Bloggy Business Today

In the Philippines, providing alternatives in any line of business is really something to behold. You can refill ink cartridges, bottled water and now perfumes. Now the initial two are something common we see in the world market today but the latter, refillable perfume is something that is bound to make you wonder, “What will they think of next?”

Well, there is this small stall located at the 3rd level of Robinsons Galleria in Ortigas. I actually saw it last week when my wife was looking for Prescripto, a known local company that sells imitation perfume in fabricated simple bottles. While looking for it, we came across this stall called Scents for Cents which showcased a lot of original perfumes to which I saw my favorite, the Tommy Boy brand.

I know very well that there is no sense in considering it since knowing stuff that came from the Philippines, it is sure to be fake. These perfume concoctions are normally mixed with 90% water and 10% the actual scent. How do they maintain the scent? Well, we all know how strong and how easy it is to create aromas that can be easily added into the mixture.

Anyway, I decided to give it a try. Take note of this advertising placard they had which you cannot miss!

“WE REFILL ORIGINAL PERFUMES”

So upon seeing that, I had an old original bottle that I got from the United States and brought it there. I just wanted to see if they really can refill the bottle.

To my surprise when I got there, the sales attendant told us that they cannot refill original bottles because they are sealed. In dismay, I pointed to the placard and said “If that is the case, why do you place that ad card. You are fooling people!”

She replied, “We only refill perfumes that make use of our bottles, sir”

So in a matter of speaking it was supposed to say:

“WE REFILL ORIGINAL PERFUMES THAT MAKE USE OF OUR BOTTLES”

Talk about advertising, that was a cheap shot. But nevertheless, I had no intention of buying anyway so I let it go.

Then I wanted to ask how much the bottle of Tommy Boy perfume was using their bottle even if my wife was telling me that it was not worth it. The answer?

“Sorry sir we only have the original Tommy Boy with us. We don’t have the one that your type of bottle has”.

I shook my head in disbelief. She was basing perfumes on bottles? I just left and said you are fooling people but it will all come back to you and went away to avoid making a scene.

Oh and by the way, the perfume bottle that I did have really was the original Tommy Boy perfume straight from the United States. So I guess you know now why I was really pissed.

So when you happen to pass by Robinsons Galleria and see this stall on the 3rd level check out the sign. But avoid buying anything there. They are marketing something just for attention and if you do buy, it is just a waste of time.

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Of all of the different entities that would encourage you on developing your home business, one might not expect the government to be at the top of that list. But the Government of Canada and many other federal governments around the world has caught onto the home business trend and is now advising people of the different things they should think about when planning a home business operation.

For example, the government talks about the generation of ideas, how to plan for your business, how to secure the capital needed and how to make sure that your productivity is still high in spite of everything else. These are all very real concerns to the average home business worker and for that reason it is definitely a good idea to take the suggestions that anyone might make seriously. The government really has nothing to gain out of people going into home business for themselves, so it is definitely a good source of information since they have all of the statistics in front of them in the form of tax returns, bank records and benefit information.

Tips on Starting a Home-Based Business

Pick a home business idea that interests you, for which you have a talent or expertise, for which there is a need, and which you can afford to finance.

Do your market research. In a home business, as in any business, getting as much information as possible on your customers, competition, suppliers and market area before you start is essential.

Do a complete business plan, including financial planning, before beginning.

Check on and obtain all necessary licenses, permits and registrations for your line of business. This includes checking with your city/town/R.M. to see if it’s legal to operate your business from home.

Have business cards, stationery, brochures, etc., printed by professionals. A polished, professional look is particularly important for home-operated businesses.

Advertise. Scan and target T.V. and radio stations, newspapers, magazines and newsletters geared to your market. Use public and special libraries to access this information. Canadian Advertising Rates and Data (CARD) lists Canadian publications, T.V. and radio stations, and their advertising rates.

Self-market. Go to stores, companies, etc., to market your service or product in person. Be sure to spend some time finding out about your potential customers before you try to “sell” them.

Designate and design a work area that is separate from the mainstream of your home activities.

Install a separate business phone, fax and Internet connections.

Check on any extra insurance needs. Shop around for policies, but make sure that you’re adequately covered.

Make use of free publicity. Send out news releases, present your product or service to a newspaper editor, radio or T.V. producer if applicable.

Don’t overlook management/bookkeeping. Lack of managerial expertise is one of the single highest causes of business failure. Take courses, seek expert advice or hire help, but do learn basic management skills before you start.

Talk to owners of similar businesses outside your market area to get an idea of the potential and status of that line of business.

Join trade associations, business community associations, (i.e., chambers of commerce), business networks or clubs to help establish contacts.

Check both federal and provincial taxation requirements with Canada Revenue Agency and the Provincial Retail Sales Tax Office in the provinces where these are applicable. Find out about allowable deductions for automobile expenses, business meals and entertainment, and home offices expenses for self-employed persons.

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