[Brielle Buckler]

In this unit, we discussed what makes a business a viable enterprise, and what “counts” as a business. We all come in contact with businesses every day, many without even realizing.

Think about a single day this week, and describe the businesses you interacted with. Think about what you ate, where you went, how you got there, the technology you used to get things done, etc. Then, categorize the businesses on your list into either for-profit or not-for-profit/nonprofit businesses, and describe whether the businesses sell products or services.

What kinds of businesses, based on your list, do you interact with most often? Do you see a pattern? What other types of businesses do you frequent not on this list?

———————————————————————-

In order to receive full credit for this assignment, all components of this assignment are due by 11:59pm ET on Wednesday, July 26, 2023. You should first contribute a thoughtful post of your own before viewing/commenting on the posts of others. Students should review others’ submissions and comment meaningfully (refer to this guide from MSSU for reference) to at least two other students. For reference, here is the difference between a comment and a post — you will be using both for this assignment.

Once you submit your post, you must respond meaningfully to at least two other classmates’ threads. This assignment is worth a total of ten (10) points — 6 possible points for your original post, and up to 2 points for each of the two responses to your classmates’ posts. Please reference our Discussion Rubric for more information.

• This topic was modified 1 year, 3 months ago by Brielle Buckler. Reason: Updated Links

[Williams Paul]

The business I used for the past week is Doordash, uber, instacart, turo, and Amazon. I interact with these apps often mostly everyday or in 1 time a week and it is a pattern to me, I used them often i have to remind myself to get off theses apps, these is what I call business people that gets products or services that makes their company grow for profit , all theses business I mentioned is for profit that sell products like amazon ,instacart and doordash and ones like ubers and turo i pay for is for service

[Carinah]

Good evening!
Let me start off by saying thank you for noticing my work, I appreciate that. Secondly I agree with you that businesses that get products or offer services to make a profit for the company. The main difference between for-profit businesses and not-for-profit businesses is how they handles the profit or distributes the profit to the owner. Although we frequent both not-for-profit and for-profit businesses everyday either by getting services or a product or purchase goods. Both businesses set goals and hope to accomplish them.
Not-for- profit funding or key points are:
owners make little to no profits
Always need volunteers
charity Services
Donation from local business and funding from agencies or government.

For-Profit key points are:
Making a Profit
Acknowledgment

[Rasheeda Noel]

Good evening,

I like that you pointeed out the specifics of a not-for-profit business and for-profit business. With further research I found out that inorder to qualify as a nonprofit, your business must <b>serve the public good in some way</b>. Nonprofits don’t distribute profit to anything other than furthering the advancement of the organization. As someone that likes to read between lines i feel like business owners can find loopholes in order to qualify as a not-for profit business. Everyone is free to comment their POV below.

[Brielle Buckler]

Great points, Rasheeda. Thanks for your meaningful comment! This furthers discussion by helping to explain the difference between nonprofit and for-profit.

[Brielle Buckler]

Thanks for sharing Williams. Are you sure that Doordash sells goods? Or is food delivery a service?

[Carinah]

The businesses I interacted with this past week were Lyft, Starbucks, Doordash a museum, a supermarket, a library and department store. Some of the few things I ate were a refresher drink, frappucino and a spinach wrap. I took Lyft to get to the department store and museum. Some of the technology I used was my laptop and smart phone.
FOR PROFIT BUSINESSES ARE
1.LYFT
2.STARBUCKS
3.SUPERMARKET
4.DEPARTMENT STORE

NON FOR PROFIT BUSINESS ARE
1. MUSEUM
2.LIBRARY

All my for-profit businesses sell products for a profit. All my non for profit businesses render services to their consumers. Business I interacted with the most are museum Lyft, department stores and supermarket. it is a pattern between all businesses.

[Ingrid]

Many companies that we interact with are for profit businesses , as well as the transportation and the technology we use .

[Hamidou]

I agree library and museums are non profits because i think that they are government owned and funded.

[Brielle Buckler]

Thanks for this breakdown, Carinah!

[Briana Lima]

This morning, during my usual before-work routine, I checked my bus times in the NYC Transit application. I then activated my bus ticket in the NJ Transit application and rushed outside to the bus stop to catch my bus. When I got into the city, I went to order my Starbucks coffee in the Starbucks application, but my preferred location was not accepting order ahead orders! I had to order in-store with a barista. I also picked up breakfast; a bagel with cream cheese. I then, got into work and started my day.

