Author Archive for: admin

Original Source: https://www.creativebloq.com/news/xbox-logo-pride-controversy

Yes, it’s Pride month… but Diablo IV.

Original Source: https://www.hongkiat.com/blog/make-mac-faster/

Is your Mac not performing as it used to? Are you missing the days when everything ran smoothly and applications launched in the blink of an eye? If so, you’re in the right place. This comprehensive guide is designed to help you breathe new life into your Mac, restoring its speed and efficiency.

Over time, it’s natural for computers to slow down due to accumulated files, outdated software, and hardware wear. But don’t worry, there’s no need to start thinking about a replacement just yet. With a few simple tweaks and optimizations, you can significantly enhance your Mac’s performance and make it run like new again.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through a series of proven strategies to boost your Mac’s performance, from clearing cache files and managing startup items, to optimizing storage and reducing visual effects. We’ll also discuss potential hardware upgrades for those who want to take their Mac’s performance to the next level.

So, whether you’re using your Mac for work, creative projects, or everyday tasks, these tips will help you make the most of your machine. Let’s dive in and start optimizing your Mac for speed and efficiency!

1. Clear Cache Files

Cache files are temporary data stored by your system and apps to speed up certain processes. Over time, these files can accumulate and take up significant storage space, potentially slowing down your Mac. Here’s how you can clear them:

Manually Clearing Cache Files

System Cache: Open Finder and select “Go to Folder” in the Go menu. Type in /Library/Caches and press enter. You’ll see a bunch of folders, each corresponding to an app on your Mac. You can go into each folder and delete the files inside, but do not delete the folders themselves.

User Cache: This is similar to the system cache but is specific to your user profile. You can access it by going to ~/Library/Caches (the tilde represents your user directory).
Browser Cache: Each web browser will have its own method of clearing cache. For example, in Safari, you can clear the cache by choosing “Clear History” from the History menu, then selecting “all history“.

Using Third-Party Tools

There are several third-party tools that can simplify the process of clearing cache files. Here are a few examples:

CleanMyMac X: This is a popular Mac cleaning tool that can help you remove system junk, including cache files, with just a few clicks. It also offers other features like malware removal and optimization. Learn more on removing leftover apps with CleanMyMac X.
OnyX: OnyX is a multifunction utility for macOS that allows you to verify the startup disk and the structure of its system files, run miscellaneous tasks of system maintenance, configure some hidden parameters of the Finder, Dock, Safari, and more.
CCleaner: CCleaner is another well-known cleaning tool that’s available for Mac. It can help you clean up cache files and other system junk.

Note: It’s important to be careful when deleting system files. If you’re not sure about something, it’s best to leave it alone or use a trusted third-party tool. Always make sure you have a current backup of your data before making these kinds of changes.

2. Uninstall Unnecessary Applications

Over time, you may accumulate applications that you no longer use. These applications can take up valuable storage space and potentially slow down your system. Here’s how you can uninstall them:

Manually Uninstalling Applications

Using the Trash: Open Finder and go to the Applications folder. Find the application you want to uninstall, click and drag it to the Trash, then empty the Trash. Note that this method may leave behind some associated files.
Using Launchpad: If you downloaded the app from the App Store, you can use Launchpad to uninstall it. Open Launchpad, click and hold on the app until it starts to jiggle, then click the “X” that appears on the app.

Using Third-Party Tools

Manually uninstalling applications can sometimes leave behind associated files, such as preferences and support files. Third-party uninstaller tools can help ensure these files are removed along with the application. Here are a few examples:

AppCleaner: AppCleaner is a small application which allows you to thoroughly uninstall unwanted apps. You just need to drag and drop an application onto the AppCleaner window, it will find all the related files and you can delete them by clicking “Remove“.
CleanMyMac X: In addition to cleaning up system junk, CleanMyMac X also has an uninstaller feature. It can help you remove applications and their associated files. Learn how to show all installed apps with CleanMyMac X.
AppZapper: AppZapper is another popular uninstaller tool for Mac. It allows you to confidently uninstall virtually any application as easily as it was installed — just drag and drop.

Note: Always make sure you have a current backup of your data before making these kinds of changes.

3. Manage Startup Items

Startup items, also known as login items, are applications, documents, shared volumes, or other items that automatically open or start running when you boot up your Mac. While these can be convenient, having too many can slow down your startup time. Here’s how you can manage them:

Manually Managing Startup Items

System Preferences: Open “System Settings” and go to “General” > “Login Items”. You’ll see a list of items that open when you log in. To remove an item, select it and click the “–” button.

