Training Needs Analysis (Tna) For The Hospitality Industry

By Maxwell Best

Prior to any training taking place in hotels, resorts, cruise ships or other hospitality establishments, it is essential to identify what the needs are to ensure that it meets with the requirements of the business. Such an analysis is often referred to as a Training Needs Analysis (TNA).

Good hospitality training specialist consultants and their trainers highly recommend a training needs analysis (TNA) prior to any training that they undertake. This is an important first step. Training involves investment in time, money and resources. Such an investment to address the actual needs and to make a significant difference to the success of the company can lead to a more complete utilization of resources and can also affect the degree of success of the training program. As with any investment, returns are expected from training in the form of improved performance that can lead to achievement of business goals.

So how do we go about conducting a Training Needs Analysis (TNA)? Where do we begin? What are the needs? How can we plan? How to make it happen? What difference will it make?

Using a step by step approach, we can answer all these questions. Below is 4-step guide on how to conduct a Training Needs Analysis (TNA):

Step 1: Understand the Current Situation

* Make an internal assessment of the current situation. This involves gathering information on how the company is currently operating and can be gathered from a variety of methods:

* Guest Feedback (Guest Comment Cards / Customer Satisfaction Surveys)

* Mystery Shopper Results

* Complaint Log Books

* Exit Interviews

* Employee Opinion Surveys

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSZMKeIOeyY[/youtube]

* Employee Appraisal Reports

* Operations Reviews

* Incident Reports

* Observations at the Workplace

* Brand Standard Audits

* Skills Tests

* One-on-one discussions

* Focus Groups

Step 2: Determine the Desired Outcome

Next, identify what the desired outcome can be. This involves visualizing what the desired future is and can be established by a review of:

* Company Vision and Mission

* Company Strategies and Objectives

* Business & Marketing Plan translated into Business Goals and Objectives

* Guest / Customer Needs

* Career Development Needs

* Any changes expected such as new services, policies, procedures

Step 3: Analyze the GAP

Once information is gathered on current and future situation, a GAP analysis is undertaken. This is basically the difference between findings in Steps 1 and 2 and may be defined as:

Desired Outcome – Current Performance = Training Need.

It should be noted that not all performance issues can be resolved through training. This is important to distinguish as the wrong solution could lead to the wrong outcome. Training can help if there is a lack of sufficient knowledge, skills or attitude. While knowledge and skills are easier to identify and rectify, attitude can be improved with time through a process of learning, monitoring and consequences. In the final analysis, look for correlations and consistencies. Sieve through the details and do not take the ‘forest for the trees’.

Step 4: Present the PLAN

With budgets at the disposal for training, it is important that needs be prioritized. Training that must meet legal requirements due to external regulations such as health, hygiene and safety, goes right to the top of the list. This is not negotiable and can affect licenses to operate. Next consider what is immediately needed to put things right, for example, gaps in service and product standards delivery, changes in policies and procedures, introduction of new services, etc. Then, list all regular training programs offered as good employers do, such as orientation, soft skills training and other supervisory development programs. Finally, include any employee development activities that provide career development and growth progression in the company.

All training needs can then be documented into a ‘Training Plan’ according to priorities. The training plan should specify for each training need:

* What needs to be achieved (The Objective)

* Why it is important (Impact on the business if not done)

* Who needs training (Identify specific individuals or groups)?

* When it is needed (Timely training can lead to more effective results)

* Where it will take place (Conducted in house or externally)

* How it will be evaluated (Desired changes back at the workplace)

Allocate budgets according to priority and finally present plan in a format that is easy for everyone involved to understand. Communicate and then work the plan.

This is a detailed and comprehensive process. Hence, an ever increasing number of hospitality companies seem to delegate the task of their training needs analysis (TNA) as well as their whole training to hospitality training specialist consultants, hence saving themselves time, money and resources.

