Shop Design and Atmosphere Matters

The design and atmosphere of a store is everything. If people are unwilling to even come in through the door then client potential is lost. Think of it like those first few moments when you enter an interview and the employer decides in seconds whether you will fit in with the rest of his staff. In the same way as soon as a customers look at the store they know whether it is their kind of store.

In a fast paced world people make snap decisions very quickly. So what can you do to improve a retail store?

Plan
Plan the kind of customers you wish to attract. A toy store and a music store will attract very different kinds of people. Before opening up spend some time researching other stores that fit into your type. Decide what you like about them? Don't be afraid to ask people their opinions. The worst thing they can do is knock you back but if someone shares their thoughts with you it could be life-changing.

Location
Make sure it is in an eye-catching spot so that people can find it easily.

Our laundry shop is always mistaken to be a retail store not a laundromat because of the cozy design and the lighting. When you open the door to Raspberry Laundry the first thing you notice is the coolness. Unlike the hot, humid climate found at most laundromats, the air at Raspberry Laundry is refreshing. One thing i have observe from other laundromat is they poorly design the shop. For me what your shop looks like will have an impact on the customer's first impression of your business. 

I personally design the lay out of our shop before it was constructed. By doing that it saves me a lot of time and money and i figure out how it would look like even before it was made.

Clear Signs
Nothing is more frustrating to a customer when areas aren't clearly signed or items priced. A happy customer will be able to find what they are searching for with minimum fuss. For clothes you need size and gender clearly labeled. For groceries have signs for the different kinds of products.

Friendly Staff
It may sound obvious but it is surprising how many stores you enter and the staff don't seem to care. If staff are helpful and show customer care it immediately creates a pleasant atmosphere for everyone. Potentially unpleasant situations are diffused. Shy customers don't feel afraid to ask for help and will return again.

The kind of design or atmosphere you have will make or break your store. Make it a pleasant experience for your customers.

Mom's are great Entrepreneurs

Being an Entrepreneur mom is a pretty tough job. I struggle daily to find balance between work and motherhood. And yet, I wouldn't trade it for anything, and I believe that each somehow complements the other.

I started my home based business when I became a mom, so I think there's a connection between business and motherhood. I have found that running a business is not entirely different from running my family. In fact, my family flourishes most when I run it like my business. With my family, just like with my business, we create vision and mission statements, set goals and strategies. We meet daily and even do team-building activities. So overall, I think my business benefits from me being a mom.

I meet moms all the time who are afraid that they can't build a business because they are parents. Not true. Just because I choose to put my family first does not mean I shortchange my business.
Being a mom makes me a better businesswoman because like being a parent, owning a business is the toughest job you'll ever love. "What most people don't realize is that the right business is also one of the best ways to take control of your life."

Here are tips to help get you going:

1. Develop a game plan. Just like you planned for the arrival of your baby, you need to plan for the birth of your business.
2. Save your money or get used to not eating out. It takes money to make money, so you'll need to invest money into starting a business. The good news is that if your kids are young, eating out may not be a ready option, thus making it easier to avoid temptation.
3. Line up the support squad. Many mompreneurs work while the kids are asleep, but there will be times when you need to focus on work beyond nap time. Hire someone to look after the kids.
4. Find a business in a field you know about. The chances for a business to be successful increase when you work within an industry you know. If your skills or passions take you to an unfamiliar place, see the next secret.
5. Ask for help. A well-kept secret: Most people will help--if you ask them. Find someone, locally or online, who has done what you want to do. Ask him or her to advise you. Learning from someone else's mistakes and successes is priceless.
6. Include your kids where possible. Don't hide your business from your children--make it a learning experience for them. There are many ways to include them, from simply labeling and packing boxes to filing and entering data.
7. Find your passion. Starting a business isn't easy, but neither is parenting. Find something you love, so when the going gets tough, your passion for it will keep you going.

How to register your business?

Registering your business to make it legal can be a pain in the neck because you have to go from one agency to another before you can operate.

