HOW TO BREAK INTO THE DIRECTORY PUBLISHING BUSINESS

HOW TO BREAK INTO THE DIRECTORY PUBLISHING BUSINESS

Publish your own Advertiser (Ad Sheet), TV schedule or business
directory. It is no longer absolutely necessary to have a
printing press to be a publisher, although you may decide to get
one once you get started good.

Printing can be contracted with commercial printers in your area,
or even out of town. Another alternative that is growing leaps
and bounds these days is to use a desktop publishing system to
produce "copy ready masters," which printers or copy services
then duplicate inexpensively (off set printing from copy ready
masters is the cheapest, providing your need 2,000 copies or
more).

You can either produce your own or hire a desktop service to
finalize your copy. You can also use the services of one or
several different printers for different types of jobs.

A local AD SHEET is usually given out free at supermarkets, local
stores, mailed out (bulk) and/or delivered door-to-door.

Your income is from paid advertisements in your publication.
Prices charged for advertising is low for classified ads (a
dollar or so each),, with higher rates for contract and display
ads.

Advertising rates are proportionate to the circulation - the
total number you print distribute to people (not the extras you
throw away). Therefore, the more you print and either sell or
give away, the more you can charge for your ads!

A BUSINESS DIRECTORY is a booklet or pamphlet that is sold,,
subsidized (bought and given away) or given away free to local
citizens, visitors or tourists.

The Directory contains a wealth of information of interest to
visitors and is also enticing to the advertisers. It too, is
financed by primarily by the ads it contains.

A small directory publisher works out a plan to list all
restaurants, sights to see, banks, motels and/or groceries (so
the list will be of value to the reader) then sells ads to the
merchants who are listed.

For a small amount, they can have their ad in bold letters; a
little more will get them a slogan or log; or they can purchase
space for a separate advertisement, coupon or what-have-you.

Some publishers will include an article about an advertiser if
the ad is a certain size. The number of copies each merchant gets
to give out or sell also may be governed by his financial
participation, especially if the publication has a printed price.

For example, and advertise gets one (or some multiple) free
copies to sell or give away for each dollar he spends for ads. If
he wants more copies, they are available at a wholesale cost to
him, which he can either sell or give away. Naturally, front and
back page and larger ads command the best prices.

By getting an idea of what THEY think is needed, you will be
forming a concept of what type of publication THEY would
advertise in. Don't be shy about asking them for suggestions.
They know the area as business people and may be able to provide
you with some very worthwhile ideas.

This auction of physically contacting potential advertisers for
advice has more than one objective.. Every one that you
personally contact establishes a relationship between you and a
potential advertiser.

From this point, whether by letter, phone or personal contact,
you are communicating with someone you know. Future contacts are
not only based on this first meeting, they can refer to the gist
of the conservation.. Of course, as a professional business
person, you keep a notebook and write down the gist of that
conservation so you can remember it and the name of the persons
you talked to at each stop.

When you are settled upon the publication, start serious
negotiations with your printer and/or desktop publisher. Plan how
you will distribute the material and sell ads.

Register your company name (and publication name, if different),
and see about any requirements for local licenses. If you plan to
mail out your publication, apply for a bulk rate permit at the
post office.

One relatively inexpensive way to start publishing an advertiser
or directory with limited funds and skills is to begin with a
standard word-processing system and IBM compatible computer, like
a 512K XT with two floppy drives or one and a hard disk. These
systems are not expensive because they are no longer considered
"state of the art" - but they are good to get you started.

In most cities you can buy an adequate setup, including a good
word processing program for $500 or less.

If you can type, learning to operate the word processor it for
normal copy will take at least a half a day. If you have a 24 pin
or better printer, you can probably produce adequate quality
print, and use your scissors to "cut and paste" art work.

Or, you can compose your copy on your system and send the output
on disk to a good desktop publisher who will load your material a
more sophisticated system and produce professional looking, copy
ready masters for about a dollar a page.. If you print several
thousand copies, you can send those masters to a photo offset
printer.

Hint: When you print out is a little too light, invest in a can
of spray protector from your nearest art store. This is what
artists use to spray on their charcoal and pencil drawings to
protect them from smears, but it also brings out the contrast.
These cans of spray sell for about $5 each and are also available
from Dick Blick or Kelsey (see BUSINESS SOURCES).