Application Settings: Some applications might set themselves as startup items within their own settings. Check the preferences or settings of your applications to see if this is the case.

Using Third-Party Tools

While managing startup items manually is straightforward, there are also third-party tools that can help. These tools often provide additional features, like the ability to delay startup items or manage hidden items. Here are a few examples:

CleanMyMac X: CleanMyMac X has a feature called “Optimization” that allows you to manage your startup items. It also provides options to improve system performance and speed up your Mac.
CCleaner: CCleaner for Mac includes a startup manager in its “Tools” section. This can help you see and manage all the items that start up with your Mac.

Note: Be careful when managing startup items. Some items might be necessary for certain applications or system functions to work properly. If you’re not sure about an item, it’s best to leave it alone or do some research before removing it. As always, make sure you have a current backup of your data before making these kinds of changes.

4.Update Your Software

Keeping your software up to date is crucial for the smooth operation of your Mac. Updates often include bug fixes, security patches, and performance improvements. Here’s how you can update your software:

Manually Updating Software

MacOS Updates: You can check for system updates by going to “System Settings” > “General” > “Software Update”. If an update is available, you can click “Update Now” to install it. You can also check the box to automatically keep your Mac up to date.

App Store Updates: If you have apps that were downloaded from the Mac App Store, you can update them by going to the App Store and clicking on the “Updates” tab. If updates are available, you can click “Update” next to each app, or “Update All” to update all apps.
Third-Party App Updates: For apps that were not downloaded from the Mac App Store, you’ll usually find an option to check for updates within the app itself, often in the app’s menu bar or within its preferences or settings.

Using Third-Party Tools

While most software updates need to be managed individually, there are some tools that can help you keep track of updates for all your apps in one place. Here are a couple of examples:

CleanMyMac X: CleanMyMac X has an “Updater” feature that shows you all available updates for your apps, whether they’re from the App Store or directly from the developer.
MacUpdate Desktop: MacUpdate Desktop is a tool that can automatically track updates for all your apps. It can notify you when updates are available and install them for you.

Note: It’s always a good idea to back up your data before installing any major updates, just in case something goes wrong.

5. Optimize Storage

Optimizing storage can help free up space on your Mac by storing content in the cloud and removing files you don’t use. Here’s how you can use it:

Manually Optimizing Storage

You can access this tool by going to “System Settings” > “General” > “Storage”. Here you’ll see several options:

Store in iCloud: This option moves photos and text messages to iCloud when storage is needed. Only recent files will be kept on your Mac to be readily accessible.
Optimize Storage: This option removes TV shows and movies you’ve already watched and only keeps recent email attachments.
Empty Trash Automatically: This option automatically removes items that have been in the Trash for more than 30 days.

Using Third-Party Tools

While the built-in Optimize Storage tool can be very helpful, there are also third-party tools that offer more features and flexibility. Here are a few examples:

CleanMyMac X: CleanMyMac X has a feature called “Space Lens” that helps you visualize and clear out large and old files. It also has tools for cleaning up system junk, mail attachments, and more. Learn how to find out space-hogging files with CleanMyMac X.
DaisyDisk: DaisyDisk gives you a visual representation of your disk, allowing you to see what’s taking up space. You can then delete unnecessary files directly within the app.
Gemini 2: Gemini 2 is a tool specifically designed to find and remove duplicate files, which can take up a lot of space over time.

Note: Always make sure you have a current backup of your data before making these kinds of changes.

6. Reindex Spotlight

Spotlight is a system-wide desktop search feature on your Mac that helps you find documents, emails, apps, and other files. Sometimes, Spotlight might not work properly, and reindexing it can help solve the problem. Here’s how you can do it:

Manually Reindexing Spotlight

System Preferences: Go to “System Settings” > “Siri & Spotlight”, then click on “Spotlight Privacy” at the bottom. Here, you can add a folder or disk that you want to prevent Spotlight from searching. To reindex a folder or disk, you can add it to the list, then remove it. When you remove the folder or disk, Spotlight will reindex it.

Terminal: You can also reindex Spotlight using Terminal. Open Terminal and type sudo mdutil -E / then press Enter. You’ll be asked for your password. This command will erase and rebuild the index for your main hard drive.

Using Third-Party Tools

While reindexing Spotlight is generally straightforward, there are some third-party tools that can help if you’re having trouble. Here are a few examples:

OnyX: OnyX is a multifunction utility for macOS that allows you to verify the startup disk and the structure of its system files, run miscellaneous tasks of system maintenance, configure some hidden parameters of the Finder, Dock, Safari, and more. It also has a feature to rebuild Spotlight’s index.
Alfred: Alfred is an alternative to Spotlight with more features and customization options. If you’re having ongoing issues with Spotlight, you might consider trying Alfred instead.

