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This is the first in a series of posts where we seek to share some of the business and marketing insights we have gained over the last 15 years. By doing so, we hope to offer some guidance to you during these challenging and ever-changing economic times.

Customers are the lifeblood of every business. This is why it is so important to understand the types of customers you are dealing with to allocate resources efficiently to generate the highest profit. By having a better understanding of the types of customers, businesses can segment them and create better marketing strategies that lead to growth.
Continue reading “6 Types of Customers”

Prepared by Gary Amstutz (CEO) on 30 April 2020

Background

Interactive Concepts is a manufacturer of stationery products (Rubber Stamps, Name Badges, Business Cards and Stickers/Labels) and sells directly to our clients through our eCommerce websites.

We do NOT service any customers at our premises.

As such, we are legally classified in terms of the new regulations released on 30 April 2020, to expand our trading from only offering our products to essential services companies, to offering our products to all clients within the borders of South Africa.

We currently have all our sales team working from home and will continue to operate like this during level 4.

Our production facility is a small facility of less than 150sqm and is based on the property where two of our staff members reside permanently. They will therefore be working from home as well and will continue the limited manufacturing that we are expecting during level 4.

We have three other members of our production team, who all rely on public transport to get to work. Despite them being able to legally come to work under level 4, we don’t yet feel that it is safe for them, or the current production team, to do so. We will review this regularly and when the situation changes, develop an operational plan for them to come back to work, that is aligned with the new regulations.

In summary, ALL of our team who will be working from Monday 4th May 2020, will be working from home.

Operations

As all our team will be working from home, we do not need to substantially change our operational processes. All deliveries and collections by our couriers will continue to be contactless and we will observe strict social distancing rules.

Notwithstanding the fact that our entire team will be working from home, they will be reminded regularly of the need to practice safe social distancing, to limit their movements outside of their homes, to wash their hands regularly and not to touch their faces.

Prepare yourself to meet the cutest little stamps there ever were – the mobile printy stamp and 3-in-1 pen stamp! We don’t know about you, but we’re suckers for anything miniature. These pocket-size stamps pack a punch in terms of value for money and convenience, allowing you to make your mark no matter where you are.

Mobile Printy Stamp

Our Trodat Printy Stamp is conveniently pocket-size for professionals on the go. With a simple single-hand operation mechanism, this little guy is the most stable and cleanest on-the-go stamp on the market. By folding into a neat package, there’s no risk of getting ink on your clothing or on your briefcase.

3-in-1 Pen Stamp

Our 3-in-1 pen stamp will make you feel like someone out of a spy film. Not only is the pen’s design classic and functional, but the writing quality is also top-notch. It’s as simple as removing the top of the pen to reveal your personalised stamp, enabling you to professionally stamp any document while you’re on-the-move. We have ensured you will get a crisp, clean imprint through optimal pressure distribution across the text plate.

In addition to this, they come with a soft rubber tip, that can be used as a stylus on touchscreen devices. We stock this multi-purpose pen stamp in classic silver, making this the perfect gift for any professional individual.

Our mobile stamping solutions are all Trodat, a brand trusted worldwide for its quality, reliability and functionality. You can have peace of mind knowing your new mobile stamp won’t let you down when you need it most. To place an order, you can do so directly through our website.

One of our most popular products has always been the Commissioner of Oaths stamp set. They come in a standard set of 3, required by all Commissioner of Oaths. We have the correct templates and terminology at hand and simply add your details in for your own set of personalised stamps.

What is included?

• Oath Stamp – to be used in conjunction with the designation stamp when administering an oath.
• Designation Stamp – to be used when administering an oath, as per above, and when certifying a copy of the oath.
• Certification Stamp – to be used when certifying that a copied document is the same as the original. This template meets the new requirements furnished by the CIPC.

Wait, what is a commissioner of oaths?

A commissioner of oaths is an individual who has been assigned the power to administer oaths, verify affidavits and certify supporting documents. They are allowed to perform these duties in a designated area.

Who can become a commissioner of oaths?

Advocates, attorneys, clerks of the court, judge’s secretaries, justice of the peace, magistrates, notary publics, sheriffs, accountants, auditors and pastors. For a full list of designations, take a look here.

How to perform an oath

A Commissioner of Oaths may administer an oath from any person provided the person is willing to make the declaration and allowed to do so under The Justices of the Peace andCommissioner of Oaths Act No. 16 of 1963. The person must initial each page of the oath and sign in full on the last page with the COO present. The COO must then initial each page and also sign in full. The COO is required to ask the person that they have acknowledged that they know and understand the contents of the declaration, that they do so of their own free-will and state the manner, date and place of taking the declaration. You will then stamp the final page as well with the oath and designation stamps.

How to certify documents

The copied document must be compared to the original document to validate authenticity. Once this has been ascertained, the COO can stamp and sign the document.

How to apply to become a Commissioner of Oaths

If you are eligible and would like to become a Commissioner of Oaths, you are required to fill in this form, arrange an appointment with the local magistrate and hand it in personally.

When you’re ready, you can purchase your Commissioner of Oaths stamps directly from our website. Your stamps will be sent for delivery to you within 48 hours from order placement (excluding weekends and public holidays).

You’re probably just trying to keep your head above water and survive the last two-and-a-bit months of the year, but it’s worth starting to plan ahead for 2019. Come December and January when it’s time to buy the kids new uniforms and sports kit, you’ll thank us that you had your clothing marker stamps ready for action!

Our clothing marker stamps are made using a special laundry ink that is good for up to 100 washes. We currently offer black or blue ink and we’re testing a pink ink which we’re sure your little girls will love!

RubberStampSA offers discounts when 2 or more stamps are purchased at once, so this is one time when the more kids you’ve got, the less you’ll pay.

Benefits of clothing marker stamps:

• Clothes are marked almost permanently, durable for 100 washes up to 90 degrees celsius.
• Chances of uniforms, expensive sports kit, towels or linens going missing or being stolen are significantly reduced.
• Can be used again

Who are clothing markers useful for:

School and university students

Many primary schools insist on uniforms and sports kit being clearly labeled with pupils names, deterring theft and increasing the likelihood of lost items being returned to the child. University students may find it useful to use clothing marker stamps on their clothing, linen and towels if they are staying in a digs or res to prevent their belongings going missing when doing laundry.

Sports teams

Adults aren’t immune to losing their belongings! If you’re forking out cash for an expensive team uniform, it might be worth labelling your kit with a clothing marker stamp. This is especially useful if you’re playing away and need to use the hotel laundry.

Hotels

Even wealthy people sometimes have sticky fingers, which can mean trouble for hotels with greedy guests! Theft of items such as complimentary bath towels, robes and beach towels as well as linen such as bedding and napkins, can be deterred by marking all items with “Property of Hotel X” or something similar. Our clothing marker stamps can be used on all porous fabrics.

Ready to get 2019 off to a good start? Pick the clothing marker stamps right for you here. If you run into any trouble, feel free to contact us at office@rubberstampsa.co.za.