Now we are going to define why it is that standards are important and the benefits that we as individuals can derive from standards and what we can avoid. Watching the bloke next door getting ripped-off after we mentioned that whatever did not comply with the appropriate standards and then the thrill of the “I told you so” moment for those so inclined is what we are going to get from part three of the standards, standardisation and policies guide. So let us to it.

What are the Benefits of Standards?

Some of the benefits that can be derived through the use of appropriate standards include:

Consistency and Reliable Repeatability - You can confidently swap out faulty or worn out components with new ones if the standards by which both components comply are the same.

Uniformity - Allows us to predict in a reliable manner what should or should not happen or how goods and services should be performed or discharged without the need for our personal observation to ensure that this is in deed the case.

Interoperability - Components, systems, networks, products and services that comply with the prescribed standards can be relied upon to interoperate (work together).

It doesn't matter what make or brand your PC is if it has the appropriate minimum requirements then it will be able to do the job. One computer using the Internet Protocol (IP) will be able to communicate with another using IP.

Similarly one router using an open standard routing protocol will be able to function with any other router that is using the same open standard protocol. It's what makes the Internet work.

Versatility - Commonly seen in the for of Mix-and-Match or Plug-and-Play components

Compliance - Both industry-wide and organisation-wide compliance when reflected through a persistent consistency among peers is always beneficial to the general populous.

An example that illustrates this point can be seen in oil companies agreeing to manufacture their products to a set of given standards; which may be set nationally, or as is more often the case now-a-days by international agreements collectively herded under the “GREEN” banner. This allows companies to maximise the efficiency with which they allot and use their and their peer's resources.

In Australia this is seen with petroleum refineries where one of the major players owns and operates the refinery (a very expensive piece of kit in deed) in one city supplying all the needs of all companies within that city and its defined distribution area. Another company does likewise in another city and so on.

This is how we have arrived at the current point in time where each of the major cities (the state capitols) has at least one refinery that is owned and operated by a different company to the refineries in the other major cities.

The net result is that in combination with some government control the petrol prices are relatively stable and uniform across the nation. I know that by saying this I will immediately spark off the next round of petrol price wars but what the hell.

Vendor Independence - Consumers have a greater vendor-base from which to select a product or service with the confidence that if it meets with the appropriate standards it will do the job required. It is here that certification labeling such as we currently see from the Wi-Fi Alliance comes into play. This is a topic that I will deal with in greater depth a little later in this series.

Predictability - Being confident that whenever you put your foot on the brake it will have the desired effect is undoubtedly a major factor in any buying decision. I myself have had the experience of driving off into the sunset (sunrise really) and about 80 Kilometers down the road I had cause to slow down in order to merge onto the freeway. To my great horror when I put my foot on the brake and began to apply a little pressure it went straight to the floor. Thanks to gears and a functional hand-brake tragedy was averted.

Stability - In terms of product, service, price, quality, capabilities across a range of products and services whether delivered by the same manufacturer, vendor or service provider allows the consumer to plan their use and the period over which they intend to use any given product or service. Buying comfortably in the knowledge that this product or service will satisfy your needs for at least the next five years brings greater stability to an industry as a whole and the market-place in general.

Improved Quality - We have a base point from which we can declare a minimum standard and then it is to the competitive advantage of manufacturers or service providers to exceed that in order to gain more customers. Pricing of course plays its part but most people seem to like to say that they brought the better model because…. Rather than confess to having purchased what they really could only afford. This “keeping up with the Jones's” mentality is what drives the credit card industry to ever greater record profits year after year.

Competition - A competitive market-place and economic climate is always to the consumers advantage

Reduced Volatility - Time has shown us over and over again that reputations take years to build and seconds to destroy. Reduced product and/or service volatility in the eyes of your customer will always present in the customers eyes as being years of expectant product use which is always a big incentive for them to buy now.

Increased Consumer Confidence - Once again customers and whatever confidence and or loyalties they may have are undeniably a major driving factor in the economy. Customer loyalty plans show just how much this factor is recognised as being important to manufacturers, vendors and service providers alike.

Alternatives - As well as providing viable alternatives to often draconian legislation; a point I will not labour any further.

What is Standardisation?

In the context related to technologies and industries, standardisation is the process of establishing a technical specification; called a standard, which is held common among competing entities in a market, where this will bring benefits to the consumer without hurting the free and openly competitive nature of a “free” and “open” market place environment.