References:

mb-hospitality.org/HospitalityTraining.html

About the Author: This article was submitted By Maxwell Best, hospitality specialist author. For more tips on high quality and personalized hospitality training needs analysis (TNA), train the trainer programs, sales & marketing training, GDS training and specialist consultant services, visit:

mb-hospitality.org/HospitalityTraining.html

Source:

isnare.com

Permanent Link:

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.In Domain Name Registration In India

.IN Domain Name Registration in India

by

Shailendra00029

Domain names, across the globe have become of greater importance with the rise of internet as an excellent platform for e-commerce, governance, communication and education. Domain registration in a country suggests the extent of propagation of internet in that country. For India, .IN domain name is country code top level domain. .IN domain names represent India and are a unique mark of India in internet arena. This domain occupies the pinnacle position in world for India. Similar to .COM, .IN domain names can be used as email, blogs, websites, and other applications used online. .IN domain name is adopted recognizing the need that a unique domain name for India would mark the territory of Indian domains in internet space.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMGR9q43dag[/youtube]

The analysis of existing .IN domain names with the economic development and the penetration of internet in country specifies that the spread of .IN domain names in country is less and is an untapped potential. Domain registration of .IN has been made hassle-free to promote this domain. .IN domain registration procedure is quite simple and everyone has access to it. .IN domain names are obtainable for sign-up through many registrars and to get domain name of .IN has become a relatively simple process.

Domain registration of .IN is available for organizations and individuals in India and outside India. The domain registration is done by registrars appointed by .IN registry and would happen through a transparent non-biased process. To get domain name, the registrant has to place a request online and should get the .IN domain name within 24 hours as per the guidelines by Government. .IN has some cheap domain names to offer which are cost-effective. Cheap domain names are offered as wholesale price to registrars for domains per year which includes registration, transfer and auto-renewal. Registrars, in turn can quote any price they decide upon for retail selling. The slab for .IN domain names is, for second level domain like .IN the price is 500 Rs, for third level domain like .co.in, net.in etc is 250 Rs and for RGP restore fee, the price is 1000 Rs.

The unlimited registrations are available in this domain in the areas like .in, co.in, net.in, org.in, firm.in, gen.in for general purpose & ind.in for individuals. These are available to everyone anywhere across the world without any restriction. Some zones are reserved for qualified organization in India like ac.in for academic institutions, res.in for Indian research institutes, edu.in for education institutions like college and university in India, gov.in for government agencies and mil.in for Indian military. These zones are restricted for specific organizations and are not available for general purpose.

Domain registration for .IN domain names has some general registration policies which are crafted to help the registrars like the minimum term for domain registration is one year and maximum is ten years and it has the feature of auto-renewal. The length of domain name has to be between 3 to 63 characters and only digits, letters and hyphens are allowed in domain name.

Shailendra Pratap Singh

Domain Name Registration

Article Source:

.IN Domain Name Registration in India

How To Choose Fiber Optic Media Converters}

Submitted by: Colin Yao

> Signamax Fiber Optic Media Converter Types

Signamax is a major media converter manufacturer and they make a large variety of different fiber optic media converter types.

The product line supports your Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, and Gigabit Ethernet requirements. They even make rack mountable and chassis based media converters for existing network control centers.

In addition, Signamax also provides stand-alone and FTTH (Fiber to the Home) converter products to meet requirements to outlying locations.

> Management and Unmanagement Converters

Signamax’s unmanaged converters feature simplicity with Link Fault Signaling, this provides the feature for managed Ethernet switches to reroute when a path fails, and it is able to force speed and duplex modes where other brand names’ less flexible media converters cannot.

> Converters for Different Working Environment

Signamax also has converters to meet different working conditions.

They make a smaller footprint miniature converter for tight space applications. And they also have industrial fiber media converters for industrial environments where extreme temperature change is present.

> Signamax Ethernet Switches

Signamax’s Ethernet switches support cutting-edge technologies such as Power over Ethernet (PoE) which uses your existing cabling to deliver DC power to VoIP (Voice over IP) phones, so that you can eliminate the need of a PBX.

With PoE, you can also provide DC power to your wireless access points so you can wireless extend your network.

Or you can even provide DC power to IP-based security cameras for security and surveillance.

With PoE capability, you can eliminate the need to extend AC power to awkward locations which significantly reduces cost.

