When we think of generating an extra income what would be the first we would think? Well, maybe we are thinking of the same idea and that is by having a SIDELINE. :)
What are those sidelines that you want to do? maybe you would think of having a part time job that would only require a little of your time or perhaps, for business minded people, might come up with the idea of putting a small business that also don't require much of your time.
For me my best bet of generating an extra income is by having a small business, why?? it's because I could go anywhere and do what I want to do, I handle my time, because I am the boss. No worries of meeting a quota, no hassle of being on time to work and no boss to follow commands. But what business that won't need a lot of your time and effort that would not interfere to your current work or whatever activity that keeps you busy? Well if you'll gonna ask me what business would I suggest, I would absolutely say have an ONLINE SHOP. I suggested this because it has so many advantages for a very busy person like you and I'm one of those who have been enjoying this advantages of being an online seller. What are the advantages? here are the list that I made to convince you that I'm right.
1. it's very easy to manage, it don't require much of your precious time and effort to run and maintain the business.
2. there are lots of social networking sites such as facebook and multiply wherein you could easily create your account and transform it to an online shop.
3. you could start on a little capital or NO CAPITAL at all! yes you heard it right No CAPITAL, How? i'll gonna tell you later.
4. No DTI or any permits needed because there is still no definite law here in the Philippines that requires an online seller to register their online based businesses. If you would want to, the business registration that I would recommend is to register it to DTI because it will secure your business name, by that way no one could ever use your business name, this is an excellent move if you are serious and plans to expand your business in future if ever your venture is successful, anyhow it will only cost you a few bucks will not exceed php 2000.00 for national permits. But for a starter like you that only wants to have an extra income, you don't have to. That's just my opinion anyway, it's up to you if you would want to register your business.
5. Easy to communicate to your clients because they allow you to get their contact numbers for communication purposes.
6. It could give a Sense of happiness when your clients posts a positive feedback regarding your service and products.
I come up with those advantages because that are my experiences of being an online seller.
If you are convinced of having an online store I made you a step by step process on how, this is based on how did I start my shop. :)
Step 1:
>> Think of what product you would want to sell. Know first your target market and their needs. It is also good to consider the product that you would love to sell or the products that you have a lot of knowledge about it so if ever your customer asks you, probably you would answer them accurately and could easily encouraged them to purchase the product. It's easy to market a product if you know it by heart. :)
Step 2:
> > Find a supplier. You could either search online or ask your friends and relatives where could you buy an affordable product that you would want to sell. Just make sure that your chosen supplier would give you a very good deal or is offering a really cheap at the same time high quality/authentic/durable product so that it could give you a decent profit.
Step 3
>> Choose a site where you will display your merchandise. I recommend ebay, facebook and multiply because these sites are already famous on online shopping.
Step 4
>> Choose a reliable courier.
Step 5
>> Create your policies, order forms, and other information such as how to order, payment modes shipping policy etc.
Step 6
>> Get ready for taking pictures of your products. Show your inner skills in photography, provide good lightning and a good camera. You don't have to buy high end cameras like dslr or be a professional with this area just be creative and patient of taking pictures.
Step 7
>> Upload your product photos.
Step 8
>> Market your site. Let people know that your shop exists by posting on a free advertisement sites like sulit.com.ph , olx.com or by simply tagging your friends if your using facebook. This is the most essential part of online selling specially if your just a beginner and still acquiring a customers.
Step 9
>> your shop is ready for taking orders! Welcome to online selling industry! :)
The most difficult part of online selling is acquiring your client's trust. Online scams are rampant and you couldn't blame those people who might accuse you as a scammer specially if your merchandise are 50% or much more cheaper than those in the offline market. How would you gain your client's trust? Follow my tips and your first customer might place and pay her/his order tomorrow.
1. Be honest. Only say what is true, do not exaggerate. If your selling exact replica bags don't claim it as original while in fact it's not.
2. Be consistent of what you are saying.
3. Be attentive of answering your client's questions.
4. Be kind and friendly.
5. If your client already place her/his order, update them. If your schedule cannot afford to voluntarily update them, just answer their questions regarding the status of their package. Atleast alot an extra time with this.
Online selling is a matter of trust, nobody could ever tell to your prospective clients if your legitimate not unless someone told them about your legitimacy it may be your previous customer or a recommendation of a friend. Always keep your client's trust because it can either make your business flourish if you do or ruined if you won't do.
On the other hand, aside from your customer your supplier are one of the most important person in your business. Without them, you don't have anything to sell unless if your business only offer your service/skills like web designs etc. To give you some idea of where to get your merchandise, I made a list where you could find your possible supplier.
1. Divisoria - Offers a wide variety of clothes, shoes, cellphone accessories, women's accessories, and many more! All cheap finds are readily available here just be patient and careful to those pickpockets and holdapers. Just don't bring expensive gadgets and jewelry to be safe.
2. Online supplier - search the item that you want to sell in google and voila it would give you the websites that offers the particular products that your looking for just beware of scammers.
3.Instyle fashion shoppe - One of the most reliable supplier/wholesaler of women's clothing, accessories and cosmetics online. They offer cheapest, trendiest, fashionable and high quality products to their clients. They also have a very good deals to their reseller that would surely let them earn plus they have this offer wherein resellers could have a business with them even without a capital. For more information proceed to their online shop written below:
maecey19.multiply.com
www.facebook.com/instylefashionshop
Instyle fashion shoppe's mission is to help people who don't have an extra cash to shell out for this kind of business and to offer affordable but high quality/trendy clothes.
4. Quiapo - If your on the look for a supplier of accessories then quiapo is the good place. Just rome around the quiapo and enter those commercial bldg. and you'll surely discover those suppliers who are just inside the bldg.
Just a tip for you if you would venture on reselling to an online supplier. Not all of them have the same behavior, some of them are not that accommodating in terms of answering your queries and updating the availability of their products and shipped out items; lucky you if you found a very accommodating that answers all your questions regarding your transactions to them. Some might not be so nice if your kinda "makulit" of asking about the product (if you have this supplier, I advice you to remove them to your supplier's list and change them :p) while some might not answer you because their busy of arranging all orders. But whatever the attitude of your supplier is, always make a good communication and be kind to them because just like your customer, they are one of the most important person to your business. If your a reseller and earning without a capital, don't be too demanding as if they owe you something. Always follow their policies and inform them regargarding your orders to prevent conflict with them. If they can't afford to update their resellers, then at least you make an effort to do so. On this way, you create an harmonious relationship between you and your supplier.
If you have some more to questions, suggestions, tips or recommendations of a supplier, you may write your comment below and let other aspiring entrepreneur start their online businesses.
Happy selling everyone! :)