Starting a TV Schedule would also begin with surveying the need
for such a publication in your area as above.

But you also need to check with several potential schedule
suppliers to make sure you get the best possible deal - for you
(financially) as well as your customers (timely, thorough
coverage).

When you are satisfied that your area can use a TV Schedule, that
the local businesses will support (advertise in) it, and that you
have found a reputable supplier, you are ready to get down to
business.

MAKING MONEY WITH HOME-MADE BOOKLETS

VICTORIA'S REPORTS 121

MAKING MONEY WITH HOME-MADE BOOKLETS

Self-publishing home-made booklets and/or manuals is probably the easiest
way to break into your own small home business. Even if you do not have
training as a writer, you still can research information on an interesting
subject and report its statistics.
Publish Post
Have you been afraid to self-publish because you thought you had to send
drafts to publishers for acceptance? There is nothing further from the
truth. You can self-publish just by typing your book or manual and having a
competent typesetter place it in camera-ready format for you. (One
typesetter we highly recommend is Muchmore Marketing, PO Box 50027, Reno NV
89513.) Or, do it yourself and save a lot of money! This is the 1990's --
the age of computers. We don't have to have a minimum of 10,000 books
printed and hire an agent to sell them for us anymore. In fact -- the
computer has made publishing affordable and easy for everyone!

Once the book or manual is ready for printing, ask your typesetter to print
out 10 or 15 copies on their laser printer. You'll probably have to pay
extra for the copies, but it's cheaper in the long run. If you want 50 or
100 copies, take the master the typesetter sends you and have them printed
at the local copy shop.

A competent mail order printer will print them for you when you need 250 or
more done; but keep in mind that the more you order, the more money you'll
save. But once several copies are made and bound, you can begin marketing
them. Advertise the book or manual in the 100's of mail order publications
(if your book appeals to the mail order folk) or other publications geared
toward the target market you are attempting to sell to. (In other words,
don't sell a book about collecting dolls in Sports Illustrated.) Send
sample copies to publishers who offer reviews and write-ups to take
advantage of free advertising. You could even send a free sample to the
publisher of a well-known tabloid and ask for a plug if they enjoyed the
book.

Or perhaps you may want to try selling the book locally by taking it to
flea markets or placing copies in convenient stores. Most mom-and-pop
operations will allow you to place your book in their store for 40% to 50%
of the cover price. This way, copies that don't sell won't cost you
anything. All you have to do is check up on them once or twice per week and
make sure they are easy to find on the rack to attract the eye of the
potential customer. And if your booklet is filled with recipes or local
folklore -- local businesses will be thrilled to promote and carry your
book on their shelves. Local people love to read books about their
community and keep them as collectors items.

By marketing your own product -- orders will come directly to you or be
controlled by you. If you sell through the mail, you simply mail a copy of
your book or manual with a cover letter thanking the customer for their
order. Believe it or not -- It's that simple! And best of all -- you keep
all the profits which is better than sharing the money with another
publisher who dropships for you.

Yes, there will be some costs involved in advertising, printing and mailing
to promote your self-published book or manual; but do you know the costs
involved in sending drafts out to publishers for acceptance? Believe me, it
runs into the $1,000's! And big companies who will publish your book for
you start out with costs of $10,000.00 or more without the guarantee that
you will even make one sell!

One of the easiest types of books to publish and sell through the mail are
5x8" booklets. To get a sample of one of mail order's most popular 5x8"
publications, send $2 to Graphico Publishing, PO Box 488, Bluff City TN
37618 and request a sample copy of The GrapeVine Journal. Examine how it is
put together and how it is printed.

If you really want to save money and put your own books together, simply
have them printed and shipped to you. Then, you will collate the pages in
the proper sequence, staple them in the middle (called saddle stitching),
fold in half and you're done. The only office tool you need to invest in is
a long-armed stapler. One can be purchased at your local office supply
store or through Quill or Viking (two main mail order office supply
companies.) The current price is around $40. A printer, Kem's Graphics, 549
Friendship Rd, Seneca SC 29678 specializes in low-cost printing of booklets
but if you want to do-it-all-yourself, any good mail order printer will
print them and ship back to you. All you pay for is the 2-sided printing
price.

