What is VIN? Is it essential? Learn more about VIN right here and know its relevance when it comes to owning a vehicle.

Every car has a VIN wherever you are on the planet. A VIN, an acronym for Vehicle Identification Number is the unique identity of a vehicle, like how does a name go for a person. It is usually a 17-digit number stamped or attached to the car’s chassis, the reason why it is sometimes called a chassis number.

You might wonder what makes this series of numbers important. VIN is the unique code of vehicle which helps authorities and manufacturers identify the car. For example, the VIN starting with ‘WA U’ is the unique identity of German Audi.

Remember that the VIN should not be confused with a registration number. The latter can be changed, whereas the former is permanent. A VIN is permanently fixed on the car.

Why Check the Car’s VIN? 

A car owner must know his vehicle’s VIN. It is the quickest and easiest way of establishing the true identity of the car. Vehicle registration authorities keep track of an automobile’s VIN and record the car’s history, data, and even accidents if any. Inasmuch, you can find out everything about your car by checking its VIN alone.

Though VIN is found in the car’s registration papers and manual, it is smart to write it down and save it for future reference. The car’s VIN can be used to track the vehicle in case it is stolen or missing.

You can also check the car’s chassis number through online sources. There are online service providers that offer chassis number checks. These sources allow you to have a background inspection on the vehicle, especially if you bought a used car.

What Happens When the Car’s VIN is Different from its Records? 

Here is when checking the car’s VIN comes into play. The vehicle’s chassis number should match what is indicated on its records and vehicle registration certificate. If the information does not match, no doubt there’s something wrong. For safety reasons, it is better not to pursue the deal.

A mismatched VIN and records tell the chassis was replaced. A different chassis was transplanted on the vehicle, or there was a mistake when registering the vehicle. However, the latter though possible is unlikely to happen. In most cases, if the car has a different VIN from the records a VIN cloning occurred.

VIN cloning is the transfer of the identity of a legally registered VIN into a stolen one. Criminals do this to hide the car’s identity. They even produce fake documents to alter and to hide the vehicle’s true identity.

If you’re planning to buy a new or a used car, always check the vehicle’s VIN. If it does not match the records, you should walk away.

This alone shows the significance of the VIN and why it is necessary to check the chassis number. Checking the chassis number gives peace of mind knowing the vehicle is legally purchased and has zero anomalies.

Feeling confused on how to use amplifier settings and controls? Know how to set up and make the most out of your new guitar amp by learning the fundamentals of amp controls and settings. 

Guitars are probably one of the most popular musical instruments that people who want to start music first pick up. Learning the guitar is a fun experience and at the same time a frustrating one. But once you learn how to play at least one song, the experience is rewarding. No doubt from there you will begin to fall in love more with the instrument.

Of course, before starting to learn to play the guitar you’ll have to gather all the essentials; the instrument obviously, and a guitar amp.

You can buy a guitar amp at any instrument store or guitar accessories shop online. If the cost of a guitar amp is a bit too much for your budget, you can learn how to build a guitar amp from scratch. DIY guitar amp works as good as newly bought ones, plus you can save more money.

A guitar amp consists of various controls and settings. It can be confusing at first, but once you learn how each one works, it’ll help explore your sound for a more dynamic performance.

To get started on guitar amps, below are the basic controls of the sound device and how it works.

#1 Volume 

The volume control allows you to adjust the device’s sound level. A guitar usually has one volume control that acts as the master volume control. However, some versions consist of one volume control and a clean channel that controls the distortion.

#2 Gain

Amplifier process signals coming from the guitar’s pickups. There are two stages of signal processing; the first stage is ‘preamp’, controlling the gain settings. When the gain is turned up, it forces the preamp to work harder, producing a more distorted tone. The second stage is called the ‘power amp’, which controls the overall volume.

Control the gain according to the music genre you’re playing. For example, you’ll have to increase the distortion when playing heavy metal and minimal to zero distortion when playing country music.

#3 EQ 

The EQ (Equalizer), also known as tone control has a similar effect to treble and bass. It increases or decreases the treble and bass effect.

When the treble is turned high, the guitar recreates a sharper sound. However, when the EQ is down, the guitar produces a softer and mellower sound.

#4 Mids

The mids pertain to the amount of mid-range frequencies that are produced when playing the guitar. Higher mids help create fuller sound with more depth.

Also, the sound from your guitar won’t drown when playing together with other instruments.

#5 Treble

If you’re using a lead guitar, it is best to choose a higher treble setting, especially when it needs to cut through the mix. Take note that treble refers to the amount of high frequency of the instrument. Thus, a higher treble means sharper and crisper sounds. However, a too-high treble can be harsh on the ears and awful, especially when playing country music.

#6 Bass

The bass control adjusts the low-frequency sound from the amplifier. When playing, make sure to set the bass at mid-range. You can turn up the bass or lower depending on the sound you want to recreate.

How to achieve success in dropshipping business? Find out the secrets to a successful dropshipping business right here. 

Dropshipping is a popular business model for new entrepreneurs – a good stepping stone for new business ventures. It requires no big start-up capital and does not need a labor force. In this business, a person only needs to find products to sell and a supplier.

How Dropshipping Differentiates from Traditional E-Business? 

E-commerce involves the use of technology to sell products and services online. These are traditional sellers with physical stores that only employ digital technology to reach more customers.

Dropshipping on the other hand is a business model under e-commerce. Generally, stores directly sell their products to customers. This type of e-commerce is known as business-to-customer (B-2-C). The dropshipping is somehow similar to this, except that the seller deals with a third-party supplier or manufacturer.

In dropshipping, the shop or seller purchases items from a third-party supplier or manufacturer. Hence, the seller owns no inventory or stocks of the items. The third-party supplier handles the shipping of the purchased item, as well as houses the stocks. In a nutshell, the seller’s role is only to sell the items to customers.

Dropshipping has its risks, but not without a solution. One of the risks of dropshipping is the intense competition between drop shippers. Take note that a third-party supplier has several drop shippers. Therefore, competition is inevitable.

Then, how can new drop shippers achieve success? Below are some tips that could help new and old sellers in this business.

#1 Select the Right Product

There are some pointers you need to remember when selecting a product to sell. First, make sure to choose a niche that you’re interested in. Selling a product range that does not excite you only leads to a quick loss of interest in the business.

Second, consider products with attractive profits and appealing to buyers. As much as possible, choose disposable products to guarantee customer returns.

Low shipping costs are also necessary when it comes to looking for a product and supplier. Low shipping costs mean more profit on your side. Likewise, expensive prices immediately drive customers away.

#2 Find and Secure a Good Supplier

Rushing to find a third-party supplier or manufacturer for the sake of starting the business quickly is never a good idea. Going in a rush means being careless, thereby increasing the risk of dealing with unreliable or worse, a fraud supplier.

Spend enough time to examine the potential suppliers. Choose options that are 100% legitimate and offer good customer services. Reading reviews immensely helps in searching for a good supplier.

#3 Create an Effective Marketing Plan

Customer acquisition begins with an effective marketing plan.

There are several ways to attract potential customers. In this digital age, the most effective options are SEO and social networking sites. Likewise, creating an e-commerce website helps boost customer reach and sales.

There are online business tools that support entrepreneurs in managing and monitoring their businesses. These data and metrics tools are available online, some for free. There are also drop shipping business experts that guide rookies in this venture. One can find them quickly by searching the web.