Make Extra Income from Your Home Away from Home

March 22, 2006

Do you own a ski condo with incredible views, a sunny house at the beach, or a faraway apartment that sits vacant most of the time Rent your getaway to travelers and let them enjoy it too, while you enjoy extra income.

A new Web site called Global Vacation Rental Listings solves some of the biggest problems homeowners and property managers can experience when they decide to rent to travelers how to manage property availability and take reservations and payments from guests. And, perhaps most importantly, how to find people to rent your property.

The site provides tools you can use to take reservations and payments from any Web site. The GVRL Total Reservations System/a> includes a property availability calendar that shows when your rental is available and when it’s booked and a system that lets owners and managers accept checks and credit card payments. Travelers visit the site to find lodging, make and pay for reservations and to create free online photo albums and travel blogs, or journals.

GVRL.com also includes tools to manage reservations and communications with travelers, including an "auto-confirm" feature that lets you confirm a reservation with the click of a mouse. Homeowners and property managers can use the GVRL Communications Center to answer questions from prospective customers without revealing private contact information. You can even supplement your listing by posting more information in your blog and in the free online photo albums.

"Just sign up at GVRL.com and in 25 minutes you can be online and ready to take reservations," says company president David Lampe. "The GVRL Total Reservations System/a> is the easiest, most cost-effective way for vacation rental owners and managers to manage availability, take reservations and payments online, and communicate with prospective renters. It&39;s better than most of the more expensive software that’s out there."

Lampe says, "To prove the GVRL Total Reservations System/a> is a great way to attract renters and manage reservations and payments, we’re offering homeowners and property managers the chance to try GVRL.com free for six months," adds Lampe. "After that, if they don’t like it, it’s easy to cancel. But I bet most people will renew, which is easy and inexpensive."

Tom Grant, a producer at GVRL.com says, "We have unique features you won&39;t find on other sites, including free travel blogs and vacation photo albums, where our members can share travel stories and images. They can rate and review places where they stay, which helps other travelers evaluate their own lodging opportunities and brings travelers back to the site more often.

Grant adds, "Our online software costs much, much less than similar reservations management systems. It also comes with an audience of avid travelers who want to rent from you. We’re also offering free six month listings for advertisers. There’s nothing to lose by trying it."

As they roll out the Web site, Lampe and Grant plan to promote it aggressively to develop an audience fast. In the coming weeks, they&39;ll add more features, including the ability for owners and managers to offer last minute discounts.

Post your own travel blog or photo album at GVRL.com or sign up and advertise that vacant condo, cabin or house free on GVRL.com. Start making money from your home away from home, rather than just spending money on it.

Swing Ltd. to Launch Stylish Travel and Business Accessories at the August 2006 New York International Gift Fair

Concord, MA July 31, 2006

Widely recognized for its innovative photo accessories and stationery products, Swing Ltd. is set to unveil its new Ventura collection of travel and business accessories, along with an expanded selection of photo frames and stationery items. Swing’s excitingly fresh designs will be introduced at the New York International Gift Fair, held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City from Sunday, August 13, through Thursday, August 17.

The Ventura collection offers chic but affordable business and travel items made from vibrant shades of faux leather accented with simple embroidered stitching. The business card case with invisible magnetic closure holds fifteen cards. Zippered carrying cases, designed to transport pens, pencils, cosmetics, or any other necessities, are available in small and large sizes. The pocket-size Ventura notepad offers white, lined paper while the memo pad holds self-stick notes; both styles include a small pen. The travel wallet accommodates a passport, airplane tickets, credit cards, and other important travel documents. A luggage tag, deck of playing cards, and travel and magnetic photo frames round out the new Ventura collection.

Painted glass accents are paired with walnut-stained solid wood to create the sophisticated new Margin photo frame collection. Available in aqua, canyon, fern, and natural, Margin frames are sure to complement any home d&233;cor. Each frame holds one 4x6 photo.

Letter boxes, each containing a pen and twenty note cards plus envelopes, are the latest addition to Swing’s Camilla and Wander collections. Constructed from luxurious bonded leathers, Camilla is accented with distinctive bookcloth and Wander is detailed with tatami, a Japanese material made from handwoven grasses. Photo albums, storage boxes, and journals complete the Camilla and Wander collections.

Sacchi has once again expanded its line of mailable greeting card frames. The Classic mailable frames combine high-quality mats with faux-leather borders and are available in gorgeous shades of aqua, black, fern, and sport red. Because Classic frames are text-free, they are suitable for any occasion.

Swing Ltd., a wholesale company, designs and produces innovative home products ranging from office and travel accessories to tabletop and dining items. Through its two brands, Swing and Sacchi, Swing Ltd. has been creating stylish home products for fifteen years. Swing Ltd. products are sold at fine retailers nationwide. To contact Swing Ltd., visit http://www.swingdesign.com or call 978-371-2211.

Australian Online Marketing Company Launches by Giving Away Free Carbon Credits

Gold Coast, Australia April 9, 2008

Soul Arch Media&Marketing is a small boutique marketing service with big ambitions. Apart from supplying web video production and copywriting services to lifestyle brands, web designers, travel and real estate companies, small to medium enterprises, and even other marketing and advertising firms, Soul Arch Media&Marketing is initiating a groundbreaking scheme where clients are offered free carbon credits to offset their carbon emissions instead of regular discounts.

How does this work Every time a customer orders more than one service or refers the company to a friend, Soul Arch Media&Marketing will offer them a 10 percent discount. The point of difference from regular run-of-the-mill discount schemes is instead of simply taking the cash - which might be an insignificant amount for many companies - clients can instead opt to have the same monetary amount transferred into a carbon credit certificate made out in their individual business&39;s name.

"As a company that strives to be energy efficient ourselves, we understand that small steps like these can help other environmentally-conscious companies reach their carbon offset goals. Plus it&39;s a real win-win for clients; they get a gift that keeps on giving as well as a job well done," said Carolyn Ridings Emge, Soul Arch Media&39;s Marketing Manager.

"We hope our carbon credit certificate offer draws like-minded clients to consider our services, which are also geared to their various eco-friendly marketing needs. But if clients prefer the discount in a different form, we can also suggest donations to the myriad of charities we admire instead. Whichever option they choose, we hope this simple scheme will spur an influx of donations that may never have otherwise happened," continued Emge.

About Soul Arch Media&Marketing:
Soul Arch Media&Marketing is based on the Gold Coast, Australia, and specializes in creating effective online campaigns for any budget with a strong focus on emerging technologies like web video production, online video tours, podcasts, vodcasts corporate video business cards and social media newsletters, whilst also incorporate tried-and-true marketing and P.R. tools like news and press releases, direct marketing e-newsletters, and customer loyalty schemes. All of these services give clients big results without breaking the bank, and are more socially responsible than mass flyer mail-outs or junk mail pamphlets destined for the trash pile. Apart from offering clients &39;greener&39; marketing solutions, they also endeavour to minimize their own ecological impact. Soul Arch Media&Marketing uses green energy, recycles paper and waste, and keeps its own advertising material to a bare minimum.

Visit them online at http://www.soularchmedia.com.

The Son of Dr. Maulana Karenga, Who is the Creator of Kwanzaa, Turns Inventor When He Creates the Worlds First Organizer Frontpack - This Changes Everything

Union City, CA December 13, 2006

A revolutionary recreation, business and travel accessory invented by the son of Dr. Maulana Karenga, who is the creator of the African American holiday of Kwanzaa, is vying to create a whole new industry as it now enters the market. Strapak, pronounced "strap pack" is an innovative upper torso frontpack that finally makes it possible for you to easily and conveniently organize, protect and keep all of your important items like a cell phone, cash, credit cards, drivers license, keys and more with you at all times and is the first and only one of its kind. Says one product developer "It&39;s sure to be a huge success. It&39;s so original." (He was given a demonstration of the new invention when Karenga attended one of his seminars on bringing a product to market.)

Strapak is made from durable 1000-D Cordura&174; fabric with water resistant backing and has pockets positioned for carrying items upfront in full view of wearer, for easy access, comfort and security. Strapak is available in the colors black, navy, burgundy and khaki all embroidered with the trademark name surrounded by a gold cartouche which is a symbol that was traditionally used only by the African kings of ancient Egypt known as the Pharaohs. Karenga chose the cartouche because first it ties Strapak to Africa&39;s great legacy of excellence and achievement and second because the cartouche is among other things a symbol of strength and leadership which conveys a message to one who wears it that "Success begins with realizing the leader in you". Strapak can be ordered online at http://www.strapak.com . Strapak, get in the forefront!

Tarik Karenga, son of Dr. Maulana Karenga who is the creator of the African American holiday of Kwanzaa is a professional speaker, inventor and the founder of two companies. He is also the author of "Libation for our Ancestors: A family and communal activity at Kwanzaa" and "The Pharaohs&39; 5 Laws of Success" coming in 2007.

For more information: http://www.strapak.com

Contact Information:
Tarik Karenga
President
Strapak Inc.
P.O. Box 489
Union City, CA 94587
http://www.strapak.com

ConsumerTrack Launches GoLookOnline.com to Give Consumers One Place to Find What They Need on the Internet

Los Angeles, CA September 18, 2007

ConsumerTrack.com, a fast growing Internet Marketing Group based in Los Angeles, launched a new website called GoLookOnline.com. http://www.GoLookOnLine.com will rapidly become a one-stop resource for consumers needing help and information with many of their financial needs and questions. The first service launched on GoLookOnline.com will be a credit improvement offer to help people do everything possible to improve their Credit Scores.

http://www.ConsumerTrack.com has partnered with several companies who help consumers improve their credit scores and remove any and all incorrect listings and mistakes as well as discuss ways to improve credit going forward.

With the current problems in the credit markets, U.S. consumers need to maximize their credit scores and finances to get the best loans for their home, their car, their credit cards and any other major purchases or leasing. Banks, landlords and even potential employers view consumers credit reports and scores, and GoLookOnline.com will become a trusted source for consumers to take the first step to put themselves in a better position to maximize their credit and financial status.

"This new site will allow ConsumerTrack.com to help more consumers with a variety of credit related problems, from identity theft to past due debt and inaccurate reporting on their credit reports. We are always looking for new services to provide to the thousands of consumers who visit our websites," states Jeff Bartlett, Director of ConsumerTrack Inc.

http://www.GoLookOnline.com will continue to launch new services to help consumers buy a home, refinance their existing home, buy a car, refinance their car loan, choose a new credit card as well as ,search for ways to lower their existing bills by finding better auto insurance, home insurance, renters insurance and strategies to lower their credit card bills and debt.

GoLookOnline.com will be open to all requests by consumers to help them with anything they need online and will offer personalized solutions to any requests.

ConsumerTrack Inc also plans to work with its partners to find additional solutions to help consumers having trouble making their mortgage payments or that are finding it difficult to refinance their home in today&39;s mortgage market.

About ConsumerTrack:
ConsumerTrack currently markets to consumers to provide them with free matching services in Real Estate at http://www.PathtoaHome.com, mortgage financing at http://www.NationalHomeSavings.com and other finance and credit offers at http://www.LoanApprovalDirect.com.

ConsumerTrack.com was launched in early 2003 to assist Fortune 500 and national finance companies in their customer acquisition and CRM needs. The company has since launched over 50 websites that market to consumers interested in; Refinancing their homes, buying or selling their home, getting out of debt, improving their credit, getting a student loan, installing a home security system as well as many other homeowner related services.

ConsumerTrack.com currently works with most of the larger US mortgage lenders and many of the top internet media companies. The company&39;s flexibility allows it to rapidly launch new websites and structure new marketing programs to generate new customers for companies in a variety of different industries including travel leads, insurance leads, education leads, mortgage leads and home service leads.

For more information, please visit ConsumerTrack.com or contact Business Development at 310.297.9233 x227.

True Passion Of British Football Fans Revealed

November 29, 2009

The lengths to which UK football fans will go for their beloved teams are revealed today in a poll by MBNA, the largest provider of football credit cards.

The findings, based on responses from over 1000 UK football fans, show the tireless efforts that followers go to and the depth of feeling and commitment that they have for their club.

No distance too far

Fans across the country are prepared to travel far and wide to support their teams. The average football fan lives 90 miles from their home team. Despite this, a third of all fans go to the match at least once a month, and one in ten goes weekly.

Over half of all football fans, 55 per cent, have travelled over 100 miles. This equates to 11 million fans*

Seven per cent have travelled over 500 miles

Five per cent (the equivalent of over one million fans) have travelled 1000 miles to see their team play. This is the equivalent of a 16 hour-long journey

Three per cent of fans who live over 200 miles from their home ground go every week to watch their team

Mark Goodwin, Aston Villa fan, told MBNA: “I have not missed a domestic game since 1980 and have only missed one game in all competitions since 1983. I have travelled all over the world to countries including Russia, Turkey, Denmark, France, Spain, Italy, Czech Republic and Austria. Last year I was on holiday in Portugal when Villa qualified for the Intertoto Cup. I immediately cut my holiday short by two days, flew back to the UK and jumped straight on another flight to Iceland to see the match.

No occasion too important

The poll reveals that true supporters will do anything to be there on match day. A third of all respondents admitted missing a significant family or personal occasion to attend a football match.

Three per cent have missed the birth of their child to go to a football match. This equates to 600,000 wives or girlfriends giving birth while their partner watched football*

Almost one in five, 18 per cent, have missed an important family gathering

Ten per cent of fans have missed the wedding of a close family member or friend to see the match

Four per cent have missed a funeral

Lee Griffin, Manchester City fan, told MBNA: “I have missed many important family occasions including my sister-in-law’s fianc&233;s stag weekend and countless birthdays. I even bought my original Maine Road season ticket seats so that, on the very few occasions I am unable to make it to a game, I can re-create the ground in my lounge.

Note: *This is based on a universe of 20 million UK football fans

Simon Harding, Arsenal fan, told MBNA: “I promised my girlfriend when we got together that I would be prepared to miss a match for her. However, despite my promise, this year I have missed Valentine’s Day and her birthday! I daren’t tell her my plans for Boxing Day.

John Greaves, MBNA spokesperson said: “I don’t believe there is a better example of a passionate and loyal person than a true football fan. Our new research demonstrates the great lengths fans go to every week and the emotion and energy they invest in supporting their club.

No information too much

Over three quarters of respondents talk about football at least weekly, with a similar proportion expending at least five hours of their week on football related activity. The top one per cent of fans spend over 40 hours a week watching football matches and related news. Fans turn to TV, websites, newspapers and official club websites to keep up-to-date with news on their team.

Footballcreditcards.com

MBNA commissioned the research to mark the launch of its new website for football fans, footballcreditcards.com. The site is dedicated to passionate fans across the country and provides up-to-minute news, discounted merchandise and competitions featuring exclusive match tickets.

The new site also includes details on football credit cards. MBNA offers branded cards for most of the premiership football teams in England and Scotland at no extra cost to the fan and at very competitive rates. The cards are also good for the club. Every time a purchase is made with the card, money is paid directly to the club at no extra cost to the customer. Over half a million fans have a football credit card and their card usage has resulted in a total of over &163;10m being paid to these football clubs over the last ten years.

Chelsea fan Caroline Hall has a Chelsea MBNA credit card. She said: “I got my card because I like having the club colours on my credit card; it was an obvious choice for me. My husband and two children are also super fans and our home is shrine to Chelsea my son virtually lives in his Chelsea kit. Our three cats are also named after the team or players. I am certain Chelsea, Franco and Rudy also love the blues!

Deborah Clynes has a Liverpool MBNA credit card as well as a host of memorabilia. She said: “I have a shrine to Liverpool that I keep at my sister’s house. My husband does not let me keep it at home! My shrine includes photos, pendants and a Liverpool quilt. My sister thinks I am mad, but I don’t care!

For more information on football passions visit http://www.footballcreditcards.com .

About the research:
The survey was carried out for MBNA by SKOPOS in October 2009. More than 1000 GB adult active football fans both male and female were surveyed.

About MBNA Europe Bank:
MBNA Europe Bank Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation (NYSE: BAC), is the recognised leader in affinity marketing. MBNA credit cards and related products and services are endorsed by more than 5000 organisations worldwide. For more information, visit the company’s Web site at http://www.mbna.com

Anyone approved for a football credit card with MBNA through footballcreditcards.com who spends on the card within the first 90 days will be automatically entered to win UEFA Champions League Final tickets. For more information, visit MBNA’s new website http://www.footballcreditcards.com, which also provides live scores and information for football matches.

For further information contact:
Adam Stones
Cohn&Wolfe
Tel: 0207 331 5370
Mobile: 07971 250 741
e-mail: adam.stones (at) cohnwolfe (dot) com

or

Joanna Swift
Cohn&Wolfe
Tel: 0207 331 5476
Mobile: 07811 200716
e-mail: joanna.swift (at) cohnwolfe (dot) com

High Risk ACH Checking Accounts For International, U.S. and Canadian Merchants

February 8, 2006

The ACH gateway will allow web site owners to accept payments from their customers by enabling the funds to be debited directly from the customer’s bank account. This eliminates the need for a credit card, which is convenient for the consumer and an excellent payment vehicle for the merchant. There are fewer underwriting requirements than are normally requested by merchant credit card applications.

"A large percentage of the U.S. population does not own or use a credit card, making it impossible for them to buy products over the Internet," says Richard Price, senior associate at Liberty Enterprises Inc.

The Liberty Enterprises ACH gateway will also allow merchants to process electronic checks, guaranteed checks, web checks, check collections and checks-by telephone.

ACH checks can be used for outbound/inbound telemarketing, mail/phone orders, catalogue sales, re-occurring billing, travel, tobacco-cigar/cigarettes, MLMs, and pharmaceuticals.

International merchants, including Canadian merchants, will be able to process U.S. ACH checks. U.S. bank accounts are required for International merchants, which Liberty Enterprises can arrange for merchants. Unlimited ACH check volume will also be offered to merchants.

" Lastly we now have an excellent ACH virtual terminal for single transactions, batch uploads and re-occurring billing for e-commerce merchants. API is also available,says Richard Price.

For more information about offshore merchant processing and the services provided by Liberty Enterprises Inc., please visit http://www.confidentialbanking.com/ACHaccounts.html or http://www.confidentialbanking.co.uk for UK residents.