All of the businesses that I interacted with today are for-profit. The NYC Transit application provides the service of tracking bus and train times to commuters. Although it is free, it has in-app purchases. The NJ Transit application sells tickets and is part of the NJ Transit system that provides as transportation in, to and from New Jersey. It allows you to purchase your bus or train tickets directly through the application. Starbucks provides goods- coffee and small bites. The cafe I purchased my bagel from also provides goods- they serve breakfast and lunch.

I interact with for-profit businesses pretty often. I definitely see a pattern; I tend to interact with businesses that allow me to order goods on my phone first, then pick them up. I also frequent my local parks with my toddlers, which would be considered a non-profit business.

[Hamidou]

I also use NJ transit to commute to work every week. But I don’t agree with your take that it is a for-profit business because it is a government owned agency and most government owned agency doesn’t try to turn profits. But uses the money we pay just to keep them afloat.

[Brielle Buckler]

Thanks for sharing, Briana. I tend to interact with several for-profit organizations as well, and I find I have a healthy split between businesses that provide services (car wash, drycleaner) and goods (coffee shops, grocery stores).

[Jacob]

Starting off, business is in fact everywhere in today’s world, many we clearly don’t see but intractively it is there whether we consumers pay with cash in person or pay with credit card online. Simply businesses profit from consumers which are people like us buyers whether we’re asking for a good and or service, and generally it continues the businesses or companies we buy or need services from. To give an example, in my daily life I would go downtown by either Transit or Cab in which I would pay by credit in order to get to work, Breakfast and Lunch I would pay with card in either Starbucks or Panera Bread, while working I would take peoples orders in which the business profits due to the many companies around the financial district, after a hard days work, every month I would walk 10 ten blocks to get some exercise in and go to the ASPCA to donate $20 cash for a worthy cause that is a non-profit organzation that I hold dearly. With weekends coming around I would get together with family for a nice dinner with provided services or to go see a show thus having to pay for entry. This is considered how our daily lives interact with business everyday, but in simple terms this is what my day to day would look like when interacting with business.

[Amr Taha]

It is interesting that you said business is everywhere. And yes, a lot of people don’t see it because it is part of our lives nowadays. the more we interact with them the less we pay attention to it.

[Brielle Buckler]

I appreciate this list, Jacob, but which are for-profit or nonprofit other than ASPCA? Do you notice a pattern?

[Hamidou]

On a day to day basis I personally interact with multiple businesses. Some business I interact with are Apple, Amazon, Netflix, MTA, NJ transit, local stores, Bank of America, capital One bank, cash app, and Sony PlayStation.

The for profit businesses in these include apple, amazon, Netflix, Bank of America, capital one bank and cash app. These are big corporation that sell products and services to the public in order to turn profits from them and their investor. Local stores are also for profit.

Non-Profits I believe are transit agencies like MTA and NJ transit. This is because these agencies are more likely owned by the local government who funds a lot of the operation. Although when we pay the fare to use the services I believe its not for profit but just to keep them well funded.

Most of the businesses I interact with on a day to day basis Ive added. I see a pattern because most of the businesses offer the same products.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 3 months ago by Hamidou.

[Toi Chotoosingh]

I also agree that a lot of For Profit businesses offer the same services. You have competitors like Uber and Lyft. Then you have many Streaming services, like Netflix, Hulu, Disney +, HBO Max. Even resturants and grocery stores. They all sell the same products, but it depends on the consumer and what they gravitate more towards or, like many of us, combine all of them. For example, I shop at both Whole Foods and Trader Joes. I use both Uber and Lyft. I also use Netflix, Hulu, and Disney +.

[Aboubacar Traore]

Hello Hamidou

Thank you for your brilliant idea regarding this assignment, but i think MTA is a for-profit company. It sells a product that generate the millions of dollars each day. On the other hand, I shared the same interact like you regarding for-profit businesses.( Apple, Amazon, MTA, Bank Of America, play station etc)

Thank you

• This reply was modified 1 year, 3 months ago by Aboubacar Traore.