Plan your next book, manual or other publication and enjoy the benefits of
keeping all the proceeds. It's really a fantastic way to make some extra
money while still keeping your job and your steady income.

$1000/DAY REPAIRING NINTENDO VIDEO SYSTEMS

$1000/DAY REPAIRING NINTENDO VIDEO SYSTEMS

You know how many electronic game units are out there? Millions.
And with the pounding and use they receive, guess how many of
them break down? A high percentage. It only takes a second to
realize that there's a market for repairing these expensive
entertainment tools that are often essential to household
harmony. People want them fixed, and they want them fixed
quickly.

While Nintendos, Segas and other entertainment machines can be
bought just about anywhere, try to get one repaired when you need
it. It's often difficult for the average parent to even discover
who will repair the machines.. Which is where you come in. You
don't have to know a thing about electronics or electronic games.
All you need to know is, who will do a reliable job of repairing
the devices, and where are those service centers located?

You can uncover the Nintendo and other entertainment machine
service centers in your area and broker the repairs; serving as a
convenience for parents and repair centers alike.

Not just Nintendo but related electronics service centers may be
too far away for the customer to want to make the effort to
travel there, particularly if you live in rural areas where the
nearest city of any size is a hundred miles away.

If you can regularly load up your van with electronic equipment
for repair, you can time pickups and deliveries to minimize your
cost of doing business even as you maximize your income.

Advertise yourself as a broker for electronic toy repair. You'll
quickly learn who performs the most reliable work, who has the
best prices, and who has the quickest turn around times. This
kind of knowledge makes you a local expert, and you will be able
to garner free publicity by being a guest on call-in shows, or by
being quoted in newspaper and magazine articles. Even if you give
out repair center names, it is unlikely to cut into your
business; people don't want the hassle of going to the center and
talking about things they don't understand. They'll hire you to
do that.

You may even want to expand your offerings to include personal
computers, televisions (including those hefty jobs
for which you can charge a hauling premium), fax machines, tape
decks, videocassette recorders and compact disc players.

Arranging repairs for electronic entertainment units and other
electronic centers will take the burden off the consumer, and
they'll be willing to pay good money for your services.

How To Make Lamps And Vases From Bottles

How To Make Lamps And Vases From Bottles


HOW TO CUT GLASS WITHOUT A DIAMOND CUTTER:

Method 1: Dip a piece of common string in alcohol or kerosene
and squeeze dry or as dry as it will get without dripping. This
string should then be placed on the already marked glass and
tied tight. Light the string and let it burn off. Immediately,
while the glass is still hot, plunge it into cold water. Be
sure the container of water is large enough to let the glass go
completely under as well as your arm up to the elbow, so as to
deaden the vibration when you strike the glass. Strike the
glass with your other hand outside the line of cutting using a
stick of wood and hitting a sharp stroke. This quick, sharp
stroke will break the glass where it has been weakened by the
burning string into a clean cut as if done by a regular glass
cutter.This method may be used to cut bottles in any shape and
to make vases and to perform many such cuttings on glass.

Method 2: Here is a method that rarely fails to break the glass
clean in the place you want it broke. First, scratch the glass
with the corner of a file or sharp graver. Have a piece of wire
bent to the desired shape you want to cut the glass. Heat the
wire redhot and lay it upon the scratch. Sink the glass into
cold water just deep enough to come on a level with the wire,
not quite covering it. The glass will break clean.

HOW TO CUT GLASS WITH SCISSORS: To do this you must place the
glass under water completely, then with a pair of ordinary
scissors, proceed to cut the glass as you would paper or cloth.
This method is, of course, not as smooth as job as the methods
described above. The edges will not be as smooth, but for
getting a piece of glass down to size and where the edges are
not needed to be smooth, this method will be satisfactory.

HOW TO DRILL GLASS: Get a piece of steel wire and file to shape
of a drill. This must be tempered as follows: Heat the end of
the drill on a flame until it is dull red, then place it in
metallic mercury. This drill, tempered in this manner will bore
through glass as easily as through soft metal. When using in
glass, always use oil of turpentine with a little camphor added
to lubricate the drill. As you drill, be careful not to drill
clear through from one side as you will break the glass this
way. Drill partly, or almost through, then start from the
opposite side and finish the hole. Or, if you cannot do this,
as when you are drilling bottles, etc., fill this bottle with
water or place the glass in water. CAUTION: When you make the
drill, do not make the cutting edges so sharp or too acute. The
drill will cut slowly but you will have better holes with less
breakage.