> Signamax Unmanaged Media Converter Types

– 10/100 to 100FX Converters with Link Fault Signaling (LFS)

– 100BaseTX to 100FX Media Converters

– 10/100 to 100FX Single Fiber WDM Media Converters

– 10/100/1000 to 1000SX/LX Gigabit Media Converters

– 100FX Singlemode to Multimode Media Converters

– Gigabit Ethernet Media Converters

> PCI Based Fiber Media Converter Products

In response to an increase in fiber optics cabling deployment, PCI-based media converter products were introduced as an affordable option.

PCI-based media converters are a whole solution for fiber media conversion. It is available in all common fiber connector types both single mode and multimode. This includes SC, ST, VF-45, MTRJ, LC, WDM single mode SC, etc.

This series can be easily mounted to the PCI slot of a PC, workstation, or server without drivers installation and configuration.

This PCI-based converter does not need extra power since the power is supplied by the PCI slot in the computer.

The type of fiber media converter can extend the distance from a PC workstation or server to the fiber optic backbone cabling. This is really a flexible and reliable solution at an affordable cost.

> PCI Base Media Converter Advantages

– One port of fiber connection can extend the connection up to 2000 meters with a multimode fiber, up to 120km with a single mode fiber, and up to 40km with a single mode WDM SC cable.

– One port of RJ45 Copper connection with auto-negotiate and full duplex capability.

– This product is compliant with IEEE 802.3 10Base-T, IEEE 802.3u 100Base-TX, 100Base-FX

– Back pressure and IEEE 802.3x compliant flow control

– Store-and-forward mechanism, non-blocking full wire-speed forwarding rate

> How to Use PCI-Base Media Converter

Ports: The converter provides one TX port and one FX port.

For the FX port, it provides options of multimode fiber using SC, ST, VF45, MTRJ, or LC connector, or single mode fiber using SC or ST connector, or WDM fiber using single SC connector.

For the TX RJ45 port, it uses RJ45 connector and auto negotiate the speed of 10/100 Mbps.

> How to Install the PCI-based Fiber Media Converter

1. Turn off the power to the computer.

2. Remove any metal decorations from your hands and wrists.

3. Remove the cover from your computer.

4. Locate an empty, non-shared bus mastering 32-bit PCI slot and remove the corresponding back-plane. Save the screw.

Do not install the PCI-based media converter in a shared PCI slot.

5. Carefully insert the PCI-based media converter into the chosen slot and press firmly with proper push to ensure it is fully seated in the slot.

6. Secure the PCI-based media converter with the screw you just saved.

7. Replace the PC cover.

> How to Choose 100BaseTX to 100BaseFX Media Converter

The 100BaseTX to 100BaseFX fiber optic media converters reduce cabling cost by providing flexible, non-switched fiber optic solutions for Ethernet LANs and WAN connectivity.

They are also well-suited for packet sniffer applications, since these devices do no CRC filtering.

Products are available for direct connection to 100BaseTX RJ-45 and 100BaseFX fiber optic Fast Ethernet in a choice of connector and fiber optic cable types.

They can also be installed without modification in Signamax’s rack mount chassis system which features redundant power supplies for high reliability in multiple media converter installations.

About the Author: Colin Yao is an expert on fiber optic communication products and technologies. Check out

Signamax Media Converters

,

Garrettcom Magnum Media Converter Switches

, and

fiber optic media converter

products.

Source:

isnare.com

Permanent Link:

isnare.com/?aid=684642&ca=Computers+and+Technology }

Easy Ways To Treat Scars From Breast Enlargement Surgery

Easy Ways To Treat Scars From Breast Enlargement Surgery

by

AustinSmith

After the breast enlargement or implant surgery, several women are concerned about the scars that are left due to the incisions and they look out for methods to prevent scars. If you too are one amongst them, who are looking out for how to get rid of problems due to scars, then here are certain solutions that you may adopt. Scroll below to know about them:

Different Surgical Procedures:

The procedure discussed here relates not to removal of the scars but staying away from them from the beginning it self. These solutions can be taken care of at the time of surgery only.