Note: Reindexing Spotlight can take some time, and your Mac might run slowly while indexing is in progress. It’s best to do this when you don’t need to use your Mac for a while. As always, make sure you have a current backup of your data before making these kinds of changes.

7. Reset SMC and PRAM

The SMC and PRAM are parts of your Mac that control certain hardware functions. If you’re experiencing issues with things like your Mac’s display, battery, or sleep functions, you might need to reset the SMC or PRAM. Here’s how you can do it:

Resetting the SMC

The method to reset the SMC depends on the type of Mac you have:

Desktop Macs (including Mac Pro, Mac Mini, and iMac): Shut down your Mac, then unplug the power cord. Wait 15 seconds, then plug the power cord back in. Wait another 5 seconds, then turn on your Mac.
MacBooks with non-removable batteries (most MacBooks 2009 and later): Shut down your Mac, then press and hold the left Shift, Control, and Option keys while also pressing the power button for 10 seconds. Release all keys, then press the power button to turn on your Mac.
MacBooks with removable batteries: Shut down your Mac and remove the battery. Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds, then reinsert the battery and turn on your Mac.

Resetting the PRAM

To reset the PRAM, turn off your Mac, then turn it on and immediately press and hold the Option, Command, P, and R keys. Release the keys after about 20 seconds. Your Mac might appear to restart during this process.

Using Third-Party Tools

While resetting the SMC and PRAM is generally straightforward, there are some third-party tools that can help if you’re having trouble. However, due to the nature of these resets affecting low-level system functionality, they are typically performed manually as described above.

Note: Resetting the SMC and PRAM can change certain system settings, so you might need to reconfigure things like your time zone, display resolution, or startup disk selection. As always, make sure you have a current backup of your data before making these kinds of changes.

8. Run Disk Utility

Disk Utility is a built-in tool on your Mac that can find and repair issues with your Mac’s disk. It can also help you manage your storage and perform other disk-related tasks. Here’s how you can use it:

Using Disk Utility

First Aid: Open Disk Utility (you can find it in “Applications” > “Utilities”, then select your startup disk in the sidebar. Click the “First Aid” button, then click “Run”. Disk Utility will check the disk and attempt to repair any issues it finds.
Disk Cleanup: Disk Utility can also help you manage your storage. You can use it to erase free space, delete volumes, or erase entire disks (be careful with this one!).
Disk Images: Disk Utility can create and manage disk images. This can be useful for backing up your data or moving files.

Using Third-Party Tools

While Disk Utility is a powerful tool, there are also third-party tools that offer more features and flexibility. Here are a few examples:

TechTool Pro: TechTool Pro is a robust tool for maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing your Mac. It includes features for testing and repairing disks, recovering data, and more.
DriveDx: DriveDx is an advanced drive health diagnostic and monitoring utility. It can help you check the health of your disk and predict drive failures.
DiskWarrior: DiskWarrior is a tool focused on repairing and rebuilding corrupted disk directories.

Note: Always make sure you have a current backup of your data before making these kinds of changes, especially when working with disk utilities. Disk-related tasks can potentially erase data, so it’s important to be careful.

9. Reduce Visual Effects

macOS uses some visual effects like motion and transparency. These can slow down older Macs or Macs with less powerful hardware. Here’s how you can reduce these effects:

Manually Reducing Visual Effects

Reduce Transparency: Go to “System Settings” >”Accessibility”> “Display”, then check the box for “Reduce transparency“. This will reduce the transparency effects used throughout the system, such as in the Dock and menu bar.

Reduce Motion: In the same “Accessibility” > “Display settings”, you can also check the box for “Reduce motion“. This will reduce the motion effects used in the system, such as when opening Mission Control or switching between apps.
Dock Preferences: Go to “System Settings” > “Desktop & Dock”, then check the box for “Minimize windows using: Scale effect“. This will change the animation used when minimizing windows to a simpler effect.

Using Third-Party Tools

While most visual effects can be reduced using the built-in system preferences, there are also third-party tools that can provide more customization. Here are a few examples:

TinkerTool: TinkerTool is an application that gives you access to additional system settings Apple has built into macOS. This includes the ability to disable or enable animation effects.
OnyX: OnyX is a multifunction utility for macOS that allows you to tweak the system’s hidden parameters, which includes disabling some animations.