What are Standardisation Processes?

There are four recognised standardisation processes: compatibility, interchangeability, commonality and reference which together create compatibility, similarity, measurement and symbol standards.

What is Standards Compliance?

Attaining a standards compliance accreditation/certification infers the attainment of a minimum set of predetermined specifications which in the case or quality and quality assurance also entail process, procedure and methodology.

Why Do We Have Standards Organisations And What Do They Do?

Standards organisations, their activities, and the roles they play and who they are will be the topic of the next episode; part four, when this series about Standards, Standardisation and Policies. So stay tuned and I'll see you soon.

Selling your own home may seem easy at a glance. Pick an agent, pick a price, list your home and shortly thereafter it'll be sold. Actually, it's not that simple. Let's examine the steps that occur.

1. Time to call up and interview your local real estate agents, many of whom claim to know the market.

   In actuality, they are usually offering their best guess on the saleability and possible value of your home.

2. Regardless of past sales data on the properties in your area, potential purchasers' whims can change suddenly.

   Many of them want the latest home features at yesterday's prices, even though
   that is not a realistic expectation.

3. When interviewing real estate agents, find one who fits into your comfort zone.

   Make sure both of you are in agreement concerning ideas on how advertising, appointments, open houses and agent caravans should be conducted.

4. If you sign an agent, make sure you can dismiss them with only one day's notice in case the two of you butt heads.

   You don't want to be stuck with an agent that isn't working for you.

5. At this point, the agent will request that you make improvements to the home to help with its marketability.

   This is where it starts to get expensive unless you are a handy person. How many items need to be done versus how many you can afford.

6. Your entire family has now been drafted into tidying up your home.

   Every nook and cranny must be fixed, painted, dusted, vacuumed, washed and cleaned. Closets must be organized and your home must sparkle prior to photographs being taken.

7. You should keep your home looking clean and fresh until the deal has closed.

   The reason is that the agreement which the buyer signs to buy a home is not as binding as you may think. It offers them numerous ‘outs'. Until the money is in your hands, they can still pull out of the deal (no matter what your agent or legal representative tells you, no contract is iron clad). Even if you've packed and your belongings have been transferred to your new home or into storage, the buyer can throw your entire life into a spin for any reason whatsoever. I don't think you want to spend the next five years wasting your time and hard earned dollars on the legal system attempting to make them follow through on the purchase. If you go down that path, you'll be forever consumed with aggravation, grief and regret. Even if you ‘win', the buyer just declares bankruptcy and you most likely end up with nothing but
   heartache.

8. When potential buyers make appointments to view your home, make sure the agent shows up at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled appointment.

   Some agents don't show up on time for viewings (which leaves the impression that they are not keen on selling your home).

9. Make sure that the agent does proper screenings of clients (if the buyer can really afford your home) prior to any scheduled showings.

10. Comments that are provided by potential purchasers should be taken with ‘a grain of salt'.

    In other words, don't take any of their observations to heart. When you hear negative remarks, the person may really like your home but is trying to devalue its worth with loads of derogatory innuendo. Conversely, if you hear fantastic comments, then the person may not be able to afford your home or is just not willing to pay a fair price.

11. If you receive a reasonable offer, congratulations!

    Take it! If you wait for the exact price on your listing (or even higher), you may be disappointed with the length of time it could take to achieve that result. Today, buyers have plenty of homes to choose from, so don't think that you have the only house for them.

12. If unreasonable offers come your way, or even worse, no offers at all, don't fret. Your agent may try to talk you into unjustified price reductions.

    Resist! This type of scenario can become a relentless cycle. If the price you listed at was not reasonable to the agent in the beginning, then you should have been told at that time. However, take heed of valid criticisms and ignore the rest. The old saying still applies. "If at first you don't succeed, try, try, try again," with another agent.

13. As a last resort, if you're unable to obtain any decent offers on your home, consider an auction with a reserve price

    You have the right to refuse any bid that doesn't meet the reserve, plus you'll be saving quite a bit of money on a real estate agent's
    commission (which allows you room for plenty of flexibility when deciding on your reserve price). You will be required to pay for advertising the auction, however the buyer is responsible for the auctioneer's commission, not you.

14. Keep the cork in the champagne bottle until you are in your new home and the money is yours.

Conclusion

In the end, hopefully all your hard work will be worth it. I wish you every success in selling your home.