Remember when the only way to order food was by calling a restaurant? It was highly possible for the outlet to get the address wrong or send an order completely different from what you asked for. Fortunately, with the development of technology, we now have delivery apps through which we can directly order food at the click of a button. This article will discuss common errors we make when ordering food online.
Using an inferior delivery service
Many restaurants do not have delivery agents and rely on courier services to deliver the food. However, there are many companies for food delivery, and picking an inferior service might leave you with a poor experience. Therefore, when you choose a courier for food delivery, ensure you check for factors like their specialization, food tracking features, credibility, speed of service, and cost. Doing so will help you determine the right company to deliver the food to.
Not providing sufficient delivery instructions
Customers often order food without offering the right or sufficient directions to the delivery service. Incorrect or limited directions make it tedious for the agent to find the location and result in a delay in delivery. As a solution, you should check every address detail and put down landmarks to make it easier for the agent to find the address. You can also light up the entrance for them to easily find the precise spot. Furthermore, tipping the delivery agent will indicate their service is satisfactory and probably boost their morale.
Selecting foods the wrong way
All cooked foods have a certain shelf life. Some get spoiled the next day, while others might still be consumable for two days. For example, when ordering foods like sushi, it is important not to keep any leftovers as they perish quickly. On the other hand, a salad in a takeout box can stay fresh for about four days if you skip the dressing. So, ensure you order only what you want and not excess. If you do, and the food gets spoiled, you’ll lose out on money spent. Ensure you put the leftovers in the fridge to preserve them when you order a salad.
Neglecting rush hour
There are hours in the day when roads are jam-packed with working professionals. You might be able to find a suitable delivery agent, but the food needs to be cooked and placed in takeout bags, which need to be picked up and delivered by the agent in peak traffic. So, there’s a chance that your food might take ages before it reaches your doorstep. Try and order a meal before rush hour so that you can have breakfast, lunch, or dinner at the right time.
Not thinking local
As easy as it is to order food from a delivery app, sometimes you are better off checking the same menu locally at the restaurant. There’s a good chance that the price of the food is cheaper when you order directly from the restaurant or their app rather than using a third-party app. Ordering from a local business will also help promote and boost profits for local businesses. So, switch it up from time to time, based on where you can get a better deal.
Credit cards are a boon in these modern times and there is no denying that. A swipe, a touch, a tap, and everything is paid for (yes, you do pay for what you buy, but not until later.) So, what’s the idea behind these swipes? Who is actually paying for the stuff we purchase? Are credit card companies making money every time we use our cards? These are some of the questions that we’re going to try to answer for you.
What is a credit card?
A credit card is a plastic payment card that is designed to provide us with a certain amount of credit. This amount can be used to make purchases. The only criterion is that you have to pay the money back as per the credit card company’s policy. When you pay the money back, the credit is restored to its original limit. In a way, a credit card is like a replenishable loan. You can keep taking the loan as long as you pay the money back within the stipulated time period.
How does a credit card work?
A credit card electronically transfers money from one person’s account to another’s. To do this, there are multiple stakeholders involved, namely the issuer, network, merchant, and user.
When you use your credit card, the merchant’s terminal uses the network to ask the issuer if the card is valid. It then asks whether there is enough credit on it. Depending on this, the transaction is either approved or declined. The money is then transferred from your account to the network and merchant.
How do credit card companies work?
For a credit card to work, there are two backend enterprises: one is the issuer of the card (the credit card company) and the other is the network.
Banks and credit unions are the credit-card issuers. Networks are companies that process credit card transactions. These include companies such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and more.
How do credit card companies make money?
One of the key stakeholders in the credit chain is the customer. Without the user, none of the credit card companies would be able to make any money. Below, we enlist three major sources of revenue for credit card companies:
The customer is charged interest when they default on their payments. Different credit card companies have different rates of interest. This interest is charged on the total amount that has to be paid back to the issuer.
Fees are essentially charges for using the service provided by the credit card company. They are predominantly divided into annual fees, cash fees, late fees, and balance transfer fees. The annual fee is charged on cards that typically come with high rewards; the cash fee is charged when you use your credit card to withdraw cash from your account; the late fee is charged when the user fails to pay the amount back by the prescribed due date; and the balance transfer fee is an amount charged by the issuer to transfer existing balance from one card to another.