In putting up a business, there are several government agencies you have to register with depending on the type of your business. These are the following:

For Single Proprietorship

STEP 1

Business Name Registration Certificate
Visit Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) Provincial Office or log on to www.bnrs.dti.gov.ph.
Validity: 5 years
Requirements:

• Accomplished Business Name Registration Form [Single Proprietorship/Partnership]
• Tax Identification Number (TIN)
• List of five business names ranked according to preference
• Registration fee of P 300.00

STEP 2

Mayor’s / Business Permit
Local Municipality where the business is located
Validity: 1 year
Requirements:

• Accomplished Business Permit Application Form
• DTI-Business Name Certificate
• Sketch of he business location
• Fire Safety Inspection Clearance
• Sanitary Permit (from City Health Officer)
• Barangay Clearance
• Lease Contract
• 2 pcs 2×2 colored ID picture
• Registration fee, the amount of which depends on the type of the business

STEP 3

Tax Identification Number (TIN)
Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) National Office
Agham Rd., Diliman, Quezon City
Trunkline: 981-7000; 981-8888
Email: contact_us@cctr.bir.gov.ph
Website: www.bir.gov.ph

STEP 4

Social Security System (SSS) Certificate
SSS Loans and Investment Office
SSS Building, East Avenue
Diliman, Quezon City
Tel: 920-6401; 920-6446
Email: member_relations@sss.gov.ph
Website: www.sss.gov.ph

Requirements:

• Accomplised R1 form
• DTI Business Permit
• Mayor’s Permit

STEP 5

Department of Labor and Employement (DOLE) Registration (with 5 or more employees)
DOLE-Labor Standard and Enforcement Division
2/F Dy International Bldg.
San Marcelino cor. Gen. Malvar St. ,Malate, Manila
Hotline: 527-8000 Tel: 339-2013
Email: osec@dole.gov.ph
Website: www.dole.gov.ph

Requirements:

• Accomplished Rule 1020 form
• Lay-out business location
• Vicinity Map

For Partnership

STEP 6a

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Certificate
SEC Building, EDSA, Grenhills
Mandaluyong City
Tel: 726-0931 to 39
Email: mis@sec.gov.ph
Website: www.sec.gov.ph
Onine registration: iregister.sec.gov.ph/MainServlet

Requirements:

• Verification Slip Form (re: proposed name)
• Accomplished Registration Data Sheet
• Articles of partnership
• Written Undertaking to Change Corporation Name
• If the contributed capital is in the form of property, additional requirement is needed:
• Deed of Assignment executed by the stockholder who is the owner
• 
  

For Corporation

STEP 6b

SEC (see above address)

Requirements:

• Articles of Incorporation and Buy-laws
• Verification Slip Form (re: proposed name)
• Accomplished Registration Data Sheet
• Treasurer’s Affidavit
• Bank Certificate of Deposit
• Authority to verify bank accounts
• Written Undertaking to Change Corporation Name when necessary
• Subscribers Information Sheet
• If paid-up capital is a property, submit the following additional requirements:
  • Statement of Assets and Liabilities
  • Deed of Assignment executed by the stockholder who is the owner of the property in favor of the corporation. If the property contributed is a building or a parcel of land, the deed must be presented to the register of Deeds for registration.
  • If the property being contributed is a parcel of land, submit detailed list of the parcel of land showing the OCT/TCT numbers, registered owner, lot and block number, area, location and encumbrances, if any
• Registration fee of P360.00

Other Agencies

Depending on the type of products they manufacture or handle and on their market orientation, certain firms are required by law to register with other government agencies. The following is a list of regulatory bodies and industries / business they regulate:

a. For those engaged in the export of coconuts and coconut by-products

The Philippine Coconut Authority
Export Division
PHILCOA Bldg., Quezon Memorial Circle
Diliman, Quezon City
Tel. No. 928.4501
Email: pca_cpo@yahoo.com
Website: www.pca.da.gov.ph

b. For all manufacturers of garments and textile for exports

Garment and Textile Export Board (GTEB)
New Solid Building
4/F New Solid Bldg., 357 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City
Tel. No. 890.4651 to 52

c. For rice, corn and flour dealers

National Food Authority (NFA)
Regulatory Division
Matimias Building (infront of Q.I)
101 E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue, Quezon City
Tel. No. 712.1768
Email: nfa_admin@nfa.gov.ph
Website: www.nfa.gov.ph

d. For processors and traders of fibers and fiber products.

Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA)
License Division
Asia Trust Bank Annex Building
1424 Quezon Avenue, Quezon City
Tel. No. 373.7495 / Fax No. 373.9244
Email: fida@pacific.net.ph
Website: www.fida.da.gov.ph

e. For those engaged in the export of fish and fish products other aquatic products.

