John, really enjoyed the informative talk with your guest. One of the biggest takeaways that I got was to do your "due diligence" prior to sinking a lot of money into the product. A big thanks to Dave for sharing his insight.
The thing to keep in mind is this: Most people think the Philippines is synonymous with poverty and, hence, no opportunities. However, 12% of the population has Western levels of purchasing power and are willing and eager to spend on high quality, reasonably-priced goods.
Yes, it's fairly easy to communicate with alibaba sellers. They respond to your inquiries right away. You can even negotiate for a thousand order requirement despite their pronoucement of 5 to 10 thousand minimum order requirement. Yeah, we did manage to import a product just a fraction of the seller's minimum order requirement.
Ive never seen any video in TH-cam that shares this mu h details in the import business in PH. Thank you very much for sharing!! A good follow-up would be how to find a shipper
Ive been dabbling with this in my mind for ages. Was put off with import duties and tax but this was put into perspective. Ive seen a lot of firms advertising from China and they claim that both tax and duty are included in their price be it per item or CBM. Anyway, great show will subscribe, if this guy is ever interested in business partner then let us know.
Hey Jon, appreciate you watching, subscribing, and sharing your thoughts. I think there's options like you've mentioned that will simplify the process. Alibaba has made one of the most difficult parts--finding reliable suppliers--much easier.
I found some FANTASTIC manufacturers here in the Philippines that can offer great products and prices without the costs of import fees, taxes, etc.. I buy direct from the manufacturer and I get discounts on shipping or free shipping for the garden products I offer.
This is fantastic. One thing I can’t get here in cebu city is celery that is to Western standards. The stalks here are much smaller and much more bitter, and it’s really not a good substitute for my morning celery juice which has been critical on my healing journey. Do you or Dave have any ideas on how I can procure imported celery (likely from Australia) without having to buy in bulk? I’m happy to pay a premium but I’ve hit dead end after dead end. Requires refrigerated transport which is likely the nail in the coffin here. Frozen wild blueberries I’ve come across the same issue. I’m out of my depth on sourcing these, please help if you have any ideas 🙏
Hi John, your video just pop up! Just clicked and watch and i am hooked up. .. and im interested so i did subscribed 😊.I am Canadian Citizen but Filipino at heart.. Your vlog is interesting.. I am planning to have a business in the Philippines.
Few months ago my husband and I thinking of that diaper business there is a reason behind it why we decided that and still don't know how to start. Because we are here in Canada. Then this video pop up on my screen yesterday...I just watch .. and it happens you discussed that business with your guests. It's inspiring.. the universe is telling me.. "Do it!" 😊
hmmmm.....personally, I would not pursue the type of importing he is mostly speaking to. Too many moving parts, labor, fees, steps to the process......lots of sales to make a few pesos each. I understand volume, but most won't have the money, skills, organization or patience to get to that stage. And, there are just so many other ways to make money with a lot less complexity. If I was going to invest a significant amount of money in the Philippines, it would be real estate. Start with small lots that most Filipinos can afford and flip it, or hold and flip, improve and flip, put up a small house and flip, etc. If you buy right there is very little risk involved. I've done this twice without the intent to "make money", but purchased land, improved it, and for various reasons sold later and made very significant profits both times even after all costs, expenses, taxes, labor, etc, etc. If I were going to import, I would likely focus on a niche, not try to deal with the super competitive market of toothpaste and diapers. A niche like gourmet foods, trending branded items, etc and move through them fairly quickly. I do like his idea of buying extras of somewhat high ticket things we normally use anyway (refrigerator, furniture, equipment, etc), and reselling them for a profit. In fact, now is a great time to simply stock up due to inflation. A can of tuna that cost 60 pesos in the market 6 months ago is 70-80 pesos today. Buying things in quantity that won't spoil and that you will use up anyway is like free money, like investing and getting 10-20% return on your money. Canned good last 2 years or more, and if I buy tuna at 60 pesos and a year from now it's 85 pesos, that's a fantastic return on my money that I would have spent anyway at some point. Anyway, I've always thought about importing as a business hustle, but I wouldn't do it with toothpaste and diapers.....I'll leave that to Lazada, Alibaba and the million and one home based hustlers.
