August 7, 2018 in News

UIDAI warns people against public sharing of Aadhaar number

UIDAI warns people against public sharing of Aadhaar number

UIDAI warns people against public sharing of Aadhaar number

Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has informed to Indian people that not to share their Aadhaar Number in public and also in Social Media portals.

Sharing Aadhaar number in public is not allowed by UIDAI and the agency had earlier warned of punishment in case someone does it. With a top official Sharma doing so on Twitter, many people joined in the bandwagon.

UIDAI said in a media note as ” This advisory has come from UIDAI with reference to some news items appearing on social media reporting few persons publicly posting their Aadhaar numbers on internet and social media and posing challenges to others. UIDAI said that such activities are uncalled for and should be refrained as these are not in accordance with the law”

Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has informed to Indian people that not to share their Aadhaar Number in public and also in Social Media portals.

Sharing Aadhaar number in
public is not allowed by UIDAI and the agency had earlier warned of punishment in case someone does it. With a top official Sharma doing so on Twitter, many people joined in the bandwagon.

UIDAI said in a media note as ” This advisory has come from UIDAI with reference to some news items appearing on social media reporting few persons publicly posting their Aadhaar numbers on internet and social media and posing challenges to others. UIDAI said that such activities are uncalled for and should be refrained as these are not in accordance with the law”

UIDAI also said that if someone found using Aadhaar number belonging to some other person for authentication or identification purposes, the impersonator would be liable to prosecution. UIDAI noted ” Doing Aadhaar authentication through somebody else’s Aadhaar number or using someone else’s Aadhaar number for any purpose may amount to impersonation and thereby a criminal offence under the Aadhaar Act and Indian Penal Code”

August 4, 2018 in News

50 Things You Can Import and Sell Online Using Ebay, Amazon and Your Own Online Store!

50 Things You Can Import and Sell Online Using Ebay, Amazon and Your Own Online Store!

Whether you want to sell on Ebay, Amazon, Etsy or anywhere else, selling goods online can be an incredibly profitable business – but what are you supposed to sell? While some people may have a million-dollar idea for a brand new product to manufacture and sell, you can make just as much selling everyday items imported from China. If you want to start importing items from overseas to sell in the UK but you aren’t sure which products to import, this list is for you!

An importing business is a great business model. The profit margins are large, the start up can be simple and, if you’re hard-working and determined, you can be earning the big bucks. So many people succeed with an importing business, in fact, that you may wonder why more aren’t doing it.

So why aren’t more people doing it?

Because people know how to set the business up; they know what platform to set the business up onto and they know how much they can earn. What they don’t know?

Nobody seems to know what they should be selling.

So many people want to start an importing business, but have no clue what to import. Now, we can’t start up your business for you – but we can give you some help.

If you’re starting up your own online eCommerce business and need some ideas of products to sell, we have a brilliant list of 50 items you can sell. From the niche to the generic, there’s a list of 50 various things you could sell online . . . but, just as importantly, there are also products that we don’t recommend importing to sell and why. As well as these ideas, we have some additional posts that you may find useful if you are interested in importing and setting up your own online business:

• 12 Unmissable Tips For Sourcing High Quality Products For Your E-Commerce Store; for ensuring that your goods are of a high quality and will sell after you’ve got your initial idea.)
• Making Sure Your Goods Can Get Into The UK; this is a useful read for making sure that the product you decide to import will actually be able to get into the UK – and not cost you an arm and a leg in Duties.
• Your Supplier Shipping Goods To A UK Port May NOT Be The Bargain It Appears; when you import goods, the delivery service changes. Instead of your typical post service, you start needing to take use of freight services, such as air and sea freight. When using these methods of transportation, there are Incoterms splitting duties and responsibilities. This posts helps you to understand the shipping process, but it also helps you to avoid one of the largest traps in shipping.

50 Ideas For Products To Import To Sell In The UK

Homeware

There’s a lot of money to be made importing goods that are for use around the home. They’ll always be in demand, they’re easily marketed and there’s a good profit margin. Although this is an expansive category and the possibilities are endless, we’ve curated a few ideas to start you off!

1. Cutlery & Utensils
2. Glasses (Pint glasses, wine glasses, shot glasses)
3. Mugs
4. Novelty cutlery. You know all those cool cups and mugs? Well, they’re all imported! This novelty mug is available from Alibaba
5. Clocks
6. Cooking tools
7. Towels
8. Storage solutions; desk organisers, lunch boxes, laundry bags etc.
9. Mirrors
10. Bottles
11. Jewellery boxes and holders
12. Shelves
13. Rugs
14. Toilet Brushes
15. Bins
16. Blankets
17. Glass Jars
18. Candles
19. Hangers
20. Mattresses
21. Umbrellas
22. Hammocks

Kids’ Products

The good thing about the increasing population? More parents need to buy goods for their kids! Goods for children and babies are always going to be a thriving market –

1. Toys.
2. Kids’ Clothing (Onesies, pyjamas)
3. DIY sets
4. Pushchairs and Buggies
5. Pacifier
6. Baby bottle
7. Bouncy castles
8. Playground equipment

Clothing & Apparel

Although an admittedly difficult business to break into, clothing and apparel can be bought for extremely cheap prices – and sold off at a great margin.

1. Watches
2. Costume jewellery (rings, necklaces, bracelets)
3. Bags
4. Gloves
5. Leggings
6. Caps
7. Hats
8. Glasses
9. Sunglasses
10. Purses

Leisure

These items are for leisure and hobbies. Some may be more suited to a niche; if you can identify and work with the markets, however, you can strike gold. If you aren’t familiar with the target audience and marketing to them would be a challenge, it would generally be a better idea to avoid these products however.