BONUS: Rainbow colors for bottles, vases, etc: Use floating art
colors obtainable from most paint stores. Take a pail and fill
it with water and drop a few drops of several different art
colors on top of water. Now, take any article you wish colored
and dip down through the colors, slowly back and forth. You now
have a rainbow colored article. You can color bottles, vases,
and many articles this way.

How To Get A Good Night's Sleep

Potions, Teas, Vitamins, Drinks, Massages And Herbal Baths
Helpful In Inducing A Good Night's Sleep


1. A herbal bath can soothe your nerves and relieve insomnia.
Boil 2 ounces of Balm leaves in water for a few minutes, then let
steep for 20 minutes. Strain and add to your bath water. Your
bath water should be warm, but not hot, as the latter could
stimulate rather than soothe.


2. Make a tea out of one or several of the following herbs:
Catnip, Cowslip, German Chamomile, Hops, Passion flower,
Valerian, Balm, Linden and Melissa. Drink several times a day
if possible.


3. Inositol, one of the B vitamins, as well as pantothenic acid,
both help induce sleep. Try one or even both together.
Inositol: 1 to 3 grams an hour before bedtime. Pantothenic
Acid: 1/2 to 2 grams an hour before bedtime.


4. Tryptophan is a natural amino acid which induces sleep.
Combined with calcium it can be even more effective. Try the
following program:

(a) 3 trypthophan tablets half an hour before bedtime.

(b) 1 chelated calcium and magnesium tablet 3 times a day
and 3 tablets half an hour before bedtime.


5. Turkey is an excellent source of tryptophan and milk of calcium;
therefore, a turkey sandwich with a cup of warm milk at bedtime
might cure your sleeplessness. A cheese sandwich would also
help, as cheese (as well as milk) contains both tryptophan and
calcium.


6. Make an effective sleeping potion:

(a) Combine 1 tbsp. tincture of Valerian (from a pharmacy),
1-1/2 tsp. of apple cider vinegar, 3 tbsp. of honey and 2 tbsp.
of gin or vodka in a cup. Stir.

(b) Add 2 tbsp. or more of hot milk and stir again.

Drink this mixture warm or hot half an hour before bedtime. If
you are not asleep within an hour, repeat the dose. Do not
drink more than 2 doses in an evening.


7. Massage the soles of your feet with mustard oil at bedtime.

Egg Writing

Dissolve 1/2 ounce of alum into 1/2 pint of vinegar. Dip a fine
tipped brush into the solution and write your message on the
shell of an egg. Let dry completely; then boil for 15 minutes.

Writing cannot be seen on the shell, but is on the inside of the
egg.


DO NOT EAT THIS EGG . . . .

