At JB Systems, we’ve been building custom eCommerce and checkout solutions for quite some time. We’re no stranger to taxation codes regarding online sales either. Determining whether a company has state “nexus” has always been an interesting endeavor, as its definition and reporting requirements changed from state-to-state.

As it stands, companies that have “nexus” in states are required to collect that particular states’ worth of sales tax (sometimes city, county, and metro taxes as well) on any online purchases of items subject to tax. This involves subscribing to tax tables and making sure an eCommerce system automatically updates its tax algorithms on a monthly basis, so that monthly, quarterly, and year-end sales tax reports are as accurate as possible. Cities, counties and states change their tax policies quite regularly, so this can be a daunting task.

Over the past decade, our legislators have caught on to the lost tax revenues due to the explosive growth of online sales. The Marketplace Fairness Act, introduced to the senate floor by Mike Enzi (Republican) of Wyoming in February, 2013, may require ALL online retailers to collect sales tax. Although states have to participate in a process to simplify their state tax codes before adopting this new revenue source, our guess at JB Systems is that states can no longer afford the estimated $24 billion  in lost revenues a year.  That estimate is projected to continually increase over the next decade.

Without further, more in-depth research, we’re led to think state legislators will want online stores to collect taxes on all purchases, using the tax codes from the state of which the “billing information” is associated with. This will ensure that all states will collect their “fair share” of taxes on all purchases originating from within their borders, regardless of where the purchasers are from.

What does this mean for your website?

Well, if you sell a good or provide a taxable service (see your accountant, or Bauman & Associates) – your website will need to have the necessary “logic” added to the taxation algorithm to properly determine state taxes, regardless of your nexus status or where the purchaser originates from.  Lucky for JB Systems’ customers, we’ve seen this on the horizon and have several easy-to-implement, cost effective solutions to handle this in our custom eCommerce platform.

If you have any questions, or are interested in taking your eCommerce store to a more tax-compliant platform, contact us today and setup a free consultation. Thanks for reading!

What is that, you ask? A WordPress site is merely a website built using a blogging platform (think of building a car using a kit that comes in a box). If you’re familiar with blogging, you know that it consists of really only a few basic elements (engine, doors, frame, wheels, tires, steering wheel)…not nearly what a website could consist of. (In fact, we use WordPress for this very blog!) Which is why businesses often find WordPress sites lacking after a while. They aren’t easily customized, and its like you’re working within a box.

So why are we seeing so many more of these types of sites lately?

Website developers who are just starting out, or want to become developers, are finding that they can simply use the WordPress platform, skin it (add a design), add some plugins (extra tools that allow for added functionality), and sell it as a custom website. For some businesses, this is ok. It’s usually a very cost-effective way to start out with a presence on the web. For many though, it’s becoming more of a nuisance than a success.

The reality is, many WordPress developers don’t have to know much PHP, a well known, widely used programming language. So, when they encounter a problem or their client wants them to do something different with the site (using the car analogy, you want the power windows to have special buttons, and you want the heated seats to only stay on for 20 minutes after you sit down), they are at a loss, or have to seek out other developers for help, and BOOM! They’ve overcommitted.

True website developers and programmers know how to build a website from the ground up. That means taking a blank text document and being able to write instructions for website browsers or computer operating systems to make your screen display what’s needed. Sure, we have bits and pieces that can be reused….like a contact form…processing that is pretty standard, so there’s no reason to re-invent the wheel. But what if a client requests an event calendar that can take reservations, but the events are recurring monthly, and the website can only accept 25 people at each event, and automatic email notifications need to go out, and you should be able to register multiple people at once and pay for them all in one checkout process…

…I think you get the idea. How do you find a plug in for WordPress that’s going to do all of that exactly the way the client expects? Truth is, you don’t. That is a custom created events calendar.

JB Systems’ website programmers are not just building pretty websites (although they do look pretty darn great)…they’re organizing data that you want to provide to your audiences, and presenting it in an easy-to-understand format for use on the web. If there is a problem you want to solve through the website, we’ll help get you there. That’s the beauty of truly custom programming. And it’s becoming harder and harder to find. Thankfully, you don’t have to look too far. Give us a call if you want our team to help solve your online challenges.

We have also had clients receive mail from places like Domain Registry of America, a company that handles domain registrations. However, their marketing piece looks like a notice of a domain expiring, and that by paying the invoice (or what looks like an invoice), all will be well with the domain name. Here’s what that might look like:

(Notice in both examples the areas in red….these are giveaways that it is just a solicitation, not a bill requiring payment.)

