Sari Sari Store || Basic Pinoy Business 2020

Our family is well known for handling a Sari-Sari Store in our Province. It was actually my training ground. It is where I learned most of my skills (Negotiation, Vendor Management, Inventory, and Financial Management).

Setting up a Sari-Sari Store in the Philippines. Do’s and Dont’s

Every business has its own plan and strategy. You may be wondering do you really need to write a business plan and strategy? For me Yes, at first this will act as your guide and eventually this plan and strategies will make you the numbers you need.

The question is how much do we suggest as your business capital. At the end of this article, we’ll compute the amount needed to operate your sari-sari store business.

So what are the Must-haves of a Sari-Sari Store?

Drinks and Beverages include Soft-drinks, Ready to Drink Juices and Sports or Energy Drinks.
Display Rack Items include Canned Goods, Condiments and Food Preparation Items plus Toiletries also Manually Packed Items (Rice, Sugar, Charcoals, Cooking Oil and Etc.).

Hanged Items such as Powder Juices, Retail Junk Foods, Powder Detergent Soaps and Fabric, Conditioners, Shampoo and Bar Soap Sachets, Instant Powder Drinks (Coffee, Chocolate, Milk, Cereal, Etc.)Seasonings Sachets (Chicken Cubes, Seasoning Powder and Etc.).

Transparent Close Lid Items are Candies & Chocolates, Biscuits and Brownies, Cigarettes & Lighters, Noodles Pack and Cup Noodles.

A) Emergency and Optional Items B) Candles C) School Supplies D) No need prescription medicines
E) Mosquito Coils or Repellant Lotions F) Top-ups (Air Time Loading)

One strategy in a small neighborhood, most likely your customers would buy are from their basic needs. Items that we listed above.

Assets : What is the equipment you need to open your sari-sari store we’ll call this as business ASSETS that you’ll have in your store, for example, the display rack? Either you buy it or built and customize a new one.

The POS is not required but it is very helpful in determining your store inventory. You may also need metal rods that are ideal for Hanged Items. Though not part of your asset you need to allot some funds for minor construction such as painting and some carpentry works.

Permits: Putting up a business requires permits from the government. If your asset is below 300,000 to operate then you fall under the BMBE or barangay micro business enterprise. You need to inquire about this at the barangay where your business will be located.

Let’s Name Your Business: The registered business name could be the same as your brand name. If you need to copyright your trademark you may register this at IPO Philippines.

For example, Marco’s Sari-Sari Store as your brand displayed outside the store however it is not available business name in DTI. The DTI system will suggest using Marco’s Grocery Store.

Initial Computation (Example Breakdown)

Display Rack : 1,200.00
Metal Rod: 150.00

Paint with Labor 800.00
Drinks and Beverage: 500.00
Display Items: 2000.00

Hanged Items: 1500.00
Close Lid Items 1500.00
Loading Initial Bal. 1000.00
Permit 1000.00

Total 8650.00

Having a successful sari-sari store requires self-discipline and hard work. If you are just opening a sari-sari store to suffice your daily needs then most likely your sari-sari store will close in just a few months.  You as an owner need to pay/record it in order for you to know what exactly you earned for the day.

In your operation,  you need to practice to put a 15% to 20% mark up on top of the suggested retail price. This will help you identify how much did you earn for a specific amount earned from sales.

In the end, always put your goal in mind and that goal is to earn money. Again for more helpful tips in a traditional business set up you may contact us at Master En Vee