[Brielle Buckler]

You make a great point, Aboubacar, about NJ Transit. Since these are owned by municipalities, they’re often regarded as services and typically need to be funded by taxes, since they often lose money!

[Briana Lima]

Hi Hamidou,

That is an interesting point. I do believe MTA and NJ Transit are for-profit, however, because the fare we pay and tickets we purchase are ultimately used to fund their physical and mental labor, as well as their capital(the actual trains, buses, tracks, etc.). That is also why they hike up fares; to keep up with their business costs/demand. When I think of non-profit, I think of organizations like the Red Cross or even our local police and fire departments. Police and fire departments are funded by the government and our taxes while providing us with the service of safety.

[Rasheeda Noel]

I also agree with your point. Sadly, for many NYers the increase in price may not be so appealing. With that being said, the increase on prices have also increased fare evasion and some protests in recent moments.

[Rotem]

Hi Hamidou,

I agree with your claim that profit businesses sell goods or services. In a city like New York, we can find many profitable businesses that sell the same product or service and therefore raise competition. However, I do think that the MTA Subway is a profit organization. It is true that it is a service provided by the city to its citizens, but the money we pay for it goes to fund the operations of the subway and other city projects. If you think differently I would love to hear more.

Thank you.

[Mahir Khan]

I agree with the fact that you said Apple, amazon, Netflix, Bank of America, Capital One and cash app are for profit businesses, since all of them are owned by private companies who sell their products to maximize profit. I also agree with the point you made about MTA and new jersey transit being non-profit businesses, since both are owned by the government and are funded through public taxes, and the fair that is collected is used not for profit but is used for the maintenance of transit systems.

[Williams Paul]

I agree with you that we shop at a lot of businesses we shop at in common also I agree with what you said that Local stores are also for profit.

[Brielle Buckler]

What do you mean about local stores being for profit? And who are you replying to? Please click the ‘Reply’ button in the box of the peer you’re replying to so that your responses get nested under those posts.

[Williams Paul]

I agree with the point you making, I like the way you organize the business you were talking about

[Toi Chotoosingh]

On monday (07/24/23), my day consisted of getting ready for work, calling a Lyft from my apartment so that I make it on time to work due to oversleeping. Grabbing coffee for myself and my cowroker from Starbucks, so that we can make it through the day. Having my lunch delivered to me using the app Uber Eats. Stopping by my mom’s work, The United Nations, after we both finished work to go home. Heading to the market, Whole Foods, for some groceries. Then, taking the MTA back home to Queens. Within my day, the following are listed:

For Profit
-Lyft: A transportation service

-Starbucks: A coffe shop chain

-Whole Foods: A grocery Store

-Uber Eats: An application that allows for ordering, delivering, and picking up food & groceries

-MTA: Public transportation

Nonprofit

-United Nations: An international organization whose stated purposes is to maintain international peace and security of the world

The pattern that I recognize, is that a lot of the businesses that I interact with are For Profit businesses that help me achieve what I need to do, whether that is to satiate hunger, grab caffiene, or get to my destination, I only really interacted with For Pofit business yesterday and perhaps most days.  Other businesses that I frequent that are not on the list are many resturants, bars, clubs, movie theaters, and shops. All of the For Profit businesses that I have incorporated into my day to day activities, offer me something I want in exchange for payment.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 3 months ago by Toi Chotoosingh.

[Ingrid]

I agree on how most people interact with for profit businesses on our daily lives , for profit businesses are everywhere we go .

[Rotem]

Hi Toy,

It looks like you had a productive day. You did an excellent job of depreciating the types of businesses you interacted with. I like that you mentioned your interaction with a non-profit organization such as the UN. Since we live in a materialistic world and an urban city, most of our interactions are with for-profit businesses.

[Ingrid]

This past week the company’s i have interacted with are for profit which is a laundry , key foods and the MTA .
I’ve been training in a smoothie shop and I’ve noticed that the company is for profit as well , in the business they also used Uber eat which is also a for profit business . These companies offer services and products.Many people interact with for profit companies in there daily lives but not many people are aware of that .

[Toi Chotoosingh]

I agree that not a lot of people probably are consciously aware of what businesses they frequent and interact with on a daily basis. It’s very ingrained into our daily routine. We use them because they help us with with our daily events, chores, or even in our downtime. We definitely depend on them for many things in our lives.