In the big picture of marketing, this tactic isn’t new. Magazines have been doing this with their subscriptions for years. But – in today’s technology-driven world, a domain name can make or break a business. The industry has made their money on fear – our fear of losing a domain, fear of our competitor getting our domain, fear of losing business all because we let a domain name expire. Wow! That’s powerful!

So, it’s no surprise that business owners and website managers are cautious anytime they receive a notice about their domain name. As they should be – it is important to pay attention to. However, there are easy ways to go about making sure that your domain name is well taken care of.

1. Check your WHOIS listing.

WHOIS is a directory of domains and their registration information. Look for the expiration date, and the “Registrant” info. Your company name should be listed as the Registrant.

Start Here to Check Your WHOIS info

Check here for your Registration info.

2. If you manage your own domain name with someone like GoDaddy, Network Solutions, ENOM, or other similar sites,make sure to set your domain name to ‘Auto-Renew’. That means that it will automatically renew your domain name for you without having to worry that it will expire.

3. When purchasing a domain name, purchase it for multiple years (max is usually 9 or 10 years). This not only takes the burden off of you to renew it every year, but it also gets you bonus SEO (search engine optimization) points!

4. Call JB Systems! Domains seem like the unknown to many small business owners, but it doesn’t have to be a part of your business that is shrouded by fear. If you’re ever in doubt, our team at JB Systems can check on your domain, or manage it for you.

Design. That’s how.

It’s one thing to have a website that’s capable of doing a lot, but it’s another to get your web visitors to take advantage of it. Since our Graphic Design department recently took home three (!) web design awards from GDUSA, and three (!) graphic design awards from GDUSA (still so new it’s not on their website yet), we thought we should give a little more attention to the work they do.

So – how does design contribute to the success of your website? Here are a just a few ways:

You have 3 seconds to get their attention.

That’s right. 3 seconds. Having an engaging home page that relates to what the customer is looking for is key to retain each visitor. This can mean rotating promotional banners with special offers, recent news and updates, or the newest images from your photo gallery. Somehow, the look has to catch their attention and let them know that there’s a lot of good information beyond that home page.

Your customers don’t care about you.

When your potential customers come to your website, they’re looking for something – a solution to their problems, or information they need. They usually aren’t coming to see how great you are, or how many people you’ve worked for. They just want to know how you can help them with their problem. User-centered design keeps the focus on your customers, and a great designer will help you build your website from the customer’s perspective.

Brand Matters.

It’s important that your website is consistent with the look of your flyers, brochures, vehicles, signage, advertising, and any other materials that portray your brand. Maintaining consistency between all areas of your marketing helps to strengthen your brand. And that means you become more memorable and recognizable. The design of your website has to communicate that brand – through graphic elements, color, photography, fonts/typeface, and even language. The success of your branding is in paying attention to all of the little details.

Trends Matter.

If your website was designed over 3 years ago, chances are it may look a little bit outdated. Not only does technology change quickly, but so does design. There are new techniques, trends, and methods that are used and changing daily. Plus, customers’ expectations of websites are increasingly demanding – they expect that they’ll be frequently updated, clean and simple, and super easy to navigate. And they’re being conditioned to use only  the sites that get them what they need the quickest. Refreshing your design and keeping it up-to-date with new design trends that fit your business is part of telling your customers that your business is also up-to-date.

Graphic Design at JB Systems

JB Systems offers full graphic design services – a great way to extend your marketing both online and offline. Of course, website design is our first love, but our designers also love doing print design such as:

• direct mail
• newsletters
• advertisements
• flyers and brochures
• folders for proposals or sales presentations
• business cards
• and more.

Printers, Sign Makers, Promotional Companies – Oh My!

We work with vendors of all types, working to find the best service, quality, and pricing that’s out there, while taking the pressure off of you to get the final product done exactly the way you want it.

Logo Design, Corporate Identity, & Branding Packages

JB Systems also provides identity design (logo design) services. A great time to update your logo (if you are looking for this) would be as you’re introducing a new website – a great way to launch your new look to the world!

Take that First Step…

No matter where you’re starting from, we’re confident we can help get you to where you want to be. Check out the links below to explore our services, or to meet with our designers about your project!

Check out our web design portfolio.

Contact us to talk about your graphic design and/or branding needs.

Already a Client of JB Systems? Thinking of a redesign? Talk to us about updating your website look!

Recently, our very own founder and President, Jerry Bauer, took JB Systems’ commitment to downtown to the next level by accepting a position on the Downtown Eau Claire, Inc. Board of Directors. He will be representing the North River Fronts Neighborhood and will serve on the board for a 2-year term.

“Being a part of the DECI board is a great opportunity because it allows me – as a neighborhood resident and downtown business owner – to provide a voice regarding important downtown decisions such as its festivals, marketing campaigns, business development, and more,” says Jerry.

Not only does Jerry have his business located downtown, but he and his wife, Meghan (JB Systems’ Art Director), also live within walking distance of downtown.

“I like the convenience of being so close to downtown, and having the option to walk or bike to work,” says Meghan. “Not even just for work, but on a Saturday morning we can walk to Phoenix Park for the Farmer’s Market or music in the park. It saves money, too, since we’re not using much gas.”

Many of JB Systems’ employees live near downtown and frequently walk or bike to work – taking advantage of the amenities and convenience of the downtown area.

“I enjoy walking to work – it’s good exercise,” says Tyler, one of JB’s programmers.

“It’s so nice being able to run home quickly or walk down the street to grab something for lunch,” says Erin, our Marketing Director. “It’s really convenient, and getting better all the time.”

Jerry says he is excited about the potential to help grow the downtown area and bring some new ideas to the organization. He’s passionate about keeping the local businesses alive and well, and is looking forward to giving back to the downtown area.

“It’s a great opportunity for me personally, and a wonderful community service addition for JB Systems.”

——————
JB Systems created the new DECI website in 2011 – check it out here for great information about Downtown Eau Claire!

Cutting the Ribbon with the Chamber Ambassadors

Last week, JB Systems had our official ribbon cutting ceremony with the Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce at our new location at 404 S. Barstow St. in Eau Claire. A big “Thank You” from our entire staff goes out to all who attended! We had a great turnout and some very kind words were shared about the work that we do. Special thanks to Becky and her staff at Obsession Chocolates for catering the event and hosting the ‘after party’!

For your enjoyment, here are a few photos from the event.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

A few folks mingling in the lobby.

Testing our the custom iPad app. We're now Certified iOS Developers!

This is how our programmers sing Christmas carols!

Jerry Bauer, Owner, with Bob Krause, DECI Board Member

Bob Pekol of Chippewa Valley Airport Service said some kind words about their project with JB Systems!

Curt’s Gourmet Popcorn has been known for years in Madison, WI for his delectable popcorn that he sells from a cart on the Square downtown. Now he’s bringing his popcorn to the world (or at least the rest of Wisconsin!). We have the exciting opportunity to be working with Curt to create a rockin’ e-commerce store and have been shooting photos of all of his popcorn flavors. We’ve tried them all – now we want you to tell us your favorite! Stop in to the JB Systems office and take a taste of his fruit, caramel, cheese, or combination flavors….you can even try a peanut butter & jelly flavor!

Today will go down in history as the day the world mourns perhaps one of the greatest innovators of our time. While the merits of his “genius” or engineering “machismo” may be debated by some, his ingenuity, and ability to “tell consumers what they want” and then bring it to fruition (and ultimately to market) – set him apart from every other CEO and innovator in the last 50 years.

At JB Systems, we’ve embodied his principals and continue to innovate – although we may not create iPhones, iPads and consumer electronics – we do embrace change, revolution, and the general notion that if the bar is not pushed – a company will stagnate, and never evolve.

I have a history with Steve Jobs, when at the age of 16 I wrote an email voicing concern over the direction computers were going at our school district. It was sent to sjobs@apple.com.  Much to my surprise (and to the surprise of the Eau Claire School Superintendent and Memorial High School’s technology officer) that Jobs responded – and dispatched an Apple representative to confront our district and the decision they made buying bottom of the barrel Compact computers. I was befuddled, at the very least, and became instantly aware of the “power of the pen” (that’s going out to you, Fred Poss).

From that day forward, I studied Mr. Jobs – and his beloved company. Their product designs – flawless. Their marketing and campaigns – unforgettable. His passion and regard for what he did – incredible. JB Systems will continue to study this, and above all things – Think Different. Our promise, to not only our clients but to our company mentor, will be to “stay foolish, stay hungry” and that will allow us to innovate into our second decade of providing great service. Thanks Steve.

Where it All Began…

Hope Gospel Mission is a local organization providing shelter, education, and job opportunities to those who have lost their homes and have nowhere else to turn for help. They came to us about 3 years ago, sat down in our conference room, and told us of the troubles they were having finding the right kind of software to manage all of the residents that they take in – either for an overnight stay or a long-term renewal program. They had struggled with how to make this easier for staff and residents, but they knew there must be a way.

At the time, more and more businesses were starting to use software ‘in the cloud’ (hosted on web servers instead of local computers or servers), but it was still a somewhat new concept in our area, especially when you’re talking about building it from scratch and running your entire business with it.

But that’s exactly what the team at JB Systems set out to do. Our developers started from scratch, listening to the needs of Hope Gospel Mission, understanding what they do, how they do it, when they do it…and started building a web-based software solution that filled the void that the mission had been trying to fill with previous software solutions.

The initial result was ResidentTracker, a completely custom piece of software that now tracks hundreds of residents, including everything from their length of stay at the mission, to what medications they’re on, to what educational programs they’re in at the mission. The reporting capabilities are endless and help their staff to better understand the impact of their operations within the organization. Their logging system also keeps everyone informed on a daily basis about each resident and what’s happening across their multiple facilities.

However, their quest to streamline the organization didn’t end there. Once they saw the capabilities of ResidentTracker, they asked about finding a way to better track their 900+ volunteers.  They wished to include a time clock to keep track of volunteer hours, a method for reporting of volunteer hours, and a way to post their volunteer needs on their website. And so, VolunteerTracker was born.

After using VolunteerTracker for six months, it proved to be extremely efficient and helpful in managing and coordinating their volunteers. So, they asked for the same capabilities for their staff. There were some additional features they wanted to add, like benefits management, PTO accrual and requests, wage information, document archiving, and more reporting. After some productive brainstorming sessions, HRTracker was born.

This full suite of software, all accessible via the Internet, has streamlined their business considerably in terms of staff time saved, accuracy of their records, enhanced internal communication, and cost savings. Because it’s fully customizable, it will grow with them as their needs change. Their tools also integrate directly with their website so there’s no need for entering information twice anymore.

And the Idea Grows…

Last spring, Hope Gospel Mission asked JB Systems to attend their national conference of the AGRM (Association of Gospel Rescue Missions). With excitement at the prospect of sharing this great software, a team from JB Systems headed to San Diego.  There, we were welcomed by gospel mission staff from across the country, who were also seeking a better software solution. As the word spreads, we hope that other gospel missions will take advantage of the possibilities that lie in the easy-to-use, custom, web-based software that has now become known as MissionTracker.

More Possibilities

Not only are gospel missions looking at MissionTracker as an option to run their businesses, but other small and medium sized businesses are looking at the individual components of it to use as stand-alone software. HRTracker, with its online time clock, PTO management, and benefits administration, is a much needed software solution for businesses who have several employees, but don’t have the cash for something like PeopleSoft.

VolunteerTracker has also caught the attention of local nonprofits, and could have a huge impact on small organizations that struggle with making the best use of limited staff time. Managing volunteers with an online system capable of quick reporting can save staff time that exceeds the cost of the program.

Both programs offer great opportunities for businesses to grow and make their lives easier, without having to invest as much as they would have in the past.

Giving Back

Obviously, Hope Gospel Mission played a HUGE role in the development of MissionTracker, and we don’t intend to take that for granted. A portion of all of the sales of MissionTracker go directly to Hope Gospel Mission.  The funds will support the programs they provide for those who have to struggle daily just to survive. It is our intent to help them in their mission, as they have helped us in ours.

Links

You can learn more about Hope Gospel Mission here.

You can learn more about MissionTracker here.

You can learn more about JB Systems here.

So, here’s the deal-io:

To enter to win a pair of tickets to one of their home games, just comment on this blog post with a testimonial about working with JB Systems! If you’re not a client of ours, don’t fret! You can still enter! Just tell us about your favorite CV Predators or Carson Park experience.

We have tickets for the following dates:
–June 18
–July 4
–July 9

Two lucky winners will be chosen to WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS! We’ll announce the winners right here on our blog, so be sure to check back often!

Special thanks to ALL of our clients and to the Chippewa Valley Predators! Check out their game schedule, roster, stats, and more on their website at: cvpredators.com