Business Archives - Skyline Newspaper

By Skyline Newspaper August 20, 2014 8 years 369 words

New App Makes Social Interactions Less Stressful

There seems to be a mobile app for everything these days, but it seems as though the app industry has been geared toward the extroverts rather than the introverts — leaving …

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There seems to be a mobile app for everything these days, but it seems as though the app industry has been geared toward the extroverts rather than the introverts — leaving a lot of people feeling more marginalized than before the mobile revolution even began. I have to post a picture of myself on Tinder and talk directly to people? Um, no thank you. Well, one Sacramento-based company saw this gap in target audiences, and has created a new app that might just make social interactions feasible for the more anxious ones.

The app, called Swiggler, allows users to buy drinks for others at local eateries, even if the recipient isn’t part of the Swiggler community. All the buyer needs is the email address, phone number, or Swiggler username of the intended recipient — and the buyer doesn’t even have to be present at the venue in order to send a drink over. For those who feel uncomfortable being recipients of free drinks (but feel even more uncomfortable turning them down directly), the recipient is able to re-gift the drink without the buyer knowing, and the drink can be redeemed at any time in the future.

A few eateries around the Sacramento area have already begun participating in the program, including LowBrau, Kupros Craft House, Kru Contemporary Japanese Cuisine, and Azul Mexican Food and Tequila Bar. The app is currently available on iPhone and Android mobile devices, and caters specifically to the Sacramento region.

Although the prevalence of mobile devices makes it easier for people to connect with each other, it’s worth noting that there are still many people who prefer to have some level of discretion and anonymity when it comes to social interactions. Swiggler isn’t just an app that takes advantage of so many local searches being performed on mobile devices — it also allows users to tactfully meet new people and make sure that they aren’t making others feel uncomfortable. And Swiggler’s support of local businesses can’t be ignored either; if this app is able to gain a strong following it Sacramento, it may just prove to be a selling point for independent neighborhood businesses that struggle to compete with chain eateries.

By Skyline Newspaper August 12, 2014 8 years 342 words

States With Legalized Marijuana See Big Tax Profits and Little Competition

Since legal marijuana first began selling in Washington as of July 8, $1 million in related taxes have been collected. This number could easily increase over the next several months as …

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Since legal marijuana first began selling in Washington as of July 8, $1 million in related taxes have been collected. This number could easily increase over the next several months as more growers and retailers are granted their licenses.

The tax rate on marijuana is high in Washington — 25% is collected at each stage. Going from a producer to processor to retail to consumer can potentially add three stages of taxing. Because demand is so high and competition is so low — with only one other state, Colorado, currently allowing the sale of legal marijuana — the tax rate is doable.

Right now, much of Washington’s industry is held back simply by the lack of licenses. Many growers’ first crop has already sold out, which has helped keep prices above black-market rates. With time, the price will likely fall down to $20 per gram. Around the state, hundreds of businesses are still waiting for approval before opening their doors.

Colorado is expected to reel in eneral/2014/07/30/national-marijuana-legalization-how-much-tax-reven.aspx”>$30.6 million in marijuana-related taxes just this year. Additionally, because the states are the only two legal options so far, they benefit from increased levels of tourism, which means more revenue for residents, and more taxes for the state generated from restaurant visits, hotel stays, and more. Once Washington gets the ball rolling, it is expected to make $63 million annually in marijuana taxing.

So far, the greatest competition for these states is not each other, but the black market, which still offers lower prices in most areas. Studies have shown that 90% of buyers know when a cheaper competitor exists, and weigh that as part of their decision. However, many residents and visitors are eager to try a guaranteed legal product, and are willing to pay the difference in order to do so.

Oregon and Alaska are both voting on legalization later this year, and an estimated 54% of Americans overall now approve legalization. It is likely that several states will legalize marijuana within the next 10 years, but for now, Washington and Colorado reap the benefits of being the only real options.