by the SERDEF Media Bureau
(first published in the Philippine Online Chronicles, June 23, 2014)
With summer over and done, students are now back in school. With the end of the “Halo-halo and Palamig season, here are some back to school business ideas that entrepreneurs can adopt to augment their income:
School Supplies Buy and Sell
It may be a bit too late to start this now but this kind of business is lucrative this time of the year. This type of business does not require you to rent a place or a stall, you can do this from your house or you can do it through order-basis in the office.
Pros
This kind of business is ideal for those office-bound entrepreneurs who are keen on having an additional source of income that will not jeopardize their day job since this business can be done during lunch breaks and after office hours. Most of all, your kids’ stuff would be cheaper since you will be able to buy it at wholesale price.
Cons
This business is seasonal and will only be lucrative during the start of the school year. The merchandise is bulky so you will need a mode of transportation and with the prevalence of Made in China products, profit margins will not be as high as you’d want. The only way to earn more with a low profit margin would be to sell more products.
Made to Order and Uniform Repair Business
This business is ideal for those who are into sewing but do not want to get into the business full time. This type of business is brisk during this time of the year since the demand for uniforms are high. One only needs to have a handful of satisfied customers for the business to be advertised through word of mouth. Just like the previous business idea, this can be done at home so there is likewise no need to rent a space or a stall.
Pros
With the way prices have been increasing these past few years, more and more families are using hand-me-down clothes instead of buying new ones for their younger kids Getting these hand-me-downs ready would mean minor repairs and that’s where you come in. Every community has their friendly neighborhood modista and you can be that in your village. Also, this business can be done during weekends and after office so it will not affect your day job.
Cons
Although lucrative, this type of business is a bit time-consuming and will definitely not be as lucrative compared to other businesses. Another disadvantage of this kind of business is the need for a sewing machine, something that not everyone has.
Pre-packed Baon Business
Making your kid’s baon in the morning is not only time-consuming but is also a test in creativity since you have to make sure that the baon that you are preparing is not boring and bland. If you have to make for one, why not make for twenty kids? Sure, you will have to wake up a little bit earlier but wouldn’t it be satisfying to see more kids’ faces light up whenever they get their baon?
Pros
You can include your kid’s baon in your calculations so you will not only earn money from the baon of others kids but your kid’s baon will be free as well. This idea will allow you to make money while giving your kid the best baon you can provide. With this type of business, no space will be needed since you can sell the pre-packed baon to your kid’s school bus mates or classmates.
Cons
Canteen owners in schools might not like you very much. Without needing to pay rent, your merchandise will most likely be cheaper than those sold in the canteen so don’t expect to be popular and well-loved when you come visit the canteen. Also, this business will require you to wake up earlier than usual but unlike the other businesses mentioned earlier, this can be lucrative not just during the start of the school year but rest of the year as well.
Whatever business you decide to enter during this back to school season, always remember that business need not be a full time and those who work full-time need not quit their job to start a business, with a little research and ingenuity, we can put up our own business. We need only to find our niche and work hard.
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