Hi John, appreciate you sharing your thoughts. Importing isn't for everyone and for sure lots of moving pieces--though more for products like food compared to diapers. I get there's a lot of competition but there's also a lot of demand for diapers and toothpaste. For me it's comes down to whether a product is oversaturated with sellers or if there is a way to offer something that differentiates you. I'm increasingly interested in real estate--condos in particular. But when it comes to land foreigners would have to use their spouse to buy and sell so this only works for foreigners married to Filipinas.
@@JohnSmuloTV Hi John, thanks for the response. I think we understand each other on the whole "toothpaste and diapers" thing. In my mind it IS oversaturated and with people who have more resources than the average Filipino....or even expat.....and that's why I take the position I do. After some 40 years in retail, wholesale and distribution I understand the inner workings of business, and there are a lot of moving pieces to an import business selling things for a few pesos each. Many people, Filipinos and Foreigners alike, simply don't understand the thousand and one steps to being successful in such an importing business, or business at all. They don't have the skills and often don't understand how to account for their own labor, much less the "hidden" costs of business. They have no business being in business. And don't get me started on how even large Filipino companies here, from grocery and food service to hardware and equipment could learn some key and critical lessons about doing business....from marketing and inventory to personnel and merchandising. I mean all of this with due respect, but it's true. For the average Filipino and Foreigner, I cringe how many Filipinas tell their Foreigner husbands they want to start a sari sari store ......and sell things making one or two pesos apiece all day. Magnify this for importing thousands of items and having to sell them....from the planning, investment and research needed to the labor, inventory, accounting, transportation, phone calls, paperwork and more. As to real estate, it does take a trusted Filipino, but it doesn't have to be a spouse. And there are completely legal ways to "reward", "compensate" or give a Filipino a small piece of land or "commission" to help you buy and sell a piece of property through a combination of a loan, lease, and power of attorney agreements....allowing the foreigner to completely and legally control virtually every aspect of the purchase, retention, building on, and sale of real estate. I have run this through real estate attorneys, and they agree it's the best way for a foreigner to deal in real estate legally and have full control. So, it can be done and by any foreigner without being married.
Great info. It is good to hear that there are business opportunities for foreigners who are business minded in the Philippines. I just subscribed to your channel from watching this video. Keep up the great content.
Thanks for watching and subscribing Robert! Really appreciate your support. There are business opportunities here for sure, though sometimes challenging to find them.
Because there are so many ways to do business and get scammed in the Philippines 🇵🇭 ...The best way to make a your small fortune is to go there with a large one to start out with 😂. Something which cannot be duplicated easily, The high end is a much better demographic....
Very good Information, i also start import from china, and next steep i want import food or drinks, can share Dave his brocker with us maybe? I contact some brocker before but never get any good feedbacks.
Hi Rachael, Dave can probably help you with that. If you want me to connect you to him send me a Facebook messenger message and I can connect you with him there
Hi john! I watched your videos and it is really helpful. I am a real estate admin and wanted to start a small VA company with my friends. We have an experience in real estate, social media management, SEO, Photo and video editing, and Medical technologist. Please get in touch with us so we can talk to you.
WTF??? How can she not mention the $200,000 Domestic market enterprise cost? EVERY FOREIGNER WHO OPENS A OPC MUST INVEST $200,000 TO GET STARTED! This is a HUGE omission and i dont know why its not mentioned. I just wasted lots of time and money visiting the Philippines only to find this out after i got back and yes i spoke to Heidi and tried to use her services.
Unless this has changed very recently, it's not $200,000 to set up every type of OPC. You mentions domestic, and certainly that costs a lot more than an OPC which is export only (even though confusingly "export only" according to my attorney allows for about 30% of domestic sales.)