[Jacob]

Your explanation is very clear and I couldn’t agree more, the day to day of “what is a business” revolves around everything and to include a business like uber, which makes huge profits today is very common when you live in a city like new york.

[Jingtong]

Hi Ingrid. I agree with you. I think our life is made up of all kinds of business. But when we are in business, we may focus on the product and service itself, but when we are learning the word “business”, we focus on the word business itself.

[Brielle Buckler]

I wish you added a bit more detail here. Which companies provide goods and which provide services?

[Tamala Jones]

The majority of the time throughout the week I interact with businesses for profit. This week on Monday, July 24th I interacted with a few for-profit businesses and none nonprofit businesses.

For Profit:

MTA: Transportation service

McDonald’s: A fast food restaurant where I helped provide their products and services.

Chipotle: A fast food service that provided me food for lunch.

Apple: A technology company that helped me with my daily task by using their products such as their iPhone and iPad.

Target: A general merchandise retailer that can help you find products for daily or once and a while use.

The business I interact with most often is the MTA, McDonald’s, and Apple. The MTA is used weekly to help provide my services to and from work/ other locations. McDonald’s is a business I interact with weekly since I work there I can help serve their goods and services to potential customers. Apple is a business I interact with daily since I am almost always on my phone. Another business that I use often that is not on the list for this past Monday is Uber whether it being Uber the car service for transportation or the delivery service we’ll known as Uber Eats the Uber app is often used most of the time at least once every week/ every other week.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 3 months ago by Tamala Jones.
• This reply was modified 1 year, 3 months ago by Tamala Jones.

[Briana Lima]

Hi Tamala,

Those are two of my favorite fast food chains! Its interesting when you look how how many restaurants they both have all over the United States (and McDonalds, all over the world). They are both mega-corporations and I believe they are owned by different shareholders since they are publicly traded companies.

[Nanyamka Mead]

Hey,

 

I would agree as well that MTA is business I frequently use on a daily taking the bus and the train for commute, as well as eating fast food. Or even buying water or a cup of coffee. Food and transportation is a business I support the must on a daily basis.

[Rotem]

When I got up in the morning, I arranged my bag for school that I bought at “Rains”, which contains my iPad and my computer, which I purchased from Apple. Then I took an Uber for work when I arrived, I bought some coffee in the coffee shop next to my office. After that, I ate lunch, which I got from a supplier that provided food to my office. Later that day I drove by the subway to a restaurant to meet a friend. At the end of the day, I got home and took a shower and used my “Pantene” shampoo, and brushed my teeth with my “Colgate” toothpaste that I purchased on Amazon.

All these businesses are for-profit businesses:

“Rains” – provide me with goods.

“Apple” – provide me with goods.

Coffee shop – provide me with goods (coffee) and service (by the waitress).

Restaurant – provide me with goods (food) and service (by the waitress).

“Uber” – provide me with service.

Food supplier at my work – provides me with goods (food) and service (brings the meal to my office).

Subway – provide me with service.

“Colgate” – provide me with goods.

“Pantene” – provide me with goods.

“Amazon” – provide me with service (product delivery).

I mostly interact with for-profit businesses. I can see a pattern because we live in a very materialistic world in which we usually give or get goods and services for money. Moreover, since I live in an urban environment, my consumption rate of products and services increases.

Another business that I often use and are not on the list is “T Mobile” and “Spectrum.” I use T mobile as my cellphone carrier and Spectrum as my internet provider at home.

With that being said, I’m also very familiar with non-profit organizations, as my dad is raising money through sports activities for Sick children and people with special needs.

[Carinah]

Good evening! Firstly I want to say thanks to your dad for doing such great for children of special needs. I solely believe living in today’s world there are business in everything that we do, use and communicate with. Whether we don’t understand or see it we do business with non for profit and for profit to get around, to eat, to pay bills, for entertainment etc. I see you interact with a lot of for profit businesses.

[Jingtong]

Hi Rotem. I’m glad to hear about your dad’s efforts to help those in need. I also agree with you that living in a city exposes us to a vast array of products that constantly tempt us to try them, leading to increased consumption. Furthermore, I’ve come to realize that our lives are inseparable from business.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 3 months ago by Jingtong.