*Periareolar Incision:

When undergoing the breast surgery for getting the implants, go for periareolar incision. In this, incision is made on the nipples to insert the implants. This type should only be opted by those women who do not have to breast feed the child, as due to the incision, feeding would not be possible.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoAcvpLjA4g[/youtube]

*Transaxillary Incision

: In this type, incision is made below the armpit. The scars in this region are not visible, moreover with time they get diminished as well.

*Inframammary Incision:

Inframammary incision is another type of incision in which there are very few chances of visible scars. In this, incision is made just below the breast, so there are less chances of scars visibility. However, this also depends upon the size of the breast.

Post Operation Techniques:

To eliminate the scar visibility, topical treatments help a lot. You have to consult your breast augmentation surgeon and strictly follow the recommendations & prescription provided by him. By doing this, the visibility of the scars can be reduced.

Closing Incision: The mark of the incision greatly depends upon the procedure as well. The way how surgeon close the wound greatly affects marks of cuts. The surgeons today use innovatively advanced technology that do not allow scars to appear on the body.

Along with these, the issues of scars depend a lot upon the experience & qualification of the surgeon. It is important that you carefully select the surgeon, who is certified with an authorized medical institution to perform breast surgery.

It is said prevention is better than cure, so if steps are taken into consideration from the initial time only, then one can eliminate the issues of scars. You have to be precautious from the beginning only and have to follow the prescriptions & take the precautions to ensure you are on a right path.

Laderma.com in Prague is a trusted name for all breast related treatments including cosmetic surgeries,

Breast Implant

, Breast Enhancement,

Plastic Surgery

also. The clinic attracts clients from all over the world for all types of plastic and

cosmetic surgery abroad

too.

Article Source:

ArticleRich.com

Online Hotel Booking Service In Pune India

Online Hotel Booking Service in Pune India

by

Baxy

Pune in India is a city of culture and traditions and climate is awesome in the city through out the year. This is reason the city receives million of tourist every year and all of them always hunt for a good accommodation of their choice. Online hotel booking here is very easy and some of the best places to book a hotel are here.

TravelGuru.Com

TravelGuru is a leading online hotel booking portal India providing air ticketing services, coach and car rental services and holiday packages. If you are planning a business trip or a holiday in India this website is just a prefect place for you. The company is continuously trying to expand its product list to be a one stop destination of all you travel needs. The company provides best prices and all available options to its visitors and they can choose as per their requirement and budget. The company deals with more then 500 airlines and 90000 hotels across the globe thus offer you a wide variety of products.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlxH9-TYseY[/youtube]

TravelMasti.Com

TravelMasti Holidays Private Limited is a decade old online hotel booking company based at New Delhi in India. The website provides in-depth information on travel products to both international as well domestic tourists. The company primarily offers domestic inbound services but they are continuously making their presence on other parts of the globe. The company has specialized in all kind of tours in India like hill stations, beach and culture holidays. The company has tied up all major airlines and big hotel chains to offer you the best prices with a wide variety of choice.

Pune-Hotels.Co.In

This is another best online hotel booking portal for Pune. This company is owned and operated by European owned company Brancruz Holidays with one Indian partner. The European owner also lives in India to understand its culture, its people and the diversity. The company presents itself as a local connection to its customers. This company can offer tailor made services according to your preferences.

PuneHotels.Org

This website provides the widest choice of hotel in Pune including all five star hotels, budget hotels and chain hotels. The extensive list of hotels with their complete information is maintained on their home page and you just have to select the best one according you your recruitment. The website also has a tourist information section to let you know every thing about the city and make its easier to travel in this beautiful city. Online hotel booking here is very easy with their user friendly booking engine.

There is another website named PuneSite.com, if you want to feel the city as a local this can give you every thing that you need. Weather you think about bars, restaurant, real estate or events in the city this website has every thing for you. You can also take benefit of online hotel booking here but the facility is available on request only.

I am a traveler from India, I like to explore every part of my great country. I am also writing on Agra, cheap hotels, budget hotel, hotel booking and

Online Hotel Booking

.