I do sea kayaking holidays and guided trips. The $200,000 investment capital is absolutely required for almost everyone. I wish it wasn't but it's a huge omission on your part.
Starting a business at the moment, just moved here from Australia a month ago. Just want to know about the transfer of money between my Australian bank and the Philippines bank, haven't got a Philippines bank account yet getting an ARC card shortly.
![3 Bookkeeping Business Fails You Gotta Stop! [Starting a Bookkeeping Business & Accounting Firm]](/img/n.gif)
Huge value given on this video, Keep it up!
John, really enjoyed the informative talk with your guest. One of the biggest takeaways that I got was to do your "due diligence" prior to sinking a lot of money into the product. A big thanks to Dave for sharing his insight.
Thanks Dave! Definitely an important takeaway.
The thing to keep in mind is this: Most people think the Philippines is synonymous with poverty and, hence, no opportunities.
However, 12% of the population has Western levels of purchasing power and are willing and eager to spend on high quality, reasonably-priced goods.
There is a lot more money and opportunities in the Philippines than most foreigners--and I think so many FIlipinos--feel.
@@JohnSmuloTV So true
Wow John...great info for those who are considering making the big move. Thank you again for all the golden nuggets! All the best !
Thanks Dave! That means a lot to me.
very informative. Thank you for making this video
Fantastic guest with great information. Thanks John
Thank you for your encouragement! Glad you found it helpful.
Wow! Great info. Thanks to you and Dave.
Thank you for watching 👍
Yes, it's fairly easy to communicate with alibaba sellers. They respond to your inquiries right away. You can even negotiate for a thousand order requirement despite their pronoucement of 5 to 10 thousand minimum order requirement. Yeah, we did manage to import a product just a fraction of the seller's minimum order requirement.
Ive never seen any video in TH-cam that shares this mu h details in the import business in PH. Thank you very much for sharing!! A good follow-up would be how to find a shipper
I'm very glad you found it helpful. Appreciate the follow up idea
Ive been dabbling with this in my mind for ages. Was put off with import duties and tax but this was put into perspective. Ive seen a lot of firms advertising from China and they claim that both tax and duty are included in their price be it per item or CBM. Anyway, great show will subscribe, if this guy is ever interested in business partner then let us know.
Hey Jon, appreciate you watching, subscribing, and sharing your thoughts. I think there's options like you've mentioned that will simplify the process. Alibaba has made one of the most difficult parts--finding reliable suppliers--much easier.
I found some FANTASTIC manufacturers here in the Philippines that can offer great products and prices without the costs of import fees, taxes, etc.. I buy direct from the manufacturer and I get discounts on shipping or free shipping for the garden products I offer.
Good video John. Tell Meljean (MJ), Dustin, Raymund and Reche I said Hi.
Thank you Keith. I haven't met Dustin in person yet but hopefully one of these days.
Great Content John👍
Thank you very much!
very informative, big thanks!
Shipping and logistics are the challenge...scalability and supply is the next..
Your based in the Philippines too?
Awsome Vlogg, very informative. Most of the questions I had were answered.
Glad to hear that!
This is fantastic. One thing I can’t get here in cebu city is celery that is to Western standards. The stalks here are much smaller and much more bitter, and it’s really not a good substitute for my morning celery juice which has been critical on my healing journey.
Do you or Dave have any ideas on how I can procure imported celery (likely from Australia) without having to buy in bulk? I’m happy to pay a premium but I’ve hit dead end after dead end. Requires refrigerated transport which is likely the nail in the coffin here. Frozen wild blueberries I’ve come across the same issue. I’m out of my depth on sourcing these, please help if you have any ideas 🙏
Hi Wes, I feel your pain. There's some items that I really wish I could get here and it's been a challenge. I'm not sure with celery. Dave may know.
My formula is 5x mark-up because of all the risk and middle man/tax/etc.
I understand. How long have you been doing importing for? Would be interested to know more your experience
Great 👍 video john
Thank you Javier 😊
Great information John
Thanks
Thank you very much
Great info there guys. Thanks alot
Thank you Graham!
