qprev_HBB Manual 2.qxd - Small Business BC

People with experience in small businesscomputer systems advise that two commonmistakes for first-time buyers are that they don’texplore enough options before purchase, and theydon’t spend enough money on their systems tostart with. Don’t make computer systemsdecisions on the basis of price alone.Do enough research, including exploring options,to make sure that the system you buy has thecapacity to help your business now and still beuseful in the future. Research options for leasinga first computer system instead of buying one.ModemA modem is the piece of equipment that letsa computer link with telephone lines to send dataover the phone. Using a modem, yourmicrocomputer can send and receive dataelectronically, over telephone lines. If possible,get the person you buy a modem from to installit. If that isn’t possible, research carefully beforeyou buy, particularly regarding the compatibilityof the modem with equipment you already own.Fax Machine/ScannerFax machines let you send printed documents,graphics and photographs over telephonelines. They have many uses in small business,from sending orders, to price lists, to productdescriptions – quickly and efficiently. For thosebusinesses that don’t have a fax machine, accessis available at commercial print shops, photocopyshops, even at many convenience stores.Some fax machines double as photocopymachines, for small numbers of copies, and someare combined with full telephone systems andwith image scanners.Although the Internet has the capability to sendpictures and files via e-mail, faxes may still bethe only way to send documents that won’t scanwell into the communications software programthat your computer uses.PhotocopierAs with other technology, photocopiers haveimproved in range and quality, and shrunkin size and price. Minimum cost for a basicbusiness-use photocopier is around $600.A copier should be able to copy on standard andlegal size paper, produce clear, clean copies, andperhaps be able to enlarge and reduce images.Expect each additional feature – larger paper,collator, full enlargement and reduction, fasterspeed – to cause a significant jump in price.Determine whether you really need automaticmultiple copy duplication or can get bywith manual feed. Colour print capabilitywill also cost extra but may be necessary foryour business.Materials, Supplies and SourcesSupplies and materials refers to all the things youuse to make your product or provide yourservice. They are one of three main categories ofcosts, the others being labour/time and overhead.The following steps sum up how to treat“supplies and materials” costs:• List all the supplies and materials you willneed to produce the product or providethe service.solutions for small business home-based business 61