[Brielle Buckler]

This is wonderfully thorough. Great job, Rotem!

[Mahir Khan]

The businesses I interacted with this week were 7- eleven, Netflix, Amazon, the laundromat and the library. Of the businesses I interacted with 7-eleven, Netflix, amazon and the laundromat were for profit businesses, and the library was a non-profit business. I commuted to 7-eleven and the laundromat via my bicycle which is also a product that I bought from a business. I used the help of google maps (which is a product of google) through my Samsung smartphone (product of Samsung) to help me navigate. My phone is also a product of a for profit business that is purchased.

Types of businesses that sold goods were 7-eleven, Amazon, and the store I got my phone from. And the ones that provided services were Netflix, the laundromat, Google and the library.

Most of the types of businesses I interact with are for profit businesses because they are more abundant than non-profit businesses.

[Amr Taha]

Hi Mahir!
You interacted with various businesses – 7-Eleven, Netflix, Amazon, laundromat, and library. Most are for-profit, while the library is non-profit. Your Samsung smartphone and Google Maps also come from for-profit businesses. we rely on for-profit businesses as it is often the most convenient to get things done throughout your day.

[Allan Pinedo]

Hi Mahir,

Your interactions with for-profit companies this week certainly increased the convenience and effectiveness of your daily life by providing a variety of goods and services. Given the variety and capacity to meet a wide range of consumer needs, it makes sense why these businesses are so prevalent. Your interactions with these companies have been improved by taking on modern technology.

[Brielle Buckler]

Concise and complete. Great points, Mahir!

[Nanyamka Mead]

This weekend for my daughters third birthday , we went to the literary to take out a few books for her and I to read , we also went to a Thai food restaurant and dined in. We went to Coney Island amusement park where she got on rides and purchased food. We used Uber for traveling. We got her a birthday cake and sang her happy birthday. I purchased her a new doctor play set , she is obsessed with playing doctor. She also received gifts from family and friends such as cloths,shoes,baby dolls,and Barbie dolls. I also took her to her favorite restaurant McDonald’s. She had a blast.

<u>Business</u>

-Thai restaurant

-coney island amusement park

-uber

-Bakery

-Toys

-cloths—

-shoes

-Uber

-McDonalds

<u>Non profit</u>

– Library

[Nanyamka Mead]

Hey,

I would agree that must of the business I interact with on a daily basis is musty for profit .

I visit the library on campus and also once a month with my daughter to take out books. Must businesses are mainly profitable.

[Brielle Buckler]

Thanks for sharing the businesses you interacted with — but how are they categorized? Nonprofit or for-profit? Goods or services?

[Rasheeda Noel]

This week I interacted with a lot of for-profit business. The businesses i ran into the most was the Laquer Room, a number of Delis, Apple services, Bank of America, McDonalds and a number of local grocery stores. Each of the previously mentioned businesses are for profit. The nail salon, Delis and Grocery stores are all smaller owned businesses. In the “small business” category of business, there can be more risks depending on what kind of entity it is. Many smaller comanies have owners that can’t always afford to protect themselves in the same way many a franchise can.

As one may guess, the companies listed are all selling products except for The Laquer Room (Nail salon) and Bank of America. The Nail Salon offers services to individuals in the salon no matter if they’re a walk-in or a regular.

As for the businesses listed, I frequent all of these businesses. I try to prevent myself for going to fast resturaunts, but also slowing down on using public transportation. Sadly, as New York City grows in population over the years everything pricewise will only increase.

[Jingtong]

Here’s a brief description of my day: In the morning, I took the MTA subway to Brooklyn Public Library. After arriving, I went to nearby cafe to buy a cup of coffee and then started my day of reading. After spending some time at the library, I took the subway back home. Later, I used Doordash app to order my food.

During this day, I interacted with several business. These are MTA transportation, the cafe, Doordash, and Brooklyn Public Library.

profit business: MTA transportation, the cafe, Doordash

non-profit business: Brooklyn Public Library

In my view, profit businesses create profits by satisfying customer needs, just like how I need coffee, and the cafe provides a service to make coffee. For non-profit business, they focus on serving society.

