Abilene Texas contractor information.

Abilene Texas contractor information.

Starting your own business can be an exciting but overwhelming venture.  Surety bonds are a requirement in some states, cities, and counties to be compliant with federal, state and local laws in many industries.  If a business is required to have a bond, you will not be able to get a license without one.

Abilene requires many types of contractors to be registered, obtain general liability insurance, and obtain bonds. To ensure you remain in compliance with the laws of your industry make sure you have obtained the proper registration, bond, and insurance, if required.

Abilene Building, Roofing, Demolition, and Building Movers contractors are required to obtain a $25,000 bond.

Abilene Swimming Pool contractors are required to obtain a $10,000 bond.

Abilene Electrical, Plumbing, and Irrigation contractors are required to obtain a $5,000 bond.

Abilene Sign contractor are required to obtain a $3,000 bond.

To view the full list of requirements that Abilene requires, visit their site directly.

Being a licensed and bonded business shows credibility to the public that will be requiring your services.  Ashton Agency has been helping business owners with their specialty bonds since 1968.  What does that mean for you?  It means that Ashton Agency is able to offer some of the lowest flat rate, no credit check prices for your Abilene contractor bonds.

Start saving time and money immediately! 

Call us today at (800) 452-2663 to speak with one of our helpful customer service representatives (hablamos español).

You can also visit us online at:

Abilene Online Application

http://ashtonagency.com

https://www.facebook.com/ashtonagency

https://twitter.com/AshtonAgency

How To Become a Notary Public

A Notary Public is an official of integrity appointed by state government – typically by the secretary of state – to serve the public as an impartial witness in performing a variety of official fraud-deterrent acts related to the signing of important documents.  These official acts are call notarizations or notarial acts.

Sensitive documents – such as property deeds, wills and powers of attorney are some of the documents that a Notary Public will witness.  Some documents may even require the Notary to place the signer under an oath declaring under penalty of perjury that the information contained in a document is true and correct.

Notary Public’s can trace their history back to the ancient Roman Republic around 100 BC. Where they were called scribes, writers or notaries.  Notaries are easily the oldest continuing branch of the legal profession worldwide.

To become a Notary Public, the requirements depend on what state you reside in.  In 32 of our 50 states, the main requirements are to fill out a form and pay a fee, and many states have restrictions concerning notaries with criminal histories.  In 18 states notaries are required to take a course, pass an exam, or both.  Check with your state for specific notary requirements where you reside.

As well, most states require the Notary Public to be bonded, to protect the public from negligent acts by a Notary in carrying out their duties.

Ashton Agency can help you become a Notary Public in most states.  Ashton has been serving the bonding needs of businesses across America for over 45 years.  Call (800) 451-4854 to speak with one of our customer service representatives, or visit our website at http://ashtonagency.com.

How To Be a Pawnbroker

Did you know that pawnbrokers are members of an ancient profession operating in the Middle East, China, Greece and Rome – in much the same way that they do today?  There are even several television shows, including hit TV reality show Pawn Stars, about owning and running a pawn shop.

What is a pawnbroker and what do they do?

A pawnbroker is an individual or business that offers secured loans to people, with items of personal property used as collateral.  When someone borrows money from a pawnbroker, he or she has the right to reclaim the personal items used as collateral within a set period of time by replaying the loan and interest.  If the loan is not repaid within that set period of time, the pawnbroker can sell the item to the general public.

Pawnbrokers need to keep careful records and be cautious not to take in stolen goods.  A pawnbroker must use good judgment and have a general knowledge of all the various items that are brought into their shop for pawning.

How to get a Pawnbrokers License:

1. Submit a pawn application form to the non-depository division of the Department of Financial Institutions in your state.  States vary, but most will ask for a personal affidavit, employment history, credit check, criminal background check and fingerprints from your local police department, and financial statements with your assets and net worth.
2. Apply for a sales tax permit and federal tax ID, as well as a Federal Firearms License if you want to sell guns.
3. Many states require a surety bond in order to secure your license.  The bond protects customers who have pledged assets for a loan in case the pledged assets are sold, or honoring the sell back price and interest cost agreed upon, etc. Various states require different bond amounts, usually running from $1,000 to $25,000.  

Pawnbrokers provide a valuable service to consumers that encounter sudden financial emergencies for loans that are not offered by banks and other traditional lending institutions.Ashton Agency has been providing license surety bonds to Pawnbrokers for over 45 years.  We can supply your pawnbroker bond in most any state you are located.

Visit our website at http://ashtonagency.com or call (800) 451-4854 to speak with one of our helpful customer service representatives. We can provide you with a free quote within one business day, so call now!

How to Boost SEO for Your Used Car Lot

Before the digital era, newspaper postings and traditional print was enough to get exposure for your used car lot. Not anymore. Used Motor Vehicle Dealers do not have the luxury of corporate backing in their marketing and promotions.

In today's online world, digital marketing is a must for almost any business. What is SEO? SEO is an abbreviation for Search Engine Optimization that businesses are constantly trying to improve. Why SEO? Improving your online presence is not to just simply be on the Internet. Being ranked high on search pages such as Google, Yahoo, Bing and more can make or break your business. Sure, you can have paid ads that will push your website up to the top, but 70-80% of users ignore the paid ads. Readers want organic links, which is generated through SEO and quality content.

We want to help you boost your used car lot and company's SEO. Here are some simple and easy tips to improving your Google search page ranking and online presence.

