In the midst of turbulent international relations and the ongoing pandemic, many individuals have embarked on the quest for alternative income sources. If you’re considering starting a business and making money online in the Philippines, the first step is to find reliable suppliers for your niche products. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you how to locate trustworthy suppliers in the Philippines and provide a list of verified suppliers to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey.
- Finding Suppliers in the Philippines
Finding suppliers in the Philippines is no longer a well-kept secret. Numerous locations are teeming with potential suppliers for your desired products, such as Baclaran, Divisoria, Taytay, IKEA Pasay, and various bodegas situated in Cavite, Mandaluyong, Caloocan, QC, and more. Depending on your niche, these places may have the items you need for your business. We’ll also introduce a few verified suppliers to help you get started.
- On-Site Visit
While the pandemic might make this option a bit challenging, one way to find suppliers in the Philippines is by physically visiting potential suppliers. Meeting suppliers in person, inspecting their shops, and getting an overview of their products can provide peace of mind. Direct transactions can also help you avoid intermediaries that add extra costs to your purchases.
- Social Media
If visiting in person is not feasible, social media platforms, especially Facebook, offer an alternative. Many Facebook groups and communities are dedicated to specific niches or products, and you can often find suppliers within these groups. However, exercise caution when using social media for significant transactions, as it carries a risk of scams and disadvantages not present with on-site visits.
- Locator Groups
Locator Groups are often found on social media and curate and verify lists of suppliers within their communities. While some of these groups require a small fee to access their lists, they openly declare the niches included in their listings. These lists are regularly updated, ensuring you have access to the latest supplies. Some locator groups even offer people-for-hire to visit and research inventory on your behalf.
- Supplying Websites
Importing products from suppliers outside the Philippines can be more challenging, as there are various checks and intermediary steps to ensure legitimacy. However, these products often come at low prices, making it worthwhile. Some reliable platforms for importing products include Alibaba, Aliexpress, and Taobao.
Types of Suppliers in the Philippines
Here are a few verified suppliers to help you get started in different niches:
- Food Suppliers: Binondo Street and Great Food Solutions offer a wide selection of meat products, ready-to-eat snacks, and dry goods like flour and sugar, with flexible pricing.
- Candle Suppliers: Raw Essential provides essential tools for candle making, including wicks, molds, and fragrances.
- Clothes Wholesale Supplier: The clothing and fabric industry is significant in the Philippines. Consider Alibaba, Viajero Wholesale’s Facebook page, or Kily Philippines’ website for wholesale deals.
Things to Do After Finding a Supplier
Once you’ve found a supplier, there are essential steps to take:
- Test the Supplier’s Legitimacy: Before making substantial orders, verify the supplier’s legitimacy by ordering a small quantity first. Test the products thoroughly and negotiate prices before committing to a larger deal.
- Find More Than One Supplier: Having multiple suppliers is beneficial in case of unforeseen issues with your primary supplier, ensuring continuity of your business operations.
- Choose COD or COP: Negotiate cash-on-delivery or cash-on-pickup options to check items before payment, providing additional peace of mind.
Questions to Ask Before Finding a Supplier in the Philippines
Before embarking on the supplier search journey, consider these questions:
- Is This a Winning Product? Ensure your product has a high demand and will sell quickly. Conduct market research to gauge demand before seeking a supplier.
- Do I Need a Supplier Right Now? Explore dropshipping as an alternative to keeping inventory. This method involves purchasing products directly from a third-party supplier when orders are received.
- Do I Have Enough Funds? Make sure you have the necessary funds, whether from business capital or savings, to cover the cost of purchasing product stocks.
If you answer “yes” to all three questions, then you’re ready to proceed.
Finding suppliers in the Philippines may be a challenging task, but with determination, thorough research, and sufficient funding, you can locate the supplier you need to kickstart your entrepreneurial dreams. Suppliers play a crucial role in your business success, so take your time and choose wisely. Your entrepreneurial journey awaits.
