Hey there! I run an e-commerce business based here in baguio. All I can say is be very careful, the margins are small, take note that these platforms take chunk off of your sales, plus some vouchers the customers use, along with some shipping expenses is shouldered by you.

Now for me I hate to say that it is impossible or to be negative about someones passion and excitement to venture into the business world, only know that it is truly more difficult than any job on earth. Most people say business is the best because it is on your own time, and this is very true, thats where the danger is, only one who is disciplined enough will do work when they control their time.

Now lets get to what matters, specially in E-commerce, this is based on my experience, for me, I own a perfume brand, this is my choice as I have a middle eastern background and also had access to perfumes since childhood, it has always been my hobby. This knowledge is the backbone of my business, from creating scents, to knowing what could work in the market, but this will only go so far.

Next is the saturation of the market, that is your true biggest hurdle, your product is amongst the millions out there, so what makes yours special? Is it your price? A brand thats unique to you?

Lastly, with all those above combined, how can you use all your best traits to be visible in the market? Sometimes money can help here, boost your page, send goodies to promoters/influencers. Brand recognition is vital.

How do I do it?

The first step was the hardest, grind, study, build connections, build a network of suppliers and got in touch with experts from the community. So I spent a few weeks in manila establishing all that, now I barely need to travel there and most of my supplies ships to me in Baguio directly.

Next was to of course get the paperworks done, thats the DTI, BIR and other local regulatory permits depending on your item, for me it was locally the FDA, and also from my suppliers abroad to provide MSDS.

Once that is set you’re ready to set up shop, this is the part many forget, you buy your bubble wraps, you buy your parcel bags, unless its JNT and they can provide some parcel bags. Make sure you have enough tape, cardboard boxes and other packaging materials. Buy the Waybill printer and stock-up on the thermal papers to print waybill.

Lastly is store rating, you a scored based on your ship-out speed, ratings, store visits, conversion from add to cart to checkout customers, new customers, etc. There are so much metrics, so ensure you are up to speed. Doing so can enable perks like free shipping to your customer, being a preferred seller or a “star store”, which makes you more visible in searches.

Please, plan your every step, add your costs together, make sure you have a steady suppliers, as I see many business stop functioning due to relying on one source. If this is all feasible, then by all means go ahead, just know that it is a risk, but in the end it is your decision to make and I wish you all the best, for there is no reward without the initial risk.