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As a restaurant owner, you've poured your heart and soul into creating a thriving business. But have you considered the risks that could jeopardize everything you've built? From kitchen fires to customer injuries, the restaurant industry faces unique challenges that demand comprehensive protection. Business insurance isn't just a smart choice—it's often a necessity for lease agreements and legal compliance. The Importance of Business Insurance for Restaurants Protecting your livelihood is paramount. In the fast-paced world of restaurant ownership, business insurance isn't just a prudent choice—it's often a necessity. Many landlords require proof of insurance before leasing space, and some states mandate specific coverage types. But beyond meeting requirements, comprehensive insurance safeguards your investment and hard work. Shielding Your Assets A Business Owner's Policy (BOP) is the cornerstone of restaurant insurance. This package combines property and liability coverage, protecting your physical assets—from kitchen equipment to dining room furnishings—against damage or theft. It also shields you from common liability risks, such as customer injuries on your premises. Complying with Legal Requirements Workers' compensation insurance is mandatory in most states for businesses with employees. This coverage protects both you and your staff, providing financial support for work-related injuries or illnesses. Failing to carry workers' comp can result in hefty fines and legal troubles. Securing Your Operations Beyond the basics, restaurants face unique risks. Food spoilage insurance can reimburse you for inventory losses due to power outages or equipment breakdowns. Liquor liability coverage is crucial if you serve alcohol, protecting against claims related to intoxicated patrons. By tailoring your insurance portfolio to your specific needs, you're not just meeting obligations—you're ensuring your restaurant can weather unexpected storms and continue serving delicious meals for years to come. Essential Coverages for Restaurants * Property Protection: A comprehensive Business Owner's Policy (BOP) is crucial, typically including property insurance to protect your building, equipment, and inventory. * Liability Safeguards: General liability insurance is a must-have, shielding you from claims related to customer injuries or property damage. For restaurants, it's wise to add product liability coverage, which protects against food-borne illness claims. * Workers' Compensation: Most states mandate this coverage, which protects your employees in case of work-related injuries or illnesses. * Business Interruption Insurance: Consider adding this coverage to your policy to help cover lost income and ongoing expenses if your restaurant must temporarily close due to a covered event. * Cyber Insurance: In today's digital landscape, this insurance can help safeguard your restaurant against data breaches, cyber attacks, and other technology-related risks. Understanding a Business Owners Policy (BOP) for Restaurants A BOP is a cornerstone of restaurant insurance, providing comprehensive coverage tailored to the unique needs of food service establishments. This policy combines several essential protections into one package, offering both convenience and cost-effectiveness for restaurant owners. Why Workers' Compensation Insurance is a Must It's a legal necessity in most states, protecting both your business and your employees. Without proper coverage, your restaurant could face significant financial strain. By investing in workers' comp, you're creating a safer, more secure work environment and demonstrating your commitment to your staff's well-being. Conclusion Comprehensive business insurance safeguards your restaurant against unforeseen risks, ensuring continuity in the face of adversity. From meeting lease requirements to shielding your property and employees, the right coverage is essential. By investing in proper insurance, you not only comply with legal obligations but also secure peace of mind. Don't wait until an incident occurs to recognize the value of proper insurance protection. Coverdash can help you secure the coverage your business needs to thrive. By leveraging our access to over 30 leading insurance carriers, we can provide you with customized solutions at the best possible price. Get your free quote today and ensure your restaurant has the protection it requires to succeed.