38 Proven Methods To Reduce Medical & Dental Costs

1. Don't get sick! Practice preventative medicine. Eat
a balanced diet.
2. Keep your weight down. Encourage family members to
do the same.
3. Choose a family doctor before you get sick. To find
one, ask friends. neighbors local medical society or
nearby hospital.
4. If you have minor medical problems, phone your
doctor. Don't visit him.
5. Purchase prescription drugs by generic names rather
than brand names.
6. Buy drug items from discount stores where they are
less expensive.
7. If vitamin/mineral supplements are necessary, order
from mail order firms such as: Nutrition Headquarters, 104
W. Jackson Street, Carbondale, IL 62901.
8. If you smoke, stop. You'll eliminate heart, lung,
circulatory problems.
9. Excessive alcohol is bad for anyone. Cut down or
stop drinking entirely.
10. Ask your doctor for "starter" samples of drugs he may
prescribe for you.
11. Protect against cost of blood transfusions.
Contribute blood periodically.
12. By law, all aspirin is the same. So always buy the
cheapest brand.
13. If your doctor writes a prescription for a brand name
drug, ask the pharmacist to substitute a less expensive
generic drug.
14. Most prescription drugs may be ordered from mail
order pharmacies licensed by the state. Ask your doctor,
pharmacist or hospital for the name and address of such
firms. This is a great saving for non-emergency drugs.
15. Check public health centers in your area. They
usually give immunizations and routine screening tests
free of charge. or for very little cost.
16. Buy a good home medical guide. Learn to recognize
symptoms of diseases.
17. If you have a persistent problem, get it taken care
of as soon as possible.
18. Record all medical expenses for tax deductions.
19. If possible , use "out patient" facilities for minor
operations and medical procedures if it is acceptable to
you and your doctor.
20. Have physical examinations regularly.
21. for minor surgery, ask your doctor if it can be done
in his office.
22. If hospitalization is necessary, have all tests done
before you enter.
23. Discuss your financial condition with your doctor,
especially before surgery or special medical program. He
may be able to suggest savings.
24. Save on hospital costs. Get in and out as quickly as
possible. Before you enter, be aware of what everything
will cost and cut out the "frills".
25. Shop around first. Then join the best health care
plan you can afford.
26. If a doctor claims you require surgery, get a second
opinion. A second M.D. nay know of a non-surgical
treatment that works.
27. Investigate any health insurance organizations in
your area. These are groups of doctors who offer you all
the health care you need in a year for a single
predetermined fee. Check your phone book.
28. Many medical schools that train optometrists and
podiatrists operate low-cost clinics. These clinics are
open to anyone.
29. Senior citizens who join the American Association of
Retired People get drug discounts. Ask your doctor for
the name and address.
30. Home health care is sometimes possible if there is a
knowledgeable person around. discuss it with your doctor
and you may shorten your hospital stay.
31. If you are in bad financial straits, you may be
eligible for Medicaid. Your local Dept. of Social
Services can give you information.
32. Keep your own accurate and up-to-date medical
history.
33. Many large corporations now arrange for their
employees to get free or low cost medical and dental care,
and medicine.
34. When visiting your doctor, bring along a list of
questions you want to ask.
35. Observe and teach all family members good dental
hygiene.
36. Visit your dentist regularly for checkups.
37. Use the best and cheapest dentifrice: salt &
bicarbonate of soda.
38. Many dental colleges operate no-cost or low fee
dental clinics.

36 Butcher's Suggestions For Cutting Meat Bills

36 Butcher's Suggestions For Cutting Meat Bills

1. Buy a good cookbook. Familiarize yourself with
cheaper meat cuts.
2. Have at least one meatless day each week - serve
substitutes.
3. Trade budget-stretching meat recipes with friends,
neighbors, relatives.
4. Avoid expensive canned and frozen "convenience"
meats.
5. Watch ads & stock up on genuine meat bargains. Keep
your freezer full.
6. Buy meats in economy "family-packs" when possible.
Divide and freeze for specific uses.
7. Stretch hamburger meat by adding bread crumbs,
chopped onion, egg and seasonings. Shape into patties and
grill.
8. Buy beef by the "half" or "quarter". Have it
professionally cut and store in your freezer. Sell or
trade excess with your neighbors.
9. To avoid excessive shrinkage and waste, cook
long-cooking meat over low or moderate heat or in 325
degree oven.
10. Use a meat thermometer to determine doneness. This
prevents overcooking, shrinkage and drying out of meat.
11. Well trimmed meat weights less, costs less. Shop
around and find the markets that do the best trimming job.
12. Extend meat loaf and other ground-beef dishes with
mixed vegetables, mashed white or sweet potatoes, rice or
pasta.
13. Reduce amount of meat in such recipes as stews,
casseroles, chili and spaghetti sauce. Increase sauce and
vegetable.
14. For freshest meats, shop early on days when stores
are busy - generally mid to end of week. Avoid mornings
after long weekends.
15. Stir-frying stretches meat and it's fast too. To cut
into thinnest slices, partially freeze the meat. Use
round and flank steaks.
16. Use "chunky" style soups over potatoes or pasta in
place of meat.
17. Substitute small bone chuck steak for sirloin or top
round. Sprinkle with meat tenderizer before broiling or
barbecuing.
18. Rush purchased meat to refrigerator or freezer to
avoid spoilage.
19. To avoid wasting hamburger, freeze as patties instead
of as a chunk.
20. Save tough rinds from ham, bacon or hocks. Tuck into
potato, rice or noodle casseroles & bake for meaty flavor.
Discard before serving.
21. Unless you want the bone for soup, a boneless ham
usually costs less.
22. Save & freeze all meat bones and trimmings. Use in
soups and stews.
23. Buy large cuts of meat (chuck & pork roasts; thick
steaks & ham), when on sale and cut up for a variety of
uses.
24. Marinate, tenderize or braise less tender cuts of
meat before cooking.
25. Try less expensive "organ" meats: liver, heart,
brains, kidney, tripe.
26. Buy luncheon meats unsliced in a chunk. Slice them
yourself & save.
27. Buy bacon ends in economy sizes; divide and freeze.
Cook, then combine with scrambled eggs - much cheaper than
perfectly sliced bacon.
28. Get acquainted with your market's meat cutter. He
can alert you to unadvertised specials and give you good
cooking and saving tips.
29. Slice roasts and ham thin. Two thin slices look like
more on the place than one thick one.
30. You require less ground-meat mixture per serving if
you use it to stuff tomatoes, green peppers, cabbage
leaves and any type of squashes.
31. To avoid "freezer burn", which dries out and toughens
meat, rewrap all market-packaged meats in airtight freezer
wrap.
32. Save cooking liquid from New England boiled dinner,
smoked pork shoulder or brisket. Use for lentil, pea,
potato or barley soup.
33. Save all scraps of meat leftovers. Then grind or
chop them & mix with salad dressing, relish, celery &
onion for sandwich spreads and dips.
34. Make gravy from drippings. Serve on biscuits, toast,
pasta, rice, etc.
35. Dice cooked meat leftovers, mix with barbecue sauce &
serve in buns.
36. Save on "outdated" meats, but freeze or serve as soon
as possible.

