Can you hear the Christmas bells ringing already? Here in the Philippines, Jose Mari Chan’s famous Christmas in our Hearts and other popular hits are already played constantly in malls. Even if you are on the other side of the world, your Christmas spirit has not and will never die down because let’s face it, iba talaga ang Pasko sa Pilipinas.
Still, Christmas equates to spending. At this point, you need to start making a list and checking it twice because your hard-earned money will be spent buying gifts for your family back home. Instead of using your Emergency Fund (and we assume you have one), you can try getting a sideline for additional cash.
Here are some business ideas you can try:
1. Buy and Sell
One of the good things about working overseas is that you find items that are not available in the Philippines. Take advantage of that by selling hard-to-find products for extra cash. Or you can do the other way around by selling Filipino products to your friends and colleagues overseas. Going online may be your first option especially if you will sell items from overseas, but don’t forget that old school selling where you are face-to-face with your customers is still effective.
Either way, you will earn so make sure you take advantage of it, especially during the Christmas season.
2. Use Your Photography Skills
Are you into photography? If yes, then now is the perfect time to use it for extra cash.
You can offer themed photography sessions to your colleagues for affordable fee. Since you are already abroad, choose a place where the background or scenery would look good on pictures and work your magic there. You can also tap immigrant families since they surely want to send photos that show a glimpse of their new life to their relatives in the Philippines.
Word of mouth travels fast and who knows, this could also launch your photography career.
3. Turn Creativity into Cash
Do you love making cards? Then offer personalized card-making services, which your OFW fellows could send back home to their respective families. This is better since the message comes from the heart and not just written by a company.
If they think that going Hallmark is dead, then you can also try making personalized gift tags, which your colleagues could use especially when sending gifts back home. You can also offer this service to your supervisors since surely, they would want to send gifts with personalized gift tags on it.
Scrapbook making can also be another business idea you can try. The drawback is this would take a lot of your time.
If you find it tedious, then try decorating services. Some families may not have the time to set up their homes just in time for Christmas, so this would be a great opportunity to showcase your skills – for additional fee, of course.
4. Food won’t Let You Down
Everybody eats. Since it’s Christmas season, Filipino communities all over the world love get togethers since it gives them a taste of home.
If you are good in the kitchen or mastered several dishes, then take advantage of that and offer party trays for a fee. Don’t forget to leave your contact details so they could refer you to future events.
If baking is your thing, then bake your famous goodies and sell it. If you want to set yourself apart from the rest of the bakers, then try coming up with your own flavors. This way, they can easily identify you and the product you’re offering.
There’s no right or wrong when it comes to business. What matters is your willingness to learn and take risks for better and more secure financial future of your family. In case you need additional funds, Balikbayad is here to help. Fill out our online application for pre-approval and we will get back to you as soon as we can.