While the user pays their dues, even merchants have to pay a certain amount of the money that is received to the issuer. This amount is the processing fee, and it can vary depending on the amount and number of transactions.
Interest and some fees can most definitely be avoided by paying credit card bills on a timely basis.
Cyber Monday, which falls on November 28, 2022, is an opportunity for internet service providers (ISPs) and other companies to offer great deals on their products and services. This year, there are some terrific deals on 5G internet, home Wi-Fi, and unlimited internet. If you’re in the market for a new internet service provider, now is a great time to take advantage of these deals. Here are the top 10 best deals on internet services.
Verizon 5G Home Internet Plus
Are you looking to upgrade your home internet service this Cyber Monday? Verizon has the perfect solution for you. Their 5G Home Internet Plus package offers 300 to 1000 Mbps download speeds, 5G internet, and Wi-Fi for $70 per month. This is great for anyone looking for high-speed connectivity at unbeatable value.
Additionally, with Verizon’s legendary customer service, you can be sure that the grievances will be taken care of quickly and efficiently.
Verizon Fios Gig
You can get a gigabit connection for just $29.99 per month, a great deal considering that 5G internet is now available in most areas. This high-speed internet service offers lightning-fast speeds and allows you to stream HD video, download files quickly, and browse the web without lag.
Quantum Fiber Gig Internet
For just $65 per month, you’ll get access to the fastest and most reliable internet service. And with 5G internet technology becoming increasingly common, Quantum Fiber is poised to be the leader in next-generation internet service.
Spectrum Internet
If you’re looking for the best deal on internet service, look no further than Spectrum Internet. For just $49.99 per month, you can get high-speed unlimited internet with no data caps or throttling. That’s an unbeatable price for such a fast and reliable service. Their customer support is always available to assist you. Check out the website for more information on the deals.
CenturyLink Fiber Gigabit
For just $70 per month, you can get their Fiber gigabit service, which offers speeds up to 940Mbps. That’s fast enough to stream 4K video, download large files in a snap, and more. Additionally, it’s a great deal for families who need to be able to connect multiple devices at once. Look out for Cyber Monday offers and deals on the services.
Cox StraightUp Internet
For just $50 per month, you’ll get 100 Mbps of high-speed internet service. In addition, there’s no need to worry about contracts or hidden fees with Cox StraightUp Internet, what you see is what you get. So why wait? Sign up today and start enjoying the benefits of fast, reliable internet service at a great price.
Verizon 5G Home Internet Plus
Verizon has a great offer for their 5G Home Internet Plus plan. You can access their 5G internet network and enjoy speeds of up to 1000 Mbps. In addition, if you have a home Wi-Fi network, you can connect all your devices and enjoy even faster speeds.So, if you’re looking for the best 5G internet service deal, be sure to check out Verizon’s 5G Home Internet Plus plan.
Optimum Network
You can enjoy speeds of up to 940 Mbps – more than enough bandwidth to handle any online task or streaming video. Whether you’re a business that needs to keep up with the latest trends and updates or you want to enjoy a high-quality streaming experience, Optimum has you covered. Sign up today and enjoy all the benefits of their superior internet services during the Cyber Monday sale.
Frontier Fiber 500
Frontier gives you access to speeds of up to 500 Mbps through their range of Internet service plans. You can stream HD video, download large files, and support multiple devices simultaneously. And with no data caps, you can use as much data as you want without worrying about overage fees. So why wait? Sign up today and start enjoying lightning-speed internet services at unbeatable prices this Cyber Monday.
AT&T Fiber Internet
For just $55 per month, you can get speeds up to 300 Mbps. That’s fast enough to stream 4K video, download movies in seconds, and play online games without lag. AT&T Fiber is one of the most reliable internet services available, so you can be confident that you’ll always have a strong connection.
HVAC systems ensure a space stays cool or warm based on the user’s needs. However, its components do not run smoothly forever, which might become evident with poor performance and higher energy bills. Therefore, the appliance requires regular maintenance. Doing so helps improve its lifespan, cut down on power bills, and avoid any unforeseen damages that could cost a lot more to fix. Here are five ways to get more from an HVAC system:
1. Replace the filter as often as required
Dirty air filters are among the top factors that may lead to higher bills. The excessive dirt clogs and restricts airflow, so the HVAC unit must work harder to achieve the same temperature. Dirty air filters also damage indoor air quality, which could affect one’s health. Users must change the filter as often as recommended to prevent such issues and avoid a breakdown.
