Home-Based Business Ideas

CEBU, Philippines - There are a lot of things to choose from for a business - it's only a matter of imagination and, well, of available capital of course. In a service business, a person's skills are oftentimes the main product. Although some service businesses also require expensive equipment.

The bigger challenge is when the business is to be done at home; the operations have to fit whatever little space is available. The usual home activities of the family have to be considered, too. For example the kitchen table needs to be cleared quickly if it is also used as study table by the kids; which means Mom has to do her cupcake business exclusively at daytime.

Thus, a home business requires very good planning and creativity. Especially when capital is scarce, prior study is also necessary. Questions like "How much capital is needed to come up with the product?"; "Who are the prospective customers and how many are there of them?"; "Will it earn equitable profit? etc. shall be answered first.

First and foremost, there must be at least an idea of the kind of home-business to enter into. The following may help the mind take off on a quest for the right business to embark on:

Sari-sari store.

This is undoubtedly the most common small business in the country. In areas where there's no strong competitor, a sari-sari store can bring in good income. People need such basic home items as rice, sugar, salt, cooking oil, instant noodles, sardines and other canned goods, laundry detergent, toothpaste, and such.

The sari-sari store can also carry a cell phone load business on the side. With Filipinos belonging to the top cell phone texters on the planet, cell phone load is always in demand.

Tutorial services.

For teachers and other professionals who are forced to stay at home for one reason or the other, running a tutorial service does not only beat the boredom but can be a source of good income, as well. Possible clients would include students with difficulty in certain subjects, and others wishing to learn certain trades that are within the tutor's line of expertise. With proper scheduling of clients, the business need not interfere with home life.

Homemade foods.

Barbecue is quite common, whether pork, chicken or hotdog - but there's a market for it everywhere. Or, lunch box meals may also click, especially in areas near offices or factories. Also, homemade goodies like cakes, pastries, leche plan etc. can be a hit with friends, their friends and the friends of their friends' friends. The products have to be really best, though, in order to generate effective word-of-mouth referrals among consumers.

Specialty crafts.

Candle making, wood and shell crafts can very well be done at home. They may be labor intensive, but don't require big capital. Creatively designed candles or pencil holders, for example, are easy to sell to homes and offices. The shopping malls are also good product outlets to consider. 

Professional services.

Accounting and bookkeeping services by home-based professionals are welcome with fellow small businesses.  These services are attractive since there's no need to hire a full-time employee for dealing with the BIR, SSS, Mayor's Office, SEC and other government regulatory agencies. Other possible professional services include website design and development, consulting (in one's line of expertise), etc.

Poultry and hog raising.

 This one really requires some space and won't do in cramped city districts. Yet for those living in the periphery of the city and with enough backyard space, this is good to try. It does not have to be a big undertaking right away. It is better to start small, learn more, and grow. But, at least, no matter how small the project, there's a pig or two to sell later, or chickens and eggs for home use. 

Garage sales.

This is quite simple and easy to do. Regularly checking on the things at home is sure to turn up pieces that are no longer needed but are still useful. These are good to offer to those who have need for them. It's a win-win situation - the seller is happy for being able to make some money from items no longer needed, and the buyer is happy, as well, for finding a needed item for a fraction of its price at the store. Organizing a garage sale does not have to be limited to one's extra home resources and may be done also  for the neighbors - for a little percentage of the proceeds.

There are a lot more home business ideas: phone secretarial service, beauty home service, dressmaking, dance lessons, voice coaching, self-defense lessons, writing, potted plants (especially useful herbs) etc. There are enough to fit everyone's situation. (FREEMAN)