1. Pool Floats
2. Mermaid Blankets – very in right now!
   
3. Keyrings
4. Lighters
5. Hair
6. Phone cases
7. Keyboards
8. Violin
9. Tennis balls
10. Pens
11. Notebooks
12. Wigs
13. Scooters
14. Rollerblades
15. Sporting goods

Tips for finding a good product to sell:

These product ideas are merely the first step; you’ll need to decide which product is going to be the best one for your business.  There are many ways that you can do this, but we’ve shared a few of the methods that we’d recommend.

1. Hot Products and Bestsellers. On sites like eBay and Amazon, there are often widgets telling you what the best-selling products are – this helps you to identify what goods are selling well and whether there’s a market demand for your product.
2. Product Specifications. There are certain product qualities that help to determine whether or not a product is a worthwhile business investment.StartUpBros summarized a few key factors perfectly in their post Step By Step Guide On How To Find A Profitable Product To Sell:
   – Small and light enough to be easily picked up,
   – Specific, niche products (usually)
   – Selling to consumers for $10-200
   – Consistent stream of buyers
   – Selling for twice as much as your buy price

Items you should be careful with:

We wouldn’t typically say there are items you “shouldn’t” import – just items that you’ll have to be extra careful when importing. Here are a few to be wary of:

1. ‘Hoverboards’. Balance boards – AKA Segways – are a dangerous product to import.  UK Customs are hot on these and for good reason; imported hoverboards have been known to catch fire. If you do import them, regardless of your supplier’s compliance and testing certificates, your goods will be stringently inspected by Customs. This item is high up on our “steer clear” list.
2. Rechargable Electronics. Electronics with lithium batteries need to be safe for Trading Standards to allow them into the country. Most manufacturers are able to develop electronic goods to a high enough standard to get into the country, pass Custom’s tests and resell in the UK, however, make sure you have the test reports to prove their safety.
3. Drugs/Supplements. (No, not just the illegal type.) Maybe you stumble across some new organic vitamins that a Chinese supplier is selling unbelievably cheaply and you just know you could make a massive profit off.  This could be OK but make sure you know EXACTLY what documents Port Health in the UK need.  If your goods are being imported as Organic, they won’t be allowed in until an official certificate from the country of origin, proving their organic credentials, is stamped by the UK authorities.
4. Alcohol.
5. Tobacco.

These are just a few products that, as a first time importer, we would recommend you either steer clear of or understand what’s required – some of these products are just far more trouble than they’re worth!

August 4, 2018 in News

Best boutiques in London

Best boutiques in London

Looking for something new? We bring you 50 of the best independent shops in London carrying the most stylish designers and cult brands

NORTH LONDON

Anna
Anna Park’s boutiques are dotted around the chicest enclaves of East Anglia – the Primrose Hill store was her first in London and is typical of her passion for colour and print. New additions include Philippe Model’s scuffed glitter trainers and high-tops and clothes from Elizabeth and James. 126 Regent’s Park Road, NW1 (020 7483 0411;shopatanna.com)

Cristobal
Church Street is teeming with wonderful antiques dealers but the jewel in the crown is this costume-jewellery specialist, which has been selling exquisite vintage pieces for the past three decades from some of the best names, including Trifari, Miriam Haskell and Stanley Hagler. 26 Church Street, NW8 (020 7724 7230; cristobal.co.uk)

Diverse
This enduring Islington boutique (28 years and counting) has everything a modern chic wardrobe needs: ready-to-wear from Acne, Isabel Marant and Kenzo, denim from Hudson and Frame and accessories from Céline and Opening Ceremony. 294 Upper Street, N1 (020 7359 8877; diverseclothing.com)

Hub
This popular boutique has built a loyal following for its laid-back offering of off-duty staples from labels such as Baum und Pferdgarten, Wood Wood, Won Hundred and Sessun. There are also utilitarian bags from Ally Capellino and Sandqvist, homewares, plus Beth Graham, designed by the co-owner Louise Power. 49 Stoke Newington Church Street N16 (020 7254 4494; hubshop.co.uk)

Lark London
Founded by the former model and merchandiser Phoebe Pring, this sweet Kensal Rise shop is the place to find crisp chambray separates from Finders Keepers and natty ankle boots from Beau Coops as well as labels you might not have heard of, such as Haaning & Htoon, which makes classic-but-cool pieces including caped evening dresses. There’s glamorous silky loungewear from Yolke, and some very pretty lingerieand vintage shop fittings. 52 Chamberlayne Road, NW10 (020 8969 0232; larklondon.com)

EAST LONDON

11 Boundary
A breezy Shoreditch boutique selling contemporary labels including By Malene Birger, Winter Kate and LNA with jersey from American Vintage and accessories from Tom Ford and House of Harlow. 11 Boundary Street, E2 (020 7033 0330; 11boundary.com)

69b
If there’s pressing evidence that sustainable fashion has come of age then it’s surely this hip Hackney boutique founded by the fashion stylist Merryn Leslie in 2011. There are lots of familiar names – People Tree, Beaumont Organic and Ancient Greek Sandals – but plenty of new names too. The store is also about to launch an e-commerce site. 69b Broadway Market, E8 (020 7249 9655; sixtynineb.com)

Celestine Eleven
With its polished concrete, zinc counters and cool, quirky furniture, this Shoreditch concept store is an inspiring space to shop for young designers (J  W Anderson, Marios Schwab, Damir Doma), cult beauty products (from Sans Ceuticals, Dr Jackson’s and Karuna) and books. You can even take a yoga class in the studio downstairs. 4 Holywell Lane, EC2 (020 7729 2987; celestineeleven.com)

EC One
When it opened in Clerkenwell in 1997 EC One was one of the few places to find fine and costume jewellery in a cool contemporary setting. Now with a sister store in Notting Hill, this is the place to come for new names and established jewellers, from Alex Monroe to Shaun Leane, plus EC One’s in-house goldsmiths. 41 Exmouth Market, EC1 (020 7713 6185; econe.co.uk)