[Tamala Jones]

Hi, Jingtong

I think you did a great job with this post since I agree with your statement about what a for-profit business is and what a non-profit business is. I see that throughout your day you use a lot more for-profit businesses just like me also including the MTA and food delivery services however, I just prefer Uber Eats.

[Aboubacar Traore]

Last week, I started my routine by having a coffee from a deli store just next to my location. Later, I had to send a mail through USPS to a friend in Texas, so I used my cellphone to search for the nearest location, and I took the bus to go there. After that, I returned home to eat and get ready to go work. unfortunately, the food I had in the refrigerator was not what I wanted, so I ordered food through my Uber account. Furthermore , it was time to go to work, and I used the train for transportation.

The next day, I had nothing to do, so I went to the New York Public Library to read a little bit. Once I got back home, I received a phone call from my friend, and we decided to play soccer in the park. after the game, we spoke about how good the MET Museum is. This was my daily routine for the week.

FOR PROFIT BUSINESS:
Deli store
USPS
MTA
UBER APP
CELLPHONE
RESTAURANT

NOT FOR PROFIT
LIBRARY
MET MUSEUM
PARK

All the for-profit businesses provide goods in order to obtain a profit. Contrary to for-profit businesses, all the not for-profit businesses provide services, and not to have the financial reward. In addition, I interact the most with for-profit businesses.

[Aboubacar Traore]

Hello jingtong

I agreed with you by saying that for-profit businesses create profit by satisfying customers needs, and not for-profit businesses focus on serving society.

[Tamala Jones]

Hi Aboubacar,

I think you did an amazing job with your post it is well-detailed and organized explaining how your day-to-day life goes and it shows what businesses you use the most. I also use some of the same for-profit businesses throughout each week including the MTA, Uber, and Apple for my cell phone or iPad to help me get work done.

[Amr Taha]

During a single day, I interact with different types of businesses categorized into profit and nonprofit.

1-Subway: not-for-profit. it’s run by the city to help people. accessible transportation.

2-Restaurants: a profit organization offering meal services as a time-saving solution.

3-Gym: a for-profit business providing fitness services.

4-Coffee shop: a for-profit local business selling a product and an experience.

Most businesses I use every day are for-profit and provide services like rides, food, or a place to exercise. The subway, though, is not-for-profit and helps everyone travel easily. I also use things like streaming services and online shops which aren’t on this list but are also for-profit.

[Jacob]

Having read your post, I can see your day to day process, also there are some things that I have left out as well.

[Mahir Khan]

Mr. Taha, I agree with all the examples you gave about for profit and non-profit businesses. The subway is a non-profit business since it has been formed and is operated through public taxes, and whatever fare is collected goes on to the maintenance of the transit system.

restaurants are also for-profit businesses selling foods and experiences in return for profit and are also privately owned.

I also agree with you on the point that streaming services like Netflix and online shopping services like amazon are for profit businesses. Netflix makes streaming movies and shows available to us in return for a fee which accumulates as their profit. Amazon is also a privately owned online shopping service which sells products to make profit.

 

[Allan Pinedo]

Today, I use different types of businesses, such as Doordash, Nike, and H&M, which are profit organizations. For non-profit transportation, I rely on the MTA to access various places.

A business that produces and sells goods or services to customers is considered to be in business. To accomplish its objectives, it depends on a variety of production factors, including land, labor, capital, and entrepreneurship. Owners, employees, customers, and the general public are examples of important stakeholders that all play important roles and interact differently with the business organization.

On the other hand, non-profit organizations offer the same products or services but do not prioritize owner profits. Instead, they support a cause that is social or charitable, and any extra money made is put back into the business to help it achieve its goals.

[Brielle Buckler]

How are the businesses you’ve interacted with categorized, Allan?

[null]

Some items I interact with every day are my Iphone, made by Apple. My toothpaste either made by Crest or Colgate. I’d like to focus on this past Sunday where I had to stop for gas at a Mobil gas station while I was on my way to my local Walgreens to purchase Mucinex. I also had to get groceries at my nearest supermarket because I avoid dairy and fast food when I’m sick.  That day I only dealt with all for profit businesses. I rarely interact with non- profit businesses only non profit organizations, such a Community center, Church and a Library.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 3 months ago by null.

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