A growing number of people is migrating to the online work environment. This is mainly the case due to the fact that online freelance work is the most liberal labor market in the world. You can negotiate directly with clients from around the globe and set your work conditions without the middleman.
What can be inconvenient in this form of work are payment procedures. When you’re getting paid online, you might have to pay high fees to the payment mediators. In this guide, we’ll explain how to reduce fees for online payments.
Pay less using PayPal
PayPal is one of the most popular online payment services, due to its reliability and expediency. However, it also charges some fees for online payments. For entrepreneurs and online workers it’s $0.30 plus 2.9% of the paid amount of money. For larger transactions, it can be a substantial sum. Here’s what you can do to minimize these fees.
Getting paid as a friend or a family member
If you use PayPal to create invoices for your work, you’ll automatically be charged the aforementioned fee for business users.
However, if you use another option, such as an online invoice maker, or an accounting software, you can write in that invoice that you are client’s relative or friend. By doing so, you’ll dodge the payment fee and keep a few cents more on your account.
The main drawback of this payment is the step in which the client needs to sign in their PayPal account and authorized this friend/relative payment there. Also, the payment they make that way won’t be protected, which can be off-putting for some clients.
That’s why you should suggest this payment hack only to reliable and long-term clients.
A direct transfer to a bank account
Another clever way to access your PayPal payment without fees is to make a direct transfer to your bank account. It will take one or two work days for this transaction, which is an acceptable amount of time.
Nevertheless, you need to check with your bank the currency exchange rates. Some online freelancers get paid in dollars or euros, but they can only withdraw their payment in their domestic currency. Since there are usually some fees here, make sure to double check these conditions.
Online payments via credit cards
More and more online entrepreneurs are turning to plastic payments. Credit cards are omnipresent and they’re accepted as payment methods in every corner of the world.
Also, their providers are constantly making an additional effort to improve their security features. For instance, Mastercard has recently started using the fingerprint technology for their cards.
What you need to do if you want to get paid via credit cards is to create an account on Wave, PayPal, or any other online payment platform. When your client makes a credit card payment, it’s processed to your account. After that, you withdraw your money via the option you’re previously chosen (read the PayPal paragraph above).
In case the number of payments you receive via credit cards rapidly increases, think about getting your own processing terminal for this sort of payments. E-commerce entrepreneurs often have the need to start using these payment options, to reduce their fees and speed up the payment procedure. Read more about the solutions in the article published by PC Mag.
Electronic funds payment
If you want to receive your payment as fast and least expensive as possible, you should use the electronic funds’ transfer. With this payment method, the money is transferred directly from your client’s bank account to your bank account.
The greatest benefit for both parties is the fact that there are no fees. Also, there’s no hassle with paper documents, stamps, or any other nuisance that could waste your time. Apart from that, you can do the entire procedure from the comfort of your home.
A fly in the ointment here is the fact that it might take a few days if the sender and the receiver of this payment have accounts in different banks. In that case, there also might be some payment fees, but they may vary from bank to bank. Because of that, ask your bank officials about these potential fees.
Conclusion
Working in this day and age has many benefits, especially in the online community. Still, getting paid electronically includes some inconveniences, like fees and payment delays, which can make it difficult for you to get properly paid for your work.
That’s why it’s imperative to check the terms and conditions of the services you’re planning to use for payments. There are always some ways to reduce the fees, like the ones presented in this article, and make the most of your online work.
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AuthorBio: Mark is a biz-dev hero at Invoicebus – a simple invoicing service that gets your invoices paid faster. He passionately blogs on topics that help small biz owners succeed in their business. He is also a lifelong learner who practices mindfulness and enjoys long walks in nature more than anything else.
Landscaping is usually one of the last things you think of when considering your business, but it’s still an important part; after all, the outside of your business is the first thing your customers see and contributes to their first impression of your business.
Beyond that, creating a pleasant outdoor space like a courtyard to discuss business with your clients or allow your employees to enjoy the weather on a nice day while on their breaks can be a nice touch to impress new clients and improve employee morale. In this article, we’ll provide you with some information to help you decide if you should put an outdoor area outside your office and also provide you with some tips to get you started.
Benefits of Adding an Outdoor Area
Adding an outdoor area to your office can provide many benefits for your employees, customers, and your business as a whole. First off, it’ll make your office building look official and established to have a well-designed outdoor area like a courtyard.
It can also help to create a calming atmosphere for your employees and customers, especially with a pond or fountain. Outdoor areas also provide a safe and convenient place for your employees to go to take a break from work, eat their lunch, or meet with customers or clients. An outdoor area can be a great investment towards impressing and pleasing your customers or clients and improving employee morale.
Downsides to Adding an Outdoor Area
There are a few downsides to having an outdoor area at your office which you may find insurmountable. The first downside to an outdoor area is the price. It can be expensive to put make all the changes and purchase everything you need for an outdoor area like a courtyard.
