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The Future of Grocery After Coronavirus

Posted: 21 May 2020 02:15 PM PDT

The coronavirus outbreak took everyone off-guard, altering our lives in ways we never imagined. We were left with no other choice but to adapt to a new social order in which physical distancing and stringent hygiene measures play a crucial role in the way we interact with others.

The nation's most popular states are still in a virtual lockdown and home seclusion orders have impacted multiple sectors of the economy.

Considering that we're merely allowed to leave our houses in search of food, it makes me reflect on the adjustments retailers and shoppers will have to make in the future to survive this "new normal."

How has grocery shopping changed in the last couple of months?

According to a Census Bureau report, from January to March 2020, grocery store sales rose by 8.9% from the previous three-month period and by 11.6% in comparison to last year. Any retailer would be thrilled to see an increase in demand in ordinary times, but this situation is pushing many brands to the breaking point.

Therefore, retailers will have to pay close attention to the current trends that will set the pace of grocery shopping in the near future.

Goodbye deliveries. Hello BOPIS!

The BOPIS (buy online and pick up in-store) model is here to stay. In fact, it's a reality years in the making. Large retailers have been perfecting this model for quite a while now as a way to appease impatient shoppers who just can't bear the two-day shipping turnaround of the modern e-commerce era.

Nowadays, some small and midsize businesses are using the BOPIS model as an alternative to home deliveries.

A predilection for long-lasting foods and immune-boosting products

Changes in shopping reflect on the way people cook. Even if menu planning remains a thing, recipes might not. Fewer trips to the store call for more flexibility and creativity when people don't have all the ingredients of a recipe. There has also been an increase in demand for long-lasting items, such as canned foods, pasta, snacks and dairy products.

However, there are people who are striving to maintain a healthy diet during confinement and are opting for immune-boosting products, alongside fruits and vegetables that last longer, like oranges, lemons and potatoes. For weeks, these have been the top growth leader for fresh produce according to an industry report.

Also, cleaning supplies, antibacterial gel and face masks are now some of the fastest-moving products worldwide.

Hour-long waits at big-box retailers

Due to the physical distancing restrictions and the one-cart-per-person policy, shoppers have grown tired of hour-long waits at big-box retailers. The good news is that smaller grocers have benefited from this.

Shoppers are turning to their local stores now for the convenience of finding things more easily, finding small gatherings of people and diverse organic offerings.

But how can grocery store brands take advantage of this e-commerce boom?

Online shopping: How can small and midsized businesses adapt to the 'new normal?'

In the last couple of months, online shopping has seen exponential growth. With government officials encouraging people to turn to e-commerce as a preventive measure, even the older generation of shoppers have given online shopping a try.

Over the last two decades, countries like Japan and the U.S. have built up a culture surrounding online shopping. People in these countries feel comfortable with acquiring goods through e-commerce, and they have multiple accounts on different platforms.

Due to the massive increases in demand, several companies and e-commerce platforms were forced to restructure their logistics overnight to remain competitive. Such is the case of Amazon, which added 100,000 new positions to its delivery network (including Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods).

Reality is quite different in other parts of the world where online shopping is still in its early stages. This has made it extremely difficult for brands and stores to keep up with this sudden shift.

Diversifying from grocery stores to e-commerce platforms

While it is clear that getting consumers to try out a new service is not the easiest task, as a grocery retailer, there are some things you should consider if you want to stay on top of your game by turning to e-commerce to market your products for the years to come.

1. Your brand should provide a sense of comfort.

In situations of anxiety or depression, consumers more often reach for foods or products that comfort them or remind them of their childhood. During these times, shoppers are being drawn back into the comforts of soups and canned beans from trusted known brands like Campbell's and Heinz, not because they are necessarily the most nutritious, but because it makes them feel safe.

2. Focus your production on high-demand items.

As a retailer, it's a good idea to identify SKUs that move slower, either because of the pack size or flavor, and suspend them temporarily. Consider running surveys often to have a clearer idea of what your customers prefer under certain circumstances.

3. Use cold storage for fulfilling frozen and fresh products.

A possible outcome of this crisis is that people will shop at the store only for fresh produce while they get their nonperishables delivered to their homes. You may want to consider servicing both needs!

Fulfilling fresh and frozen groceries is a big challenge in the grocery industry. Cold-storage fulfillment can make chopped veggies or precooked meals like salads or frozen foods possible for online shopping.

If you want to offer fresh produce online, make sure you add a section into your product detail page in which customers can specify how exactly they want their fruits and veggies picked and delivered. This will add extra value to your selling strategy.

4. Make your product available.

Remember the toilet paper and pasta shortage? Consumers have a preference for a certain brand. But in the midst of a pandemic, and the panic buying surrounding this event, brand reputation took a back seat, and shoppers were holding onto whatever they could grab along their way. Therefore, start thinking about how efficiently you'd be able to restock shelves should such a case arises in the future and plan accordingly.

5. Use BOPIS as an alternative to two-day or one-week deliveries.

Many customers have found online shopping frustrating and inefficient while grocery stores spend about $20 on labor for a delivery order and about $7 for an in-store pickup.

Order-pickup lockers might be a useful solution since they retain online sales without increasing inventory space. Adobe Analytics reported that from February 24 to March 21, 2020, BOPIS orders increased 62%; and while the arrival of COVID-19 certainly played role, this new phenomenon is by no means a fad.

Pickups will continue to increase post-pandemic. This is going to be a challenge for grocery retailers' e-commerce sales, fulfillment and BOPIS) plans based upon previously predictable growth scenarios.

6. Use delivery services like Instacart.

Reliable grocery delivery and pick-up services like Instacart can be your ally in your new venture, if you don't have the budget or infrastructure to fulfill those orders in-house. Your customers will receive their products the same day, usually in two hours or less.

Closing thoughts

The COVID-19 pandemic works as a dramatic reminder that retailers must remain agile. There is more than one piece at play, besides the boom of e-commerce. Not only will retailers have to answer the increased demand, they also need to evolve quickly to manage peak orders and to stay relevant in this competitive market.

How to Repurpose Your Blog Content for Improved Engagement

Posted: 21 May 2020 08:00 AM PDT

If you're a business owner, there's a good chance you have a blog on your website. Blogs are a great way to keep consumers interested in your brand while actively providing them with free information designed to resolve pain points or help them reach their goals. The result of these interactions is more sales, social proof and engagement across the board. 

Research shows that once you publish 24-51 blog posts on your website, you can expect to see a traffic boost of about 30%. The reason for this boost is simple: The more content you have available, the more chances you have to connect with your customers. Also, companies that blog see 55% more traffic on average than businesses that don't bother. 

You might not realize it, but your blog posts' benefits don't have to end once you hit Publish. There are plenty of fantastic ways you can repurpose your blog content for improved engagement. 

Let's take a look at six ways you can start repurposing your content today. 

1. Refresh your drip campaign.

First, we are going to explore ways to fit your blog content into your email marketing campaign. Email marketing is, without a doubt, one of the best ways to grow your business. On average, marketers see a 4,400% return on investment with their promotional emails. So there's no question that certain segments of your audience are interested in reading your content. 

Start by curating lists to go out to your email subscribers based on their interests or behavior on your site. For example, if you have an online gardening shop, you would want to create lists for growing vegetables to send to people who have shown interest in that topic. Delivering relevant content to your audience at the right time is vital for building rapport and trust. 

Your second option is a little more detailed but useful for improving sales and click-throughs. Go through one of your most popular blog posts and create a drip campaign that relays the information conversationally and informally. If you've researched your target audience, the message in your emails should resonate with subscribers, just like your blog posts. 

A drip campaign is a series of emails designed to get people interested in what you have to say and your product selection. Most campaigns close with a special promotion or call to action that invites a sale. Your strategy may have a different endgame, but you can use your blog posts to craft reputable and interesting emails. 

2. Create a brand-new lead magnet.

Lead magnets are pieces of content you give to consumers in exchange for signing up for your email list. In many cases, your lead magnet will include some or most of your blog content, depending on the type you make for your business. 

For example, you could create an infographic that compiles statistics from all of your most popular posts. This piece of content could help someone who wants to do research but isn't sure where to start. 

Another smart way to use your blog posts in a lead magnet is to create an ultimate guide. Let's say you're the owner of an email marketing business. You could create a tutorial for beginners with all of your relevant posts transcribed into one e-book or guide. Again, this is helpful when someone finds your website for the first time and needs more information. 

You could also use a learning management system to create a class for people who are new to your product or want a guide on the industry as a whole. You can choose to make these classes free or paid, but this is certainly worth considering: LMS business is expected to grow in value to $22.4 billion by 2023.

3. Promote engagement on your website.

Our next tip doesn't involve you manipulating your original blog post in any way. Many companies have decided to add what's called a slide deck to their website. These decks show all of the most popular blog content, regardless of which page the consumer is on. 

This tool can help you repurpose your blog content by showing your audience posts that they didn't know existed right on your homepage. When someone lands on your website for the first time, they will be able to see all of the most popular posts and pages on your site. Depending on how relevant the content is to their lives, they'll feel inclined to engage and share your posts. 

Creating customer personas can help you make better blog content to promote through your slide deck. If you recently released a new product or service, you could write about the benefits of using this service and include it as a featured post on your slide deck.  

4. Partner with other businesses.

The rapid growth of the online business world has taught us many things about marketing. One such lesson is the benefits of working with other companies. Sure, businesses implemented partnerships before the internet, but never on this scale. More businesses are now available for partnerships than ever before. 

If you would like to repurpose your blog content, you could consider forging partnerships with other businesses in your industry. Let's go back to the fictional email marketing firm we mentioned earlier: The owner of that company would likely look for a hosting company, form builder or theme website for partnership opportunities. 

You could offer to host some of your partner businesses' previously published content as featured posts if they are willing to do the same for you. This trick will help you generate more traffic to your website and increase brand awareness by exposing your content to a new audience. 

5. Host live events.

You may have hosted live events where you engage with your audience in the past. These events are excellent for engagement and building brand trust. But you can provide even more value to your audience by inviting them to talk to you live about the posts you've published. 

You could host a weekly hourlong event where you talk to your followers on social media about why you wrote your post, give any additional advice you might have, and open up the floor to your audience. Allowing people to ask questions and providing knowledgeable answers will help you get consumers on your side. 

When you base your live events off of existing content, you give people a reason to visit your website, talk to you on social media and check out your future content. You can take this tip to the next level by hosting an AMA (Ask Me Anything) event on your profile. Tell your fans to read through your blog posts and come up with questions they want you to answer. This little activity will go a long way in improving customer engagement and your sales. 

As you can see, there are plenty of ways you can get more value from your blog posts. You don't have to settle for clicking the publish button and sharing your post once on social media. Start using these tricks today to get more people interested in your brand and what you have to say. 

Got Turned Down for SBA 7(a) or 7(b) Funding? What to Do Now

Posted: 21 May 2020 05:30 AM PDT

Since the economic shutdown brought on by the coronavirus and the passage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, businesses have increasingly been turning to Small Business Administration loans to cover payroll and fixed costs like rent, utilities and payments on long-term debt. 

Millions of businesses have filed for credit through the SBA's Paycheck Protection Program or Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, but very few are actually approved. Between eligibility restrictions and funding caps on these loan programs, not every small business who applies is going to get the SBA funding it needs. Even fewer will get all of the funding that they request. So, what should they do then?

What are SBA 7(a) and 7(b) loans?

Both the SBA's 7(a) and 7(b) loans are programs that small business owners can use to apply for loans to replace lost revenue. These loans are meant to help businesses avoid layoffs by covering payroll expenses as well as rent, utilities, and other fixed expenses, including payments on long-term debt. 

The SBA's 7(a) Paycheck Protection Program loans are issued by SBA-approved lenders, including banks. The funds available through this program are based on a business's payroll expenses and are meant to provide companies with funding equal to eight weeks of wages for up to $100,000 of compensation (annualized) per employee. 

The SBA's 7(b) Economic Injury Disaster Loans, on the other hand, are issued directly by the SBA through the agency's disaster loan program. Like 7(a) loans, EIDL funding is usually based on payroll and is also meant to replace eight weeks of wages for employees. However, the EIDL program can also be used to replace lost income for self-employed individuals, independent contractors and gig workers. The program limits loans to $1,000 per employee or $10,000 in total.

Coronavirus loan program limitations

As most business owners are aware before they apply for these programs, both the PPP and EIDL are restrictive. For example, business owners can technically use the funds they borrow however they'd like, but not if they want to be eligible for loan forgiveness later. If they want a chance of their loans being forgiven under the 7(a) program, business owners must use borrowed funds for things like payroll, rent, utilities and interest payments on long-term debt. 

Because the EIDL is also designed to help self-employed individuals and independent contractors, it offers a bit more flexibility. Funds borrowed through this program can also be used to replace lost wages for self-employed business owners and contractors so they can pay personal expenses like a mortgage. 

So, while these loan programs can help businesses in a big way, they don't cover all of a business's expenses. They also don't help all businesses equally. Owners of some businesses have had a lot of trouble qualifying, and others are only getting a fraction of the funds they need. 

These are some of the businesses that struggled to secure funding through the SBA 7(a) and 7(b) relief programs: 

  • Restaurants
  • Retailers
  • Staffing companies
  • Farms, ranches and agricultural operations 

Even though the EIDL is supposed to provide support for self-employed individuals, contractors and freelancers, the program greatly restricts the amount of money that can be borrowed. Loan requests must also be supported by documentation such as 1099s, which can present difficulties for some.

What to do if you get turned down for SBA 7(a) or 7(b) funding

Even though many states are slowly beginning to reopen their economies, it's hardly business as usual. Depending on location and industry, many businesses may still be closed and need to remain closed for some time yet. 

However, even during the shutdown, business owners have expenses to meet. They need to make their payroll if they don't want employees to leave. They also need to pay rent and utilities, as well as make payments on any other outstanding business loans. 

So, business owners who don't get approved for funding through the SBA's 7(a) or 7(b) programs – or only get approved for part of what they need – will need to find a way to secure the funds necessary to make it through the rest of the shutdown and continuing economic slowdown.

Top non-SBA funding options

Alternative

How to use it

Unemployment

Both employees and business owners can qualify for benefits.

Business

Take out a new card to pay for things like inventory and supplies.

Alternative business loans

Make payroll, pay for marketing efforts, and expand your business.
Personal money Many business owners have personal savings or lines of credit they can tap to cover funding shortages.

 

The SBA has created multiple loan programs specifically to provide relief for companies that have been impacted by the coronavirus. However, these programs won't necessarily replace all of a company's lost revenue, nor will they cover all of a business's expenses. Some of these funding sources may need to be tapped even if a business is approved for SBA 7(a) or 7(b) funding.

1. Unemployment

Many business owners who have trouble securing funding are having to lay off workers and try to hire them back once they can reopen. What's more, with extra benefits from the federal government, some employees can actually make more money on unemployment than they can working. 

Unemployment isn't just for employees, either. Some business owners can qualify for their own benefits if they're forced to close as a result of the pandemic.

Limitations and costs

  • You have to qualify for benefits, which can be challenging for business owners.
  • There's no cost to employers; in fact, business owners who go on unemployment themselves can expect about $1,000 per week.
  • Benefits run out after a set number of weeks. They are currently being extended an additional 13 weeks.

2. Credit cards

Both business and personal credit cards can be applied for and approved quickly. Cards usually don't have super-high limits, but they let you finance certain business expenses, like equipment or inventory, and pay them off over time. 

Plus, many credit card companies offer cards with 0% introductory periods that allow business owners to delay paying expenses for months – even a year or more – making this a great option for business owners who need to pay for things like supplies and inventory.

Limitations and costs

  • You can only use them to cover certain expenses.
  • You need to have good credit to qualify.
  • Rates average 18% to 25% after the 0% introductory period ends.

3. Alternative business loans

In these times of uncertainty, it can be difficult to find conventional business loans from traditional lenders like commercial banks. However, alternative loans such as business lines of credit (BLOCs), merchant cash advances (MCAs) and invoice financing products are still largely available. Borrowers should expect to pay higher costs for the financing, but these loans are typically easier to qualify for and provide funding much faster than conventional financing. 

Limitations and costs

  • You have to find a lender who is still funding.
  • Some funders don't offer financing for companies in certain industries.

4. Personal funds

Unfortunately, some business owners don't have enough business credit to qualify for a business loan. Others have already maxed out their business credit. So, when they need capital for their business, they're forced to choose between tapping their own savings and relying on personal loans such as a home equity line of credit (HELOC). 

Using personal assets or credit for business is extremely risky. Once business owners use their savings, the money is gone until they save more. When they take out a personal loan, they're personally liable for repayment. 

Nevertheless, in certain cases, these options can be ideal for business owners who have the cash or credit to use them. If you need cash to pay business expenses, personal savings can be available as quickly as the same day. Unsecured personal loans can be funded within three days and typically charge lower interest rates than unsecured business loans.

Limitations and costs

  • Capital is limited to how much you have saved or what you can get approved for.
  • Loans are based on your personal credit, and you are personally liable.
  • There are missed returns when you deploy savings.
  • Personal loans charge interest rates of 6% to 12%.
  • Some lenders charge an application fee.

Wrapping up

Through the CARES Act, Congress has authorized the SBA to provide businesses with critical financing through its 7(a) and 7(b) loan programs so they can cover fixed expenses – especially payroll. But not everyone is going to qualify. 

If you get turned down for SBA 7(a) or 7(b) funding, that's not necessarily the end. If you are denied funding or only get a fraction of what your business needs, be sure to consider whether one of these financing options is right for you so you can keep your business afloat.

The Pros and Cons of Flexible Benefits

Posted: 21 May 2020 05:21 AM PDT

  • Employers can offer a variety of benefit options for employees to create customized flexible benefits plans.
  • Flexible benefits allow employees to choose the benefits they value most, which is great for employee recruitment and retention.
  • The disadvantages of offering a flex benefits package pertain to time, resources, communication and cost. 

Small businesses should offer competitive employee benefits packages not only to attract and retain top talent, but also to enhance company culture and boost productivity. However, with five generations in the workplace, the best benefits for each employee can vary greatly. Offering a flexible benefits package is the best way to ensure that your employees are receiving the benefits that are the most important to them. 

What are flexible benefits?

Employee benefits, also known as fringe benefits, are the compensation that an employee receives outside of their standard wages. When you offer flexible benefit plans, you provide a set of benefits that each employee can pick and choose from (e.g., health insurance, retirement plans, reimbursement accounts) to create a custom employee benefit plan that fits their lifestyle and preferences. Flexible benefits have become extremely popular with both employers and employees. 

 

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Examples of flexible benefits

There are several types of employee benefits that you can offer, depending on the flexible benefit plan you set up. One of the most common flexible benefit plans is known as a cafeteria plan. A cafeteria plan comprises several benefits to cover eligible expenses, as long as they meet the criteria outlined by the IRS in Section 125

"The benefits usually offered can range from cash value, life assurance, premium conversions, medical opt-out, critical care, vison, and dental to a health savings account (HSA) and 401(k)," Zane Dalal, executive vice president at Benefit Programs Administration, told business.com. "It is important to remember that these flexible benefits tend to be ancillary in nature, and the rights and obligations of employees and their employers differs from state to state and region to region." 

Although flexible benefits can take many forms, Carla Yudhishthu, vice president of people operations at ThinkHR and Mammoth HR, said they generally pertain to employee needs associated with work, home life and planning for the future. 

Yudhishthu listed the following flexible benefits that employers can offer: 

Operational benefits (work)

  • Career planning (e.g., sabbaticals or personal leaves of absence)
  • Commuter benefits (e.g., tax-free reimbursement of parking or mass transit costs)
  • Expense coverage for remote work (e.g., Wi-Fi, cell phone or incidentals)
  • Flexible scheduling (e.g., flex time, compressed workweeks, shift flexibility or job sharing)
  • Paid volunteer time
  • Professional development (e.g., classes or training to earn or maintain professional credentials)
  • Telework options (e.g., working from home or video conferencing)
  • Time-off benefits (e.g., personal days, floating holidays or vacation buying) 

Health and wellness benefits (home life)

  • Employee assistance programs (e.g., confidential counseling, self-help and development content, and referrals)
  • Employer matching for philanthropic donations 
  • Flexible spending account (tax-free reimbursement for health or dependent care expenses)
  • Health coverage (medical, dental and vision benefits), including both high-deductible and traditional plans
  • Health reimbursement arrangements, paid by employer and tax-free to employees
  • Income protection (e.g., short- and long-term disability insurance)
  • Life and accident insurance with choice of coverage amounts
  • Tuition and student loan reimbursement
  • Voluntary insurance options (e.g., individual policies for specific diseases, accidents or long-term care)
  • Wellness programs (e.g., health promotions and incentives) 

Retirement and savings benefits (future planning)

What are the pros of offering flexible benefits?

Flexible benefits are popular among employers and employees for several reasons. However, the core benefits pertain to recruitment and retention, employee flexibility, and employer confidence. 

1. It increases employee recruitment and retention.

It is essential for small businesses to offer comprehensive benefit packages if they want to stay competitive with other employers within their industry. Employees place high importance on benefits, and for some, benefits packages can be the deciding factor between two jobs. If you want to attract and retain top talent, you should expect to compensate them accordingly. In a recent study by MetLife, 72% of employees said having customized benefits increases their loyalty to their employer

2. It gives employees control over their benefits.

Every employee is unique, and benefits should reflect that. An unhealthy older employee with a large family is going to want different benefits than a young, healthy, single employee laden with student debt. Flexible benefit plans allow your employees to choose only those benefits that are relevant to them. 

"Flexible benefits empower employees to ensure their organization is meeting their professional and personal needs," said Yudhishthu. "Employees want to feel their employer is investing in them, and flexible plans are a great way to do exactly that. 

3. It eliminates the guesswork of choosing your employee benefits.

Your employees know what type of benefits will best suit them. When you offer a flexible benefits plan, you don't have to try to create a plan that appeases everyone. Instead, you can leave the choices up to your employees and rest assured that your employees are getting the right benefits to accommodate their health, budgets, and personal and professional happiness.  

What are the cons of offering flexible benefits?

Just as there are several advantages to offering flexible benefit plans, there are a few disadvantages to be aware of. The primary drawbacks pertain to time, resources, communication and cost. 

1. It requires time and administrative resources.

When you offer employee benefits, you must continually make sure that each one complies with the current federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Because flexible benefit plans intersect with employee salary and are funded by pretax dollar contributions, Dalal said they come under the governance of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and are policed by the Department of Labor and the IRS. The more flexible benefits you provide, the more time and resources you will need to maintain them and ensure they are compliant with the various benefit and tax laws. 

"A small business that attempts to offer too many options may find that the burden of communication and administration is a disadvantage," said Yudhishthu. "Additionally, the process of creating and implementing a flexible benefits plan is time-consuming, which takes away resources from other projects." 

2. It requires exceptional communication.

Communication is a crucial part of successfully deploying a flexible benefits program. Since flexible benefits and employee contributions can often be modified, it is important that your human resources department has an open line of communication with your employees, or that you have an easy-to-access platform that your employees can use to modify their benefits. You should always be up to date with what benefits your employees are selecting so you can stay in compliance with the associated payroll deduction, laws and regulations. If you want to make a change to the benefits you offer, you should clearly communicate that to your employees. 

3. It can be costly.

Offering flexible benefits can get expensive. Not only is setting up a flex plan time-consuming (and time is money), you may also need to purchase new technology to implement and maintain the plan. If you currently offer traditional benefits, speak with your employees about their benefit needs before adopting a flexible plan. 

What types of flexible benefits should you offer? 

Since flexible benefits are just that – flexible – they should be customized to fit your employees' needs. You can start by analyzing your competitors and the benefits they offer. 

When you conduct a comparison analysis with another business, Yudhishthu said to consider these three questions: 

  1. Are the benefit offerings comparable?
  2. Do you want to position your business at market level or above?
  3. What questions are job candidates asking about flexible work options or benefit offerings? 

Your answers to these questions will help you design a flex plan that best suits your business and employees. Additionally, survey your employees to see which benefits they want the most and which they could do without. It is important to understand what employee benefits are providing your team with the most value – and what benefits are a waste of money. 

"The secret to success in small business is the fine line an employer treads between his profit margin and the wellbeing of those upon whom he relies to make it," said Dalal. "Reinvestment in a small business when you expand or need new equipment is a no-brainer and, in most cases, is given tax advantages. Consider that reinvestment in your workforce is as important and brings you continual dividends, and there are considerable tax advantages to doing so." 

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