Network: Reader Responses

Reader-to-reader advice.

When Rick Kleinvehn ("Blues of a Broker," March, [Article link]) was looking to finance his accounts receivable, we suggested he first work on his collection efforts. One possible next step, factoring, may be too costly for many small companies, but it gets the nod from one reader:

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Selling your receivables, or factoring, improves cash flow without incurring debt, and it's becoming a more mainstream option for small businesses. For the names of local brokers who can match your business with a suitable factor, contact the National Association of Factoring Professionals (407-843-2032), an organization that is working hard to standardize what has been a largely unregulated industry.

Jim Ayres

Owner

AJL Funding

Littleton, Colo.

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Before you design your next product's packaging for retail-store display ("Designs on Design," February, [Article link]), take this advice:

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Conduct state and national searches to make sure that no one else has rights to the trademarks, service marks, or trade names that appear on your packaging. Sometimes the design or structure of the packaging itself is protected by design or utility patents.

Additionally, various consumer-protection agencies, such as the Federal Trade Commission and the Offices of the Attorney General, have statutes and regulations governing the accuracy of product advertising and labeling.

Frederick S. Frei

Attorney

Cushman, Darby & Cushman

Washington, D.C.

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