Note: These changes will alter the look and feel of your Mac’s interface. If you find that you don’t like the changes, you can easily revert them by unchecking the boxes in the system preferences. As always, make sure you have a current backup of your data before making these kinds of changes.

10. Upgrade Your Hardware

Upgrading your hardware can significantly improve the performance of your Mac, especially if it’s older. Here are a few upgrades you might consider:

Hardware Upgrades

RAM (Memory): Adding more RAM can help your Mac handle more tasks at once. This is especially helpful if you often have many applications open at the same time or use memory-intensive applications like video editing software.
SSD (Solid State Drive): If your Mac has a traditional hard drive, upgrading to an SSD can significantly improve performance. SSDs are much faster than traditional hard drives, which means your Mac can read and write data more quickly.
CPU (Processor): Upgrading the processor can also improve performance, but this is a much more complex upgrade that is often not possible on most Macs due to the CPU being soldered onto the motherboard.

Using Third-Party Tools

While upgrading hardware is typically a manual process, there are tools and services that can help:

OWC (Other World Computing): OWC offers a wide range of hardware upgrades for Macs, including memory and SSD upgrades. They also provide detailed installation videos and customer support.
Crucial: Crucial’s website offers a tool that can help you find compatible memory and SSD upgrades for your Mac.
Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider: If you’re not comfortable upgrading your Mac’s hardware yourself, you can take it to an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider. They can perform upgrades and ensure everything is installed correctly.

Note: Upgrading hardware can be risky and may void your warranty. Always make sure you have a current backup of your data before making these kinds of changes. If you’re not comfortable performing these upgrades yourself, it’s best to seek professional help.

The post How to Make Mac Run Faster Again (10 Steps) appeared first on Hongkiat.

Original Source: https://abduzeedo.com/pass-pro-branding-and-uiux-case-study

Pass Pro: a branding and UI/UX case study

abduzeedo0601—23

Pass Pro is a podcast that takes you behind the scenes of the music industry. Hosted by Mélodie Gambin, a music industry veteran with over 10 years of experience, Pass Pro features interviews with artists, managers, and other industry insiders about their experiences and insights. The Pass Pro team wanted to create a branding and UI/UX experience that was both visually appealing and informative.

For this project they worked with the design agency AB Projets Studio to create a brand identity that was both modern and stylish. The resulting identity features a custom typeface, a bold color palette, and a dynamic layout.

The UI/UX of the Pass Pro app was also carefully designed to make it easy for users to find and listen to episodes. The app features a clean and intuitive interface, as well as a number of features that make it easy to discover new content. For example, users can browse episodes by genre, artist, or guest. They can also create custom playlists and save episodes for offline listening.

The Branding

The Pass Pro branding is based on the idea of a “pass” that grants access to the inner workings of the music industry. The logotype features a custom typeface that is both modern and stylish. The typeface is used throughout the branding, including on the website, social media, and app.

The color palette for Pass Pro logo is black and white, but there are bold and vibrant auxiliary colors. The colors are used to create a sense of energy and excitement. The colors are also used to differentiate between different sections of the branding, such as the website, social media, and app.

The layout of the branding is dynamic and engaging. The use of negative space helps to create a sense of movement and excitement. The layout is also used to highlight the key features of the Pass Pro brand, such as the podcast episodes, the guests, and the music industry insights.

The UI/UX

The Pass Pro UI/UX is clean and intuitive. The app features a simple navigation system that makes it easy for users to find and listen to episodes. The app also features a number of features that make it easy to discover new content, such as the ability to browse episodes by genre, artist, or guest. Users can also create custom playlists and save episodes for offline listening.

The Pass Pro UI/UX works. The app has been praised for its clean and intuitive design, as well as its ability to make it easy for users to find and listen to content.

The Pass Pro branding and UI/UX are simple and efficient. The branding is both visually appealing and informative, while the UI/UX is clean and intuitive. The result is a podcast experience that is both enjoyable and informative.

For more information make sure to check out AB Projets Studio’s website or follow them on Behance and Instagram. 

Original Source: https://ecommerce-platforms.com/articles/best-wholesale-suppliers-usa

Finding the best wholesale suppliers in the USA is one of the first things any American retail or ecommerce store owner will need to do before they start selling. Wholesale suppliers ensure retailers from every industry can access a wide variety of excellent, high-quality products, in bulk.

With a wholesale supplier, companies can stock up on their most popular items, often while taking advantage of significant discounts. The challenge for any brand is finding a supplier they can trust to deliver fantastic goods, at a low price, within a relatively short space of time.