As a new business owner, you've poured your heart and soul into launching your venture. But have you considered how to protect it from unforeseen risks? General Liability insurance is a crucial safeguard for your fledgling enterprise, shielding you from potentially devastating financial losses. This type of coverage not only protects against common business risks but also opens doors to essential opportunities. From securing loans to leasing commercial space, proof of insurance is often a requirement for critical business transactions. In this blog post, you'll discover why General Liability insurance is indispensable for your new business and how it can pave the way for your company's growth and success. Protection Against Common Business Risks General liability insurance covers various scenarios, including customer injuries on your premises, property damage caused by your operations, and even legal costs for defending against lawsuits. By having this coverage, you're protecting both your assets from potential financial losses that could otherwise cripple your new venture. Demonstrating Business Maturity Beyond financial protection, general liability insurance serves as a signal of your business's responsibility and maturity. Many stakeholders, including customers, landlords, and lenders, view this coverage as a mark of professionalism. It demonstrates that you're prepared to handle potential risks, which can be particularly important for new businesses seeking to establish credibility in the market. Key Coverages Provided by General Liability Insurance * Bodily Injury Protection: This coverage helps shield your business from costs associated with injuries that occur on your premises or as a result of your operations. * Property Damage Coverage: If your business operations cause damage to someone else's property, this aspect of general liability insurance can help cover the costs of repairs or replacements. * Personal and Advertising Injury: This coverage protects against claims of libel, slander, and copyright infringement, which is particularly important for businesses with a strong online presence or those engaged in marketing and advertising activities. * Legal Defense and Settlements: Perhaps one of the most valuable aspects of general liability insurance is its provision for legal defense costs and potential settlements, which can be essential for protecting your business's financial stability. When Proof of General Liability Insurance is Required * Contractual Obligations: Many clients, especially larger corporations, will insist on seeing a Certificate of Insurance (COI) before engaging your services. This document verifies your coverage and protects both parties from potential financial risks. * Leasing Commercial Space: When seeking to rent office or retail space, landlords typically require tenants to have General Liability Insurance. This coverage demonstrates your business's responsibility and protects the property owner from potential lawsuits arising from incidents on their premises. * Securing Business Loans: Financial institutions often view General Liability Insurance as a sign of a mature, responsible business. Having this coverage can make your business a more attractive candidate when applying for loans or lines of credit, and in some instances, it may even be a requirement to secure a loan. Choosing the Right Policy When selecting a general liability insurance policy, consider: * Industry-specific risks and appropriate coverage limits * Additional endorsements that might be necessary for your specific operations * The policy's coverage territory and whether it matches your business operations footprint Conclusion: Safeguard Your Business's Future with General Liability Insurance As a new business owner, your primary focus is on driving growth and realizing your vision for success. However, it's essential to also protect your venture with the right general liability insurance coverage. From customer injuries and property damage to advertising mishaps and legal challenges, a range of risks could significantly impact your ability to operate and expand. The right general liability policy not only provides vital financial protection but also demonstrates your business's commitment to responsible operations and professionalism. By investing in this coverage today, you're not merely safeguarding your assets—you're laying the foundation for sustainable growth and establishing credibility with stakeholders, clients, and partners. Don't wait until an incident occurs to recognize the value of proper insurance protection. Coverdash can help you secure the coverage your business needs to thrive. By leveraging our access to over 30 leading insurance carriers, we can provide you with customized general liability solutions at the best possible price. Get your free quote today and ensure your venture has the protection it requires to succeed.