Article Source:

ArticleRich.com

The Various Types Of Land Surveys

Land surveys aren’t something that many people know and understand. But it still is really important and you need to know as much about it as possible.

Especially if you are considering selling or purchasing a piece of land. The more you know about this type of land, the better you will understand what this is all about. These are everything that you need to know about land surveys and getting it done before you are selling or purchasing a piece of land.

Getting to know more about land surveys

The first thing that you need to know, is what is a land survey. No, this isn’t where you are answering a couple of questions about a piece of land, as what many might think. This isn’t the same survey as what you might think at the moment.

A land survey is the different points of a piece of land. Where the four corners of the land really are. Sometimes land borders of the land that you own might not be measured correctly. Or, there isn’t any border fence so that you can know for sure where your land starts and ends. This is what land survey is. To make sure that you know where the borders of your yard or land are.

Why is it important to know the different types of land surveys?

Something that you need to know, is that there is a different type of land surveys available that you can apply for. This is where the confusion starts.

Many people think that land surveys are all the same and that you don’t need to worry about the different types of surveys. However, this isn’t correct. It is important that you know what the different surveys are and which one you need to get if you are looking for the right land measurements.

The various types of land surveys

There are different types of land surveys that you need to know about before you can apply for a land survey. This is the only way that you can know that you are applying for the right survey and not paying for something that you might not be able to use. These are the different types of land surveys that you can get.

  • Cadastral survey
  • Boundary survey
  • Site planning survey
  • Sub division survey
  • Mortgage inspection
  • GPS survey
  • Judicial survey

When you need to find the right surveyor

The thing is that you can’t measure the land yourself for getting any of the different land surveys. This isn’t legal and you will not be able to calculate it correctly. You will need to make use of a qualified and certified surveyor. If you don’t know where to find these surveyors, it can be quite hard to find one near you.

You should make sure that you are searching for the right type of surveyor for the right type of survey that you need. Not all the different surveyors are qualified to do all the different land surveys that you can find, and that we have mentioned here. Doing research, and making sure that you are using one that is highly recommended and that you can trust, is essential. You can talk to your real estate agent if you don’t know where to find a land surveyor.

Land surveys. There is more than one type of land survey that you can apply for. You can’t save money by doing it yourself. Only qualified people can do the measurements. It is important to know the different land surveys that you can get, and how you can find the right one for your specific needs.

The Greatest Tricks For Forex Trading

The Greatest Tricks For Forex Trading

by

Jessie Barness

Of the several sorts of trades, Forex trading is at present the most favored. It’s usually seen as a great opportunity to make fast money. Nevertheless, it is not a money minting trade option and comes with its own associated risks. The chances of accumulating profits or losses here, are quite much the same as in any trading alternative. Nevertheless, you can lower the risks noticeably by following some effective steps and tactics.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wgd08TfK2U[/youtube]

The golden principle for productive Forex trading is to only trade the money which you may afford to lose. Even in case this seems very apparent, there are only a select few who comply with this principle. Most traders finish up investing more money than they can actually afford out of sheer desperation. No wonder numerous traders control the problem of high blood pressure. When you’re trading with money that is not very essential, you’re in a position to take much better decisions. This boosts your odds of success manifold. Another way to deal successfully through Forex is to have a Stop Loss in place. Many traders avoid stop losses altogether under the mistaken impression that it prevents them from exploring more opportunities in the trading arena. This isn’t true however, and you can end up losing more than you can afford without the correct safety measures. Using a stop loss therefore, is an effective safeguard that helps restrict losses and guarantees wise investments. You must take regular breaks from the market to be sure your success at trading. Many traders trade everyday and more so, in case they’ve recently made a neat profit. This should be refrained from, however, if you don’t wish to suffer from recurrent headaches. Rather, you ought to take some time off and luxuriate in your favorite hobby or any other thing that interests you. This will supply you with a respite during which you could refresh and recharge. Once you come back, you’ll find yourself much better ready to analyze market occasions and take decisions accordingly. Yet another useful Forex Trading tip is to allocate money wisely. Avoid investing your money all in 1 place. It’s always better to invest small amount of money in many trades, instead of putting at stake all the money in one trade. This way you need not fret if one of the numerous trades that you had invested in, failed to fetch profits. The right advice can indeed go at great length in determining your success rate and Forex trading is no exception to this. So, follow the mentioned advice and make Forex trading a profit galore for you.