House of Hackney
Its bold homeware collection is equalled by a vibrant fashion line from this relatively new British label. Clothes, shoes and accessories can be snapped up from the stunning town-house flagship store – the literal House of Hackney – and feature beautiful patterns including delicate vintage roses and the House’s famed palm-tree print. 131 Shoreditch High Street, London, E1 (020 7739 3901; houseofhackney.com)

LN-CC
It doesn’t get much more cutting edge or cool than this influential, by-appointment east London store, with its unmarked door, sci-fi interior (below) and totally unorthodox displays. You’ll find emerging talents alongside more established names including Haider Ackermann and Dries Van Noten as well as records, a bookstore and accessories. 18 Shacklewell Lane, E8 (020 3174 0727; )

Start London
Run by the larger-than-life Brix Smith Start (the sometime Gok Wan sidekick), this is arguably east London’s best-known luxury fashion destination with heaps of desirable names (Acne, Kenzo, Alexander Wang and Sophie Hulme among them) and a focus on denim, as well as two men’s stores on the same street. 42-44 Rivington Street EC2 (020 7729 3334; start-london.com)

The Goodhood Store
It’s just moved from one hipster destination, Hoxton, to another, bigger one in Shoreditch, but still sells everything from hand-crafted skateboards to beautiful geometric rugs handwoven by North American Indians. Its buyers this season are most excited about new collections from MM6, Filles A Papa, and Gabriela Artigas. 151 Curtain Road, EC2 (020 7729 3600; goodhoodstore.com)

The Mercantile London
This spacious Shoreditch store echoes the area’s enduring vintage spirit (industrial brick walls, bare light bulbs) and sings to the East End’s laid-back attitude with Scandi labels including 2nd Day, Baum und Pferdgarten and the bestselling Dr Denim jeans, jewellery and beauty products from Ortigia, Lucia and Côte Noire. 17 Lamb Street, E1 (020 7377 8926; themercantilelondon.com)

YMC
For dandelion-coloured mohair cardies and peg-leg trousers just step into YMC. The east London store of the British brand sells its understated, utility-with-a-twist women’s and menswear and accessories. Another store is in Soho. 23 Hanbury Street, E1 (020 3432 3010; youmustcreate.com)

https://www.instagram.com/p/y4xSKbjK86/embed/?cr=1&v=4&wp=556&rd=www.telegraph.co.uk#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A4858.000000007451%7D

WEST LONDON

A La Mode
Josephine Turner has been casting her exacting eye over the international collections for the past three decades and now, in her chic store just off Sloane Square, showcases elegant and sophisticated pieces from Nina Ricci, Vionnet, Giambattista Valli and Oscar de la Renta as well as home-grown labels including Peter Pilotto. 10 Symons Street, SW3 (020 7730 7180; alamodefashion.co.uk)

Aimé
The sisters Val and Vanda Heng Vong opened Aimé in 1999 when they couldn’t source their favourite French labels in London. The pair still import their native labels (Isabel Marant, APC) along with Italian labels such as Forte Forte and Faliero Sarti. Its children’s store is next door and there’s another branch in Shoreditch. 32 Ledbury Road, W11 (020 7221 7070; aimelondon.com)

Anya Hindmarch Bespoke
Utterly unique, this wonderfully retro space is kitted out with vintage shop-fittings and display cases and also houses the bespoke workshop where you can see craftsmen working on monograms before your eyes. The personalised Walton weekend bag is the current bestseller. 15-17 Pont Street, SW1 (020 7838 9177; anyahindmarch.com)

Blackout II
This vintage store is slightly away from the well-trodden areas of Covent Garden and, as such, is a bit of a hidden gem. Jam-packed with terrific clothes and accessories from the 1920s to 1980s, it doesn’t have the hefty price-tags of some more polished vintage shops. 51 Endell Street, WC2 (020 7240 5006; blackout2.com)

Browns
This legendary store is famed for its immaculate collection of international labels – from the womanly (Azzedine Alaïa, Dolce & Gabbana, Valentino) to the cutting-edge from young British designers such as Christopher Kane. There’s already a waiting-list for the new parkas from Mr & Mrs Furs (below) – last winter’s sold out as soon as they arrived. 24-27 South Molton Street, W1 (020 7514 0016;)

Céline
A startlingly modern yet surprisingly warm and textural temple to Phoebe Philo’s much-lusted-after collections. The interior’s dazzling patchwork of marble tiles (all 6,000 of them) is matched in its beauty by one-off fittings such as the huge brass lights that spread out like a spider over the central atrium and the sleek modernist day-bed, both designed by the Dutch artist Thomas Poulsen. 103 Mount Street, W1 (020 7491 8200;celine.com)

Couverture & the Garbstore
Here, there’s a strong leaning towards Scandi designers (Rabens Saloner, Henrik Vibskov), the Scandi-influenced (Minä Perhonen, below) and a clutch of cultish New York labels too (Steven Alan, Rachel Comey and A Détacher). Jewellery, home accessories and cute childrenswear such as the bestselling Oeuf knitwear add to the ecletic mood. 188 Kensington Park Road, W11 (020 7229 2178;)

The Cross
From the moment Sam Robinson opened her colourful, breezy and bohemian boutique in 1996 it has been one of the city’s most famous destination stores, with collections from labels such as Dosa and Zero + Maria Cornejo, as well as Queene and Belle knits and jersey basics from Velvet. There are similarly bohemian home accessories too. 141 Portland Road, W11 (020 7727 6760; thecrossshop.co.uk)

Darkroom
This Bloomsbury concept store’s speciality is one-off and hard-to-source accessories from emerging designers and artisans – from the utilitarian, such as Margo’s laser-cut iPhone and iPad cases, to the sleek and sculptural leather cuffs by Lizzy Disney. 52 Lamb’s Conduit Street, WC1 (020 7831 7244; darkroomlondon.com)

Donna Ida
A denim specialist since 2005, this is the place to come for premium jeans (there’s even a denim clinic to help find your perfect pair) alongside T-shirts from Splendid, blouses from Joie and Equipment, and knitwear from Bella Freud. There are also branches in Guildford and Belgravia. 106 Draycott Avenue, SW3 (020 7225 3816; donnaida.com)