34 Legal Methods To Cut High Postage Costs

1. For local messages, telephone instead of sending a
letter.
2. Use postcards as often as possible. Sane on stamps
AND envelopes.
3. Don't buy stamps from vending machines where a
service charge is added.
4. If you operate your own business, remember that
postage is tax deductible.
5. Pay local bills in person instead of mailing them.
6. Save postage stamps off your incoming mail. Then
sell them at flea markets, garage sales, neighborhood yard
and tag sales, etc.
7. Use 3rd class mail when speed isn't important and
pocket big savings.
8. Don't "overstamp" your mail. Purchase an inexpensive
postal scale or have your local Post Office weigh your
mail for you.
9. When sending 1st class mail, remember that while the
first ounce requires a 1st class stamp, additional ounces
cost less. Pick up a postal rate guide from your local
Post Office.
10. Post Office "stamped" envelopes are expensive. Save
by buying packets of envelopes from variety and discount
stores.
11. Don't pay extra for "airmail" between distant points
in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. All such mail is
automatically sent via air at 1st class rates.
12. Always use your zip code on your mail for faster
delivery. If you don't know the zip code, your local Post
Office can look it up for you.
13. If speed and timing is important, deposit your mail
early in the day.
14. If you have special instructions such as "Special
Delivery", mark this plainly on all letters and packages,
in big letters for all to see.
15. Pay bills by personal checks. It is less expensive
then Postal money orders.
16. Avoid ordering merchandise via "C.O.D.". The C.O.D.
charge is generally added to the cost of your order.
17. When insuring a package or letter, insure it for its
value only - and no more. If it is lost, you will be paid
for the actual value only.
18. Use "Special Delivery" during nights and weekends
only. During the week, Special Delivery is handled the
same as regular first class mail and given special
attention at the destination only.
19. Never spend on "Special Delivery" mail sent to a Post
Office box.
20. If your require proof of delivery, use "Certified"
mail instead of more expensive "Registered" mail.
21. When mailing large quantities of identical "printed
matter" mail, investigate "bulk mail" rates. Inquire at
your local Post Office.
22. When shipping parcels, compare rates charged by other
carriers such as United Parcel Service, Greyhound, freight
companies, etc.
23. When mailing books, use the lower 4th class "book
rate".
24. Reweigh "Postage Due" mail in the event an error has
been made.
25. Avoid using odd-shaped "non-standard" size envelopes.
The Post Office charges extra if envelopes do not conform
to certain size specifications.
26. When mailing printed matter overseas, use the lower
"surface rate" and write "Printed Matter" on the envelope,
if airmail isn't necessary.
27. Never mail cash. If it gets lost, you have no proof
that it was sent.
28. Be sure that your return address is on all outgoing
mail. It will be returned to you it it is undeliverable
and sent via first class.
29. Save time! (Time is money!) Buy larger quantities of
stamps at one time and avoid standing in long Post Office
lines often.
30. Use large brown grocery bags for wrapping packages
instead of buying sheets of wrapping paper. Use saved
string and twine for this same purpose.
31. When shipping fragile items, decrease shipping weight
by using popped corn as the packing material, instead of
heavier crumpled newspapers.
32. Let postal workers suggest other methods for saving
on postage costs.
33. Check your Christmas card list carefully and
eliminate unnecessary names.
34. When buying sheets of stamps, save the corner "plate
number blocks". They could increase in value and make
excellent future "investments".