Today, we’re going to be looking at a wide variety of wholesale options for business leaders. These vendors offer great deals, trustworthy services, and a great selection of products, so organizations can effectively build their audience, and generate revenue.

Let’s dive in.

What Are the Best Wholesale Suppliers?

Printful

AliExpress

Salehoo

Sprocket

Inventory Source

Amazon Business

Wholesale Central

1. Printful

Printful is another dropshipping company with an available wholesale option. Specifically, this organization focuses on print-on-demand products, which means you can add your own unique designs and customizations to a range of different items. The company offers everything from home décor to clothing and accessories, all with exceptional quality printing.

The wholesale option from Printful gives you massive discounts on selling bulk items, even if you order the same product with different designs, in different colors, or in various sizes. Printful also makes it easy to mock-up your designs with their mock-up generator, so you can create professional-looking images to add to your store without having to invest in photography.

With fulfillment centers across the globe, it’s easy to find a supplier close to your customers and your business in the USA. The production and shipping rates can be very fast, depending on what you’re ordering and where you need your items to be delivered.

Because Printful focuses on the dropshipping and print on demand landscape, it makes it easy to manage order fulfillment and processing without having to invest in your own warehouse. You can even connect Printful to your Shopify store if you already have one.

Pricing

The basic features of Printful are available as part of a free plan. This will give you access to the design maker, with built in tools and visuals, a mock-up generator, white-label packing slips, automatic order fulfilment and comprehensive customer support. There’s even a logo maker with over 100 templates to choose from.

If you want a more advanced experience, you can pay a monthly fee to access extra features like additional branding, custom pack-ins, and custom packaging. The premium plan also comes with warehousing services for all of your products (including those not ordered from Printful), and creative services like photography, video, and graphic design.

Both options will also require you to pay for the cost of your items and the shipping fees.

Pros 👍
Cons 👎

Pros 👍

Great for creating unique and customized products
Quick and convenient shipping with low fees
Excellent support and customer service
Integrates with leading ecommerce tools
Wholesale or dropshipping options available

Cons 👎

Limited range compared to some alternatives
Some items can be quite expensive

Go to the top

2. AliExpress

One of the best-known dropshipping and wholesale suppliers on the market today, AliExpress makes it easier to connect with leading vendors around the world. You can choose from a huge selection of products, delivered at extremely low prices. Options range from consumer electronics to skincare products, pet products, and anything else you can think of.

What’s more, there’s even the option to sort through suppliers based on their location, so you can track down vendors in the US. AliExpress gives business leaders a range of ways to set up their new company, from dropshipping one item at a time, to buying products in bulk with a couple of clicks.

The easy-to-use interface is great for beginners, and integrates with a variety of ecommerce store builders and tools. You can also communicate directly with suppliers when necessary to collect product data and inventory updates.

AliExpress offers a lot of variety to companies looking to build a store focus on a specific niche or demand. You can find jewelry, technology products, clothing, and more, all offered with massive discounts, depending on how much you buy. Plus, you can sort through which items have specific features, like free shipping included.

Pricing

It’s free to access AliExpress, so you don’t need to worry about any subscription or set-up fees. However, you will need to pay for the cost of packing and shipping your orders, either direct to your customer, or to your warehouse. There’s also the core cost of the item to think about too. Pricing can vary depending on your supplier.

Pros 👍
Cons 👎

Pros 👍

Huge selection of products from every niche
No subscription or set-up fees
Excellent low-cost items for wholesale
Integrations with ecommerce site builders
Convenient rating system to help you choose suppliers

Cons 👎

US suppliers are limited
Product quality can vary

Go to the top

3. Salehoo

Salehoo is a dropshipping and wholesale supplier with a range of great options to offer business leaders. Ideal for USA business owners, there are plenty of partners to connect with in your local region, and all of the companies on Salehoo have already been vetted for quality and reliability.

The Salehoo directory gives you a convenient location where you can find countless products and suppliers ready to deliver items in bulk. There’s also a fantastic market research lab, where you can track down the most profitable and trending products for your target audience in a matter of minutes.

Once you’ve found your ideal products and suppliers, you can decide whether you want to buy your items for a wholesale discount, or automate your business with a dropshipping service. The built-in dropshipping solution is ideal if you want to create a dropshipping business from scratch.

You can even choose high-quality branded products from some of the best-known companies in the world, and connect directly with your suppliers to ensure amazing service.

Pricing

Since Salehoo goes through the effort of vetting your potential wholesale suppliers on your behalf, there are some extra fees to pay. If you want access to the directory for wholesale purposes, you’ll need to pay an annual or lifetime cost. The annual price is $67 per month, while the lifetime fee is $127, making it a good deal for long-term wholesale brands.

