Here’s the harsh truth about life: what you’re earning overseas is and will never be enough. You have to consider how many mouths to feed, bills and other expenses to be paid, and even extended relatives. Despite earning in dollars, you might notice that what you have every end of the month isn’t sufficient.
This is why in Balikbayad, we constantly remind and encourage everyone to consider putting up their own business, no matter how small it is. In case capital is your issue, we’re here to help, too.
If you prefer to start small or something your family back home could start for additional income, then you might want to try reloading business.
Why become a cellphone load retailer?
- You can start with minimal capital, or at least P2,000.
- Anyone can do it, which means your spouse or even kids can manage this type of business even while they are at home.
- With more than 100 million prepaid subscribers, becoming a cellphone load retailer is a good opportunity to earn additional income.
Given these reasons, here are tips on how to start your cellphone loading business:
Tip No. 1: Establish the details.
Running an e-loading business is easy, but this doesn’t mean you don’t pay attention to it. You need to know the specifics – where you plan to operate, whether or not your preferred location has good foot traffic, and how much you plan to invest among others. You might want to put it in the place where you have an existing business, like sari-sari store.
The point is establish the basics first before you fully commit to it.
Tip No. 2: Have a separate mobile phone for your loading business.
You don’t need to buy the latest smartphone in the market. Any phone will do, as long as you can still text or call. Having a separate phone is recommended so that you could separate your business from personal.
If you insist on using just one phone, then make sure you go for units with dual-sim. This way, you can still differentiate which one is e-loading and which sim is for personal use.
Tip No. 3: Choose between exclusive or all-in.
Being an e-loader means you need to choose between the two: become an exclusive reseller for ONE company or become a third-party distributor.
If you are an exclusive reseller, then there is a higher profit as much 13 percent. Unfortunately, you’re tired to one telecoms company, so you cannot sell any load from its competitor.
On the other hand, becoming a third-party distributor means you can provide load to all networks. This expands your market since you could cater to all prepaid users. Aside from load, you may also sell other mobile products like subscriptions and on-demand services.
The downside is that profit may not be as big compared to being an exclusive reseller. You also have to be careful in choosing a partner since scamming is still rampant these days.
Tip No. 4: Apply.
Now that you established what type of load retailer are you, it’s time to apply to the appropriate merchant.
If you plan to become an exclusive load retailer, then you can easily go to their business centers to apply. Online application is also applicable for convenience. You will also be required to purchase a separate sim card – hence, the separate mobile phone – that you will use for this business.
If you want to carry all networks, then visit the third-party distributor of your choice. Most distributors have online application, so take advantage of that as well.
Take note of the details such as how much you’ll earn per transaction, do’s and don’ts, and how to’s so that business will be smooth sailing.
Tip No. 5: Promote your business.
Social media posting may not be applicable on this one, which is why you need to think of ways to let people know that your loading business exists.
Posting a signage outside your home is the easiest and most effective way to market your business. Being friends and letting your neighbors know that you have a reloading business is also recommended since nothing beats word of mouth.
What do you think? Are you open to running your own reloading business?