31 Useful Tips To Reduce Big Telephone Bills

With Skype you can make free calls over the Internet. Skype – the whole world can talk for free

1. If the message isn't urgent, send a letter or
postcard instead.
2. Avoid using coin phones. They generally cost more in
the long run.
3. Limit all phone calls to five minutes or less.
4. Instruct all family members - including children - to
make only calls that are necessary.
5. Check your directory for phone numbers. Some
telephone companies now charge when you dial "Directory
Assistance" for information.
6. Use your radio for time and weather information
instead of your phone.
7. Dial calls "direct". Charges increase when an
operator is involved.
8. Phone during discount rate periods - evening, night
and weekend hours.
9. Call when holiday rates are in effect, generally all
day for legal holidays such as Christmas, New Year's Day,
Thanksgiving, etc.
10. Avoid calls that require the services of an operator:
collect calls, credit card calls, calls charged to another
number, time & charge, etc.
11. Avoid "person-to-person" telephone calls.
12. Many firms have toll-free "800" numbers. Most
airlines, railways, bus lines, hotels, motels, rent-a-car
chains, etc. will pay for your call. Look them up in
your directory for the "800" number, or call 800-555-1212
to see if the firm you want has a toll-free number.
13. Many businesses have "Zenith" or "Enterprise"
prefixes. They are toll-free also. Check your directory
for such numbers before dialing.
14. Plan your phone calls in advance, especially when
dialing long distance. Some areas have unassisted
1-minute calls that can save you money.
15. If you phone someone frequently, "schedule" your
calls. In this way, you can dial direct when the person
you want to reach will be there.
16. If you reach a wrong number, call the operator right
away so that you won't be charged for it. If this happens
with a coin phone, the telephone company will mail you a
refund.
17. If you have a bad connection or get cut-off, both
parties should hang up. Whoever placed the call should
tell the operator about the problem. The operator will
then reestablish the call & make an adjustment.
18. Extension phones cost extra. Have them installed
only when necessary.
19. If a coin phone takes your money and doesn't complete
the call, notify the phone company by calling from another
phone. Give them the number of the faulty phone and they
will mail you a refund.
20. If you are going away for over 60 days, you can
temporarily suspend your phone service. This rate is
lower than most regular rates.
21. When relocating, have all phone installations done at
the same time.
22. There are usually no time limits on local calls.
However, "nearby" and long distance rates are based on
1-minute and 3-minute units. Consult your directory or
phone company before calling, to get the lowest rate.
23. If you dial a number often that does not appear in
your current phone directory, jot it down instead of
dialing Directory Assistance each time.
24. Anticipate the number of calls you make each month.
Then talk to your phone company and select the most
economical type of service.
25. Have all family members included under one directory
listing.
26. Don't permit guests or business associates to use
your phone to make personal long distance calls.
27. If you use your residence phone for business
purposes, you may be able to deduct a portion of your
phone bill for business purposes. Check with your nearest
Internal Revenue Service office.
28. Residence phone rates are generally less than
business phone rates.
29. Pay telephone bills promptly. If you become
delinquent, your phone may be disconnected. A charge will
be made later to restore service.
30. Instead of an extension phone, have a longer cord
installed on your phone.
31. If possible, call long distance "collect".