BTerrell Group Blog

On-demand businesses like Uber and Shyp have turned the traditional business model upside-down while satisfying consumers insatiable need for instant goods and services.  However, Shyp, a San Francisco startup that offers on demand pick-up, packaging, and shipping services has decided to hire their couriers as employees, instead of treat them like third-party or independent contractors.  As indicated in “Shyp Makes Couriers Employees Before It’s Too Big To Change,” posted by Davey Alba on Wired.com, Shyp has indicated that this move is intended to develop long-term relationships with couriers, which can improve the customer experience.  Shyp also decided to provide couriers with additional supervision, training, and other guidance which can only be done successfully with employees. 

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When is a worker an employee or an independent contractor?  As discussed in “Uber’s Legal Setback Casts a Long Shadow Over the On-Demand Economy,” posted by Jeff Bercovici on Inc.com, Uber would have you believe that their drivers are providing a service using Uber as a neutral platform.  They work when they like, as many hours as they desire, and can charge what they want.  However, Uber has provided guidance on how much drivers can earn through their app-based service and focuses on those drivers working 40 or more hours per week.  Which may be why the State of California Labor Commission has determined that those drivers should be treated as employees, not independent contractors, which could put a big dent in Uber finances.  While Uber appeals this decision, other on-demand businesses could face similar pressures to attract new customers, contractors, and financing.  On-demand businesses may have to reevaluate business models to include Social Security and unemployment taxes on wages, which can impact their bottom-line.

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Technology is advancing quickly and feeding consumer demand for prompt delivery of goods and services.  The more consumers rely on smartphones and tablets, the more businesses can respond with an efficient on-demand model.  The on-demand economy is already changing the way people connect with businesses, obtain goods and services, and has the potential to create jobs – all with great speed and ease as the technology continues to advance.  As indicated in “The ‘On-Demand Economy’ Is Revolutionizing Consumer Behavior – Here’s How,” posted by Mike Jaconi on BusinessInsider.com, customer behavior is clearly responding to these technological advances.  Consumers expect quick, simple interactions online, to purchase anything, at any time, with their mobile devices.

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Businesses are so much more than just the products or services that they offer.  The experts behind the scenes and company culture are equally important.  At BTerrell, we believe that providing superior customer service starts and ends with our people, and we are pleased to partner with other businesses that can offer similar value-added services.  In this interview with Robert Reid, CEO of Intacct, posted on the Intacct blog, “View from the Cloud,” you can see how Intacct sets an impressive example focusing on best practices and expertise, in addition to investing in their solutions.  This combination offers superior customer experience.

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Are you stretching the limits of QuickBooks? If you have more than one user, you are using excel extensively to produce reports, or you operate multiple business entities or currencies, you may be ready to graduate to a more sophisticated financial management solution. 

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