Lorna Brett

Close to 50 percent of small business decision makers have dealt with overdue customer payments in the last year, with the majority reporting a rise in customer excuses for slow payments.

2ergo has unveiled its VoucherNet mobile ticketing and coupon platform, a new solution designed to enhance brand value and customer retention.

The number of businesses entering external administration jumped almost 6 percent in the last financial year, with insolvency practitioners reporting more activity in the SME sector as a result of tighter Australian Taxation Office debt recovery.

Poor performance has led Harvey Norman to decide to axe the Clive Peeters and Rick Hart brands, with seven stores to be closed and a further 16 to be converted into Harvey Norman or Joyce Mayne formats.

More bad news for businesses has been spelt out today, with the Westpac-Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment for August falling to levels not seen since May 2009.

Business travellers can save over 53 percent on the price of an airfare by booking three weeks or more prior to their departure date, according to new research designed to help travellers reduce the cost of flying.

The Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC) has found AquaDepot Imports engaged in resale price maintenance by refusing to supply an online retailer which discounted products below a specified price.

Check out what’s in the August issue of the magazine – due in newsagents this week!

Local online children’s clothing businesses could potentially be holding up Australia’s economy, according to myAppalogues, which found over 60 percent of these businesses sell local products instead of importing from overseas.

Shoes of Prey Co-Founder Jodie Fox and Il Tutto Founder Lucie Trinco will share the secrets to their international success at a Small Business September seminar, hosted by Dynamic Business Editor Jen Bishop.