Dover Street Market
Inspiring, innovative and quite possibly the most influential store in the world, this Mayfair mecca is crammed with the most desirable labels (Comme des Garçons, below) displayed in a series of flowing spaces, and has the wonderful Rose Bakery on the top floor. 17-18 Dover Street, W1 (020 7518 0680; doverstreetmarket.com)

Duke St Emporium
This Mayfair newcomer is a sister store to The Shop at Bluebird and has a similar style but with more of a focus on smaller labels (Maison Kitsuné, Raquel Allegra, Studio Nicholson) alongside collections from Jigsaw and a lovely Fernandez & Wells café. There’s menswear too. 55 Duke Street, W1 (020 7042 2770; dukestreetemporium.com)

Feathers
Originally set up in Kensington High Street in 1969, where it sold Ossie Clark and Bill Gibb, Feathers (below) has decamped to Knightsbridge and is run by the second generation – Peter and Suzanne Burstein, who buy labels including Rick Owens, Jil Sander, Haider Ackermann and Rochas, plus home-grown talents such as Alexander McQueen and Markus Lupfer. 42 Hans Crescent, SW1 (020 7589 5802; feathersfashion.com)

Feather & Stitch
This stylish Richmond store is owned by Fiona Sanderson, a former buyer for a certain large high-street retailer. Her shop focuses on European labels that have a reputation for feminine, very wearable collections – Filippa K, By Malene Birger, Des Petits Hauts (purses, below) and the newly stocked Samsøe and Samsøe are all typical of the aesthetic here. 16 King Street, TW9 (020 8332 2717; featherandstitch.com)

Fleur B
The former fashion buyer Fleur Bird opened her first boutique in 2008 with her eponymous label, plus other equally stylish ones. The latter include denim from Mother, Paige and Victoria Beckham, ready-to-wear from Carven and Goat, chic Clare Vivier pouches and totes, and 1970s-inspired dresses from Ellie Lines. There’s an additional store in Duke Street. 8 Elystan Street, SW3 (020 7225 3050; fleurb.co.uk)

Folk
J Crew, Pentreath & Hall and Darkroom are all neighbours to Folk, a specialist in understated, cool collections in offbeat colours. It also stocks other like-minded labels such as Sessun, Les Prairies de Paris and Tsumori Chisato. 53 Lamb’s Conduit Street, WC1 (020 8616 4191; folkclothing.com)

Heidi Klein
From the moment you enter this airy white-washed space you feel in full-on holiday mode. There’s a fabulous selection of swimwear, cover-ups and accessories as well as treatment rooms offering spray tans and other pre-vacation prep. 174 Westbourne Grove, W11 (020 7243 5665; heidiklein.com)

J Crew
It may be a chain, but J Crew’s Brompton Cross outpost feels far more like a boutique with its premium-collection line, which pulls together the most fashion-forward and richly constructed pieces (sweater, below) alongside covetable collaborations with labels from Comme des Garçons and Cutler and Gross to Barbour and Birkenstock.171-175 Draycott Avenue, SW3 (020 7591 1350; jcrew.com)

Joseph
Its own label is enjoying an amazing renaissance, but this flagship boutique has always been a destination for an impressive pick of international labels (Céline, Balenciaga, Lanvin, Azzedine Alaïa, to name a few) alongside the eponymous collection. 315 Brompton Road, SW3 (020 7225 3335; )

Kabiri
With an additional outpost in Chelsea, an own-range of graphic gold and pavé pieces designed by its owner, Nathalie Kabiri, and both costume and fine jewellery ranging from cutting-edge fashion pieces to the most elegant classics such as diamond eternity bands, this is one of London’s most diverse jewellery destinations. 37 Marylebone High Street, W1 (020 7317 2150; kabiri.co.uk)

KJ’s Laundry
If you like low-key but luxe separates, this calming, nicely edited store is just the ticket. Off-duty staples (jersey dresses from Humanoid and Rabens Saloner, prints from Clover Canyon, pieces from Studio Nicholson, below) sit alongside the bestselling printed shirt-dresses from Samantha Sung. 74 Marylebone Lane, W1 (020 7486 7855; kjslaundry.com)

Lock & Co
Even if you have no plans to purchase a hat, this wonderfully old-school shop in St James’s is a true London classic. On the ground floor there are elegant men’s hats, including a wonderful range of panamas, while upstairs Sylvia Fletcher presides over the millinery atelier where the Duchess of Cambridge has often sourced her chic toppers. 6 St James’s Street, SW1 (020 7930 8874; lockhatters.co.uk)

Machine- A
This unique boutique is an independent concept store selling contemporary fashion. Here you can expect the most up-to-date pieces from the fashion industries most exciting designers. Machine-A aims to promote emerging talent so expect to see recent Central Saint Martins graduate collections as well as established brands such as JW Anderson and Sibling. 13 Brewer Street, W1 ((0)20  7734 4334; machine-a.com)

Margaret Howell
Elegant, airy and also inspiring, this flagship store not only houses Howell’s hugely desirable collections but also serves as a gallery space for a hand-picked selection of Ercol furniture, accessories including Anglepoise lamps, and books. 34 Wigmore Street, W1 (020 7009 9009; margarethowell.co.uk)

Merchant Archive
As the name suggests, Sophie Merchant’s starting point when she opened her boutique in 2007 was her own vintage collection. Her business then expanded to include precious pieces from the past alongside contemporary labels and home accessories (including the bestselling brass pineapples, below) and jewellery. Merchant also designed and launched her own label, which veers towards more contemporary silhouettes. 19 Kensington Park Road, W11 (0207 229 9006; merchantarchive.com)