Hi John, your video just pop up! Just clicked and watch and i am hooked up. .. and im interested so i did subscribed 😊.I am Canadian Citizen but Filipino at heart.. Your vlog is interesting.. I am planning to have a business in the Philippines.
Very good to connect. Any idea on type of business here
Few months ago my husband and I thinking of that diaper business there is a reason behind it why we decided that and still don't know how to start. Because we are here in Canada. Then this video pop up on my screen yesterday...I just watch .. and it happens you discussed that business with your guests. It's inspiring.. the universe is telling me.. "Do it!" 😊
hmmmm.....personally, I would not pursue the type of importing he is mostly speaking to. Too many moving parts, labor, fees, steps to the process......lots of sales to make a few pesos each. I understand volume, but most won't have the money, skills, organization or patience to get to that stage. And, there are just so many other ways to make money with a lot less complexity. If I was going to invest a significant amount of money in the Philippines, it would be real estate. Start with small lots that most Filipinos can afford and flip it, or hold and flip, improve and flip, put up a small house and flip, etc. If you buy right there is very little risk involved. I've done this twice without the intent to "make money", but purchased land, improved it, and for various reasons sold later and made very significant profits both times even after all costs, expenses, taxes, labor, etc, etc. If I were going to import, I would likely focus on a niche, not try to deal with the super competitive market of toothpaste and diapers. A niche like gourmet foods, trending branded items, etc and move through them fairly quickly. I do like his idea of buying extras of somewhat high ticket things we normally use anyway (refrigerator, furniture, equipment, etc), and reselling them for a profit. In fact, now is a great time to simply stock up due to inflation. A can of tuna that cost 60 pesos in the market 6 months ago is 70-80 pesos today. Buying things in quantity that won't spoil and that you will use up anyway is like free money, like investing and getting 10-20% return on your money. Canned good last 2 years or more, and if I buy tuna at 60 pesos and a year from now it's 85 pesos, that's a fantastic return on my money that I would have spent anyway at some point. Anyway, I've always thought about importing as a business hustle, but I wouldn't do it with toothpaste and diapers.....I'll leave that to Lazada, Alibaba and the million and one home based hustlers.
Hi John, appreciate you sharing your thoughts. Importing isn't for everyone and for sure lots of moving pieces--though more for products like food compared to diapers. I get there's a lot of competition but there's also a lot of demand for diapers and toothpaste. For me it's comes down to whether a product is oversaturated with sellers or if there is a way to offer something that differentiates you. I'm increasingly interested in real estate--condos in particular. But when it comes to land foreigners would have to use their spouse to buy and sell so this only works for foreigners married to Filipinas.
@@JohnSmuloTV Hi John, thanks for the response. I think we understand each other on the whole "toothpaste and diapers" thing. In my mind it IS oversaturated and with people who have more resources than the average Filipino....or even expat.....and that's why I take the position I do. After some 40 years in retail, wholesale and distribution I understand the inner workings of business, and there are a lot of moving pieces to an import business selling things for a few pesos each. Many people, Filipinos and Foreigners alike, simply don't understand the thousand and one steps to being successful in such an importing business, or business at all. They don't have the skills and often don't understand how to account for their own labor, much less the "hidden" costs of business. They have no business being in business. And don't get me started on how even large Filipino companies here, from grocery and food service to hardware and equipment could learn some key and critical lessons about doing business....from marketing and inventory to personnel and merchandising. I mean all of this with due respect, but it's true. For the average Filipino and Foreigner, I cringe how many Filipinas tell their Foreigner husbands they want to start a sari sari store ......and sell things making one or two pesos apiece all day. Magnify this for importing thousands of items and having to sell them....from the planning, investment and research needed to the labor, inventory, accounting, transportation, phone calls, paperwork and more. As to real estate, it does take a trusted Filipino, but it doesn't have to be a spouse. And there are completely legal ways to "reward", "compensate" or give a Filipino a small piece of land or "commission" to help you buy and sell a piece of property through a combination of a loan, lease, and power of attorney agreements....allowing the foreigner to completely and legally control virtually every aspect of the purchase, retention, building on, and sale of real estate. I have run this through real estate attorneys, and they agree it's the best way for a foreigner to deal in real estate legally and have full control. So, it can be done and by any foreigner without being married.