As a florist, your passion for creating beautiful arrangements brings joy to your customers, whether for weddings, birthdays, or simply brightening someone’s day. But behind the artistry of floristry lies a business that, like any other, faces risks. One of the most effective ways to safeguard your floral shop from these risks is by having comprehensive business insurance. Property Protection Your shop is more than just a place where you create stunning floral designs; it’s also home to valuable assets like flowers, refrigeration equipment, display materials, and office supplies. From natural disasters like storms and floods to accidents like fires, property damage can happen when you least expect it. Business insurance ensures that if your shop suffers damage, the costs to repair or replace damaged assets are covered. This includes everything from your floral inventory to high-end refrigeration units that keep your flowers fresh. Protecting Against Legal Claims Running a florist shop involves direct interaction with customers, whether they’re visiting your store or receiving deliveries. If a customer slips and falls in your shop or trips over a delivery box, you could be held liable for their medical expenses and legal fees. Liability insurance covers such incidents, ensuring that you’re not financially burdened by customer injuries or accidents on your premises. Even if a lawsuit arises, insurance will cover your defense costs, helping you avoid a financial disaster. Workers’ Compensation Insurance: Protecting Your Employees If you have employees, workers’ compensation insurance is not only a smart choice, but it’s also often required by law. This insurance provides coverage if an employee is injured on the job—whether they’re lifting heavy floral arrangements, cutting stems, or handling deliveries. Workers' compensation covers medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs for injured employees, as well as providing protection from potential lawsuits related to workplace injuries. Commercial Auto Insurance: Deliveries  As a flower shop owner, your delivery vans and service vehicles are essential for ensuring timely deliveries and customer satisfaction. However, accidents can occur, leading to costly vehicle repairs, medical bills, or even legal claims.  Commercial auto insurance protects your business by covering expenses related to vehicle damage, liability for injuries, and lawsuits, helping you keep your deliveries on schedule without disruptions. Covering Your Rainy Days Imagine this: a major storm causes significant damage to your floral shop, forcing you to close for repairs. Not only would you lose valuable business during the downtime, but you’d also face ongoing bills like rent, utilities, and payroll. Business interruption insurance steps in to cover lost income during periods when your shop is closed due to a covered event. This allows you to maintain your business operations or rebuild without falling behind financially. Tailoring Insurance to Your Needs Every florist’s business is unique, and so are the risks they face. Beyond standard coverage, there are specialized options that can be tailored to meet your specific needs: * Spoilage Coverage: Protects against the loss of perishable flowers and plants due to refrigeration breakdowns or power outages. * Equipment Break down: Covers the cost of repairing or replacing essential equipment, like floral coolers that malfunction. * Seasonal Increases in Inventory: During peak times like holidays or wedding season, you may carry more stock than usual. Some insurers offer policies that automatically increase your coverage during these periods. Conclusion: Protect Your Floral Business with Comprehensive Insurance While your focus as a florist is on creativity and service, the importance of protecting your business can’t be overstated. From property damage and customer injuries to accidental mishaps and employee injuries, there are numerous risks that could impact your ability to operate. The right business insurance not only provides financial protection but also peace of mind, allowing you to focus on what you do best—creating beautiful floral arrangements for your customers. Don’t wait until disaster strikes. Speak to an insurance professional today and ensure your florist business has the protection it needs to thrive, no matter what comes your way. By prioritizing business insurance, you’re investing in the long-term success and sustainability of your floral shop. Stay protected, stay prepared, and keep blooming! Need help finding the right insurance for your flower business? Get a quote here https://www.coverdash.com/quote.

Ecommerce offers an opportunity to earn from anywhere, and it’s a booming business. In the U.S., ecommerce sales are expected to reach the $1 trillion [https://www.insiderintelligence.com/insights/ecommerce-industry-statistics] mark in 2022. If you want to grab your portion of the trillion-dollar ecommerce market, Shopify is the perfect platform to launch your ecommerce empire. What is Shopify? Shopify [https://www.shopify.com/blog/what-is-shopify] is a cloud-based ecommerce solution that allows you to set up an online store, manage products, and sell across multiple channels. The only thing you need to run your ecommerce business with Shopify is an internet connection; the platform handles software and server upgrades and maintenance on your behalf. With Shopify’s app store, you can layer on additional products, tools, and services to customize your ecommerce experience. Before You Start Selling There are a few decisions you’ll want to make — and steps to take — before you launch your Shopify ecommerce store. Choose a Selling Model There are so many ways to earn from ecommerce. Some people source products and store/ ship them to customers themselves with a wholesale [https://www.shopify.com/handshake] model. Others decide to dropship [https://www.shopify.com/blog/what-is-dropshipping] products, which means a third party handles the storage and shipping of products. Maybe you’re a creative type, and you want to explore print-on-demand [https://www.shopify.com/blog/print-on-demand-companies] selling. You could even create a store based around an affiliate marketing [https://www.shopify.com/blog/affiliate-marketing] model, where you send customers to other websites to