Mouki Mou
In fashion circles Maria Lemos is well known as the director of the influential showroom RainbowWave. Last year Lemos opened her concept store in the achingly fashionable Chiltern Street. Her shop is packed with labels she loves: Dosa, 45rpm, Coral & Tusk and beautiful jewellery collections from Ten Thousand Things and Anna Sheffield. 29 Chiltern Street, W1 (020 7224 4010; moukimou.com)

Other/Shop
Founded by the directors of the now-closed b store, this unisex Soho concept shop has built up a loyal following for its clutch of cool labels, including Christophe Lemaire, Cédric Charlier, E Tautz and Peter Jensen. There are also gorgeous accessories from Sophie Hulme. 21 Kingly Street, W1 (020 7734 6846; other-shop.com)

Oxygen Boutique
This mother-and-daughter-run shop stocks some of the most coveted contemporary labels from New York and beyond including Band of Outsiders, ALC, Clover Canyon, Each X Other, as well as modish jeans and basics from Current/Elliott and James Perse. 51 Eastcastle Street, W1 (020 7636 6001;)

Rellik
This legendary vintage store is not only a hunting-ground for A-listers from Kate Moss to Lady Gaga, it’s also a brilliant mash-up of the seriously collectable (Vivienne Westwood, Yohji Yamamoto, Ossie Clark) and much more affordable pieces from the 1970s to 1990s. It’s a bit chaotic and cluttered, but the thrill is in finding serious gems. 8 Golborne Road, W10 (020 8962 0089; relliklondon.co.uk)

The Shop at Bluebird
Owned and curated by Jigsaw’s Belle Robinson, this huge, airy store (below) cherry-picks from international collections (think Marni, Chloé, Carven, Isabel Marant) and up-and-coming labels and has a wonderfully eclectic collection of accessories – from bags and books to candles. 350 King’s Road, SW3 (020 7351 3873; theshopatbluebird.com)

Sixty 6
From this month, Marylebone will again become home to this bijou boutique. Beautifully edited by its owner Jane Collins, it stocks Essentiel, 360Sweater, Geoffrey’s London and scarves and vintage costume jewellery, which have earned it a loyal clientele. 17 Bulstrode Street, W1 (020 7935 3705)

Trilogy
If there’s a pair of jeans that’s perfectly cut for you, the team at Trilogy will be sure to find it. For autumn the store has plenty of new arrivals and exclusives from labels such as AG, Current Elliott and J Brand. As well as denim, there are all the things you may want to pair with it – jersey from American Vintage and Splendid, blouses from Tucker and separates from Vince, and Chinti and Parker knits. 31 Duke of York Square, SW3 (020 7730 6515;)

Wolf & Badger
A super-modern fashion destination focused on emerging talents and cutting-edge labels which are provided with their own retail space in this constantly evolving concept store. This autumn promises digital prints from Judy Wu and newcomer Arianna Cerrito, plus strident shoes from Dear Frances. 46 Ledbury Road, W11 ()

SOUTH LONDON

Iris
Two friends, Annie Pollet and Sarah Claassen, launched their first store in 2004 in Queen’s Park and now have four, each with an accessible, feminine approach with easy-to-wear names such as Ba&sh, American Vintage, Etoile by Isabel Marant, Vanessa Bruno Athé and Chinti and Parker. There are gifts and cute childrenswear too. 97 Northcote Road, SW11 (020 7924 1836; irisfashion.co.uk)

Matches Wimbledon
The phenomenal success of this chain of boutiques and online store lies in its fresh, contemporary edit of desirable labels that are always on-trend but with a mix of classics too. Grown-up staples from Max Mara, Bottega Veneta and Dolce & Gabbana sit alongside more directional collections from labels such as Altuzarra and Christopher Kane. Autumn favourites include strong looks emerging from the revamped Issa and the colourful teddy-bear coats from Shrimps. 36 High Street, Wimbledon Village, SW19 (020 8947 9777;)

July 25, 2018 in News

These Amazon devices can now be delivered in two-hours

These Amazon devices can now be delivered in two-hours

These Amazon devices can now be delivered in two-hours

E-commerce major Amazon has announced that Fire TV Stick, Kindle and Echo devices are now eligible for 2-hours ultra-fast delivery through its Prime Now app. For those unaware, the Prime Now app is only for ultra-fast delivery services for Prime members and currently the service is available in Bengaluru, Mumbai, New Delhi and Hyderabad.

Prime members in these four cities can avail a discount of 15% as an introductory offer on Amazon devices. The devices includes Amazon Fire TV Stick, the all-new Kindle, Kindle Paperwhite, Amazon Echo Dot and Echo and can be purchased via Prime Now app for a limited period of time. Amazon claims that the device will be delivered to their doorsteps within 2-hours after placing the order with an extended delivery time of 6 am till midnight.

The Prime Now app is available on Android as well as iOS devices, and can be downloaded via their respective app stores.

At the launch, Jayshree Gururaj, Director – Amazon Devices said “Prime Now brings our fastest and most convenient delivery option for Amazon Devices. You can now get your Fire TV Stick delivered within hours to watch your favourite show or movie, or get your Kindle delivered before you board the flight tonight to your holiday,”

Adding to this, Siddharth Nambiar – Head of Prime Now, India said, “We are excited to add Fire TV Stick, Kindle and the Echo range of devices to Prime Now selection of over 10,000 products available in hours. We also have a limited period discount of 15% for these products on Prime Now app”.

Earlier in May, Amazon had introduced faster delivery on the Amazon Now app and rebranded the service to Prime Now. The Prime Now product range includes categories like fruits and vegetables, grocery, staples, meat, and other home and kitchen products.

Source by gadgetsnow

July 22, 2018 in News

Types Of GST Returns

Types Of GST Returns

India is heading towards its biggest tax reforms ever. The whole World is watching this roll out, as the World 3^rdlargest economy is moving towards a destination based tax-reporting structure. Every transaction has to be reported through the last mile with a common invoice, identifiable to the seller and recipient of goods and services.