The expense also varies based on how elaborate of an outdoor area you’re wanting putting in. If you’re the project is going to involve landscaping, laying down cement for a patio or carport, or a pond it’s probably going to be pretty pricey. However, you can minimize your outdoor area and save some money, if that’s a large concern. There’s also a fair bit of upkeep involved with an outdoor area, especially when there are flowers and foliage involved that need to be cared for regularly. If there are large expansions of grass, the mowing of said grass will also be a responsibility you’ll have to consider.
What Should You Consider Before Putting in an Outdoor Area
There are a few necessary things for you to consider before you put in your outdoor area. First, you need to see what you have room to put into space outside of your office and if it’s financially and physically possible to make the image you have in mind happen.
If a pond is something you’ve considered, you will also need to consider pond pumps and other necessary tools for you to keep a healthy pond. You’ll also have to consider if you need a landscaper or landscaping crew to implement your image because that could be expensive. You should consider several different options around your area for landscapers so you can ensure you’re getting the best services and the best price.
Putting in your first pond can be expensive and stressful and the research can seem overwhelming. This is especially true when it comes to the accessories and necessary features you have to purchase to have the pond run optimally. You don’t want to just wing it when buying these items and you shouldn’t.
In this article, we’ll focus on the most important part: the pump. There are a few things you should know before jumping into this purchase. You should do your research, know your pond, and take the time to find the right price for you. Through this article, we’ll walk you through the process of picking out the perfect pump for your first pond.
Do Your Research
You may think to pick a pond pump is as easy as just grabbing one off the shelf, but it’s a little more complicated than that. To ensure your pump will work optimally in your pond, you’ll need to first know the size of your pond, the wildlife or vegetation residing within, and if you have or plan on having a fountain or anything of the sort.
These things will help you narrow down the long list of pumps out there to help you find the perfect one for you.
How the Size of Your Pond Effects the Pump You Choose
Ideally, the perfect pump for you will circulate the water around the entirety of the pond once every two hours. You want to be sure the pump you get has the strength and power to do that, which is where the size of your pond comes in.
If you have 600-gallon pond, for instance, you’re going to want to make sure you get a pump with a 300 gallon per hour (gph) capacity.
Why What’s in Your Pond Matter
The features in your pond, like the vegetation, fish, or fountains, can affect the type of pump you ultimately choose. Certain types of pumps don’t function optimally with certain features like fountains and others can even be harmful to your pond’s wildlife and vegetation.
Where to Find the Best Pond Pump at a Reasonable Price
There are a variety of sources for pond pumps around. Before you settle on one place, you should shop around and make sure you’re getting the best price. Ponds tend to be large investments so you want to be sure to save where you can.
Typically, the best option would be to order online, as they tend to have a wider selection and a lower price. We highly recommend http://www.swelluk.com/pond/pond-pumps-62/ as your source for affordable pond products.
Buying your first pond can seem overwhelming and difficult but it doesn’t have to be. With a little research and consideration, you can be fully prepared to put in your dream pond without breaking your budget.
Make sure that, when you do go to purchase the items for your pond, you shop around and find the best price available from a reliable source. Hopefully, this article has helped guide along your journey to getting your first pond.
Maybank introduce Secure2u, a new safer and convenient way to authorise online transactions. Secure2u consists of :
Secure Verification : Feature that allows user to approve or reject Maybank2u selected transactions directly from their smartphone.
Secure TAC : It require user to key in a 6-digit TAC number generated on the mobile app o authorise Maybank2u transactions. Also a new alternative to SMS TAC for selected transactions.
This new features only available on the new Maybank App. Which can be downloaded from Google Play Store and Apple Store.
What is the Difference between Secure Verification, Secure TAC and SMS TAC
Secure Verification : A notification alert will be sent to user registered device for selected transactions. User must approve or reject the notification within 30 seconds
Secure TAC : Consists of 6 Digit TAC Number, generated by Maybank App. User need to use the PIN to authorise your transaction via Maybank2u website.
5. You will receive On Time Password (OTP) sms, key in the OTP. Make sure your handphone number is correct.
6. Then you will need to key in your MyKad number.
You must have internet connection to use Secure Verification. To choose Secure Verification as the mode of authorisation, you will be prompted with a push notification message alert on your registered smartphone. You need to “Approve” or “Reject” the transaction within 30 seconds.
If you choose Secure TAC as your mode of authorisation, you can obtain the 6-digit number by tapping on ‘Secure2u’ button on the aybank App. Please enter the 6 digit number generated to approve your transactions.
Nowadays with new online technology and security there are still some of my friend that go to Bank ATM to make payment and money transfer. They still feel insecure about online banking or have a lot of free time.
As for me, Maybank2u is my trusted online banking since living outside Malaysia. Every month I will make money transfer and payment from my Maybank saving account. Although before this I had a problem to receive TAC code.
This is because Maybank do not recognise overseas phone number to send TAC code. So I have to bought a prepaid U Mobile and register with Maybank2u.
Luckily, I can receive TAC Maybank2u code thru sms even using U Mobile prepaid sim card. UMobile using Vodafone Network in Turkey. So every month I need to top up my UMobile prepaid with Maybank2u. I will use the U Mobile credit accumulated when I’m back in Malaysia. Yes, you can use Malaysian telco to receive TAC code as long as your mobile use local network provider when travel to oversea.