make purchases while you sit back and earn commissions from every order. Decide what selling model will work best for you before you start your Shopify store setup. Create Your Business Identity What will you call your new ecommerce business? What will your store name and domain be? Make a list of possible business names and then use a domain registrar like GoDaddy [https://www.godaddy.com/pro] to check on the availability and purchase your domain name. Once your business name and domain are settled, create a logo for your business using a free design tool like Canva [https://www.canva.com/], or hire a graphic designer from a freelancer platform like Fiverr [https://www.fiverr.com/] or Upwork [http://upwork.com] to help you create your visual identity (logo, brand colors, and other design elements). Launch Your Business Will you operate your business as a sole proprietorship, an LLC, or will you form a corporate entity? Choose a business structure [https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/choose-business-structure] and complete all necessary paperwork to launch that business. You’ll also want to register your business [https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/register-your-business] with any applicable state and local governments (if required), get your state and federal tax ID numbers [https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/get-federal-state-tax-id-numbers] (also known as an EIN, or employer identification number), and open your business bank account. Insure Your Business When you run a business, you open yourself up to financial risks. Business insurance [https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/get-business-insurance] helps safeguard you against financial losses as you build and grow your ecommerce business. Depending on how you structured your business, ecommerce insurance could protect your business and your personal assets. Some of the most common types of coverage to protect your ecommerce business include: * General liability insurance * Product liability insurance * Professional liability insurance * BOP (business owners policy) * Workers’ compensation insurance — required by law if you hire employees Get a quote for ecommerce insurance from Coverdash. We specialize in ecommerce insurance for Shopify sellers and can help you determine the best coverage amounts to protect your new business against lawsuits and losses from an unexpected event. Request your quote today. Now that you’ve launched your business, it’s time to start selling on Shopify! How to Start Selling on Shopify Shopify offers sellers a free 14-day trial, so you can set up your shop and start selling for free. Build Your Store Use Shopify’s easy drag-and-drop store builder to easily create your online store without the need for a professional website developer. Choose one of Shopify’s free themes or upgrade to a premium one. Customize your themes easily by changing fonts and colors, downloading apps from the Shopify App Store [https://apps.shopify.com/], and uploading your images to your store. Browse Shopify themes. [https://www.shopify.com/online/themes] Choose Your Channels Shopify makes it easy to set up an online storefront to sell your products, but your selling options don’t stop there. The ecommerce platform also allows you to sell products across a variety of channels, including: * Facebook and Instagram * TikTok * YouTube Shopping * Google * Ebay * Walmart Choose your sales channels [https://www.shopify.com/channels]and expand your business. Add Your Products It’s time to add your products [https://www.shopify.com/learn/course/getting-started-with-shopify/add-a-product] to your store. For each product, you’ll need: * Product name * Product description * Images and videos of the product Tip: When you’re creating a product description, it’s helpful to understand how SEO (search engine optimization) works. SEO is the practice of helping search engines (like Google) understand what your product pages are all about and knowing what search terms people use when they are looking for a product like yours. If this concept is new to you, check out the Beginners Guide to SEO from MOZ. [https://moz.com/beginners-guide-to-seo] Market Your Business Now that you’ve built it, don’t sit around and wait for people to find your Shopify store and products. Take action and start marketing your business! Shopify offers marketing tips [https://www.shopify.com/market] and tools for ecommerce sellers so you can attract the right customers to your store. Create a marketing plan and take action daily to get more awareness for your brand and products. Create a Great Customer Experience When orders come through to your Shopify store, be sure you’re creating a great experience for your customers. Fulfill orders promptly and use Shopify’s native tools to send customers order confirmation, shipping tracking, and other order updates. Communicate and set realistic expectations for shipping times — don’t let someone think their order will be delivered next-day if it will take two weeks to reach them. Building a lasting and profitable ecommerce store means thinking of your customers first. When customers love your products and services, they come back to your store to buy again, tell their friends, and leave great reviews for future customers. Are you thinking of starting an ecommerce business? Get an insurance quote from Coverdash in minutes. Our agents can help you understand the risks that come from selling online and advise you on the best ways to protect your brand and your business. Request an insurance quote from Coverdash today.