The GST Council and the Ministry of Finance have come up with a great solution to record all such invoices in one place and collate data for the taxpayer. The processes have been simplified, and many taxes have been removed. The whole nation shall report using the same structure irrespective of where and how you carry your business.

A widespread IT system has been deployed by the Ministry to cope up with such a huge influx of data. It is called the GSTN (Goods and Service Tax Network) that will house all the information of sellers and buyers together, collaborate the details submitted and even maintain 3 registers for you for future reference and anytime reconciliation.

In this article, we’ve explained various types of GST Returns, who should file GST returns online, the format of GST return, the process of filing GST return and much more..

Understanding the GST Returns

For properly updating the invoices, Indian taxpayers and businesses have to file certain returns with the Government. These returns have to be mandatorily filed as any non-compliance towards the same may lead to disallowance of input tax credit, apart from attracting penalties and interests, etc. Proper filing of information and passing the same in the returns is a mandatory process for smooth flow of credit to the last recipient.

The returns have been designed so that all transactions are in sync with each other and that no transaction is left unattended between the buyer and the seller. The tale starts from GSTR-1. All the data is stored in GSTN, which can be accessed by the users/taxpayers anytime online.

Types of GST Returns to be filed by normal taxpayers

GSTR-1

The taxpayer records all his outward supplies of goods and services in details in this form. This has to be mandatorily done by the 10^th of the next month (GSTN is frequently changing the due date of filing GSTR1. So, keep checking announcements).

This will form the basis for all future flow and match for credit reconciliations. GSTR-1 is a detailed form containing 13 different heads. The critical headings are:

• GSTIN of the Taxable Person – Auto-populated result
• Name – Auto-populated result
• Gross Turnover in Last Financial Year – This has to be filed only once. From next year onwards, this field will be auto-populated
• The Period for which the return is being filed – Month & Year shall be available as a drop-down for selection
• Taxable outward supplies – Here, IGST shall be filled only in the case of inter-state movement whereas CGST and SGST shall be filled in case of intra-state movement. Moreover, details of any exempted sales or sale at nil rate of tax shall also be mentioned here
• Outward Supplies to end customer, where the value exceeds Rs. 2.5 lakhs – Other than mentioned, all such supplies are optional in nature
• Any other supplies not covered in above 2 sections
• Debit Notes or Credit Notes Details
• Amendments to the details of any outward supplies of previous periods – This does not cover any changes by way of debit/credit notes
• Exempted, Nil-Rated and Non-GST Supplies – This is a Non-GST section. When the details of exempted sales or nil-rated sales have already been mentioned anywhere above, then only Non-GST shall be filled up here
• Export Sales
• Tax Liability arising out of advance receipts
• Tax Paid

Learn how to file GSTR-1

GSTR-2A

It is available on the 11^th of the next month for the recipients to see and validate the information therein. Recipients have time between 11^th – 15^th of the next month to change any information, delete or add, based on their books of accounts.

Update as on April 2018: GSTR-2A has been kept on hold by GSTN.

GSTR-2

This form is the culmination of all inward supplies of goods and services as approved by the recipient of the services. The due date is 15^th of the next month. It is auto-populated with the details of GSTR-2A. GSTR-2 shall include the following heads:

• GSTIN of the Taxable Person – Auto populated result
• Name – Auto populated result
• The Period for which the return is being filed – Month & Year shall be available as a drop-down for selection
• Details of all inward supplies – Auto populated with the details of GSTR-1. The taxable person can make any further addition or changes to the invoice here
• Changes to the inward supplies made for any previous period
• Import of Goods – Imports are treated as Inter-state supply and IGST shall be applicable on the same
• Import of Goods in earlier periods
• Services received from a person outside India (Import of Services)
• Import of Services in earlier periods
• Debit notes or Credit notes Details
• Amendments made to Debit or Credit notes of previous periods
• Inward supplies emanating from Unregistered persons
• Credits received from an Input Service Distributor – Auto populated from details of GSTR-6
• TDS credit from specified persons – Auto populated from details of GSTR-7
• TCS credit from E-Commerce operators – Auto populated from details of GSTR-8
• Input Tax Credit remaining to be taken against an invoice, from which initially a partial invoice was taken
• Reverse Charge tax liability
• Amendment to such reverse charge tax liability
• Tax Paid
• Input Tax Credit Reversals – A dropdown containing reasons for such reversals shall be made available
• Amendments to such Input Tax Credit Reversals

Learn more about GSTR-2 Return Filing

Update as on April 2018: GSTR-2 has been kept on hold by GSTN.

GSTR-1A

The form shall be auto-populated after filing of GSTR-2 on the 15^th of the next month, having all the correct or changed information. The supplier shall have the choice to accept or reject the changes made by the recipient. Following such acceptance, the GSTR-1 shall be revised to such extent.

GSTR-3

This form is auto prepared by 20^th of the next month. It will have the details of all outward as well as inward supplies of goods and services as furnished in GSTR-1 and GSTR-2. After considering both the details, GSTN will determine your input tax credit availability or the amount of tax payable.

It will have the following details:

• GSTIN of the Taxable Person – Auto-populated result
• Name – Auto-populated result
• Address of the person – Auto-populated result
• The Period for which the return is being filed – Month & Year shall be available as a drop-down for selection
• Total turnover

1. Export Turnover
2. Taxable Turnover
3. Non-GST Turnover
4. Nil Rated or Exempted Turnover
5. Total Turnover (Sum of 1-4)

• Details of outward supplies

1. Inter-state supply to end customers
2. Intra-state supply to end customers
3. Inter-state supply to registered persons
4. Intra-state supply to registered persons
5. Exports
6. Amendments to Sales Invoices, Debit Notes and Credit Notes
7. Tax liability on such outward supplies

• Details of inward supplies

1. Inter-State received
2. Intra-State received
3. Imports
4. Amendments to Purchase invoices, Debit Notes and Credit Notes
5. Tax liability on such inward supplies
6. Reversals of Input Tax Credit

• Total tax liability for the period
• TDS received for the period
• TCS received for the period
• ITC for the period

Apart from the above details, a Part B has to be filed containing the details of,

• Any taxes, interests, penalties or fees paid during the period
• Any refunds claimed during the period w.r.t. cash ledger

GSTR-9

This is the annual return, which the taxpayer has to file by 31^st December of the coming financial year. It is nothing but the accumulation of all 12 monthly GSTR-3 of the taxpayer. It would also include the amount of tax paid during the year, including details of exports or imports.