New Maybank2U Mobile Apps
However for Maybank2u mobile app, I had a bad experience using it. Lack of useful features and some time hang during login process. I prefer using the Maybank2u online desktop version. Until I read on Maybank2u website that new mobile up is coming.
On March 7, 2016, Maybank has updated and enhance their Maybank2u Mobile Android Apps. First created in 2011 with 2 million downloads and numbers are increasing each day. I download and install on my Asus phone.
The all-new mobile Maybank2u apps have added 7 new features :
Mobile Transfer
Cardless Withdrawal – With this new app, you can send money to anyone and recipient can withdraw without an ATM card.
Credit to Account – Transfer fund to anyone just using their mobile number. Yup, you can do pretty anything with mobile number nowadays.
eSign-up – Make a Fixed Deposit placement.
One-Off Bill Payment – Make an open bill payment for selected utility payees.
Promotion – Get the get latest promotions on dining, shopping, travel and more.
ARound Me – Scan your surrounding and find nearby Maybank branches, ATMs and promotions within 2km from where you are. This is useful when you travel and outstation.
Share It – Like something on the Maybank2u app? We’ve made it easy for you to share it on Facebook and Twitter. Sharing is caring rite!
Apply Online – Experience the simple steps to open our existing current account product i.e. Maybank2u.Premier.
Easy Mobile Transfer With Mobile Number
This feature come in handy when you are outside and need to transfer money urgently.
Recipient will be able to receive the funds via:
Cardless Withdrawal – withdraw cash at any Maybank ATM or;
Credit to Account – deposit the funds directly to account using the mobile app.
Steps to Send Money to a Mobile Number:
Step 1: Go to Funds Transfer and select Mobile Transfer.
Step 2: Key in the amount and select option for Recipient to receive funds i.e. Cardless or Credit to Account.
Step 3: Provide the SMS Code to Recipient for collection.
Steps to Receive Money via Cardless Withdrawal:
Step 1: Get the SMS Code from Sender.
Step 2: Go to any Maybank ATM and enter the SMS Code and Transaction ID for verification.
Step 3: Collect your cash!
Steps to Receive Money via Credit To Account:
Step 1: Get the SMS Code from Sender.
Step 2: Launch the M2U Mobile App. Select Mobile Transfer without logging in to M2U.
Step 3: Enter the SMS Code and Transaction ID for verification.
Step 4: Choose your desired bank and key in your account number.
Step 5: Your money will be deposited at real-time!
So far the Maybank2u mobile apps, have not let me down. No crash and error or even hang.
For security make sure you don’t store your user id and password on your smartphone in case of stolen.
Maybe on next entry I need to use mobile transfer to show how it really works.
During my online transaction with CIMBClick, I usually ignore CIMB advertisement. Not until I saw Elizabeth Tan with a travel bag and a guitar. She is a new singer in Malaysia and popular for her song “Knock, Knock”. At first, I thought that the ad is about Travel Insurance because there is no dollar or euro symbol on the ad. Even though I did read Travel Currency on the ad but my brain cannot decipher the message and can only see Elizabeth Tan singing with her blue stewardess uniform. 🙂
My point is please put a clear message on your advertisement, men cannot understand this kind of ad clearly. Please, if you want to promote Currency Exchange Service, please put Dollar and Euro Symbol or Elizabeth Tan holding a lot of Foreign money bill. Don’t just simply put Elizabeth Tan with guitar and a bag. We , men can easily get confuse. 🙂
How To Buy Currency Online with CIMB Travel Currency
Elizabeth Tan CIMB Currency Travel
OK now I can clearly understand by looking at the picture above. Let say if I want to buy One Thousand American Dollar USD 1000 from CIMB Travel Currency can I get Elizabeth Tan number hehe.
Select my American Dollar from the foreign money list.
Check the Exchange Rate.
From my survey on 20 October 2015, the rate is quite good
USD 1 is equal to RM 4.28 even though real time QE Currency stated RM 4.24
Next screen, my order will be listed. I can also add more foreign currency. Let say I want to buy Euro currency, I just can click Add another currency plus sign.
For Collection details, I need to enter my personal details and bank location to pick up my Dollar and Euro money. You can select location from CIMB Branch at all major airports including KLIA and KLIA2.
Unfortunately for amount more than RM 5000, CIMB staff will call you first within 2 days to confirm your order and after that you can proceed to make the payment. This to make sure that you a not a scammer.
Lastly, you final order page will look like this.
**If you order is below RM 5,000, you can proceed to pay the amount via CIMBClicks or from other bank.
A few reminder :
Please make sure, the person that is going to collect the money at the selected bank must be you and all details are exactly match with the form you filled.
If you want other people to pick it up, it is not possible. You can call CIMB to rearrange pick up time.
You have 60 days to pick up the money you ordered, so please plan wisely.
is my trusted online banking since living outside Malaysia. Every month I will make money transfer and payment from my Maybank saving account. Although before this I had a problem to receive TAC code.