2. Check for leaks in the heating and cooling ducts
Often, one fails to repair leaks in the heating and cooling ducts. An individual usually does this in anticipation of the cost of replacing or fixing these sections. However, if there is a leak in these ducts, it might result in a waste of energy. Heating and cooling ducts that are not properly sealed could cost as much as 20% extra in energy bills.
3. Fix small problems
People often ignore minor repairs because the HVAC system might be functioning as per their needs. However, if smaller problems are left unchecked, they could worsen out of the blue and need more money to repair in the long haul. So, one should ensure they get these problems fixed through an HVAC service provider at the earliest.
4. Install programmable thermostats
Sometimes, individuals might not be there where an HVAC system functions. In such situations, the area may not require any heating or cooling to moderate the temperature as compared to when there is more foot traffic. In such cases, users could benefit from installing a programmable thermostat. The system can optimize when the HVAC system is used and to what extent to ensure energy isn’t wasted when it isn’t necessary.
5. Update older systems
While one might regularly maintain an HVAC system, the appliance won’t last forever. If the unit has been functioning for about ten years or longer, one should consider a major upgrade or a replacement. Investing in a new system could help reduce total energy costs in the long run. If one runs a business, one could use an alternative heating and cooling solution to ensure operations aren’t affected when the primary HVAC system is down.
6. Hire a reliable HVAC contractor
The most important tip for getting more out of an HVAC system is to hire a reliable contractor. The first step involves getting quotes from various professionals to determine the cost of the service. It is also essential to check for factors like the company’s license, liability insurance, or workers’ compensation to avoid potential risk. Hiring an HVAC contractor who is friendly and cooperative is a bonus. Furthermore, one should ask the professional about their previous work. Additionally, one could ask friends and family for recommendations.
When talking about home theft, one usually pictures a burglar breaking in and stealing their possessions. However, people could also lose their homes in other ways, such as title theft. It happens when someone illegally steals a homeowner’s identity and transfers the house title to their name. This type of fraud often goes unnoticed and hence needs close attention. Below are a few helpful tips to protect against title theft.
Keep track of the mail
People involved in title theft sometimes change the address of a home. Consequently, the homeowner stops receiving essential documents like utility bills and bank statements. If regularly delivered documents suddenly stop coming, it could be a sign of title theft. In such a situation, one must first speak to the mail department to check if the mail is lost. If that isn’t the case, the individual can schedule an appointment with the appropriate agency to investigate further.
Monitor credit reports
Everyone is entitled to receive a free credit report from their respective credit reporting agency once a year. Individuals must review this report carefully to ensure no unauthorized charges are deducted from their accounts. One should also rule out suspicious activities and ensure no new accounts are opened under their name.
Be careful with personal information
Bills or bank statements with personal information should immediately be shredded once they fulfill their purpose. Individuals should avoid carrying their Social Security number or birth certificate everywhere and sharing personal information over the phone or text messages. These practices will prevent fraudsters from stealing and using a homeowner’s identity for illegal activities like title theft.
Keep an eye on the property
Many people own houses but do not live in them. Such homeowners must visit the property regularly to ensure strangers do not go in and out of the space and rule out suspicious activity. Installing a security system may help prevent break-ins and discourage people from trespassing illegally.
Get title insurance
Getting owner’s title insurance is always advisable when buying a property. If someone has not purchased this policy when closing the deal, they can get it later. The insurance protects the homeowner’s rights if any claims or liens are filed against the property.
How does title theft happen?
There are multiple ways in which this could happen. A few examples include:
Data breach
Data breach is when a criminal accesses people’s personal information in a company or an organization. They can sell this data or commit fraud themselves.
Unsecured Wi-Fi network
Fraudsters can easily hack into an unsecured Wi-Fi network and access personal data stored on connected devices. That is why keeping the Wi-Fi password protected is highly crucial.
Malware
Malware can be installed on a homeowner’s computer, making it easy for hackers to access personal information. Therefore, one must update their devices regularly and install good antivirus software.
The internet has made home title theft easier, so one should be vigilant online. Hackers can use the personal data retrieved through these methods to steal a homeowner’s identity and transfer the property to another name. Following the tips mentioned above and adhering to the best practices when using gadgets can help lower the risk of title theft and other types of real estate fraud.