Amazon is one of the first places people look when they have something they want to buy, and 9 out of 10 adults have gone to Amazon to price check a product. Amazon’s customer service and fast shipping has made it the go-to ecommerce destination for online shoppers, and that makes this platform the go-to ecommerce platform for sellers looking to start an ecommerce business. Have you been considering selling on Amazon? If you’re ready to start making money through this ecommerce platform, here are five easy steps to get started with Amazon selling. Choose Your Amazon Seller Business Model Amazon sellers have different models for earning on the platform. According to Junglescout’s 2022 Amazon Seller Report [https://www.junglescout.com/amazon-seller-report/], the most popular business models on Amazon in 2022 are: * Private label – 59% * Wholesale – 26% * Retail and online arbitrage – 26% * Dropshipping – 10% * Handmade goods – 8% Private label [https://www.bigcommerce.com/blog/amazon-private-label-products/] typically involves creating your own brand and then adding your brand name and logo to a product. Don’t worry, you won’t have to invent something completely new and innovative to go the private label route. You can select a product and source a manufacturer who will add your logo to their product and packaging. Wholesale [https://www.junglescout.com/blog/selling-wholesale-on-amazon/] businesses source bulk products from a manufacturer at a discounted rate and then resell those products at a retail price on Amazon. You are likely selling the same products and brands as other sellers when you go the wholesale route. Retail and online arbitrage [https://www.junglescout.com/blog/amazon-retail-arbitrage/] is where many sellers begin their Amazon sales journey, especially if they don’t have a current brand or previous e-commerce experience. With retail and online arbitrage, you source products directly from stores and websites and then resell those products through Amazon. If you love shopping for amazing discounted deals, you could buy a deeply discounted item and then resell it at its regular price (or higher) via Amazon. RA and OA is a popular starting point because of the low-cost barrier to entry. Dropshipping [https://sell.amazon.com/fulfillment-by-amazon/fba-multi-channel] is a popular business model for ecommerce sellers who don’t want to manage physical inventory. With a dropshipping model, your products are kept at a third-party location. When you receive an order through your online store, you initiate that third-party dropshipping partner to pack and ship the inventory to your customer. Amazon allows you to dropship with them, even if you’re not selling your products on the Amazon platform. Handmade goods [https://sell.amazon.com/programs/handmade] is a new category on Amazon, and it’s allowing creators to make and sell handmade and crafted items similar to Etsy’s platform. Amazon has an artisan application and audit process to ensure they’re building a shop of genuinely handcrafted goods. They’ll waive the monthly Professional Selling Fee ($39.99) for all approved artisan sellers. FBA vs. FBM In addition to choosing your Amazon seller business model, you’ll also choose your distribution model: either FBA (Fulfilled By Amazon) or FBM (Fulfilled By Merchant). With FBA, you’ll have your goods delivered to Amazon’s warehouses, and Amazon will store your goods and then pack and ship them when an order comes in. Amazon will also handle customer service and returns. This is how you get your products to be Prime and eligible for fast shipping. If you choose FBA, be aware that you will have to pay monthly storage fees and shipping fees to Amazon in addition to any selling fees. With FBM, you will be 100% responsible for storing, packing, and shipping your products to customers. You can store and ship yourself or outsource this to a third party. Either way, you’ll be responsible for meeting Amazon’s service levels related to shipping and orders. In addition, you must provide customer service and returns processing for FBM orders. While FBM gives you more control over your inventory and fewer Amazon fees, longer shipping times and the inability to show up when the Prime filter is turned on could negatively affect your sales. Understand Amazon Seller Requirements Selling on Amazon is a legitimate business model, and you will want to treat it as such. That means fully understanding Amazon’s seller requirements and putting things in place to ensure your business is in place, such as business documents, tax IDs, and insurance. Business Documents To start, a number of documents are required to sell on Amazon USA, including your business information, tax ID, and state tax ID. If you haven’t already done so, now is a good time to set up your business and take these crucial first steps. Business Insurance Amazon sellers who are Pro Merchants and sellers with gross sales over $10,000 in a single month are required to carry business insurance. According to the Amazon Services Business Solutions Agreement [https://sellercentral.amazon.com/gp/help/external/G1791?language=en_US], sellers who meet these requirements must carry a minimum of $1M per occurrence and $1M aggregate limits of commercial general liability insurance and