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)
Licensing and Regulatory Division
860 Arcadia Building, Quezon Avenue, Quezon City
Tel. No. 372.5046
Email:info@bfar.da.gov.ph
Website: www.bfar.da.gov.ph

f. For exporters of animals and animal by-product

Bureau of Animal Industry Animal Health Division
BAI Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City
Tel. No. 928.2836 / 928.2778
Email:dir.bai@manila-online.net
Website: www.bai.da.gov.ph

Bureau of Plant Industry
692 San Andres St., Malate, Manila
Tel. No. 525.7313
Email: cu.bpi@da.gov.ph
Website: www.bpi.da.gov.ph

h. For exporters of Forest Products (e.g. logs, number products, plywood, etc.)

Bureau of Forest Development
Forest Management Bureau
Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City
Tel. No. 927.6229
Email: fmbdenr@mozcom.com
Website: www.forestry.denr.gov.ph

i. For those engaged in the production or export of flue-cured Virginia-type tobacco, Burley tobacco and Turkish/Oriental tobacco products.

Philippine Virginia Tobacco Administration
Market Development and Regulation Department
Scout Reyes Street cor., Panay Avenue
Diliman, Quezon City
Tel. No. 372.3186
Email webgroup1@da.gov.ph
Website: www.da.gov.ph

j. For commodity clearance for producers, manufacturers or exporters, whose product quality after due inspection, sampling and testing, is found to meet established standards.

DTI – Bureau of Product Standards (BPS)
3rd floor, Trade and Industry Building
361 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City
Tel. No. 751.0384
Email: bps@dti.dti.gov.ph
Website: www.bps.dti.gov.ph

k. For firms who want to register their patents and trademarks.

DTI-Intellectual Property Office
361 IPO Building, Sen. Gil J. Puyat
Avenue, Makati City
Tel. No. 752.5450
Email: mail@ipophil.gov.ph ; dittb@ipophil.gov.ph
Website: www.ipophil.gov.ph

l. For business interested to tie up with export oriented firms as sub-contractors/suppliers provided they fall under any of the following sectors: garments and handwoven fabrics, gifts and housewares, furniture and fixtures, footware and leather goods, fresh and processed foods and jewelry.

National Subcontractors Exchange (SUBCONEX)
12/F Trafalgar Plaza., 105 H.V. Dela Costa St.,
Salcedo Village, Makati City
Tel. No. 811.8231

m. For enterprises engaged directly or directly in the service, repair and/or maintenance of vehicles, engines and engineering works, electrical, electronics, air-conditioning and refrigeration, office machines and data processing, equipment, medical and dental equipment including the technical personnel like mechanics and technicians employed by such firms.

DTI- National Capital Region (DTI – NCR)
Ground Floor, Trade and Industry Building
361 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City
Tel. No. 7510.384

n. For those engaged in the production of food, drugs and cosmetic products.

Bureau of food and Drugs (BFAD)
Civic Drive, Filinvest Corporate City
Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Tel. Nos. +632-8070721 / +632-8425606
Email: bfad@bfad.gov.ph
Website: www.bfad.gov.ph

How to Start a Favor Business?

Weddings, birthdays, and parties take place everyday. Your services as a party favor specialist are in demand. Making favors or keepsakes for parties can be fun, enjoyable and profitable. As a party favor specialist for over ten years, it's not as hard as you think to get started.

Getting Started
Do you like going to parties or showers? Do color schemes excite you? If so, then this business is for you. The main idea to creating a party favor is keeping the occasion in mind. You need to be creative and have some unique ideas for each occasion. 

The key to a great favor is the quality and neatness. No one wants to hand out favors that are messy, falling apart or just down right dirty. As a favor specialist, your attention to detail is a must. All favors you create must be closely identical to each other. This is the beauty of a keepsake. They all look alike. You don't want the guest to fight over which one they want to pick up. If they all look the same, that's an excellent accomplishment.

Jumpstart your favor business today!

How to deal with clients?
Be very specific with client orders. Have clients write down their colors, the amount and all specifics name and date on an order pad. Clients are easily quieted if they see their own instructions written down. Verify spelling, date and all other pertinent information. Once tags are printed they can not be redone without incurring additional expense.

How do I make a price list?
Excellent question! What is the sense of having a business if it is not profitable? You have to make a price list and stick to it. The most efficient way to make a pricelist is to know how much your expenses are.

How to get customer recommend your business?

You may think it's impossible to get customers recommend your business.Almost everyone has their own favorite spa, salon, etc.If customers are impressed and satisfied with your service then customers will be happy to recommend your business to other people.It takes one happy customer to get a positive comment towards your business.