With this fee, you get complete access to the supplier directory, market research labs, sales trends, advanced search filters, and 1-1 unlimited support. There’s also access to a members forum, personal email support, and a convenient dashboard.

Pros 👍
Cons 👎

Pros 👍

Great customer support and business resources
Pre-vetted suppliers for reliability
Excellent range of high-quality and branded products
Quick and reliable processing and fulfillment
Options for wholesale and dropshipping

Cons 👎

Supplier options may be limited in the USA
Branded products can be quite expensive

Go to the top

4. Spocket

Spocket is a dropshipping solution first and foremost, designed to help retailers launch online stores without a huge upfront investment. However, it’s also possible to use the service to stock up on wholesale goods, or even sell products to dropshipping companies around the world. Spocket has a range of partnerships with leading wholesalers across both the EU and the USA.

The easy-to-use solution integrates seamlessly with top website builders and sales tools, including Shopify, AliExpress, SquareSpace, BigCommerce, and WooCommerce. You can even create a dropshipping store on Shopify and link Spocket as your chosen Shopify dropshipping app. Once you connect your store, you can search for the best dropshipping suppliers and manufacturers in the system quickly, and import products straight to your website.

Spocket has countless product options to choose from, with no minimum order requirement on some items. The shipping costs are relatively low, depending on your required shipping time, and you can make some great product margins, with hefty discounts of around 30 to 40% on virtually all products.

Companies can even customize their service, with branded invoicing and unique packaging. This is a great way to raise customer satisfaction and build your presence online.

Pricing

There are a few options available for getting started with Spocket. You can try the service for free, which means you can browse through the catalogue of products and suppliers, and connect with potential partners. There’s also free access to AliExpress dropshipping. Other plans include:

Starter: $29.99 per month for all the features of free, plus email support, chat support, and up to 25 unique products.

Pro: $9.99 per month for all the features of Starter, plus branded invoices, supplier communication, image search, 25 premium products, and 250 unique products.

Empire: $99.99 per month for the features of Pro, plus 10,000 unique and premium products.

Pros 👍
Cons 👎

Pros 👍

Huge range of reliable products and suppliers
Fantastic USA and EU product fulfillment
Great discounts on top products
Easy-to-access samples of various items
Free service available

Cons 👎

Better for dropshipping than wholesale
Some items are more expensive than most

Go to the top

5. Inventory Source

One of the better-known and most popular wholesale solutions in the current market, Inventory Source is both a supplier directory and dropshipping solution. The company makes it quick and easy to route orders with dropship suppliers, whether you’re buying in bulk, or purchasing items one at a time. Additionally, you can rest assured that all of the suppliers on the platform are pre-vetted.

The supplier directory includes top distributors from the leading niches around the world. You can even access exclusive brands, large unique catalogues, and a range of in-demand products. The service integrates directly with a range of leading tools, including WooCommerce, Shopify, Ecwid, Shift4Shop, and many others.

If you want to save money and time on running your business, you can opt for the dropshipping service, where your suppliers will send products automatically to your target audience. You’ll also be able to monitor your supplier’s feed on a daily basis, to ensure you’re never listing out-of-stock products, and disappointing your customers.

Pricing

As a premium solution for finding wholesale suppliers, Inventory Source does have some paid pricing packages to choose from. There’s a free directory account just for connecting with top vendors. Alternatively, you can access various automation tools, marketplace and store connections and dropshipping services for a fee of $99 per month.

If you want to fully automate your entire store experience, you can pay for the Full Automation plan at $199 per month, which includes inventory syncing, auto order routing, multi-supplier split order routing, an order management interface, and synced shipping tracking.

Pros 👍
Cons 👎

Pros 👍

Fantastic range of high-quality products
Pre-vetted suppliers for peace of mind
Various forms of automation available
Bulk feed and inventory management
Insightful reports and analytics

Cons 👎

Full automation can be quite expensive
Somewhat limited supply options

Go to the top

6. Wholesale Central

Wholesale central is one of the most popular B2B wholesale suppliers in the current market. Retailers can search through countless suppliers by category or niche, adding as many items as they like to their store. There are even insights into which products are popular or trending at any given time, so you can improve your chances of expanding your revenue.

The site comes with unique bonus deals from different suppliers, such as the option to get free shipping on your first order. Plus, you can also choose to set up a dropshipping program with one of the available manufacturers if you don’t want to handle fulfillment yourself.