The post office issues postage stamps as evidence for the pre-payment of postal services, that is, the cost involved in moving, insuring, or registering mail. In the country, the first-ever postage stamp was offered for sale in 1847. Over time, these stamps have evolved into a miniature gateway to the world, sharing glimpses of history, geography, biography, art, and culture. Let’s dive deeper into the world of postage stamps.
Where do I buy stamps from?
Postage stamps are important when sending physical mail. Currently, a stamp costs 60 cents to send a one-ounce standard-sized envelope via the United States Postal Services (USPS). Customers can purchase forever stamps (available in booklets of 20) to use in the future, regardless of price fluctuations.
Stamps can be purchased from:
Your local post office
If you want to get your hands on some regular stamps quickly, use the electronic self-service kiosks at your local post office. However, if you are looking for specialty stamps, you may need to join the queue and wait for your turn to buy some.
USPS.com
The USPS website offers a wide variety of stamps, celebrating festive occasions, themed options, and notable personalities. You can order stamps of your preference online.
Retailers
Several retailers, such as grocery stores and pharmacies, also carry stamp booklets. You can find out if a store near you carries stamps by visiting the USPS website and using their location tool.
Banks
Some banks and credit unions also sell stamps via their ATMs and tellers. However, this may vary by location, so be sure to check with them beforehand.
Other options
There are several other ways of securing postal stamps for your mail, such as:
Can postage stamps be reused?
No! Postal stamps are only meant to be used once; reusing them is a federal offense. Post officers check new letters for any evidence of a postmark that indicates the postal code and the time the letter was sent. Stamps that have been affixed and posted with one document cannot be legally removed and attached to another. Doing so could invite penalties or punishments as stated under 26 U.S.C. 7208.
Although this generally does not invite arrest or legal charges, mail with previously used stamps may either be returned to the sender or require the recipient to cover additional charges. Repeated violations of this rule or selling used stamps in the market may lead to arrest.
What can I do with unused stamps?
If you have old, unused stamps and are concerned about what to do with them, the answer is simple – use them! The value of each stamp is generally indicated on it. If you are falling short of the required value, you can purchase additional value stamps and use them in combination. This will help you save money and utilize your current set of stamps.
Muscle pains can be experienced throughout the body or in specific parts of the body. It is referred to as myalgia. The condition is treatable in most cases as long as the cause of the pain is detectable. Diagnosis is, therefore, an essential step in figuring out a treatment plan. Myalgia could result from injuries, underlying conditions, or severe infections. Options like heating pads and pain patches might come in handy for some much-needed relief.
Hypothyroid
Hypothyroidism is a condition wherein the body houses an underactive thyroid gland. It commonly gives rise to symptoms like fatigue, dry skin, cold intolerance, and muscle aches. In some cases, an overactive thyroid gland or hyperthyroidism can also lead to muscle cramps. The thyroid plays a crucial role in the regulation of metabolism and the regular activity of bodily functions. An imbalance of thyroid hormone can potentially interfere with the transfer of signals, and can cause irregulated contraction of muscles. This could be a leading cause of muscle pain.
Lupus
Autoimmune diseases cause the immune system to attack the body’s normal cells and tissues, the same ones that are to be protected. Lupus is one of the numerous autoimmune conditions. It affects the muscles and joints of the body causing stiffness and pain. There is no known cure for Lupus. It is only possible to establish better management of the condition with the help of treatment options, lifestyle changes, and remedial methods. It is best to seek help from a professional health care expert in presence of symptoms like hair loss, skin rashes, fatigue, chest pain when breathing, and fatigue.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a condition that results in painful muscles and joints, along with issues in memory, muscles, sleep, and mood. It is believed that the condition is caused when the brain mistakenly perceives mild pain signals as intense pain. Fibromyalgia can be triggered by surgery, other health concerns, illnesses, and severe stress. Treatment options are available to help better symptom management. Exercise, yoga, and other relaxation techniques prove beneficial. The pain associated with fibromyalgia is often described as stiff, sore, and throbbing. Other associated symptoms include fatigue, impaired concentration, morning stiffness, and more.
Compartment syndrome
When there is a pressure build-up within a group of muscles, it is known as compartment syndrome. The pressure could result from swollen tissues or internal bleeding. It can compromise the flow of oxygen and nourishment to nerves and muscles, and result in damage due to reduced blood flow. Common symptoms of the condition include pins-and-needles sensations, increasing weakness, numbness, and pain in the impacted region. The condition can be mild to severe. However, treatment option for severe cases includes surgical intervention.