Here is some more information on

High Blood Pressure

and

Wise Investment

.

Article Source:

ArticleRich.com

Professional Logo Design In Los Angeles Gets Professional Results!

byAlma Abell

It is a very simple equation if you want professional results for your logo design, than you need professional logo design in Los Angeles. There are a lot of “graphic designers” out there, some are pretty good, considering that they have no experience, no formal education and no history of creating memorable designs. Of course, you want to give up and coming designers an opportunity but you should not risk your logo results.

The Experience and Expertise

The fact is professional results require the attention of a professional. Logo design is more involved than simply knowing how to use a software program. An experienced graphic designer will be able to:

  • Create a unique logo that represents your business/brand well
  • Create a visually stunning piece of art to be used as your logo
  • Create a logo that draws the eye and creates interest in your brand

Your logo becomes your calling card, it is the thing that people will remember about your business and associate with your business/brand. The right designer will have experience and expertise not only in the mechanical aspect of creating a logo but in the artistic arena as well.

The Profound Influence

Professional logo design in Los Angeles can have a profound influence on perception of your business, marketing success and product/brand recognition. Professional results depend on using an experienced professional not someone with a laptop and some aspirations to be a graphic designer. Your business brand is far too important to leave up to chance. Before you invest in costly marketing campaigns you should invest in your logo. Investing in professional logo design will help you to get better results across the board in your marketing. Get some professional help from Jenco Creative and get professional results!

Open Source Asset Tracking 3 Benefits

By Andy Doan

It is not only the large companies that face problems of stability and competition but small and medium enterprises also have to go through the same. It is a priority task for the company to keep track of assets especially businesses having humble beginnings. The assets of a company keep undergoing changes with time. The best solution to fulfill such needs of a company is open source asset tracking.

1. Management Control: There are a number of benefits of this tracking system which come in the form of software. This software will help the company to keep a track of their assets which includes both tangible assets like property and infrastructure as well non tangible like human resources. The open source asset tracking allows the company to maintain a certain desired level of performance by managing certain aspects related to particular assets like warranties related to a particular asset, user data, the appreciation and depreciation of assets, asset receipts and management of costs related to them. Any kinds of management problems are taken care of by this software and any compromises as a result of the cost management, financial planning and capital budgeting will be kept at bay. When these factors come under control managing other aspects the business like finished goods and raw materials also becomes easy to manage.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsEO4NVADyY[/youtube]

2. Cash Flow Management: Managing cash flows is another task that small and medium enterprises face difficulty with because of the lack of abundant resources. By using the open source asset tracking, you can better analyze the productivity data that is available with you. The company is thus able to maintain and improve its efficiency as a result as the software uses the data accumulated in the database of the company.

3. Tracking of Hardware and Software: The open source asset tracking will allow you to identify all the unlicensed installations and also enables you to track hardware and software installations from corner to corner of the management system. It is important to understand the markets fully and from all the aspects. The competition in the industry today is so intense that missing even a slightest bit of detail can lead to catastrophic consequences. Therefore it becomes imperative to have the right information about the assets of the company and the capital. This will help them to match up to the competition. The assets of the company need to be articulated to properly understand the needs of the business. A consultant can be hired to get a feasible solution to issues related to asset tracking.

In case of change in the markets, the most devastating effects are on the small and medium businesses. Their profits and revenues and trends are affected more than their bigger counterparts. Larger companies have the power to withstand some of the brunt of sudden change in the markets but smaller sized companies may not be able to make it through. Thus asset tracking will help in better functioning of the company and also be better prepared for the market competition.

About the Author: Andy Doan is a software developer that founded ICONVEX in 2001. Andy’s vision was to create a full-service web design and IT firm that produced premium-quality services at very reasonable prices. Today, ICONVEX is a fast-growing firm located in Southern California which serves customers across the U.S. and the world. For more information visit:

Open Source Asset Tracking

or

Strategic Web Design

Source:

isnare.com

Permanent Link:

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Catalogs With Instant Credit Tricks And Traps

By Kelly Miller

They are everywhere! Buy it today, and dont pay anything for six months! No payments, no interest until 2010. Some businesses will tell you whatever you want to hear in order to get you in their doors and buying their products. Bad credit? Low credit? No problem they say. But how can they say that? How do people with credit problems end up with a new line of credit?

One of the answers for getting you to buy is a common line of catalogs instant credit offers. This is a type of credit that stores, chains or catalogs offer for purchasing their products. What you dont know about a catalog credit account can hurt you financially. It is important to understand all the terms and conditions of any credit agreement you sign. Creditors are not always going to tell you everything you need to know. Some will only tell you what you want to hear in order to buy.

There are pitfalls to a catalog credit account. One of those pitfalls is that because a company uses this type of account with clients who often have low credit scores, they are a higher risk type of credit. Higher risk has higher cost, and the lender will pass the higher cost along to you.

Another item to be aware of is what kind of account you are opening. Does your agreement require equal installment payments with prearranged due dates? Or is your account a revolving credit account that is accruing interest with every month the balance is unpaid?

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGMBZSk5TL8[/youtube]

If you think you are opening an account with predetermined interest and installment payments, be sure that is what you sign before you make your purchase. Otherwise you could end up paying hundreds of dollars more than you planned on as interest accrues while you make monthly payments. Read your terms and conditions!

Dont be fooled if your lender sends you a Visa or Master Card or other brand name credit card when you open a catalog account. You cannot use that card for purchases outside the limits defined at the time of your initial purchase. Even as you pay off the balance and have credit available on that card, the card is only good for merchandise from the original vendor. Just because it says Visa doesnt mean you can use it anywhere Visa is accepted. Sometimes these catalog credit accounts are presented as a standard line of credit. READ the fine print before you sign.

Another trick that may fool you is that you get approved for a much larger credit amount than your purchase. Again, that doesnt mean you can use the account to pay for something else. You can only use it with that particular vendor. By the way, they do that on purpose, hoping you will spend more money than you originally intended.

Another potential catch to the catalog credit account is that some require a membership fee to join. Another is that they require a minimum purchase amount before you can be dropped from their membership rolls. Until you meet that minimum, you are on the hook to keep purchasing from them. That means they keep sending you products you may not want, while they keep hoping you wont return them. If you dont, you owe them the whole purchase price. You will find book vendors and music vendors that employ this type of catalog account.

Something else to remember in your consideration of opening credit is that there are scams out there that can defraud you out of a LOT of money. While you may think you could never get scammed, think again.

Some companies present themselves as catalog credit companies, but they are out to take your money and offer you nothing in return. Here are a few warning signs.

NEVER respond to a credit solicitation you receive by email. These are usually crooks looking for easy prey. They send an application to your email that they have either purchased from someone else or phished. These applications sound too good to be true, especially if you are struggling to get credit and have a low credit score or have never had credit before.

NEVER send money to a potential lender as security to open a catalog credit account. Again, these people will have vanished off the face of the earth before you realize you have been conned. A reputable company will not ask you for money up front in order to issue you credit. If they think they cant trust you, they wont give you credit.

NEVER pay an activation fee for a card you receive in the mail. This one has happened to people I have talked to. You receive a real-looking, plastic credit card, complete with the magnetic stripe on the back and imprinted numbers and your name. It looks legit, and they only want $39 to activate your $7500 line of credit. Dont do it! You will never see your $39 again, and youll never find them either!

Catalog credit lines are different from your typical line of credit. Some people recommend that you pursue a catalog credit account if you are looking to rebuild your credit or if youve never had credit and want to begin to build it.

Be aware that there may be some pitfalls on any offer of credit. Always fully understand what you agree to in any credit offer and read all the documentation.

About the Author: New Clean Credit is a website that provides free information on Credit Repair and other financial advice. You can find out more about how to improve your credit score and credit information here:

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