1) Content Is King

Getting readers and future clients to your website is the first step. The next step is retention. You want to have your readers come back to your site rather than a one-stop click. Simply, your website needs to have information that readers will either benefit them or interest them to read it. Blogs are a great way to keep your readers interested on new and fresh content. It's also a great way to create "How To's" for reading pleasure. For example, we wrote on How To Obtain A FL Motor Vehicle Dealer License, and is still one of our most clicked on article posts. Used car shoppers usually have many questions--your website may be able to address them and, as a result, be the shop they choose to shop with.

2) Use Strategic Keyword Phrases

When you search something on Google, do you usually type 1-2 words or a phrase of what you're looking for? Like most people, you probably type phrases and bunch multiple keywords. Make your website as descriptive as possible without over-flooding duplicate words. Create effective title tags that incorporate your target keywords. For example, on blog posts, use strategic titles with keywords on the URL links.

3) Connect Via Social Media

Social media has dominated online communications for the past several years with the emergence of Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and various outlets. These social sites are a great way to connect to your customers on a personal level. Allow your clients to see some personality in your business rather than an advertisement robot. Social media is also a great way to share your content, blog posts and promotions, which creates traffic to your website.

4) Use Backlinks on Posts

Backlinks, also known as incoming links, inbound links, and inward links, are hyperlinks to another website or web page. Allow your readers to navigate easily through content they want to know. For example, if you want to provide information on the current used car industry and economic trends, notice how the previous phrase has been hyperlinked for an easy direct connect to information on how to renew.

5) Have a Well-Designed Layout

In terms of ranking, well structured and organized pages tend to be favored over poorly designed pages. Web pages with an appealing layout are preferred and become more popular over time. SEO will recognize the pages users return to. Cater your used car lot page with easily accessible information along with great pictures of cars and inventory. Liven up your website rather than drowning it with words and texts.

6) Reviews and Testimonials

Ask your clients and satisfied customers to leave a positive review on third party sites such as Yelp, Merchant Circle or other respected review pages. A fantastic way to improve your SEO is when your business has numerous positive (as well as negative) reviews. Also request testimonials from loyal customers and strong influences. Shoppers will search for a used car lot that is well known and has strong approval ratings.

7) Create Promotions and Contests

People always love winning free things, no matter how big or small. Social media is a great way to promote the contest and gain followers. Post announcements on how to win or enter a chance to play. Creating excitement will separate you from your competition. Be sure to publish on your website as well for additional information.

8) Participate in Other Websites/Forums

Staying in one spot will never get your name out there. Network with other auto dealers and professionals in the auto industry. Join used car forums and exchange strategies and ideas. Some forums allow you to post your website which will generate traffic. It's another great way to share stories and tips on raising your SEO. Although some readers will be auto dealers, there may also be car shoppers who stumble upon your website, creating leads and potential sales.

Improving your company's SEO takes constant mangement. Setting up a website and putting a few social media posts will not generate traffic for your used car lot. Blogging weekly (even daily), engaging potentials on social media, posting daily and all the above are important for SEO.

Connect with us on social media!
Facebook: http://facebook.com/AshtonAgency
Twitter: http://twitter.com/AshtonAgency
Ashton Blog: http://ashtonagency.blogspot.com/

Website: http://ashtonagency.com

How To Obtain a Florida Motor Vehicle Dealer License

Getting a Florida Dealer License can be a long, stressful process. We understand it can be confusing; and that's why we're here to help!

In order to receive your motor vehicle license, you must complete applications and gather financial information. Below are a list of requirements from the Florida Division of Motor Vehicles.

State Requirements

• Completed application
• $25,000 bond or letter of credit
• Garage liability insurance
• Copy of business lease or proof of ownership of location
• Approval (by DMV representative) of dealership location
• Certificate proving completed dealer training seminar
• Business documents (copies of corporate agreement, fictitious trade name registration, sales tax number, federal employee ID number)
• Fingerprints

Note: Franchise dealers may have additional requirements. Please check with any Division of Motor Vehicles regional office for details.

Where and how can I get an auto dealer bond and garage liability insurance?

Ashton Agency has helped thousands of auto dealers nationwide to get their auto dealer bond and garage liability insurance at the best rates. Call (800) 451-4854 (East of the Mississippi) or (800) 452-2663 (West) for one of our helpful customer service representatives to assist you on your bond today!

How to Get an Auto Dealer Surety Bond

Many auto dealerships are required to be licensed and bonded. A surety bond is a three party guarantee by the dealer (principal) to protect the consumer (obligee). The backer of the bond (surety) ensures that the principal will fulfill its obligations to the obligee.

Why do I need a surety bond?

Surety bonds protect and benefit the consumers and the industry itself, providing financial guarantees and protections against fraud or unethical business conducts by the dealer. The bond also helps the consumers recover from any resulting financial loss. It's also important to select the right bond agency to avoid slow turnaround time, extra/hidden fees and even failure to obtain the bond.

What is the difference between a surety bond and garage liability insurance?

A surety bond serves to protect the consumer against any fraud committed by the dealer. Garage liability insurance protects automobile dealers for liabilities arising out of their business operations.

• Surety bond: a contract among at least 3 parties protecting the principal.
• Insurance: a form of risk management with a two-party contract.

How much does a surety bond cost?

The price of a surety bond will depend on the amount of bond needed and statutes. By analyzing your application, financial background and credit check, you may be qualified for very low prices!

Where and how can I get a surety bond?

Ashton Agency has helped thousands of dealers nationwide to get their surety bond and garage liability insurance with simple solutions at affordable rates. Call (800) 451-4854 (East of the Mississippi) or (800) 452-2663 (West) to get a free quote today!