Apart from the above forms, the Government shall serve those taxpayers who fail to furnish the returns on time, notice in Form GSTR-3A.

After the GSTR-3 is fully accepted for the month, then final input tax credit shall be communicated through form GST ITC-1. The details of ITC-1 has to be confirmed in due time to get the credit for that month. If the same is not done in due time, then it will disallow the credit for the month and will be computed as a tax liability for the month instead.

Returns to be filed by Composition Tax Payers

GSTR-4A

Similar to the GSTR-2A above, GSTR-4A is generated quarterly for composition scheme taxpayers. It has the details of the inward supplies as reported by suppliers in GSTR-1.

GSTR-4

With the auto-populated details of GSTR-4A, the taxpayer can furnish all his outward supplies here. The due date is 18^th of the following month and has to be filed quarterly. It also contains the details of tax payable and payment of tax.

GSTR-9A

This is the annual return for all composition taxpayers. It has to be filed by 31^st December of the coming financial year and includes all the quarterly returns filed by the composition taxpayer.

Returns to be filed by Foreign Non-Resident Taxpayer

GSTR-5

This is a detailed form containing the particulars of outward supplies, imports, tax paid, input tax availed and remaining stock. This has to be filed monthly within 20^th of the next month or if the registration is given up, then within 7 days of such surrender or expiry of registration.

Returns to be filed by an Input Service Distributor

GSTR-6A

This form will be generated by 11^th of next month after the suppliers have filed their GSTR-1 on 10^th of the next month. It will be auto-populated with the details of inward supplier made to them. It has to be filed on a monthly basis by the ISD.

GSTR-6

Once the details are confirmed or corrected by the ISD, then GSTR-6 will be generated. It has to be filed by the ISD by 13^th of the next month. This is also a monthly filing.

Returns to be filed by a Tax Deductor

GSTR-7

Details of the tax deductions made during the month have to be furnished here. The due date is 10^th of the next month.

GSTR-7A

This is a TDS certificate, which is auto-generated upon filing the GSTR-7 by the tax Deductor. It will be available for the assessees to download and keep a record of. It will contain details of the tax deducted and the total amount of payment made.

Return to be filed by an E-Commerce Portal

GSTR-8

This return shall contain all the supplies made by the E-Commerce seller and the amount of tax collected as well. It has to be filed by 10^th of the next month.

For those assessees whose annual turnover exceeds INR 1 Crore, then a reconciliation statement in Form GSTR-9B has to be filed by 31^st December of the next fiscal year. It has to be filed annually and is basically an audited annual account, duly certified by competent authority.

Where the assessee is a Government body or a United Nations Body, then a monthly Form GSTR-11 has to be filed by 28^th of the next month. These bodies have a UIN (Unique Identification Number) and hence will be required to furnish the details of inward supplies.

Where a taxable person’s registration has been surrendered or cancelled, then a final return in Form GSTR-10 has to be filed within 3 months of such cancellation or registration. It will declare the input tax credit and capital goods held by the taxpayer, tax payable and paid at such time.

The Government has automated all the forms together by bringing the same details on a real-time basis in front of the taxpayers. The step, which is of paramount importance, is Step No. 1, i.e. FORM GSTR-1. It will form the basis of all further activities.

Any shortcomings or short filings of information in the details provided by the suppliers can be rectified, changed or deleted by the recipients in ample period of time. It is a seamless process that matches all information together to get the final credit figures and tax payable if any.

The payment challans are also a very crucial part of all the filing process. Without them, it is not possible to clear tax payments and dues in due course of time and also claim credit.

1. PMT-1: An online tax liability register arising out of return or non-return related liabilities of the taxpayer.
2. PMT-2: Credit balance online as in GSTN
3. PMT-2A: Re-credit addition to the GSTN balance of a taxpayer
4. PMT-3: Online cash ledger

Note: The above forms are maintained free of cost by the GSTN for each taxpayer. It can be accessed anytime through a User ID and Password, 24X7.

5. PMT-4: Challan for payment of GST
6. PMT-5: Payment register for unregistered taxpayers
7. PMT-6: Application for claiming missing credit

Where it is found that there is an excess credit available in the account of a taxpayer, then the taxpayer has an option to claim a refund of such excess credit within the prescribed time. The refund application forms are different for the State and Central Governments.

There are 10 forms prescribed for the Central Government, out of which only 5 are applicable to the State application. The main form is RFD-01 where the application for refund is made.

GSTR 3B Return

In order to ease the burden on taxpayers, tax authorities have introduced a simple return form called as GSTR 3B. This has to be used only for the month of July and August. Every registered taxpayer (Except for composition scheme) needs to file a separate GSTR 3B for each GSTIN they have.

This is more like a self-declaration return and the taxpayer is not required to provide invoice level information in this form. Only total values for each field have to be provided.

The due date for filing GSTR 3B return for July was 20th August – It has been extended to 25th August now.

As of April 2018, Government has made it mandatory to file GSTR 3B every month until further notice.

Learn more about GSTR 3B format and how to file it online.

How To File GST Returns Online?

No matter whether you are a trader or a manufacturer, you will have to file returns mandatorily. It is a matter of perception when it comes to defining the whole return filing process, as some may treat it as cumbersome or some may feel happy with the level of automation available. Draft GST return format provided by government can easily confuse a small business owner who doesn’t have any accounting knowledge.

