These labor-intensive chores take up resources that may be used for more strategic endeavors.

Cost Implications:

Profitability is directly impacted by the cost of store labor for label updates.

Labor costs mount up, particularly when multiplied by a number of locations and frequent price changes.

These demonstrate how desperately retail operations need to become more efficient. One innovative way to tackle these issues head-on is to automate markdown and flash sale events.

Market Insights:

The retail sector is embracing automation, and flash sales and markdown events are prime targets for this innovation. Let's dive into some statistics that highlight the potential:

Flash Sale Growth: A study by WP Pluginsify found a 35% surge in transaction rates during flash sales [Source: WP Pluginsify]. This signifies the power of these events to drive immediate purchases.

Time-Sensitive Appeal: According to Lark Suite, 50% of all purchases within a flash sale occur in the first hour [Source: Lark Suite]. Automation ensures you capitalize on this critical window by triggering sales at the optimal time.

Inventory Clearance: Flash sales are a powerful tool for inventory management. A study by Shopify found that companies that leverage flash sales experience a 63% reduction in excess inventory [Source: Shopify blog post (title: How Flash Sales Can Boost Your Inventory Management Strategy)].

Automation Efficiency: Marketing automation can generate a 451% increase in qualified leads [Source: Marketo]. Applying this to flash sales translates to more targeted promotions reaching the right customers, maximizing the impact.

Dynamic Pricing Impact: A study by McKinsey revealed that companies that adopted dynamic pricing strategies saw an average revenue uplift of 1.1% to 4.2% [Source: McKinsey & Company report (title: Price elasticity and the future of pricing)]. Automation allows retailers to adjust prices for flash sales based on real-time market data, maximizing profit margins.

Figure 2: Impact of Automation on Key Retail Metrics

How Automation Addresses These Issues

Data-Driven Decision Making: Automated systems use real-time data and sophisticated algorithms to decide when and how much to markdown. This strategy increases profitability while reducing uncertainty.

Dynamic Pricing Models: Automation makes it possible for dynamic pricing models, which modify prices in response to variables such as rival pricing, demand trends, and inventory levels. This adaptability guarantees that costs stay reasonable and appealing to consumers.

Streamlined Operations: A smooth process for handling markdowns and promotions can be achieved by integrating automation solutions with current retail management systems. This integration improves operating efficiency and lowers the possibility of human error.

Real-Time Monitoring and Adjustments: Retailers have the ability to track sales success in real-time and quickly alter their pricing strategy in response to changing circumstances. This kind of dexterity is essential in high-stakes situations like flash sales.

Retailers Leading the Way

A number of retailers have effectively instituted automated systems to oversee their markdown and flash sales events.

Walmart: Walmart optimizes its pricing methods, cutting down on food waste and raising overall profitability with the use of cutting-edge AI and machine learning algorithms.

Zara: The fast-fashion behemoth uses technology to oversee sales and markdowns, guaranteeing quick inventory turnover and less excess.

Tesco: Tesco's automated technologies improve stock management and drastically reduce food waste by dynamically adjusting prices based on expiration dates.

Amazon: The massive online retailer has expanded its global merchant base by thousands while utilizing technology to control inventory and expedite sales.

Benefits of Automating Markdown and Flash Sales:

Enhanced Efficiency: Planning and carrying out sales events takes less time and effort when automation is used.

Increased Accuracy: Data-driven judgments made by automated systems lower the possibility of human error.

Increased Profit Margins: Pricing tactics that are optimized maximize sales while reducing markdown losses.

Improved Customer Insights: More sophisticated analytics offer more in-depth understanding of consumer behavior, paving the way for more successful sales tactics.

Future of Retail:

Automation is about establishing a competitive edge, not just about efficiency. Retailers can develop dynamic pricing strategies that maximize revenues, clear inventory, and create engaging customer experiences by utilizing automation and market data. Flash discounts and markdowns turn from being reactive to strategic strategies that propel success and growth in the dynamic retail environment.

Conclusion:

The retail price optimization industry is being revolutionized by automating markdowns and flash sales. Retailers may carry out these events more profitably, precisely, and efficiently by utilizing AI, predictive analytics, and dynamic pricing engines. The implementation of automation technology not only increases operational efficiency but also boosts customer happiness and sales, as demonstrated by companies such as Amazon and Zara.

Retailers should think about implementing automated solutions for their markdown and flash sales events if they want to remain competitive in the fast-paced market. RapidPricer offers a comprehensive solution for automating these critical sales strategies. With its powerful analytics and AI-driven capabilities, RapidPricer empowers retailers to execute flawless flash sales and markdown events, ensuring optimal pricing and inventory management. Embrace the future of retail with RapidPricer and transform your sales events into powerful revenue drivers.

Read more on Enhancing Customer Loyalty with AI-Driven Pricing and Rewards

About RapidPricer

RapidPricer helps automate pricing and promotions for retailers. The company has capabilities in retail pricing, artificial intelligence, and deep learning to compute merchandising actions for real-time execution in a retail environment.

Contact info:

Website: https://www.rapidpricer.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rapidpricer/

Email: info@rapidpricer.nl

[24livenewsblog]

Golden Brokers Review

Golden Brokers will appeal to traders looking for high leverage up to 1:1000 in return for limited regulatory safeguards. It will also appeal to traders familiar with MetaTrader 5.

Golden Brokers is a Malaysian headquartered forex and CFD broker established in 2016. The brand is regulated offshore by the Labuan Financial Services Authority. Retail traders can speculate on 700+ products via the MT5 platform with no commission and a choice of international payment methods.

Forex Trading

Speculate on 60+ major, minor and exotic currency pairs such as EUR/AUD, USD/JPY and EUR/GBP with leverage up to 1:100. Fees are not the most competitive, with average spreads of between 3 and 5 pips for major forex pairs.

Stock Trading

You can speculate on the price of hundreds of shares spanning US, EU and Asian markets. On the negative side, the $20 minimum commission is higher than the best stock brokers.

CFD Trading

Trade 700+ products as CFDs on the powerful MetaTrader 5 platform. Access leverage up to 1:100 on major forex pairs with a 50% stop-out level on the standard account.

Pros

Multiple deposit methods including credit/debit card, wire transfer, Neteller and Dragonpay

Deposits accepted in all major currencies, though will be converted to USD at current market rates

Free demo account available to practise trading risk-free with $100,000 in virtual funds

No commission when you trade forex, indices and commodities

Some educational content and integrated video tutorials

Cons

High trading fees with average spreads of 4 pips for major currency pairs such as the GBP/USD

Weak regulatory oversight from the LFSA raises safety concerns

No proprietary trading platform or mobile application

Reports of customers' funds being withheld

No live chat support

This review will discuss the Malaysian-based forex broker, Golden Brokers Ltd. We explore its features with information on the trading platform, available markets, fees, regulation, pros, cons and more. Find out whether to open a live account with Golden Brokers.

Headlines

Golden Brokers Limited was founded in 2018. It is regulated by the Malaysian financial regulator Labuan FSC and its headquarters is based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is not quite a global broker as many major geographical locations such as France, Germany and Switzerland are restricted, which other brokers for forex and all manner of trading cater to.

Trading Platforms

MetaTrader 5

MT5 is a world-leading platform with many tools and instruments that can be customised to help each user carry out thorough technical analysis and manage their positions. MT5 is a further development of the MetaTrader 4 platform, offering greater functionality, faster processes and a more intuitive layout. This platform is available on your web browser and downloadable on Windows and Mac.

MT5 platform features include:

Copy trading 21 timeframes One-click trading Integrated signals Automated trading Hedging and netting 38 built-in indicators 6 pending order types

Markets Forex – Over 60 major, minor and exotic currency pairs Commodities – 15 commodities, including precious metals and crude oil Stock CFDs – Large multinational companies such as Apple, Google and Volkswagen Indices – 14 global equity indices, such as the Dow Jones & FTSE

Trading Fees Golden Brokers offers quite large spreads, with typical rates around 3-4 pips for major currency pairs like GBP/USD and EUR/GBP. Spreads for indices range from 2 to 50 pips, while commodities sit between 0.07 and 14 pips.

No commissions are charged, though there are overnight swap fees on CFD positions, which sit at a 0.5% charge, with a minimum fee of USD 20. Additionally, there is a dormancy charge of USD 100 for accounts that remain inactive for an entire year.

Mobile Apps Golden Brokers clients can access mobile trading through the MetaTrader 5 application. This can be downloaded for both Apple (iOS) and Android (APK) devices from the relevant stores, boasting much of the functionality of the desktop versions. The app offers all supported order types, account management systems and asset classes, with 24 analysis tools and 30 indicators.

The broker’s website also links to a proprietary application on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. However, there is no mention of the functionality of the application, except for the fact that 24/5 customer support is integrated. From the images provided, the application seems sleek, with at least line, area and candlestick chart support.

Payment Methods Users can make deposits to and withdrawals from their Golden Brokers accounts using bank wire transfers, credit cards, debit cards and online payment services like Neteller. Deposits can be made in any currency, though they will be converted to USD. A minimum deposit limit of USD 100 is imposed.

Leverage Golden Brokers clients can access leverage for forex pairs, though not for any other assets offered by the broker. All currency pairs have a maximum rate of 1:100, though this is flexible.

Account Types To open an account with Golden Brokers you will need to provide personal information like your home address and date of birth, as well as income information like annual income and total net worth. Additionally, you must provide documentation showing proof of identity and residence. It is important to note that the broker will only accept transfers of funds from bank accounts listed on the application forms.

Demo Account Golden Brokers have provided users with the opportunity to practise making trades on their platform and explore the various markets offered with a free demo account. Each account is given USD 100,000 of digital funds to execute forex, commodities, indices and CFD trades in a simulated environment.

Live Accounts There is a standard live account on the Golden Brokers platform that provides access to the MetaTrader 5 platform and the many financial instruments. There is also the option for an Islamic account, with which users are entitled to 20 calendar days per year that are swap-free.

Regulation Golden Brokers is regulated by the Labuan Financial Services Authority in Malaysia with License number MB/19/0030.

This means that the company is authorised to conduct its business and must maintain certain industry standards, such as protection of funds, for example. Client funds are kept safe through account segregation with tier-1 banking institutions, meaning that money can be returned if the broker collapses.

Customer Support 3.3 / 5 The customer service team of Golden Brokers can be contacted via email or telephone, with multilingual support offered, including English, French, German, Chinese and Arabic.

The broker can also be contacted on social media like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and the website blog, which are also used for news and announcements.

Email Address: support@goldenbrokers.my Phone No.: +60-154-877-0961

Additional Features There is an Education tab on the Golden Brokers website that provides many helpful guides and videos that can be taken advantage of to boost your knowledge and understanding of topics like trading platforms, instruments, CFDs and leverage.

Golden Brokers Verdict Golden Brokers caters to both new and veteran traders, offering the advanced but intuitive MetaTrader 5 platform alongside a range of educational guides and tutorials. The firm boasts over 100 forex, equity and CFD instruments, which can be traded with 1:100 leverage and low commission charges. However, Golden Brokers does not have the best level of regulation and spreads are not very competitive.

[condos2homes]

Why Preconstruction is a Top Choice for Condo Buyers in North York

The condo market in North York is pretty mind-blowing these days. You see high-rise towers, luxury amenities, and prices to match. It's enough to make the most optimistic buyer to invest. That's what makes pre construction condos North York such an attractive option for savvy property buyers in this sizzling Toronto suburb. 

Easier and Affordable Buying Experience

The math doesn't lie - you're almost always going to get way more bang for your buck purchasing a pre-construction unit versus resale in North York. By buying during the initial launch and construction phase, you lock in pricing at today's rates. Later on, those values increase once the building is ready.

Take a new launch in the booming Yonge & Sheppard area for example. Pre-construction prices for a 700 sq ft 1-bed might start in the $600s, while similar aged resale units are listing for $700k+. That's potentially six-figure savings just by getting in early! No wonder pre-con North York condos appeal to so many first-time buyers.

You are the First Owner

Buying pre-con means you're the very first person to live in your condo. Literally, everything is freshly built just for you. We're talking new appliances, untouched finishes, the whole nine yards. No sketchy former tenant leftover smells or stains to worry about.

Plus, a bounty of modern amenities come standard in today's pre-construction projects. Developers are really raising the bar for resort-inspired living. 

Of course, the customization factor is another major draw. Most pre-con allows you to select your own finishes like flooring, countertops, and cabinets rather than being stuck with the previous owner's taste. Yeah, those upgrades come at a premium, but having a brand new space truly designed to your specifications is priceless for many buyers.

What's the Deal with North York?

Now let's talk about why people are clamoring for those pre construction condos North York specifically. This former suburb has absolutely boomed into a legit Toronto hotspot brimming with world-class amenities, shopping, dining and more.

Areas like Yonge & Sheppard are about as central as it gets. It gives a thriving downtown vibe fueled by new condo developments, office space, retail and subway accessibility. In a couple of decades, places like this will be the new midtown cores of Toronto.

Other neighborhoods like Willowdale provide that perfect balance of urban energy and residential tranquility. You've got lush parks and hiking trails and easy access to major highways without living smack dab downtown.  

Value Proposition is a Big Plus

For many smart buyers looking for North York condos, the pros of finding an affordable pre-construction unit in a priority. Especially when you bring in a savvy agent experienced with pre-con contract nuances to advocate for you through the process. The combination of pricing, customization, and shiny new everything is just tough to beat.

One thing's for sure - developers can't hurry in pre construction condos North York fast enough to keep up with ravenous demand. If you're dreaming of owning a home near Toronto, pre-con may just be your golden ticket to the real estate jackpot.