product liability insurance. Do you need commercial insurance for your e-commerce business? Coverdash helps ecommerce business owners meet the insurance requirements set by Amazon and other popular selling platforms. We specialize in e-commerce insurance solutions, and our customer service team will help you find the best rates from top-rated carriers, as well as submit proof of insurance (also known as a certificate of insurance) to the platforms on your behalf so you can worry less about insurance and focus more on selling. Get an e-commerce insurance quote from Coverdash. Create an Amazon Seller Account Once you’ve gathered all the necessary documents, it’s time to create your Amazon Seller Account. [https://sell.amazon.com/sell] Before you sign up, make sure you’re ready with the following: * Business email address or Amazon customer account * Internationally chargeable credit card * Government ID (identity verification protects sellers and customers) * Tax information * Phone number * A bank account where Amazon can send you proceeds from your sales Choose Your Selling Plan When you first create your Amazon seller account, you can choose between two different seller plans: the professional selling plan and the individual selling plan. The professional selling plan costs $39.99 monthly. With the individual selling plan, you will be charged $0.99 for every unit you sell on the platform. This choice between the two plans is relatively easy to make. If you plan on selling more than 40 units per month, you will likely save more money with the professional selling plan than you will with the individual selling plan. Source, Buy, or Create Your Products Now comes the fun part: finding, buying, or making your Amazon products! If you are interested in wholesale or private labeling, you’ll want to find manufacturers who will sell to you at wholesale prices. Use a tool like JungleScout [https://www.junglescout.com/] or Helium10 [https://www.helium10.com/] to do product research. These tools let you identify trending and popular products and discover how profitable a product is so you know what to start sourcing. If your business model is retail or online arbitrage, then you get to start shopping for those deeply discounted products. Again, you’ll want to use tools like JungleScout or Helium10, in addition to the Amazon Seller app [https://sell.amazon.com/tools/amazon-seller-app]. With these apps downloaded to your phone, you can find a great deal in a store and instantly verify if that product will sell on Amazon before you even take it to the register (or add it to your online cart). Makers and creators can get to work on their artisanal handmade goods. You can self-publish books and ebooks, create print-on-demand products, and even launch a subscription box! Explore all of Amazon’s programs and selling opportunities here. [https://sell.amazon.com/programs/] List Your Products and Start Selling Your final step to selling on Amazon is to list your products in your Amazon store so you can start selling. List Your Products on Seller Central Once you register as an Amazon seller, you’ll have access to your Seller Central account, where you can: * Keep track of your inventory and update your listings from the Inventory tab * Download custom business reports and bookmark templates you use often * Use customer metrics tools to monitor your seller performance * Contact Selling Partner Support and open help tickets using the Case Log * Keep track of your daily sales for all the products you sell on Amazon If you are listing a product that already exists on the Amazon platform, you’ll match an existing listing. You'll create a new listing if you have a brand new product that is not currently on the Amazon platform, and you are the first and only seller. Start Selling! Learn everything you can about different ways to make — and improve — sales on Amazon. Amazon recommends sellers follow their Perfect Launch strategy to maximize sales in the first 90 days. Utilize Amazon’s five selling programs for a perfect launch, including: 1. Brand Registry 2. A+ Content 3. Fulfillment by Amazon 4. Automated Pricing 5. Advertising Learn more about the Perfect Launch here. [https://sell.amazon.com/grow] Are You Ready to Become an Amazon Seller? There is tremendous potential for Amazon Sellers. Despite lasting supply chain disruptions arising from a global pandemic, 76% of Amazon sellers are profitable in 2022. And 25% of sellers with 2 or fewer years in business on Amazon and 60% of businesses with 3 years or more earn over $100,000 in annual ecommerce revenue. If you’ve been dreaming of starting a side-hustle, expanding an existing business, or launching your brand, Amazon is still one of the best places to sell online. Get Amazon Seller Insurance from Coverdash Coverdash helps ecommerce sellers meet Amazon’s insurance requirements so you can get started on this seller platform. Our insurance brokers specialize in ecommerce insurance, and we provide top-rated coverage at rates sellers can afford. Once we’ve got you covered, our team continues to support you by submitting a COI (certificate of insurance) to Amazon on your behalf, making it that much easier for you to start selling. Request a quote for Amazon seller insurance from Coverdash today.