ProfitBooks is a popular GST compliant accounting software which can help you to easily file GST returns online. It does auto-reconciliation of mismatches and gives you a real time report of the differences between you and your customer/vendor. You can even create GST invoice in correct format.

July 18, 2018 in News

THE TRUTH ABOUT YOUR TAX DEBT

THE TRUTH ABOUT YOUR TAX DEBT

There are approximately 8 million* individuals and business owners who have tax debt, and the IRS is going after them with unprecedented levels of aggression – for instance, property seizures have increased by 230%** in the last decade.

• The IRS likely has access to all of your financial information, including both personal and business assets. They are also constantly mining social media data, travel, and credit card and debit transaction records.
• The IRS has begun to add delinquent taxpayers to the government no-fly list and may revoke your passport when you try to fly out of the country under a new law called FAST Act (section 7345 of the tax code).
  
• Collecting Tax debt takes priority over all your other legal rights, once the IRS is ready to move on your assets, you may lose your retirement funds, paychecks, home, cars, and even your business without much time for you to take action.
• The IRS has already begun to build their case against you. Evading tax debt comes at a heavy price: felony conviction, 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and the cost of prosecution***(26 USC 7201).

It’s more important than ever to have an experienced professional who can take the IRS head-on by your side, armed with a vast knowledge of the tax debt law and IRS proceedings. Dealing with the IRS can be daunting, but with the right help you can get your life back on track and your financial house in order.

July 15, 2018 in News

Minimum Balance You Need To Maintain In Your Bank Account: SBI, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank Penalty Charges Compared

Minimum Balance You Need To Maintain In Your Bank Account: SBI, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank Penalty Charges Compared

Banking majors SBI (State Bank of India), ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank charge their customers a penalty fee for non-maintenance of the minimum stipulated balance in their savings bank accounts. This penalty fee, for failing to comply with the banks’ separate monthly average balance or MAB requirements, ranges from Rs. 5 to Rs. 600 (excluding taxes and other charges). SBI, for example, has set a monthly average balance requirement of Rs.3,000 for customers holding a savings bank account with its metro branch. Similarly, the other two major banks have also set different minimum balance average limits, failing to meet which attracts a penalty charge. Here’s a lowdown of different minimum balance requirements set by these banks and the penalty charges applicable.

Minimum balance required: SBI vs ICICI Bank vs HDFC BankSBI

Metro	Urban	Semi-urban	Rural
SBI	MAB of Rs.3,000	MAB of Rs.3,000	MAB of Rs.2,000	MAB of Rs. 1,000
ICICI Bank	MAB of Rs.10,000	MAB of Rs.10,000	MAB of Rs.5,000	MAB of Rs. 2,000
HDFC Bank	MAB of Rs.10,000	MAB of Rs.10,000	MAB of Rs.5,000	AQB of Rs. 2,500 or FD of Rs. 10,000 (minimum 1 year 1 day)
(Source: SBI, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank websites)

SBI requires its customers holding savings bank accounts in metro and urban branches to maintain a monthly average balance of Rs. 3,000, according to the bank’s website – sbi.co.in. For accounts in semi-urban branches and rural branches, this requirement has been set at Rs.2,000 and Rs. 1,000 respectively.

ICICI Bank

ICICI Bank has set the minimum monthly average balance at Rs. 10,000 for its branches in metro and urban locations, according to the bank’s website – icicibank.com. For semi-urban branches, the stipulated monthly average balance amount has been set at Rs. 5,000. For rural and ‘gramin’ branches, the bank has set minimum monthly average balances of Rs. 2,000 and Rs. 1,000 respectively, according to the bank.

HDFC Bank

HDFC Bank requires customers holding savings bank accounts with it in metro and urban branches to maintain a minimum monthly average balance of Rs. 10,000 in a month. For semi-urban branches, the bank has set a monthly average balance requirement at Rs. 5,000, according to the bank’s website – hdfcbank.com. The bank requires its customers holding accounts in rural branches to either maintain an average quarterly balance of Rs. 25,000 or keep a fixed deposit (FD) of Rs. 10,000 for a minimum tenure of one year and one day, according to the bank.

Penalty charges for non-compliance with monthly average balance (MAB) rules: SBI vs ICICI Bank vs HDFC Bank

SBI

For non-compliance with MAB requirement by a customer holding a savings bank account in metro or urban branch, SBI charges a penalty amount ranging from Rs. 10 plus GST to Rs. 15 plus GST, according to its website. The amount of penalty depends on the degree of shortfall from the required amount. For example, in case of a shortfall of less than 50 per cent from the required MAB, SBI charges a penalty charge of Rs. 10 plus GST, according to its website.

For customers in semi-urban branches, SBI charges a penalty amount ranging from Rs. 7.5 plus GST to Rs. 12 plus GST. For savings bank accounts in rural branches, the penalty ranges from Rs. 5 plus GST to Rs. 10 plus GST.

ICICI Bank

ICICI Bank charges a penalty amount of Rs. 100 plus 5 per cent of the shortfall from the required monthly average balance from customers failing to maintain the monthly average balance in savings bank accounts in metro, urban, semi urban and rural branches.

For shortfall in savings bank accounts in ‘gramin’ branches, the bank charges 5 per cent of the amount of shortfall as penalty, according to its website.

HDFC Bank

HDFC Bank charges a penalty amount of Rs. 150 plus taxes from savings bank account holders in metro and urban branches maintaining a monthly average balance of Rs. 7,500 up to Rs. 10,000, according to the bank’s website. For the monthly average balance of Rs. 5,000 up to Rs. 7,500, the penalty amount has been set at Rs. 300 plus taxes. For savings bank accounts in semi-urban branches, the bank charges a penalty amount of Rs. 150 plus taxes and Rs. 300 plus taxes, depending on the shortfall.

For rural branches, the penalty amount has been set at Rs. 270 plus taxes for balances of Rs.1,000 up to Rs. 2,500, and Rs. 450 for balances below Rs. 1,000, according to the bank’s website.

Source by ndtv