Myofascial pain syndrome
Some chronic health conditions can include muscle pain as a common symptom. Myofascial pain syndrome or MPS is one such condition that results in muscle pain. In this condition, patients show the presence of trigger points within the muscles or fascia. These trigger points are present in the form of tight bands or knots. They can be sore to the touch and can cause shooting pains to pass to other parts of the body. The trapezius muscle is one common location in the body that is impacted by this condition. The knots can cause a burning sensation or ache to shoot through the side of the head.
Muscle pains are growing increasingly common among today’s population. These pains could be fleeting or at times might even persist for a longer period. Muscle pains can result from a chronic condition, stiff posture, exercise, overexertion, and injuries. Patients that experience muscle pain as a result of conditions like arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus, pyomyositis, and more, might find it difficult to find relief. There are pain patches available to help with the pain. People who experience back pain often can make use of an xl patch for back cramps. Their xl size gives it the benefit of covering maximum surface area.
The Japan-based auto-manufacturing company Toyota launched Lexus in 1989 as a luxury brand to cater to those who have a penchant for premium cars. Several models have since been introduced under this brand name, making the brand synonymous with quality and luxury. Lexus, as a brand, has become the first choice for people who prefer luxury rides. Here are the best luxury cars by Lexus that you should check out:
Buying a smartphone is a long-term investment. It is not a gadget that you want to replace or upgrade every few months, so you must consider factors like daily use, features, and the price point, among other variables. However, several advertisers attempt to prompt sales via attractive deals, and you might just buy something you hate or cannot use. Here are some common smartphone buying mistakes to note to prevent such errors.
Things to avoid when buying smartphones
Being loyal to one brand
All basic smartphones have the same features with a few tweaks in the hardware and software components. So why should you be loyal to one brand when you can get a better deal with another brand?
Always buying the newest variant
Smartphone companies are not going to stop introducing new cellphones to the market. But, these new models are rarely extremely different from their predecessors. So don’t waste money buying a new model as soon as it releases; wait till you genuinely need one, or there is a significant difference
Not knowing your daily use
Smartphones have many extra features that you might not end up using. If you desire a phone with a powerful core processor that supports gaming and multimedia, don’t go for one that offers a high-end camera setup.
Not doing your research
There are dozens of unboxing videos available online for almost every smartphone model. So, it is a good idea to learn everything about the product before buying it. Don’t skip this crucial step!
Getting the wrong size
There is no use in buying a smartphone with the wrong display size. If you tend to work on your phone, pick a model that has a big screen. You also need to remember that you must be able to hold the phone comfortably.
Neglecting the storage
Your phone must have enough memory to store all types of multimedia files. If you intend to use a phone for a long time, opting for the highest storage capacity can be worth it.
Getting influenced by commercials
Advertisers will go above and beyond their call of duty to woo you into thinking their client’s brand is the one to beat in the market. But never fall for such promotional tactics. Compare the top brands and make a checklist of your required features.
Blindly following social media influencers
Instead of buying the latest fancy phone just because your favorite influencer promotes it, consider honest user reviews by people who have already used the new smartphone.
Going overboard with accessories
Websites can tempt you to add accessories like headphones, wireless charging ports, and whatnot! The temptation is especially high during promotional and seasonal sale events. It is advisable to check if you really need these before adding them to the cart.
Only considering the price factor
Price is undoubtedly an essential factor. But, it should not be the only deciding factor as smartphones are a relatively long-term purchase. So, invest a little more to get better features and compare upgrades that won’t empty your wallet.
The Dodge Ram 1500 was redesigned in the year 2019, and this basic full-size half-ton pickup truck is perfect for families as well as those who are eyeing it for professional duties. The overall specifications of the Dodge Ram 1500 are nothing less than impressive.
Key specifications of the Dodge Ram 1500
The truck with a new 3.0L Ecodiesel V6 engine now comes with the attractive multifunction tailgate, focusing on both power as well as the design of the wagon. It is available in the popular black package as well as a new Night Appearance package, and the focus is on utility and robust style. All these aspects ensure that the pickup truck fits the purpose and also makes heads turn.
The Dodge Ram 1500 was the 2019 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, and that’s what drives us to talk about the safety features of this beast. Let’s understand the top safety features of this model: