Registering a Business in India: A Step-by-Step Guide by Fox&Angel

India, the land of diversity and opportunity, has emerged as one of the world’s most promising business destinations. With a burgeoning middle class, a tech-savvy workforce, and a growing entrepreneurial spirit, India offers a fertile ground for business ventures. However, before you embark on your entrepreneurial journey in this vibrant nation, it’s essential to understand the intricacies of registering a business in India. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of company registration in India, shed light on some exciting business opportunities, and provide insights into how to navigate the labyrinth of Indian bureaucracy.

The Indian Business Landscape: A Land of Promise

India’s economic landscape boasts a thriving startup ecosystem, a burgeoning e-commerce market, and a robust manufacturing sector. The ‘Make in India’ initiative has further cemented the country’s position as a global manufacturing hub. The Indian government’s emphasis on ease of doing business and digital initiatives has created a conducive environment for entrepreneurs. So, if you’re pondering over which business to start in India, rest assured that the opportunities are boundless.

The Significance of Business Registration

Before delving into the specifics of starting a business in India, it’s crucial to emphasize the importance of proper registration. Registering your business not only ensures legal compliance but also provides a host of benefits:

Legal Recognition: Registering your business entity confers legal status upon it. This recognition is essential for engaging in various activities, including contracts, partnerships, and raising capital.

Access to Government Schemes: Registered businesses are often eligible for government incentives, grants, and subsidies aimed at fostering economic growth and entrepreneurship.

Credibility: A registered business carries more credibility in the eyes of customers, investors, and partners. It signals your commitment to transparency and compliance.

Protection of Personal Assets: Certain business structures, like Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) and Private Limited Companies, offer limited liability, protecting your personal assets from business debts.

Tax Benefits: Properly registered businesses can avail of tax benefits and exemptions, reducing the tax burden on the business.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Business Idea-

The foundation of any successful business venture is a well-chosen business idea. India offers a diverse market with opportunities spanning various sectors. To decide on the right business, conduct thorough market research. Analyze industry trends and competition. This research will guide you in selecting a business idea with growth potential.

Step 2: Selecting the Appropriate Business Structure-

Once you have a clear business idea, the next crucial step is selecting the right business structure. India offers several options, including Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), Private Limited Company, and more. Each structure has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of liability, compliance, and taxation. Make an informed choice based on your business goals and long-term plans.

Step 3: Legal Requirements and Documentation–

Before diving into the registration process, gather the necessary documentation. Common documents include identity and address proof, PAN card, Aadhar card, and passport-sized photographs. For different business structures, additional documents may be required, such as partnership deeds, MOAs, and AOA for companies. Ensure all documents are complete and accurate.

Step 4: Company Name Registration–

Your business’s name is its identity. To avoid any legal complications, ensure your chosen name is unique and doesn’t infringe on any existing trademarks. You can check name availability on the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) website. Once you’ve selected a unique name, reserve it through the Name Reservation process.

Step 5: Getting the Necessary Permits and Licenses-

Depending on the type of business and its location, you may need various permits and licenses. Common licenses include GST registration, trade licenses, environmental clearances, and industry-specific permits. Research the specific licenses required for your business and apply for them. Non-compliance with licensing requirements can lead to legal issues down the road.

Step 6: Registration Process-

The registration process can vary based on your chosen business structure. Here’s a simplified overview:

Sole Proprietorship/Partnership: You can start your business immediately by obtaining the necessary licenses and permits. However, it’s advisable to open a business bank account in your business name for financial clarity.

LLP/Company Registration: The process involves obtaining a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) and Director Identification Number (DIN) for directors or partners, filing the incorporation documents, and obtaining the Certificate of Incorporation. Consult a legal expert or a chartered accountant for guidance through this process.

Step 7: Taxation and Compliance-

Understanding India’s taxation system is crucial for business owners. Register for Goods and Services Tax (GST) if your turnover exceeds the prescribed limit. Maintain proper accounting records and comply with tax filing deadlines. Consult with a tax advisor to optimize your tax strategy and ensure compliance with all applicable laws.

Step 8: Post-Registration Obligations-

After registering your business, ensure you fulfill post-registration obligations such as annual filings, conducting board meetings, and adhering to corporate governance norms for companies. Compliance is an ongoing process that ensures the sustainability and legality of your business operations.

By following these steps diligently, you can navigate the process of registering a business in India successfully. Keep in mind that seeking professional advice from chartered accountants, company secretaries, and legal experts can simplify the registration process and ensure compliance with all regulations.

The Entrepreneurial Dream: Alive and Thriving

India’s entrepreneurial spirit is akin to the mighty Ganges, flowing strong and deep through the hearts and minds of its people. It’s a nation where dreams take flight, where ideas find fertile soil to grow into groundbreaking ventures. Whether you’re an aspiring startup founder or a seasoned businessperson looking to expand to India, this land offers a canvas where you can paint your vision.

The Power of a Well-Chosen Business Idea

The journey begins with a business idea, the North Star guiding your efforts. India’s diverse market is a playground for innovators and visionaries. From technology startups to traditional crafts, from e-commerce giants to sustainable agriculture initiatives, the range of possibilities is staggering. The success of your venture hinges on the depth of your understanding of this market, your ability to identify unmet needs, and your commitment to providing solutions.

The Critical Choice of Business Structure

As you lay the foundation of your business, the choice of business structure is paramount. Each structure comes with its unique set of benefits and challenges. Sole proprietorships offer simplicity but expose personal assets to business risks. Partnerships foster collaboration but require clear agreements. Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) provide protection but have compliance requirements. Private Limited Companies offer credibility but demand more stringent regulatory adherence. Making the right choice aligns your business with your goals and aspirations.

The Legal Landscape: Navigating with Prudence

India’s legal landscape can appear labyrinthine, but it’s essential to tread with prudence and compliance. Collecting the required documentation, reserving a unique business name, obtaining licenses, and adhering to post-registration obligations are steps that require diligence. By following the rules, you not only secure your business’s legal status but also lay the groundwork for credibility and trust among partners, customers, and investors.

The Importance of Taxation and Compliance

Taxes are the lifeblood of any nation’s growth, and India is no exception. Understanding the nuances of India’s taxation system, from GST to income tax, is vital for your business’s financial health. Compliance is not just a legal requirement; it’s a commitment to ethical business practices. Keeping your financial records in order, filing returns on time, and seeking professional guidance ensure that your business sails smoothly through the tides of taxation.

The Ongoing Journey of Post-Registration Obligations

Business registration isn’t a one-time affair; it’s the commencement of a lifelong journey. Post-registration obligations, such as annual filings, maintaining corporate governance norms, and fulfilling compliance requirements, keep your business in good stead. They reflect your dedication to transparency and corporate responsibility.

Embracing the Future: Challenges and Rewards

As you embark on your business journey in India, it’s essential to recognize the challenges that may arise. Competition can be fierce, regulatory changes may occur, and market dynamics may shift. However, it’s precisely these challenges that pave the way for innovation and growth. With the right mindset and adaptability, you can turn obstacles into opportunities.

The rewards of doing business in India are immeasurable. The nation’s vast consumer base, skilled workforce, and technological advancements offer a fertile ground for success. Moreover, India’s economic resilience and the government’s initiatives make it an attractive destination for investments and collaborations. Whether you’re an Indian entrepreneur with a local vision or a global business leader eyeing the Indian market, India’s doors are wide open.

Final Thoughts: The Tapestry of Your Business Story

In the grand tapestry of business, your venture is a unique thread contributing to the rich narrative of India’s economic growth. As you register your business and navigate the intricacies of the Indian entrepreneurial ecosystem, remember that every step you take is part of a larger story.

This story is one of ambition, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence. It’s a story of resilience in the face of challenges and a commitment to ethical business practices. It’s a story of creating not just profits but also positive impacts on society and the environment. Your business, whether a startup or an established enterprise, has the potential to be a beacon of change and progress in India’s evolving economic landscape.

So, as you embark on this journey, hold your head high, for you are not just registering a business in India; you are crafting a chapter in a story that spans generations. May your entrepreneurial spirit soar, and may your business thrive in the vibrant tapestry of India’s business landscape.

With these words, we conclude our step-by-step guide to registering a business in India. We wish you the utmost success in your entrepreneurial endeavors, and may your business journey be filled with growth, prosperity, and fulfillment.

Also Visit- Fox&Angel- Your Global Expansion Partner

How do you create your own Private Limited company?

Creating a Private Limited company in India involves several steps. Here's a general outline:

Choose a Name: Select a unique name for your company. Ensure that the name complies with the rules laid down by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). You can check the availability of the name on the MCA website.

Director Identification Number (DIN): Obtain DIN for all the proposed directors of the company. DIN can be obtained by filing Form DIR-3 with the MCA.

Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): Obtain DSC for the proposed directors. DSC is required for digitally signing the documents during the registration process.

Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA): Draft MOA and AOA for your company. These documents define the constitution and the rules of the company. These documents need to be filed with the Registrar of Companies (ROC).

Registration with Registrar of Companies (ROC): File the incorporation documents along with the required fee with the ROC. This includes the MOA, AOA, and other necessary documents like Form SPICe (Simplified Proforma for Incorporating Company Electronically).

Payment of Stamp Duty: Pay the necessary stamp duty for the incorporation of the company. The amount of stamp duty varies from state to state.

Certificate of Incorporation: Once all the documents are verified and approved, the ROC issues a Certificate of Incorporation. This is the legal proof of the existence of your company.

PAN and TAN: Apply for Permanent Account Number (PAN) and Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN) for your company. These are required for tax purposes.

Registration for GST: If your turnover exceeds the threshold limit, you need to register for Goods and Services Tax (GST) as per the GST Act.

Bank Account: Open a bank account in the name of your company.

Compliance: Ensure compliance with other regulatory requirements like professional tax, employee provident fund (EPF), employee state insurance (ESI), etc.

How Vakilkaro helps in Private Limited Company Registration in Lucknow

Vakilkaro facilitates Private Limited Company Registration in Lucknow by providing expert legal guidance and assistance throughout the process. From drafting documents to liaising with authorities, their comprehensive services ensure a smooth and compliant registration experience, empowering businesses to establish themselves securely and efficiently in the market.

A Comprehensive Guide to Homestay Registration in Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh, a land steeped in history and pulsating with cultural vibrancy, beckons travelers with its ancient temples, majestic forts, and captivating landscapes. For those seeking to escape the usual tourist trail and delve into the authentic heart of India, homestays offer a unique and enriching experience. Imagine your guests savoring a home-cooked meal prepared with generations-old…

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Moaning by India Ame'ye, Author It takes patience, time, and devotion to unlock the sacred power that lives inside the female body, these untouched, unmet secrets and enigmas. It's like meeting the black hole of the universe for the first time, a mystery that scientists and astronomers still have not been able to fully solve or understand. You have to be willing to be a beginner to unlock the competency and potentiality held in your body parts--in your deep cervix, pelvis, breasts, hips, and the back of your throat. A lot of times we don't allow ourselves to be a beginner at this divine feminine work, and meet ourselves inside the messiness of the cocoon. We won't try new things and be horrible at them or place ourselves in uncomfortable situations and still keep going. As a woman who lives in my body, who trains in different types of dance alchemies and arts, I can honestly say that in order to wake up the dormant power resting in your female body, you have to be curious about your body, feel new narratives of yourself (your cells) move through your body, and re-sensitize the block and stuck scar tissue through your listening, breathing, singing, moaning, screaming, wailing, and willingness to open up and be that butterfly you were meant to be. Today I went to a high-end pilates studio with reformer machines. I highlight "high-end" because the quality of the studio makes a difference, particularly in pilates, but any pilates class is better than none. I was so happy that the music in class was obscenely loud. I had the level of noise needed to moan inconspicuously without being noticed or heard by the teacher or other students. I do the same thing in my flexibility classes. There is a re-sensitizing or waking up of the parts of us that have locked or suppressed power that we get to harness through our breath, voice, and deliberate and intentional sounds and movements which helps to move old energy up and out. That's why I moan in low registers while biking. I moan while walking the dog. I moan while cooking. I moan while bathing. I moan while hoisting myself up on the pole. I moan while authoring. I moan while loving. I have never been caught moaning by a stranger. Most people are too busy or distracted to notice the lowest and oddest of sounds. I can't tell you how many new versions of myself I have met through my willingness to use my voice as a tuning fork for energy to flow and new versions of myself to sow. And soft moaning sounds permeating from the body translate as safety, that you are in a safe environment. Therefore the body relaxes and feels safe to expand and create new narratives of itself, whether growing larger muscle fibers or completing a longterm project.

-India Ame'ye, Author

At Vauxhall Gardens, [...] giant paintings were erected in the “Pillared Saloon” of seemingly geographically opposed colonial wars: one painting of The Battle of Plassey (1757), which secured Bengal for the British East India Company, hung next to another symmetrical work that portrayed the British capture of Montreal and, later, Canada itself. That these and other sizable aesthetic works were “designed to be an immersive virtual-reality experience” testifies to Cohen’s larger claim in The Global Indies that 18th-century fashion, rank, sociability, and class were intimately bound up with race and colonialism, particularly through the period’s joint imaginary of the  “Indies.” The Indies describes a shared fantasy - and unquestionable material reality - of wealth accumulation that yoked together the “West” (the Caribbean and North America) and “East” (the Indian subcontinent) Indies in late 18th-century British culture, a conceptual proximity so thorough and unrelenting that its effects reverberate throughout the contemporary  [...].

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The prelude to Ashley L. Cohen’s The Global Indies opens in a pleasure garden - not just any such garden, but the largest and most spectacular of these 18th-century sites of fashionable culture [...]: London’s Vauxhall Garden. At Vauxhall, Londoners who could afford the entrance fee were treated to an array of wonders and excesses. A well-known chapter entitled “Vauxhall” in William Makepeace Thackeray’s Vanity Fair (1847–’48), for example, finds Jos Sedley, an “indolent” officer of the East India Company recently returned to London, drunk off the garden’s signature “rack punch.”  “Everybody had rack punch at Vauxhall,” [...]. Lest a reader mistake punch for a mere artifact of the pleasure garden or a one-off comedic incident, “that bowl of rack punch was the cause of all this history,” the narrator stresses about his unfolding novel. [...]

Punch, an alcoholic drink popular with colonial officers of the East India Company, was usually made with a combination of five ingredients including sugar cane and spices, and probably derives from the Sanskrit word “pancha,” meaning five (and  invites an etymological link with the Persian panj and with Bengali five-spice mix, panch phoreen). Rack punch’s association with Vauxhall, with India, and with Vanity Fair’s narrative construction was hardly a stretch for Thackeray’s Victorian readers, and probably registered as quite natural, though it carried more than a whiff of the unseemly. But then again, to 18th-century Britons, “natural and a little unseemly” could easily describe the “worldwide empire that stretched from the East to the West Indies” [...].

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It’s tricky business to think seriously inside of the 18th-century’s analytic tools, but The Global Indies pulls it off, not least because Cohen is appropriately blunt [...], reminding readers of the everyday racism of the Georgians and their fashionable sociability. [...] [T]he “Indies mentality” enters a critical landscape that has lately taken up the connections between geographically far-flung events in modernity: North American settler colonialism, Atlantic slavery, colonialism in India, and the migration of Chinese and South Asian indentured labor.

Lest these all seem like separate histories that have produced separate discursive notions of race, critics like Lisa Lowe, Jodi Byrd, Tao Leigh Goffe, and now Cohen assure us that they are not, and that our modern ideas about race are intimately shaped by the interconnected and forced movements of Black and brown people across the world. [...] Cohen spells out how British liberal reformers and abolitionists found a solution to ending West Indian slavery in the continuation of so-called “free” wage labor in Bengal. Sugar produced by Bengali peasants laboring under the threat of starvation came to replace sugar produced on West Indian plantations well into the 19th and 20th centuries. One only has to look up the multiple Bengal famines (1769–1770, and 1943) to calculate its effects. [...] [T]he architects of the [American transcontinental] railroad “imagined a new era of US hegemony in a mold cast by the imaginative geographies of British imperialism.”

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All text above by: Ronjaunee Chatterjee. “The Colonial Mentality, Past and Present.” LA Review of Books. 3 September 2021. Published online at: lareviewofbooks.org/article/the-colonial-mentality-past-and-present/ [Bold emphasis and some paragraph breaks/contractions added by me. Presented here for commentary, teaching, criticism purposes.]

I don’t have a specific prompt in mind but do you have any ideas for Ten/Fourteen and Phileas meeting each other? Chaos travelers dynamic! Wahoo!

Have I ever mentioned that I actually wanted to write a short fic where Phileas and friends run into the Doctor, Martha, and Donna for a little adventure?

Well, this isn't the same thing, but I think this might be a fun idea to work with!

Let's go with Fourteen for this, since I like making content for them. (I don't remember the exact years that Madam Vastra lived in Victorian London, but I'm not here for accuracy, Fourteen is gonna meet a man who is technically a book character).

On with the fic!

--

The Doctor smiled as they passed through the streets of Victorian London. Yes, they'd been here so many times over the years, but it was always nice to stop by for a visit. They did have friends who lived in this era after all.

They had heard the most curious news from Madam Vastra when they had come over for a long overdue tea party between them and their friends. She had told him about a man who has been considered the first Englishman to travel the world in eighty days.

It had taken the Doctor a moment to register who that was, and they had gotten excited. They'd never been able to catch any of the exciting trip of Phileas Fogg before! They always seemed to land at the wrong time, just missing him and his friends in their bigger destination spots.

They wondered if maybe he was still here in London, that there was a chance that they could catch him. The Doctor knew that not too long after his return to London, Fogg and his friends had taken off to find an ancient sea creature.

The Doctor walked about, trying to find the typical locations that Phileas Fogg frequented and soon gave up. They needed a break, maybe a drink? It was a bit chilly, a nice cuppa would do! And when was the last time they'd stopped in Victorian tea house, or even a coffee house?

Hmmm... had it been with Yaz? They couldn't remember, but they found themself entered a coffee house he found just a moment later and glanced about. It wasn't too busy here, seeing as it was the late afternoon.

However, someone caught his eye.

Seated at a table by himself, looking over a newspaper with a cup of tea before him, along with a small tray with all manner of things to prepare said cup, was the Doctor.

Well.

No.

Not the Doctor, but someone who looked just like him. Madam Vastra had smiled and made a comment that Fogg was a man with a face that the Doctor would recognize the moment they spotted it. She wasn't wrong.

Grinning, the Doctor approached. "Is this seat taken?"

Fogg glanced up, opening his mouth to say something, but stopped and stared instead. The Doctor's grin grew as they winked. "Like lookin' in a mirror, isn't it?"

"I... is this a trick?" Fogg asked, nervous, but strangely fascinated.

"No trick, just the universe having a laugh, I suppose." They scratched the back of their head, ah, an old habit from their previous time with this face. "Are you Phileas Fogg?"

Fogg nodded, clearing his throat. "Yes, yes I am. I am to guess you've heard of me from recent exploits?"

"Oh, yes!" The Doctor plopped down in the chair across the table. "You're amazing! The first human to fly over the Alps! You were able to get a train to cross over a broken bridge that was practically being held up by the equivalent of paperclips and rubber bands! And the stuff you did in India and America? Amazing!"

"Uh, thank you?" Fogg smiled awkwardly, clearly not used to so much attention and praise all at once.

"You're welcome." They held out a hand. "I'm the Doctor, by the way."

The hand was taken for a very quick shake and Phileas tilted his head. "The Doctor?"

"Yeah, that's my name."

"I feel as if I've... heard the name before? It's a title, is it not?"

The Doctor grinned. "Yeah, in a way."

"How curious. Ah, any particular reason as to why you have decided to talk to me? Not that I'm trying to send you off, but..."

"Oh, yes! Hold on a mo', I completely forgot!" The Doctor dug into their coat pocket, trying to locate the proper item. They pulled out a few odds and ends, setting them on the table, much of Fogg's confusion and amusement as the strange collection.

"Found it!" The Doctor smiled, holding up a device, then held it out to Fogg. It was small, square, metallic and plastic. "I heard rumors that you're going to go on a sea voyage, to look for a mysterious beast of legend. Well, as someone with a lot of experience with such things, use this."

Fogg took it, looking it over with interest. "What is it?" He had a look in his eyes that screamed he wanted to tinker with it. The Doctor could apperciate that.

"It's a device that goes 'ding' when it is within a hundred meters of a massive, aquatic life form and the dings get louder and faster the closer you are to it. It can also tune a piano and a harpsichord."

They got a strange look from Fogg for that. "Thank you? But why would you have such a device?"

"Because." The Doctor reasoned, grinning. "And I think you can get a better use out of it than me, I can't wait to read about what happens!" He stood up from the table. "Best of luck, Phileas Fogg."

"Oh, uh, same to you? Not sure why I said that, but I feel like you're about to embark on your own journey."

The Doctor's smile faltered a little, but they chuckled, shoving their hands in their pockets. "I get the feeling that you're right about that."

But among classical writers, it is Ovid (43 B.C.–A.D. 18) whose satirical use of parrots proves most outrageous and enduring. This use occurs in the sixth poem of book 2 of his Amores: a sixty-two-line elegy for the death of his girlfriend’s rose-ringed parakeet. Beginning the exercise in a heroic vein, Ovid summons all feathered creatures to join in the obsequies for Corinna’s pet: Parrot, winged mimic from the dawn-lands of India, has died: come in flocks, ye birds, to his funeral. Come, pious poultry, and beat your breasts with your wings, and rend your tender cheeks with the unyielding claw… As for the Ismarian tyrant’s crime, which you, Philomela, lament, that same lament has been satisfied in its own  time; turn now to the sad last rites of a rare bird. Your cause of grief for Itys is great, but it is ancient history. (2.6.1–4, 7–10; my translation). Both Ovid’s occasion and his tone here suggest mockery. Certainly—to compare early things with late—that is how the same subject matter functions in Evelyn Waugh’s gleeful trashing of all things American, The Loved One (1948). Waugh’s protagonist, the English expatriate Dennis Barlow, embraces a career as a pet undertaker in Los Angeles, which career culminates in a parrot funeral reminiscent of Ovid’s elegy: “Mr. Joyboy would have an open casket. I advised against it and, after all, I know. I’ve studied the business. An open casket is all right for dogs and cats who lie down and curl up naturally. But parrots don’t. They look absurd with a head on a pillow. But I came up against a blank wall of snobbery” (140). Waugh’s humor arises from the discordant juxtaposition of human obsequies with pet care, and this is what Ovid offers us as well, two thousand years earlier. Moreover Ovid—like Persius with his Pegasean nectar—is clearly engaged in literary parody. And in Ovid’s case, the literary victim has a name. By composing a dirge for the death of his beloved Lesbia’s pet sparrow, Catullus (c. 58–55 B.C.) influenced generations of Roman love-poets to come with his tender evocation of intimate feelings: “Lament, o Venuses and cupids, and whoever is most charming among men. My girlfriend’s sparrow is dead, that sparrow, my girlfriend’s delight, whom she loved more than her eyes…. It now travels by an obscure way to that place from which no one knows how to return” (3.1–5, 11–12; my translation). This kind of tremulous emotion, however, could not have been farther from Ovid’s approach to love and sex. Where Catullus and his imitators leave the reader “convinced of the sincerity and the seriousness of their love and their bitterness at finding that [its] fulfillment is impossible” (Du Quesnay 7), Ovid seems to relish the role of the lover, which he presents not as an emotional abyss but as a game of seduction.

 Against this background his grief for Corinna’s parrot sounds derisive rather than genuine, marking the distance between his experience and his predecessors’ innocence. For instance, Ovid’s language is a little too grandiose, a little too exaggerated, for the sentiments it conveys. Catullus keeps his verses strictly in the personal register, describing Lesbia’s feelings for her sparrow and recalling her behavior with it in intimate detail: “For it was sweet as honey and knew her as well as a girl knows her mother, nor would it move from her bosom, but hopping about this way and that it would chirp to its mistress alone” (3.6–10). Ovid, by contrast, presents the loss of Corinna’s parrot as an event of epic magnitude, grander than Philomela’s rape or Procne’s murder of her own son, Itys. (Likewise, he compares the bird’s proverbial friendship with the turtle-dove to Pylades’ friendship with Orestes.) As Catullus understands, the relationship between a pet bird and its owner is too fragile a subject to sustain the weight of heroic allusions. For a poet intent upon making that relationship look ridiculous, however, such allusions are perfectly chosen. Nor does Ovid simply inflate Catullus’ diction. He also exaggerates the structure of his poem so that where Catullus offers a delicate eighteen-line lyric, Ovid responds with a full-scale formal elegy. This extends from a call to the proper mourners (“Come, pious poultry”), through an outburst against divine injustice (“The best things are often carried off by greedy hands” [2.6.39]), to a death-bed (death-perch?) scene in which the expiring bird, sensing that its hour is at hand (or at wing?), squawks out a desolate “Corinna, farewell!” (2.6.48). This moment of high bathos, in turn, gives way to a formal consolation in which the parrot finds its place in Elysium, within “a grove of black ilex” (2.6.49) designated as “the good birds’ home” (2.6.51). As the classicist John Ferguson has remarked of Ovid’s poem, “the whole thing is amusing and utterly unfeeling” (353). It’s also brilliantly pitched, employing the death of a natural mimic as the occasion for a barbed exercise in literary mimicry. Even so, Ovid handles his subject so deftly as to leave many readers doubtful of his insincerity. Even a near-contemporary of Ovid seems to have taken his poem quite seriously. I refer in this case to the poet Statius (c. A.D. 40–96), who produced his own parrot-elegy (Silvae 2.4) in obvious (but to my mind misguided) imitation of the master. Silvae 2.4 bewails the demise of a parrot belonging to Statius’ patron Atedius Melior, and this shift away from parody turns his poem into a fawning thing. Yet his obsequiousness extends still further, for the poem is not just a token of respect to Statius’ patron, but also, in a way, an act of literary ancestor-worship. Imitating Ovid as he does, Statius abandons the attitude of irreverence essential to satire, and he replaces it with a bookish kind of bowing and scraping: Flock hither all ye scholar fowl, to whom Nature has given the noble privilege of speech; let the bird of Phoebus [the raven] beat his breast, and the starling, that repeats by heart the sayings it has heard, and magpies  transformed in the Aonian contest [the maidens who challenged the Muses and were turned into magpies], and the partridge, that joins and reiterates the words it echoes, and the sister that laments forlorn in her Bistonian bower [Philomela]: mourn all together and bear your dead kinsman to the flames. (2.4.16–23) In Statius, the parrot has ceased to be a vehicle for satire and has become once again an instrument of flattery, including the sincere form of flattery born of imitation. For poets, as for natural historians, the bird remains both a servile and a transcendent creature. Efforts to fix its meaning in one category or the other seem hopeless.

from Parrot Culture: Our 2500-Year-Long Fascination with the World's Most Talkative Bird by Bruce Thomas Boehrer.

Books and Looks

Story of:

credit: @gaybridgertonuniverse

"Miss Sheffield."

Edwina knew she was being called by the headmaster and repressed a sigh as she walked into his office. It seemed at St Paul's she had been registered using her grandparents' names, not her actual name.

"My name is Edwina Sharma, sir," Edwina politely corrected when she entered the office and he actually seemed sorry about it.

"Apologies. I knew your grandparents, I completely forgot that your mother married," The headmaster said, then indicated she sit down, which she did, "So, India, Somerset, now London. How are you?"

"I am well. Just excited to start my A-Levels." Edwina said, genuinely ready to start.

Moving around was never an issue for her, but she missed Somerset. The quiet of the countryside. London was busy and loud. It was nice though. She could still see Kate more often than she did when her sister was at Cambridge. Their new old house had a garden for Newton to run around in, but the puppy missed the vast countryside he was able to run in.

Her A Levels were a welcome distraction from any nerves.

"Good," He smiled, "Universities. What are your choices?" He began writing things down in her file.

"Cambridge is my first choice," Edwina said determinedly, "English and Philosophy. After that, Edinburgh, Bristol and Durham." She had decided this

"Okay. We can get you with our Cambridge prep program. More of our lot prefer Oxford. You and another girl." He smiled, "That would be nice."

....

Eloise thought everyone at school was a moron.

Not everyone at school was a moron. Not Penelope - they were good and sociable. She was on the school paper, so she ate lunch whilst writing about the goings ons at school.

Eloise noticed someone was sitting on the bench next to her and was about to tell her to go away.

She had not seen this girl before. She was pretty - really pretty - as one could be in the drab school uniform. Her long dark hair was down and her nose was in a book Eloise couldn't read.

"What are you reading?" Eloise blurted out and instantly regretted it, seeing the startled look on her face, "Sorry, I did not mean to startle you, it's just people don't tend to read at lunch. Aside from me."

"Oh, um, The Gypsy Goddess by Meena Kandasamy. It's written in Sanskrit," She indicated to the cover.

Eloise blinked, "Wow. You read in other languages."

"Yes. I've always been good at Languages. My parents and my sister; we all speak multiple and I grew up with them reading in various languages." Edwina explained, her face warming. She didn't mean to ramble.

"That's impressive," Eloise said, shuffling closer, "I'm Eloise Bridgerton."

"Edwina Sharma." They shook hands, "What are your A-Levels?"

"English Literature, politics and history." Eloise said, "You?"

"I'm also in English Literature!" Edwina was relieved at meeting someone else on the same course, "And Philosophy and Sociology."

...

Edwina joined Eloise and Penelope's little twosome. They had lunch together, talked. Edwina liked Penelope, even if she didn't engage in their conversations as much. But Eloise and Edwina just clicked.

At the weekend, Edwina and Eloise decided to go to Oxford Street to shop for interview outfits for Cambridge.

"What's wrong with liking pink?" Edwina asked. She clutched her pink purse close to her,

Eloise stopped, "I mean, nothing's wrong. I just think that it's a sign of traditional feminity and oppression."

"You are privileged, even being a woman." Edwina frowned.

Eloise scoffed, "Because I have a rich family? I know, but I'm still limited by expectations."

Edwina nodded, "Have you ever been followed around a store by someone who was not a personal shopper? I have, my sister and her friends have. Have you ever been confused with the only other person who is of the same ethnicity as you? I doubt it, considering every girl resembles you. You're not different, you are the norm."

"So, yes. Eloise. You are privileged. You can scorn parts of femininity because it has always been people who look like you who have defined it." Edwina said, "I like pink and flowers and girly things. I like those frilly dresses because my idea of feminity comes from multiple cultures. My elder sister taught me how to ride a horse in a dress because we liked the idea of it. Don't be one of those people who gatekeep feminism," Edwina finished.

"I'm sorry. I did not realise." Eloise said. She had felt rather stupid, "You are a lot smarter than me, I suppose."

"You should expand your reading list," Edwina recommended, "I can lend you some of the feminists my sister and I read?"

"I would like that." Eloise smiled and then, hesitantly asked, "Are we still friends?"

"Of course, we are." Edwina said, slipping her hand in hers, "Come on, let's find cute blazers."

Eloise hates shopping less after that day. Only with Edwina, however.

...

Eloise becomes unnecessarily angry with Benedict when he meets Edwina.

Benedict is Eloise's favourite brother. Her favourite person. He got her.

She wanted to throttle him.

"Hello, Edwina!" Benedict greeted her happily, "Why the sad face?" The girl was a human ray of sunshine, he had never seen her sad.

"I cannot get my head around poetry." Edwina pouted, "I don't want to fail this essay." They were sitting in the drawing-room of their house, working on homework.

"Let me see?" Benedict asked and she handed him her anthology, "Nice, Keats. But the Romantics can be tricky.

"Don't mansplain poetry," Eloise said, a little more edge in her tone than she usually did with him.

"I need him too!" Edwina joked and Eloise hated how her eyes shined with admiration every time Benedict explained something and how her brother laughed and encouraged her.

Yes, fine. She was jealous.

...

Edwina came over, so she and Eloise could go to the cinema. Penelope decided that they should go alone.

"Mum? We're going out." Eloise yelled, when Edwina came, wanting to leave before-

"Edwina!" Benedict smiled, seeing her.

Eloise held back a groan and she hated how Edwina smiled at him. Sure, Edwina smiled at everyone, even the pigeons.

"Thank you for your help with Keats' poems," Edwina said, smiling brightly at the artist.

"No problem. How did the essay go?" Benedict asked, genuinely interested.

"I got an A," Edwina said and she gave him a hug which he returned happily.

....

"Do you like Benedict?" Eloise blurted out when they were sitting on their bench at lunch.

"Yes. Your brother is very nice. I can see why he's your favourite," Edwina replied honestly.

"Well, he's not very good at relationships. He sleeps with someone new every week," Eloise said dismissively, "And he's old."

"That does not sound very healthy." Edwina frowned slightly, "Maybe he should get tested. My mother is always saying that."

But Eloise didn't laugh about that and Edwina frowned when she realised what Eloise was asking. But she also felt a little hope.

"Oh, El. Were you worried that he was trying to seduce me?" Edwina asked, nudging her playfully.

"I-" Eloise stuttered, "A little. I suppose I just am protective."

"You are like Kate in that respect," Edwina said, "But you do not have to worry. May I tell you a secret?"

"Yes,"

"I don't really like boys." Edwina said, quieter, "Um, not like that. I like Benedict, but that's because I would like to have a brother, that's all."

Eloise's heart fluttered and she gave her a small smile, "We can share him, I suppose. He also has a good book collection I steal from."

...

"Amma, how do you know if someone likes you?" Edwina asked over pizza one night. She curled up on the sofa, feeding the sausage to Newton.

Kate and Mary looked at one another. Edwina didn't talk about people she liked.

"Well, usually they say so. But they like spending time with you, say nice things, you share some interests," Mary explained.

"Is there someone you like, Ed?" Kate asked, teasingly.

"No, just...wondering." Then her phone rang and she saw it was Eloise and smiled, taking her plate and running upstairs.

"Do you think she and Eloise...?" Kate asked their mum who nodded.

Mary sighed, "My baby might get her first girlfriend. I'm not ready." She mockingly wiped a tear, making Kate laugh, "Give her time."

...

Eloise kisses Edwina on accident. Well, it's not an accident.

They decided to go for a picnic in the park, to read because the weather is unseasonably warm. But Eloise stopped reading to look at Edwina.

"Eloise?" Edwina called her, noticing her staring.

Eloise leaned in, kissing her quickly before pulling back.

"I'm sorry!" Eloise said, her cheeks red out of embarrassment. She had just ruined it.

Edwina blinked, "Well, I would have liked a warning. Or at least a really sweet way of asking, like in Pride and Prejudice."

"Everyone is straight in Pride and Prejudice?" Eloise frowned.

"El, you are no romantic," Edwina chuckled and leaned over to kiss her properly this time.

...

"If I have to go over every single law the Tudors made," Eloise groaned, lying back on her bed.

"I will kiss you every time you get one right," Edwina promised, holding up the cards.

"That's bribery!"

"It works," She then leaned down and pecked a kiss on her lips. But Eloise pulled her down further to deepen the kiss, the two giggling in between kisses.

"Eloise! Is-" Violet's cheerful voice interrupted and they both looked up at the door as she stuck her head in.

"Mum." Eloise stared back at Edwina and her mother, who had gone pale.

"Oh, um," Violet was hesitating about what to say.

"Edwina, I think it's time you went home, dear." Violet eventually said. The girl nodded and blinked, looking at Eloise sadly but picked up her bag and left the room.

Eloise scoffed and went downstairs after her, "Edwina, you don't have to go!"

"I should," Edwina said, squeezing her hand, "It will be okay. I'll text you later."

"Eloise, you are too young to be-!" Violet began, but her daughter turned to her, upset.

"No! You do not get to dictate this," Eloise argued, "You do not get to tell me that!"

"What's wrong?" Anthony had come out of the office, looking between the two, hearing the yelling.

"Eloise was kissing someone in her room-" Violet tried to explain, "She was kissing Edwina," Anthony raised his eyebrows at that, looking at his younger sister. He had not expected that.

"But Anthony can sleep around? Benedict?" Eloise scoffed, "But I'm too young to know what and who I like?"

"They don't do that in this house!" Violet argued back.

Eloise stormed out, with Violet on her heels, Anthony close behind, "Eloise, come back!"

"No!" Eloise ran down the street, practically sprinting.

...

Benedict was not expecting anyone that afternoon, so hearing the rapid knocking at his door startled him.

He went and was surprised to see Eloise.

"El?" Benedict saw she was sniffling, trying not to cry. Quickly, he pulled her inside and wrapped her in his arms. She just leaned in, crying.

★ Salman Khan's Tiger 3 has impressed the audience with the India-Pakistan friendship theme and the National Anthem moment - Exclusive!

Nov 13, 2023

Salman Khan's Tiger 3 has broken records on its first day, becoming his biggest opener and earning Rs 43 crore. The film's portrayal of peace with Pakistan has caught attention and is believed to have worked in its favor. Exhibitor Raj Bansal praised the film's story and the performances of Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif. The franchise seems to be a draw at the box office, despite criticism. 

While Shah Rukh Khan's Pathaan created an all time box office record just a few months ago when it grossed 1000 crores at the global box office. Now, Pathaan's spy buddy, Salman Khan's Tiger has already broken a record on its first day, for the Diwali day opening number. Not just that, Tiger 3 has also become Salman's biggest opener.  The film earned Rs 43 crore on Day 1 despite garnerning a buzz of mixed reactions.What's caught everyone's attention though is the subject of peace with Pakistan in the film's story line. The exhibition sector feels that has worked in the favour of the film, with the audience reacting positively to the India-Pakistan camaraderie.

Exhibitor and distributor Raj Bansal talks about how this subject has affected the business of the film. He says, "Because of Diwali, some trade offices were closed so they have not been able to report the numbers. The first-day collection is guestimated to be around 43-45 crores. Tiger 3 has created two records. Number one, this is the highest collection for a Diwali day release. Never in the history of Indian cinema has a film that released on Diwali registered this high a number. Number two, this is the highest opening day collection for any Salman Khan starrer. We are looking at 65-70 crores for Day 2. I would say this is total madness and trade euphoria."

Salman Khan’s ‘Tiger 3’ fans burst firecrackers inside a cinema hall in Malegaon while watching the film; videos go viral On the subject of India-Pakistan friendship portrayed in Tiger 3, Bansal says, "I watched this film yesterday. I had no clue about the story. When the Indian National Anthem started playing in the climax, the 50-odd burqa-clad women in front of me in the auditorium stood up. The public from both countries wants peace. Pakistan army is the hindrance in this. This is a beautiful story so Hindu-Muslim both sections of the audience are liking it. Salman Khan is terrific and Katrina Kaif is mind-blowing. When Katrina does action it looks so natural. The audience went crazy over her towel-clad fight in the film.

Bansal further adds, "After Shah Rukh Khan’s entry in the mid-part of the movie, I couldn’t hear anything for the next 15 minutes. The audience had gone berserk. The last post-credit scene with Hrithik Roshan also created a frenzy. The franchise looks solid. War 2 also looks big with Hrithik and NTR Jr." While there are critics and analysts raising questions about Tiger 3's subject and it's appeal, the business that the film has managed is also speaks volumes of the audience's acceptance. The Tiger franchise still seems to be a draw at the box office. 

Sanjay Ghai an exhibitor from Delhi says, "Tiger 3 is a pure mass entertainer with a good story line. It has an appeal for the family audience and I can clearly say, since I have watched the film, it will draw both the classes and the masses. The business on the second day should be around Rs 60 crore."

What is the rule 8 for name reservation?

Introduction: Section 8 Microfinance Company Registration is a crucial step for entities looking to operate as non-profit organizations in the microfinance sector. One key aspect of this registration process is the adherence to specific rules, including Rule 8 for name reservation. In this article, we will delve into the details of Rule 8 and its significance in the context of Section 8 Microfinance Company Registration.

What is Rule 8 for Name Reservation? Rule 8 for name reservation plays a pivotal role in the registration process of Section 8 Microfinance Companies. It pertains to the guidelines and regulations set forth by the relevant authorities governing the selection and approval of names for these entities. The primary objective of Rule 8 is to ensure that the chosen name aligns with the legal framework and objectives of Section 8 Microfinance Companies.

Key Points of Rule 8:

Unique and Distinctive Names: Rule 8 emphasizes the importance of selecting a name that is unique and distinctive. This is to avoid confusion with existing entities and to maintain clarity in the marketplace.

Compliance with Legal Requirements: The chosen name must comply with all legal requirements outlined in the Section 8 Microfinance Company Registration process. This includes avoiding names that are prohibited or restricted by regulatory authorities.

Reflecting Non-Profit Nature: Since Section 8 Microfinance Companies operate as non-profit organizations, the selected name should reflect the non-profit nature of the entity. This ensures transparency and aligns with the mission and objectives of microfinance activities.

Avoiding Misleading Names: Rule 8 prohibits the use of names that may be misleading or give a false impression of the company's activities. Clarity in naming is crucial to building trust among stakeholders and the public.

Linking with "Section 8 Microfinance Company Registration": In the context of Section 8 Microfinance Company Registration, adherence to Rule 8 is vital for a smooth and successful registration process. Prospective entities must carefully consider the guidelines outlined in Rule 8 to choose an appropriate and compliant name for their microfinance endeavors.

Conclusion: In conclusion, Rule 8 for name reservation is a critical aspect of Section 8 Microfinance Company Registration. By following the guidelines and regulations set forth in Rule 8, entities can ensure that their chosen names align with the legal framework and objectives of non-profit microfinance operations. This not only facilitates a smoother registration process but also contributes to building trust and credibility in the microfinance sector.

Mobile SEO Fundamentals for Businesses

Responsive Web Design

A responsive website design ensures that your website adapts and displays properly across different screen sizes and devices. This is a critical aspect of mobile optimization as it provides a seamless user experience. When users can easily navigate and interact with your website on their mobile devices, it improves engagement, reduces bounce rates, and increases the chances of conversion.

Mobile Page Speed

Mobile users expect fast-loading websites, and search engines prioritize mobile-friendly sites with quick load times. Optimizing your website’s mobile page speed is essential for better user experience and search engine rankings. Compressing images, minifying code, and leveraging browser caching are some techniques to improve mobile page speed.

Mobile-Friendly Content

Mobile users consume content differently than desktop users. Businesses need to create mobile-friendly content that is easy to read and navigate on smaller screens. Use shorter paragraphs, bullet points, and subheadings to make your content scannable. Additionally, ensure that your font size is legible and that buttons and links are easily clickable on mobile devices.

Voice Search Optimization

With the rise of voice assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa, optimizing for voice search has become crucial. Voice queries tend to be more conversational and longer than typed searches. To optimize for voice search, focus on long-tail keywords, and natural language, and provide direct answers to common questions within your content.

Local SEO

Mobile devices have significantly influenced local search queries. Businesses should optimize their websites for local SEO to attract nearby customers. Register your business on Google My Business, optimize your business listings, and ensure that your website includes localized content, such as location-specific keywords and contact information.

Mobile Sitemap and Structured Data

Submitting a mobile sitemap to search engines helps them understand and crawl your mobile website effectively. Additionally, implementing structured data markup, such as Schema.org, provides search engines with additional information about your website’s content, enhancing the chances of appearing in rich snippets and knowledge graphs.

Mobile User Experience

User experience is a critical factor in mobile SEO. Ensure that your website is mobile-friendly by avoiding intrusive interstitials, which can hinder the user experience. Optimize your website’s navigation, use responsive design elements, and make sure that your mobile website is easy to navigate, providing a seamless experience for mobile users.

Mobile Analytics

Regularly monitor and analyze your mobile traffic and user behavior using analytics tools like Google Analytics. Understand how users interact with your mobile website, identify any bottlenecks, and make data-driven decisions to improve your mobile SEO strategy.

Mobile Link Building

Building high-quality backlinks is essential for SEO success, and this applies to mobile optimization as well. Focus on acquiring mobile-friendly backlinks from reputable websites within your industry. These links will help improve your mobile search rankings and increase your overall visibility.

Mobile App Optimization

If your business has a mobile app, optimize it for search engines as well. Include relevant keywords in the app title, description, and metadata. Encourage user reviews and ratings, as positive reviews can improve your app’s visibility in app store search results.

If you are looking for any further advice with content marketing, feel free to contact the experts offering the services of an SEO company in India.

‘Bhagwan, when you were talking about Werner Erhard, the businessman who discovered that personal growth sells better than encyclopedias, you said that the business of growth is just an American name for God. The San Francisco Examiner Chronicle, reporting this, noted that you did not comment on the personal growth marketing of your own Rajneesh International Meditation University here. What is the difference and what part does the university play in the life of the commune?’ The difference is great. He was a door-to-door salesman of encyclopedias. Our university is not going door-to-door to sell anything to anybody. Our university is a well. Those who are thirsty can come and drink out of it. It is available, but we are not persuading anybody. On the contrary, I am making every effort to offend them, to make them angry, become our enemies. Do you think this is business tactics? In business, the customer is always right. Here the situation is totally different: the customer is always wrong. From whatsoever source he comes, he is always wrong—and he comes on his own, in spite of all that I go on doing continuously to prevent him from coming. Nobody in the whole world has offended so many people as I alone have done, singlehandedly. But even after all this turmoil that I create, and offensiveness and antagonism in their minds, a few daring people come. These people can be relied upon. Just their coming is significant. Certainly, my university is not part of the marketplace. Werner Erhard was part of the market world. He was taking his EST from one hotel to another hotel around the country, then outside the country. And he was neither a philosophical man, nor religious; he had registered EST as a corporation, a business corporation. He was paying income tax for all his incomes. Our university is not a business. We don’t have to pay any taxes for the university. The degrees that our university gives are of no use in the marketplace, because we don’t want our degrees to be recognized by any government or by any university or any other institution. We refuse to be recognized by them, because just the fact that we let them recognize us means they are somebody higher than us, somebody more authoritative. We don’t accept any government’s recognition, because no government is worthy of it. Our university is absolutely a free phenomenon. Those who want to come, come knowing that whatever we have to offer is of no use in the marketplace. In fact it may make their market world more difficult for them, because a person who comes here for three months or four months to do a course in the university… we are not giving him growth the way Werner Erhard was giving. He started from where you are. Our work is first to destroy whosoever you are—whosoever, without any condition. We destroy you first, dismantle you first, and unless we have deprogrammed you completely there is no growth possible. We don’t teach you any growth. To be deprogrammed… you start growing on your own accord. Werner Erhard was teaching you techniques of growth, but if you are a monster and you are being taught techniques of growth, you will become a bigger monster. Werner Erhard never offended anybody. That’s simply the way of the businessman: never offend anybody. Everybody was happy with him. The government was happy, the churches were happy, the politicians were happy—not only in this country, but in other countries too. He used to go to India to pay respect to the so-called Hindu mahatmas. Muktananda was his guru. He even went to pay his respects to Morarji Desai, when he was the prime minister of India. And by mistake he even came to me, thinking I also belong to the same category of mahatmas that he has known all his life. He must have been shocked. When he was sitting in front of me, I could see how difficult it was for him just to sit there. And when I told him he can ask anything, he simply said, ‘No, I don’t have any questions.’ Laxmi had given him my latest books, just as a present. He went into the hotel—which was not far away, just a few minutes walk—and gave those books to one sannyasin, Hridaya, without even looking at them. Some great fear must have arisen in him. Reading those books might disturb his mind. And certainly I was not the person that he had expected. I would have destroyed his whole EST first. I have to begin from scratch. First I have to demolish the old building completely, I don’t believe in renovation. Howsoever beautifully you renovate a building, it still remains the old rotten thing; just painted here and there, a little bit supported, but it is just the old rotten building that you have given a facelift. No, it is better to live in an A-frame, but new, fresh, young. Werner Erhard is a businessman, there are no two opinions about it. And nobody can compare me with Werner Erhard. Our whole approach is totally different. Our approach is first to deprogram the person completely, and then leave him alone to himself. Don’t give him another program. Leave him alone, empty, just a pure nothingness. And out of that nothingness grows everything that existence wanted to grow in that man. We bring the person close to existence, from where he has been taken away. Once we see that you are communing with existence, our work is finished. We don’t give you growth, we simply take away all nonsense that is surrounding you and which perhaps you think is growth. Growth comes of its own accord, you just have to be utterly open and vulnerable. I am not a businessman. I could have been and then I would have defeated all the businessmen in the whole world. But I have chosen to offend everybody, ready for their hostility from every nook and corner of the world. A businessman tries to be respectable, and I have been trying my whole life to be notorious. Unless you understand me, you will not be able to see why I unnecessarily create hostility in people. I am not a businessman. I have nothing to sell to them. If they are courageous enough to come nearer to me, I am going to burn their whole personality. I’m going to take their whole skin off their body and then leave them alone so they can grow fresh from the very beginning. That growth will not be in any way a credit to me. That growth will be a credit to the person who dared to come, who dared to pass through the fire, who dared to risk his whole life. The whole credit goes to him.

Osho (The Last Testament, Vol. 1)

Wildest Dreams Chapter 14 - Shake It Off

Chapter summary: Bee was invited to test the W09 in for FP1 at the Hungaroring. She contends with her rising notoriety, and finally gets a small grasp on her Formula 1 dreams.

Content warning: N/A

Chapter word count: 3,590

Author’s notes: When I originally wrote this chapter, I didn't know how FP1 drivers were allocated car numbers, so I had Bee pick her own. However, I have since come to find out that teams are allocated temporary numbers for FP1 drivers to use, so I had to make a few tweaks.

I also did a lot of research because I don't know the exact mechanics of driving an F1 car. I can drive something with a manual transmission so it was tricky to write about driving the car without knowing how it works.

Anyway, here's the sources I used for this chapter:

Logan Sargeant, Oscar Piastri, and Pato O'Ward talking about their experiences testing F1 cars in Abu Dhabi 2021

Daniel Ricciardo completing the FIA jump test

Emergency Driver extraction (this is what they did to Bee in Chapter 5). You could imagine why the self-extraction is preferable.

All of the tyre compounds they used in 2018. A bit ridiculous, kind of glad they simplified it.

Previous Chapter

Brackley, Northampton, England, United Kingdom Mid July, 2018

There was a two-week gap between Silverstone and Hungary, and Bee couldn’t ever remember having a busier time between races. The British GP was part of a doubleheader that year, so she went to the German GP in Hockenheim as well, despite there not being an F2 race. But she’d at least have a chance to spend a few days at home that way.

Mercedes had announced that she would be participating in an FP1 test at the Hungaroring, and she was immediately inundated with requests for interviews from all over the world, but especially Germany and the United States. 

She worked with the Mercedes PR team to develop a press kit with canned quotes and publicity photos, which helped take some of the load off, but it was still a lot to deal with all at once. She still couldn’t do everything - a popular morning TV show in America wanted to fly her out to New York City for a live appearance, but she had to decline and did one via Skype instead. “It’s just too much to fly out now with such an important race coming up for me, I’m sorry.” she told the producers. It felt strange - when was the last time that anyone in the US cared about Formula 1? 

“I think that Netflix show is helping with the US audience,” Toto said. Bee had forgotten about it for the most part, because Mercedes had opted to not participate, and she never really watched anything on Netflix - she just didn’t have time. She’d seen the cameras and crew around the paddock but there were always so many other camera crews around it didn’t really register.

She also found out that Nick had officially been released from his team following his two-race suspension. It made her angry, though, that his team didn’t release him because of his actions at Silverstone and throughout the season, but for non-payment of expenses and fees by one of his sponsors. To make matters worse, Trident, his team, posted on Twitter about Nick, decrying his actions at Silverstone and earlier races, saying that Bee had their full support. 

It took everything Bee had to not respond, to ask them why they didn’t do something sooner, but in the end, it wouldn’t help. Nick was out of the series and Bee wouldn’t have to worry about him, and that’s what was important.

In addition to Bee’s schedule being busy, her anxiety had reached a level she had not felt in a long time. She wondered if George had felt like this before Silverstone. He’d at least had the advantage of doing previous FP1 tests for other teams. He’d gotten a test with Force India when they were in GP3, and had done a test with Williams as well. Bee hadn’t been upset or jealous, because George was absurdly talented, even in a way Bee wasn’t. 

She made sure she had an appointment with Natalie before she went, because when she was stressed and busy like this, being able to have someone untangle the twisted threads of her mind was always helpful. Plus, Bee had a gift to bring her.

“Before we start, I got you something, to say thank you for help at Silverstone. I think if you weren’t there to calm me down, well… I don’t know what would have happened, but you and Susie both were amazing, even if I was an absolute terror.”

Bee pulled a small gift bag from her backpack and handed it to Natalie. 

“Oh!” Natalie said, looking inside. “What’s -” There were three small boxes inside, two were in Mercedes team packaging, and the other plain white. 

The two Mercedes boxes were signed mini-helmets, one Valtteri’s, the other Lewis’s. 

“Oh! Oh my goodness! Thank you! These are amazing! You know, I got plenty of Mercedes merch during my time there, but I never had anything signed.”

“I managed to hunt both of them down at the factory to sign these for you, but I made the last thing.” Bee said. 

The third box was a little larger. Natalie opened it to see a pile of pale white shortbread sandwich cookies, covered in coconut flakes with a stripe of carmel-colored filling between them. 

“You made me alfajores?” 

Bee nodded. “I'm a horrible cook, but I can bake just fine - the instructions are generally clearer. I wanted to get you something that was from Argentina, but it’s kind of hard to find Argentinian food in Northants, as I’m sure you’re aware, so I looked up how to make these. I’d never heard of them, but I think I did okay. I liked them, at least.” Natalie took a bite of one while Bee watched her nervously. She smiled as she chewed it. 

“Well, they’re not my abuela’s, but… they’re still really, really good. I haven’t had alfajores in forever. I missed them.” She closed the box and set it aside. “That’s so nice of you. Thank you for thinking of me, you really shouldn’t have.” 

“I had to,” Bee said. “I’m so embarrassed by how I acted, and you weren’t even there to work but you still had to, in a way, so this was the least I could do.” 

Before Hungary, Bee also had a meeting with Peter Bonnington, who would be her engineer for her FP1 test. They needed to go over the run plan for her test - discussing the kinds of things they would be having her do during the test, and the setup changes they would make in the course of the 45 minutes they had of the hour and a half test session. Bee was a little bit nervous - Bono was a legend, as much as an engineer could be. He’d been in Formula 1 since Bee was a toddler, and with the Mercedes team before they were even owned by Mercedes. He and Lewis had an amazing rapport, and his ability to keep Lewis calm while delivering crucial information was second-to-none. Bee suspected Lewis would not be nearly as successful as he was if not for Bono, which Lewis had said himself on a few occasions. 

Bee stepped into the conference room to see that he was already at the table, a neat pile of notes in front of him.

“All right, Phoebe? He said with a smile as she sat down. “I have to say, I’m glad they tapped me to do your test. I’m excited to work with you.” 

They discussed the things she would be doing for her test - simulated starts and qualifying runs, power levels, engine maps and profiles, adjustments they would be making to the car’s configuration as the test progressed. By the end of it, Bee’s head felt overloaded, even though she was doing her best to follow it all. Even driving race cars for a few years couldn’t teach you everything an engineer knew.

“My dad is going to love meeting you.” she said as they were wrapping things up. 

“Oh, that’s right, he’s an engineer, isn’t he? Well, he can sit next to me at the engineering desk if he wants. I’m assuming your parents got paddock passes like George’s did for his test.”

“Yup. And he’s gonna love that.”

As they were getting ready to leave the conference room, Bee asked Bono a question she’d been thinking about for a long time. 

“Will I get to pick the number I use?”

“Hm?”

“Well, I didn’t think I’d be able to drive it with Lewis’ number on it, and I wasn’t really sure how FP1 drivers pick them.”

“Oh. Well, the FIA has a few temporary numbers they issue teams. We have numbers 19 and 21, so you'd get one of the two. But, out of curiosity, if you could pick - and if you do get to choose someday, which number would you pick?” 

Her driver number had always been assigned to her. Teams in lower formulae typically had far more mid-season turnover with drivers, so the number was generally assigned to a car and not a driver. In Formula 2, they were also assigned based on the teams’ standings in the previous season. Her current number was number 2 - Russian Time had won the teams’ championship last year, they were given the numbers 1 and 2, and Artem had seniority on the team, so he was number 1. She didn’t have a favorite number, or a “lucky number” like some people had. 

When she thought about it, there was a number that came to mind. She had already checked to make sure it wasn’t already assigned, and hadn’t been retired by F1. Luckily, it seemed that it hadn’t ever been used before. 

When she was younger, she always remembered her grandfather saying this sing-songy phrase, one that he’d made up himself. She never understood why he did it. He was always whistling, tapping on things, singing, drumming his fingers - it was all just a collection of nervous habits, so it was just one of those weird Grandpa things, and it always got stuck in Bee’s head after she spent time with him. 

“Daniel Leo, class of fif-tee-oh.” 

Always in the same rhythm and cadence. The little song referred to the fact that he, Daniel Leo Stallard, had graduated from high school in the year 1950. 

After all, without her grandfather’s love of motorcycles and racing them in fallow hay fields with his friends, her father might not have ever developed his fascination with machinery as a kid from watching his father work on his Harley-Davidson in the garage. Then he might not have ever gotten into engineering or racing, and she wouldn’t have watched racing with him as a kid, fostering a desire to race herself. It was a legacy of sorts, and look where it had led? She was about to drive a Formula One car during a race weekend. So that was it. She would be the number 50. 

“Oh. Well, if and when I ever get to pick, I’d probably go with the number 50.”

“That’s a good one,” Bono said. “A nice round number. I don’t think that one’s ever been used since drivers could choose their own, come to that.” 

“Hopefully there’s not some decades-old racing curse attached to it.” Bee said. 

Bono laughed. “Not that I know of.”

The Hungaroring,  Mogyoród, Pest County, Hungary July 27th, 2018

The day of Bee’s test arrived. She felt like she didn’t sleep at all the night before. She was too excited. During the week, she felt like she’d had too much to do and it wouldn’t ever get done - making sure her suit fit and was updated with all of the current sponsors, having a new helmet painted, having a seat fitted and made, passing an FIA-mandated jump test to make sure she could get out of the car quickly in case of emergency (she much preferred self-extraction, having experienced the other option before), making sure her racing license was cleared for FP1 testing as she didn’t have her Super License quite yet - there was a lot of little pieces that needed to come together before someone can even put one foot into a Formula One car, even if only part of a single 90-minute test session. 

Her parents flew out to Hungary on Thursday morning (once again, Bee paid for their flight and accommodations, which still felt good. It probably would never not feel good). The Stallards and the Wolffs all went out for dinner on Thursday night, and Bee went to bed as early as possible, not that it helped. It would be an ungodly busy day - she had F2 practice straight after her F1 session, so she wouldn’t be running the entire session, then qualifying, and then maybe a press conference if she was lucky. 

She also had to do press before FP1 - she wasn’t sure why, but it was likely something to do with the situation she found herself in as the first woman to participate in an F1 weekend in a while, something that was clarified when Will Buxton interviewed her for the Formula 1 channels.

“So, Phoebe -” he said, “You’re about to supplant Susie Wolff as the most recent woman to take part in a Grand Prix weekend in four years. She’s been a mentor to you for many years now, even before you switched from Red Bull’s junior program to Mercedes’ two years ago. How does that make you feel? Have the two of you talked about this?”

Bee wasn’t surprised by the question. It had come up a bit in the press, they were trying to push some “student surpasses the master” narrative between her and Susie, but it just wasn’t the reality of their relationship. Whatever made for more compelling articles, though. 

“We have talked about it quite a bit. I don’t think she ever really wanted the honor of being the last one in such a long period of time, or the first. I don’t, either. I know I’m about to be the most recent woman to complete an F1 session, but I’ll be thrilled when the next one comes along, just like Susie is thrilled for me. I hope it doesn’t take four more years. I think it’s a shame that there hasn’t been a woman to complete any session between her time with Williams as a development driver and my time with Mercedes as one, but for both of us, I think, we’re trying to be as visible as possible as women in motorsport, so girls can see that they can have a future in racing if they want to. That way, someday, there might be a time where being a woman participating as an F1 driver isn’t something newsworthy.”

“And about the incident that occured at Silverstone - were you surprised that Nick Bonacchi was released from his team?”

Bee had to be delicate, she definitely could not say what she actually had wanted to. That would give the Mercedes PR team a lot of extra work over the weekend.

“I understand that he was let go due to contractual issues between his sponsor and his team, rather than the crash. I… wish they had been able to take some earlier action, but there may have been some inter-team issues that prevented that, I’m not sure. But, I appreciate their message of support for me on their social media channels.”

What she had wanted to say was, hell no, I’m not surprised, it was a long time coming and if the FIA and his team were worth a damn, they’d have done something a lot sooner. She wasn’t at the stage of her career yet where she could be quite so candid. Maybe one day. 

She left the media pen to go back to the garage and get ready. It wouldn’t be long now.

She got changed into her Mercedes suit. It felt strange, looking down and seeing herself in the white fireproofs and overalls. She’d worn it for sim testing, but it still felt different. She stepped out of the room they let her use to change in, out into the garage, where everyone seated at the back engineering station - Susie, Toto, her parents, and Bono - all looked up at her. 

“Well? What do you think?” Bee said, not sure of what else to say.

Her mom looked like she was about to cry, but immediately demanded pictures, like most moms would. She got one with Toto, one with Susie, one with her dad, and one with both of her parents that Toto took for them. George had come into the garage during all this, and Josephine insisted on getting a picture of him and Phoebe, too. 

“I remember when you two were in Formula Renault and Formula 3 together! You’re so much taller now, but you were such a cute kid.” she said to George. Phoebe wanted to die of embarrassment on the spot, but George took it with good humor. His parents had said hello to her and chatted with her a bit in Silverstone; she didn’t end up in the family pictures. 

Soon enough, Bono told her it was time. She gave her parents, Toto, and Susie one last hug. 

“Listen,” Susie said, her hands on both of Bee’s shoulders after they embraced. Her head  was close to Bee’s, and she was speaking quietly, so only Bee could hear her. “I’m so proud of you. I knew this day would come, and this is just your first step. You’re going to be incredible. You’ve worked so hard for this, and it’s paying off. Just remember, take deep breaths and visualize the racing line all the way around the track before you take off.”

“I couldn’t have done it without you. This is all for you.” Bee said to her before turning towards where Bono was waiting. 

She put her headset in her ears, pulled on her balaclava and gloves, and put on her helmet. She stepped up onto the stepstool, then down into the car, hanging from the halo a little bit as she folded her legs into the nose. The mechanics did some adjustments around her seat and put her harness on her, making sure it was snug all the way around. It was strange having so many mechanics buzzing around the car at once, her team at RT only really had four of them. 

“Radio check, Phoebe.” Bono’s voice said in her ear.

“Loud and clear.” Phoebe said. 

“Okay, excellent. We’re going to get going here in just a second and give you a reconnaissance lap to get a handle on things. Don’t worry about full speed or power right away, just go at a pace you’re comfortable with, we’ll go through our run plan after that. Just treat it like it’s another day in the sim.”

“Bit higher stakes than the sim, though.” Bee said. She was trying not to envision herself doing something like mixing up the brake and throttle or spinning out and hitting the pitlane wall as soon as she pulled out of the garage.

“You’ll be fine. I’ll be with you the whole way.”

Finally, she was ready. She held her breath as she launched the car from the garage into the pit lane. She took the length of the pitlane to find the balance of the throttle and shifting. Even as she went out on the reconnaissance lap, she found that George was not kidding. She wasn’t even running at full power and it was already a completely different feel to her F2 car. It was nothing like she ever felt. 

“Okay, Phoebe, let’s go ahead and get started with the run plan once you come over the line.” Bono said. 

She got started putting the car through its paces, increasing the power gradually. It was definitely more of a physical experience. As she got into the corners, she definitely felt it in her neck. Accelerating in the straights, she felt the gravity right in her chest. Compared to her F2 car, she felt like she could absolutely whip the car around the corners and it would not budge - it was so responsive and grippy. It was everything she expected and more. She did another few laps, her times were dropping. 

“Okay, Phoebe, box, box for softs.” Bono said, telling her to come into the pits so they could change her tires to a softer rubber compound. Softer tires were stickier, and gave the car more grip as they adhered to the track more.

Oh boy. They’d sent her out on medium compound tires. They probably didn’t dare send her out on the ultrasofts they’d brought for the weekend, but that was fine - she thought that would be too much. 

“Copy.”

She headed into the pits, afraid she would miss the mark and run over the jackman, but she managed fine. A 3-second pit stop and she was off again, trying to drop her lap times more. The soft tires made a huge difference. Her neck was getting noticeably sore, but she wasn’t going to let it stop her. 

“Power, power, power, apex, brake, brake, brake, power, power, slower through the chicane...” she thought to herself, almost like a mantra. 

Finally, they had her run a simulated start launch and some simulated qualifying runs. 

By the time she pulled back into the garage, she was a mess. She was drenched with sweat, but giddy and breathless. She was on top of the world. Her lap times were respectable - not amazing, but respectable, and she didn’t turn Lewis Hamilton’s car into a multimillion dollar trash heap, which was really her main goal for the session. 

Once the car was parked and turned off, she released her wheel and harness and climbed back out of the car as she peeled off her helmet and balaclava and took her earphones out. Without her helmet and earphones, she could hear that the garage had exploded with cheers. There were a ton of cameras, more than she’d expected. Someone in the viewing gallery was holding up a poster board that said “Go Super Bee” with a cartoon bumble bee on it that had braided pigtails. Someone else had an American flag. It was so bizarre. It felt like she’d stepped out of the car and into a dream. 

She got hugs from seemingly everyone in the garage. Her mom was crying. Susie was even crying a little, which was something she’d thought she’d never see. She started crying. Her dad looked so proud of her. It was a lot. The environment was absolutely electric. It was, so far, the best day of her life. 

Next Chapter

Verified WhatsApp For Restaurants, Hotels & Cafe’s

WhatsApp Business, WhatsApp Business API, Verified WhatsApp

In the restaurant business, it’s all about convenience, speed, and quality. You have already won half the battle if you can find a customer support avenue that guarantees these three. This is the rationale behind the creation of a brand-new WhatsApp meal ordering and delivery system.

It’s a wise move for your F&B business to try to reach out on platforms that your customers already frequently use. It facilitates relationships and creates a channel that serves as both a marketing tool and a channel for customer assistance. One such tool that can assist you in achieving all these without significantly depleting your money is WhatsApp Business for restaurants.

On your Android or iPhone, you can download WhatsApp Business without charge. To reach your intended customers, just register a business account and fill it out with pertinent information (such as contact information, your company’s name, and logo, opening hours, etc.). This service can be very helpful to small Businesses.

The opportunity: How WhatsApp Business can revolutionize your restaurant operations through AI

An app like WhatsApp has limitless market potential. WhatsApp is used by more than two billion people worldwide. Within a year of its 2018 launch, WhatsApp Business had amassed more than five million subscribers. 

This is a very well-liked method of accessing services, scheduling appointments, ordering home delivery, and other things in the current market. Restaurants may make good use of these related traits. You can guarantee quicker customer service and more reach by allowing WhatsApp ordering at your restaurant.

You provide clients with a simple way to contact you with WhatsApp Business for restaurants so they can place orders, reserve tables, plan events, and contact you with any questions or issues. This can greatly benefit your local business and expand your customer base.

The issue WhatsApp Business can address

Due to rising competition, business owners of restaurants and home delivery services are seeking strategies to expand their customer base without spending a lot of money on advertising. Given that more users now prefer to order takeaway, this is now more crucial. 

Research by the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association found that 24% of Gen-Z and 21% of millennials each order home delivery three to four times each week. The post-pandemic world is, to put it mildly, much more on-demand friendly.

Additionally, because they run on-demand or with a tiny staff, small businesses cannot afford to invest in advertising, billboards, or even outside food delivery services.

Such enterprises require a low-cost avenue to:

Promote their goods

Performing service deliveries

Actively interact with consumers

broadcasting offers and availability

The tools that WhatsApp for small businesses offers enable users to perform all these tasks and more. 

Conversational AI is the solution.

A platform that provides the following can help restaurant businesses with their reachability issue:

automated customer service and problem solving

Lead generation and conversion

interaction with customers using their preferred medium

CSAT (customer satisfaction) and NPS (net promoter score) improvement

Personalized and prompt customer service

Affordable and widely accessible service

Learn more about why: Why is Everyone Talking about WhatsApp Chatbots for Food Tech?

One of the most popular apps in the world is WhatsApp. WhatsApp is used by 96% of all smartphone users in India alone. For a sizable portion of people in nations like the US, UAE, etc., WhatsApp is the main platform for online communication. As a result, it is a fantastic marketing tool for restaurant owners.

If a customer can get food and drinks through WhatsApp, they are more likely to do so than if they had to call a business and deal with waiting times or network problems.

Restaurants’ WhatsApp Business use cases

In just a few seconds, WhatsApp Business links companies with potential clients. It moves customer service beyond making an online purchase and has effectively supplanted antiquated methods like calling in orders.

This is the best route a company can offer its clients for tailored responses, requests, and query resolutions.

We will trace a customer’s path through a restaurant company’ sales funnel using the use cases that follow. 

1. Generate, evaluate, and qualify leads quickly for smoother online-ordering 

Lead generation is the first stage in every sales funnel. In the online restaurant sector, conversion cycles are frequently brief and quick. As a result, it’s critical for restaurants to review and validate leads as soon as possible customers present themselves.

Once a client messages your company on WhatsApp, you can get their name and phone number. additional information, including location, preferences, and email ID. You can also direct customers to WhatsApp and increase your lead generation by including a “click to chat” link on your website or in your ads.

After the initial message, you can chat with the client via the WhatsApp API for 24 hours. After that, you’ll need the customer’s opt-in consent to continue talking to them. 

2. Quickly respond to inquiries during the ordering process or afterward

People who are hungry want answers now, please!

That is what an AI chatbot for WhatsApp can achieve! They could inquire about the location of your restaurant, the menu, the services, the return procedures, and the customization possibilities.

While assisting customers with placing food orders on WhatsApp, you can instantly respond to these questions.

3. Immediately acknowledge and validate placed orders

After addressing the FAQs, placing orders is the next step. The procedure for placing an order should be straightforward and comprise as few stages as feasible. This keeps the customer’s interaction light and enjoyable.

If this stage has too many obstacles, the customer can decide not to place an order from your restaurant.

Making an order also involves submitting requests for things like event and table reservations. There must be a customized response for each request.

4. Enable quick payment for orders from your users.

Recently, WhatsApp unveiled its payment tool, which your users can also use for companies. As an alternative, you can address any problems customers might be having paying for the order while simultaneously pointing them to additional payment alternatives over WhatsApp. For streamlined checkouts, you can link a variety of payment gateways with your chatbot.

Here’s how to seamlessly accept payments by integrating Platform with MsgClub.

5. Provide them with order tracking in real-time to ease their minds.

The importance of delivery updates in ensuring a good customer experience cannot be overstated. When the food is ready for delivery, providing an estimated time of arrival, and communicating the delivery person’s contact information are all necessary steps. You may also use a WhatsApp chatbot and the WhatsApp API to send automatic push alerts for the same.

6. Bad food? Inaccurate items? Refunds and returns that have been validated

Refunds and returns play a significant role in the restaurant business as well. The customer must have a platform to ask for returns or refunds if they decide they don’t like the food or run into other issues.

You may arrange returns, start refunds, and take additional actions to help a dissatisfied customer using WhatsApp Business.

7. Your user loved a dish or a restaurant? Let them place repeat orders

Your customers can order their preferred items from their preferred eateries. Giving your users discounts and vouchers is one way to thank them for their loyalty. This may encourage them to make more frequent orders from you.

By allowing users to gain discounts through a slot machine game each time they finish placing an order from one location, for instance, Swiggy recently made food ordering much more involved and exciting. Users are drawn back to their service to place more orders thanks to a sizable 30% discount on the following order.

8. “How did your order go?” Gather comments and ratings

The gathering of client feedback improves the customer experience. As soon as a sale is over, make sure to quickly gather feedback over WhatsApp so that your customers are more inclined to submit their most recent feedback. Your customers are more likely to reply to requests for feedback on WhatsApp than on SMS or emails because more people use chat apps.

9. How did the food delivery go? Encourage your users to recommend their friends

Having a satisfied stomach encourages positive word of mouth.

You can urge clients to tell their friends and family about your company. According to research, if a friend recommends a new restaurant, consumers are four times more likely to try it.

10. Discover what your users enjoy by gathering customer information.

The meal delivery option for WhatsApp Business makes long-term customer information collection simpler. This also holds true for clients who may have recently changed their phone number or other contact information.

Only from MsgClub, your all-in-one WhatsApp chatbot for your restaurant business

So it turns out there are a tonne of things a WhatsApp chatbot can do for your restaurant! A capable WhatsApp chatbot delivers a wide range of functions that can automate and expedite the majority of your customer communication, from accepting orders to making payments.

At MsgClub, we work hard to maintain a high standard when it comes to providing your clients with positive support experiences. We are an authorized WhatsApp Business Solution Provider, therefore we know exactly what it takes to launch your company on WhatsApp successfully. We’d like to provide you access to our free in-depth guide to WhatsApp customer support to give you a head start.

Payment gateway vs. shopping cart

If you are creating an online presence to sell your goods or services and are ready to accept credit cards, all of the options, terms, and programmes available can be overwhelming. An online payment gateway and a shopping cart are two common components of an eCommerce credit card processing platform — but what's the difference and how do they work together?

Payment gateway – What is it? Consider a payment gateway to be your company's online point-of-sale terminal. A gateway is most commonly used to authorise payments for an online eCommerce store; however, today's gateway technology allows businesses to accept payments in a brick-and-mortar retail environment using a credit card reader, POS system, or integration with accounting or CRM software. A payment gateway works as follows: i. Credit card information is swiped, dipped, or manually entered into an online hosted payment form or shopping cart. ii. The payment gateway encrypts the credit card information of the customer and sends it to the payment processor. iii. The payment processor sends the payment details to the card-issuing bank via the credit card network. iv. Based on the available funds, the card-issuing bank approves or rejects the transaction. v. The authorization or decline is communicated back to the payment gateway by the payment processor. The decision is communicated to the merchant and the customer by the gateway. What is a shopping cart? A payment gateway and a shopping cart serve very different purposes. A shopping cart is similar to the grocery cart you use to navigate your local big-box store. You load your items into the cart and drive it to the cash register, which totals your order and gives you the total amount owed. An online shopping cart does the following: i. It adds up the costs of your items. ii. It includes any applicable sales tax and delivery charges. ii. It deducts discounts obtained through coupon codes and applicable credits. iii. The total amount owed is then displayed. To complete the payment process, the online shopping cart is linked to a payment gateway, typically via an API. A hosted payment form is an alternative to a shopping cart integration. This method is ideal for businesses where each transaction typically consists of only one item or charges the same amount on a consistent basis. A secure hosted payment form is designed to look and feel like it belongs on your eCommerce website, but it is hosted on a third-party secure server to help reduce liability and PCI scope. Why are payment gateways and shopping carts often confused? It's easy to see how all of this terminology could confuse a business owner. Many aspects of eCommerce and credit card processing interact with one another. They are sometimes integrated as part of an all-in-one solution. Some websites and businesses use these terms interchangeably, adding to the confusion. So, which do you require? Is the best online payment gateway India required for your company? Is a shopping cart required for your eCommerce site? What about other elements such as a merchant account? Where should you start? Do you need an eCommerce solution? We can help you accept payments the way your business requires, from merchant accounts to payment gateways to software integrations. Make an appointment with a payments expert today to learn more.