If your customers are impressed with your business then customers will be happy to recommend your business to other people. It is pretty simple.
You will get new clients from time to time from recommendations. It is a great way for your business to gain more profit.

I remember back in 2005 when we do retailing of construction materials where in we have a competitor who manage his business for almost 20 years while we are still newbie in the business way back then, We try to be friendly and approachable as can be and that made our satisfied customers recommend our business to their friends and relatives.We have established a good customer relation.What am i saying here? Most of the customers would like to be treated well.

No matter how good the service, if you don't have a good customer service relation the effort would not be enough. Don't look at one client as just one account that provides your company with several hundred peso more each month. Look at each client as someone that help your company get more than just several hundred peso by getting you new accounts just by their recommendations.

One day you will have more new customers than you can handle. It all goes back to making the customers happy. When you show that you care about the customers then in return they will show that they care about your company by recommendations to other people. It is important to be friendly and helpful to all customers.

Business Financial Plan

A curious thing happens to entrepreneurs in the end of every year. You wake up one day and realize you had better figure out how much money was made last year in order to pay your taxes. But wait, shouldn't a business owner already know how much money he or she made last year, last quarter, or last month? Don't wait. Develop your financial plan today.

If you don't keep track of how much money you're making, you have no idea whether your business is successful or not. You can't tell how well your marketing is working. You need to know what your net profit is. If you don't, there's no way you can know how to increase it.
To be successful in business, you need to make a financial plan and check it against the facts on a monthly basis, then take immediate action to correct any problems. Here are 8 steps you should take:

Create a Financial Plan:
Estimate how much revenue you expect to bring in each month, and project what your expenses will be. If you need it, get help from business planning books, software, or an accountant.

Review the Plan Monthly:
Even if time is taken to prepare a financial plan with profit and loss projections, it often sits in a desk drawer. It's not enough to have a plan -- you have to review it regularly.

Lost Profits Can't be Recovered:
When comparing your projections to reality and finding earnings too low or expenses too high, the conclusion often is, "I'll make it up later." The problem is that you really can't make it up later; every month profits are too low is a month that is gone forever.

Make Adjustments Right Away:
If revenues are lower than expected, increase efforts in sales and marketing or look for ways to increase your rates. If overhead costs are too high, find ways to cut back. There are other businesses like yours around. What is their secret for operating profitably?

Think Before you Spend:
When considering any new business expense, including marketing and sales activities, evaluate the increased earnings you expect to bring in against its cost before you proceed to make a purchase. You can often increase your profitability simply by delaying expenses to a later month, quarter, or year.

Don't be Afraid to Hire:
Retailers and restaurateurs wouldn't consider operating without employees, but many service businesses limit themselves by being understaffed. Almost any business can benefit from hired or contracted help. You can better use your talents for generating revenue than for running errands and filing.

Pay Yourself a Salary:
If you are incorporated, you may already be doing this. If not, allocate an amount to owner's compensation on a monthly basis. Each month that your business meets its profitability goal, pay yourself the full amount. When you miss your target, dock your "pay" and when you exceed it, pay yourself a "bonus." Writing yourself a monthly paycheck will give you a strong incentive to keep your business profitable.

It's About Profit, Not Revenue:
It doesn't matter how many thousands of peso you are bringing in each month if your expenses are almost as high, or higher. Many high-revenue businesses have gone under for this very reason -- don't be one of them.

How to name your business?

It's very important to choose the right name for your business. It can create a good first impression for customers and also provide a great foundation for building your brand.
 

You can be creative when choosing the name. However, it needs to be appropriate and work on all types of marketing material, from signage to stationery.
Avoid hard to pronounce words or irrelevant business names.

Your business name must meet certain rules relating to prescribed and sensitive words and expressions. And you must ensure it hasn't already been taken by another business.
Even if you don't want a website just yet, you should consider registering an appropriate website address - or domain name. The domain name has to be available and registered through an agent eg a website host for a small annual fee.

After deciding on a name, you should consider protecting it, for example as a trademark.
If you want to start on a sole proprietorship, you must register and check on DTI Department of Trade and Industry.
If you want to start on a partnership, you must register it with SEC Security and Exchange Commission.Like business names, your registered name must comply with rules on prescribed and sensitive words and expressions. It also has to contain required words.
Finally, Defining your product or service can help you to work out your customers' needs and generate more sales.