Wholesale central is ideal for tracking down fantastic deals for your products at wholesale prices. You can also expect relatively quick delivery, and connect with your suppliers whenever you like when you have questions about samples, fulfillment, or anything else. Though the site might seem a little cluttered at first, it’s still one of the most reliable around.

You can even check the rating for each supplier you might consider working with before you sign up, so you know whether you’re connecting to a dependable partner.

Pricing

It’s free to access Wholesale central and start looking for potential partners from California, New York and other US regions close to you. However, you will need to pay for the fundamental price of the items you want to buy, and the shipping and fulfillment costs if you’re using dropshipping.

Pros 👍
Cons 👎

Pros 👍

Excellent deals and discounts from different suppliers
Lots of product options to choose from
Dropshipping program available
Easy-to-use product locator
Reliable suppliers with regular communication

Cons 👎

Slightly complicated dashboard environment
Limited product data

Go to the top

7. Amazon Business

Although Amazon might not be the go-to tool for dropshippers, it could be an excellent choice if you’re looking to start a company without investing in dropshipping products. After all, Amazon is now a household name across countless countries, offering a combination of fast shipping, excellent product variety, and pretty reliable customer service.

If you don’t want to base your business entirely around products from China, Amazon Business makes it quick and easy to find reputable suppliers close to you. You can choose from everything from pet supplies to beauty products to help you build your brand name. Plus, you can work with US-based shipment and fulfilment companies too.

Amazon Business is a central platform which makes it easy to purchase as many wholesale products as you like in a short space of time. You can even set up recurring deliveries for an extra 5% discount on the already fantastic business-only pricing. Amazon Business can work alongside a number of ecommerce platforms, and there’s also access to Amazon FBA if you want to manage order fulfillment through Amazon too.

Choosing Amazon for your fulfillment strategy can even give you access to same-day delivery in some parts of the world, such as the US and Canada. Plus, you can easily make transactions with virtually any credit card or debit card.

Pricing

It’s free for entrepreneurs to sign up with Amazon business and start searching for wholesale product suppliers throughout the US and Europe. The amount you spend overall, of course, will depend on the manufacturers you choose, as well as your shipping rates, return policy, and other factors.

Amazon does have a useful FBA calculator available which allows you to sort through product categories and determine the amount you can potentially earn.

Pros 👍
Cons 👎

Pros 👍

Lots of worldwide brands to choose from
Excellent wholesale prices
Good shipping and fulfillment service
Rapid order processing for bulk purchases
Easy to use environment

Cons 👎

Not suitable for wholesale dropshipping
Customer service can be limited at times

Go to the top

Choosing the Right US Wholesale Supplier

There are countless wholesale suppliers to choose from in the US marketplace, from all of the options mentioned above, to other big names like Doba and megagoods. The right option for you will depend on a number of factors, including how much you’re willing to spend on products and subscriptions, what kind of unique features you need, and the range of products you want.

The ideal wholesale supplier should be able to offer a range of manufacturers to choose from, delivering excellent products with a rapid delivery time. In some cases, however, you may also want to look for options like private label products, dropshipping platform options, integrations to the eBay or Shopify app, and automated fulfillment through shippers like FedEx.

Don’t forget to calculate your profit margins too. It might cost a little more to get products from a supplier in a location like Los Angeles than it would to buy products from Alibaba in China, but you may be able to increase your income by offering faster delivery rates.

Take the time to think about what kind of business you want to build with your wholesale supplier, and take your search from there. Choosing a wholesale supplier doesn’t have to be complicated, but it should be a process you

The post Best 7 Wholesale Suppliers USA: Great Options for 2023 appeared first on Ecommerce Platforms.

Original Source: https://1stwebdesigner.com/javascript-snippets-for-better-ux-and-ui/

JavaScript can be used to significantly improve the user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) of your website. In this article, we will discuss some JavaScript snippets that you can use to boost the UX and UI of your website.

UNLIMITED DOWNLOADS: 500,000+ WordPress & Design Assets
Sign up for Envato Elements and get unlimited downloads starting at only $16.50 per month!

DOWNLOAD NOW

Smooth Scrolling

Smooth scrolling is a popular UX feature that makes scrolling through web pages smoother and more fluid. With this feature, instead of abruptly jumping to the next section of the page, the user will be smoothly transitioned to the next section.