Thank you
Great info. It is good to hear that there are business opportunities for foreigners who are business minded in the Philippines. I just subscribed to your channel from watching this video. Keep up the great content.
Thanks for watching and subscribing Robert! Really appreciate your support. There are business opportunities here for sure, though sometimes challenging to find them.
Very nice!😀
Thanks Chris! Hopefully I can interview you about exporting when you're here 😁
Great stuff. Thanks
Thank you for watching!
Another interesting topic
Glad you enjoyed it NY
Because there are so many ways to do business and get scammed in the Philippines 🇵🇭 ...The best way to make a your small fortune is to go there with a large one to start out with 😂. Something which cannot be duplicated easily, The high end is a much better demographic....
Lol that is the common advice. I agree completely about high end
Very good Information, i also start import from china, and next steep i want import food or drinks, can share Dave his brocker with us maybe? I contact some brocker before but never get any good feedbacks.
Happy to put you in touch with Dave to ask if you like. Just send me an email to hello@johnsmulo.com
been trying to find out WHAT ARE the importing fees on things. i.e. boats.
How Do I get an agent in the Philippines? Who can but and ship my goods on my behalf
Hi Rachael, Dave can probably help you with that. If you want me to connect you to him send me a Facebook messenger message and I can connect you with him there
Ok bud i have a car there i can't get parts can i send car parts from seattle
Alibaba is owned by JackMa
Opo interesting person
Find a need and fill it.
Yes
i am sure all the other sellers will appreciate dave underpricing them
I don't think its much of a difference, but that's the nature of business--some charge less and some more.
Hi john! I watched your videos and it is really helpful. I am a real estate admin and wanted to start a small VA company with my friends. We have an experience in real estate, social media management, SEO, Photo and video editing, and Medical technologist. Please get in touch with us so we can talk to you.
Glad you found it helpful! Not sure how to get in touch. Send me a message on Facebook messenger.
WTF??? How can she not mention the $200,000 Domestic market enterprise cost? EVERY FOREIGNER WHO OPENS A OPC MUST INVEST $200,000 TO GET STARTED! This is a HUGE omission and i dont know why its not mentioned. I just wasted lots of time and money visiting the Philippines only to find this out after i got back and yes i spoke to Heidi and tried to use her services.
Unless this has changed very recently, it's not $200,000 to set up every type of OPC. You mentions domestic, and certainly that costs a lot more than an OPC which is export only (even though confusingly "export only" according to my attorney allows for about 30% of domestic sales.)
What kind of business were you seeking to start
I do sea kayaking holidays and guided trips. The $200,000 investment capital is absolutely required for almost everyone. I wish it wasn't but it's a huge omission on your part.
Hello guys. If you want to import products from china to Philippines i can help ship your goods. Delivered to your doorstep 😊
Can you send me email or add me Facebook and tell me more hello@johnsmulo.com
Does Dave have a last name or Facebook page..
I asked Dave and you can add me on Facebook and then I'll connect you two on Facebook messenger
Does this interviewee have a Chanel or contact information I could get
Send me a message on Facebook and he said I can connect people in group chat there.
🇵🇭👍❤️🙏
Thanks!
good information ,your guest is much better than you in explaining busenis.
Lots of people are better than me at explaining business.
Starting a business at the moment, just moved here from Australia a month ago. Just want to know about the transfer of money between my Australian bank and the Philippines bank, haven't got a Philippines bank account yet getting an ARC card shortly.
I have an episode on my other channel, California Expat where I talked about how to transfer money.😊
Hi does dave have a facebook account or by any means of communicating with him? Thanks.
You can add me on messenger and mention Dave and I'll create a group to introduce you