To add smooth scrolling to your website, you can use the following JavaScript code:

$(‘a[href*="#"]’).on(‘click’, function(e) {
e.preventDefault()

$(‘html, body’).animate(
{
scrollTop: $($(this).attr(‘href’)).offset().top,
},
500,
‘linear’
)
})

This code will create a smooth scrolling effect whenever the user clicks on a link that includes a # symbol in the href attribute. The code targets all such links and adds a click event listener to them. When the user clicks on a link, the code will prevent the default action of the link (i.e., navigating to a new page) and instead animate the page to scroll smoothly to the section of the page specified by the link’s href attribute.

Dropdown Menus

Dropdown menus are a common UI element that can help to organize content and improve the navigation of your website. With JavaScript, you can create dropdown menus that are easy to use and intuitive for your users.

To create a basic dropdown menu with JavaScript, you can use the following code:

var dropdown = document.querySelector(‘.dropdown’)
var dropdownToggle = dropdown.querySelector(‘.dropdown-toggle’)
var dropdownMenu = dropdown.querySelector(‘.dropdown-menu’)

dropdownToggle.addEventListener(‘click’, function() {
if (dropdownMenu.classList.contains(‘show’)) {
dropdownMenu.classList.remove(‘show’)
} else {
dropdownMenu.classList.add(‘show’)
}
})

This code will create a simple dropdown menu that can be toggled by clicking on a button with the class dropdown-toggle. When the button is clicked, the code will check if the dropdown menu has the class show. If it does, the code will remove the class, hiding the dropdown menu. If it doesn’t, the code will add the class, showing the dropdown menu.

Modal Windows

Modal windows are another popular UI element that can be used to display important information or to prompt the user for input. With JavaScript, you can create modal windows that are responsive, accessible, and easy to use.

To create a basic modal window with JavaScript, you can use the following code:

var modal = document.querySelector(‘.modal’)
var modalToggle = document.querySelector(‘.modal-toggle’)
var modalClose = modal.querySelector(‘.modal-close’)

modalToggle.addEventListener(‘click’, function() {
modal.classList.add(‘show’)
})

modalClose.addEventListener(‘click’, function() {
modal.classList.remove(‘show’)
})

This code will create a modal window that can be toggled by clicking on a button with the class modal-toggle. When the button is clicked, the code will add the class show to the modal window, displaying it on the page. When the close button with the class modal-close is clicked, the code will remove the show class, hiding the modal window.

Sliders

Sliders are a popular UI element that can be used to display images or other types of content in a visually appealing and engaging way. With JavaScript, you can create sliders that are easy to use and customizable to fit your website’s design.

To create a basic slider with JavaScript, you can use the following code:

var slider = document.querySelector(‘.slider’)
var slides = slider.querySelectorAll(‘.slide’)
var prevButton = slider.querySelector(‘.prev’)
var nextButton = slider.querySelector(‘.next’)
var currentSlide = 0

function showSlide(n) {
slides[currentSlide].classList.remove(‘active’)
slides[n].classList.add(‘active’)
currentSlide = n
}

prevButton.addEventListener(‘click’, function() {
var prevSlide = currentSlide – 1
if (prevSlide < 0) {
prevSlide = slides.length – 1
}
showSlide(prevSlide)
})

nextButton.addEventListener(‘click’, function() {
var nextSlide = currentSlide + 1
if (nextSlide >= slides.length) {
nextSlide = 0
}
showSlide(nextSlide)
})

This code will create a slider that can be navigated by clicking on buttons with the classes prev and next. The code uses the showSlide function to show the current slide and hide the previous slide whenever the slider is navigated.

Form Validation

Form validation is an essential UX feature that can help to prevent errors and improve the usability of your website’s forms. With JavaScript, you can create form validation that is responsive and user-friendly.

To create form validation with JavaScript, you can use the following code:

var form = document.querySelector(‘form’)

form.addEventListener(‘submit’, function(e) {
e.preventDefault()
var email = form.querySelector(‘[type="email"]’).value
var password = form.querySelector(‘[type="password"]’).value

if (!email || !password) {
alert(‘Please fill in all fields.’)
} else if (password.length < 8) {
alert(‘Your password must be at least 8 characters long.’)
} else {
alert(‘Form submitted successfully!’)
}
})

This code will validate a form’s email and password fields when the form is submitted. If either field is empty, the code will display an alert message prompting the user to fill in all fields. If the password field is less than 8 characters long, the code will display an alert message prompting the user to enter a password that is at least 8 characters long. If the form passes validation, the code will display an alert message indicating that the form was submitted successfully.

In conclusion, JavaScript is a powerful tool that can be used to enhance the UX and UI of your website. By using these JavaScript snippets, you can create a more engaging and user-friendly experience for your users. However, it is important to use these JavaScript snippets wisely and sparingly to ensure that they do not negatively impact the performance of your website.