There is an entrepreneur inside all of us that wants to come out.

However, we are limited by our fears and beliefs; thus, we prefer to follow the business ideals set by others. Entrepreneurs are driven by one thing: PASSION.

If you have a passion for an activity, a skill that has remained dormant, or assets that only gather dust, the spirit of entrepreneurship will find a way for you to monetize them.

You can jump-start your entrepreneurial journey with a home-based business that requires these passions and skills and utilizes assets instead of letting them succumb to depreciation.

Before you start, you should have three very important components in place:

  1. A fully functioning and mobile-responsive website
  2. Accounts in the Big Three social media: Facebook, Twitter, and Google+
  3. Calling cards, printable brochures, and marketing materials

Finally, be prepared to network your services tirelessly during the first quarter of operations. You should get the word out, which means massive, ambitious online and offline networking activities.

Here are the best ideas that you can consider for your home-based business in the Philippines.

Best Home-Based Business Ideas in the Philippines

1. Selling Products Online

From a plastic fork that was allegedly used by Michael Jordan to a potato chip that bears the likeness of US comedian Jay Leno, people make money by selling products online.

If you have talent with handicrafts or you plan to distribute a product in your region, going online opens a huge window of opportunity to find potential markets of buyers.

2. Freelance Writing

It is one of the basic skills that was taught to us while growing up. However, although everyone can write, not everyone can write great, engaging content. Online job platform Elance cites “Writing Services” as the most in-demand service for freelancers.

3. Blogging

Given the development of the Internet and the popularity of social media, businesses have turned to a less intrusive form of marketing that is effective in generating leads. This form of marketing is called content marketing, and its centerpiece is blogging.

How in demand is blogging? In 2014, a Filipino made Php 2.6 million in one year by creating content and blogging for several clients!

You need to be proficient in English writing to become a good blogger. Your spelling and grammar must be spot-on all the time. However, your ability to create relevant, engaging, and inspiring content is the most important.

Here are a few tips to become a good blogger:

  • Write constantly
  • Read up on several subject matters
  • Be organized in your approach
  • Be detail-oriented in spelling and grammar
  • Write from your heart

4. Build Websites

Of the companies that generate between US$ 2.5 to US$ 4.5 million, 67% own websites. Only 53% of small business owners have websites. However, given the increasing popularity of smartphones for Internet surfing, the demand for company websites is expected to skyrocket in 2015.

5. Business Coaching

The number one reason small businesses fail is lack of experience. If you have accumulated a wealth of experience managing or owning businesses and have developed a solid reputation in the industry, you can find a comfortable niche as a business coach.

6. Personal Training

The number one reason individuals who work out quit is because they don’t get results. If you have a passion for fitness and enjoy sharing your knowledge and expertise with others, personal training can be your calling. However, make sure you have the required accreditations and certifications before accepting clients.

7. Healthy Food Delivery Service

While it still is a viable business opportunity, I think the time is right for the market to accept a more specialized type of food delivery service.

It’s more than just an opinion but a social commentary that the food offered by retail food proprietors remains unhealthy.

You simply cannot find a place to eat healthy food in malls or anywhere around the city. Even the salads are not healthy; these are laden with mayonnaise-based dressings. The options are very limited.

Thankfully some entrepreneurs have recognized the growing demand for health food and have set up delivery services.

A home-based health food delivery service is a smart idea because you can keep the prices down while maintaining good margins. Healthy food is more expensive because the ingredients do not undergo food processing. These are not exposed to chemicals, pesticides, and hormones which decrease shelf life.

Food is processed to extend its shelf life, lower cost, and improve taste. But food processing involves the use of refined sugars, excess sodium, high fructose corn syrup, and other artificial ingredients which have been linked to cancer, diabetes, mental illness, cardiovascular diseases, and high blood pressure.

With a healthy food delivery concept, you should always buy fresh ingredients. It would be a better idea only to accept advance orders to give you time to shop and prepare so that you won’t compromise quality, or delivery time.

Health food is a growing segment in food delivery. And contrary to popular belief, it tastes really good! You can have baked chicken fillets with vegetables and brown or turmeric rice for 180 to 220 Pesos. Compare that to the burgers, fries, and drink they sell at a fast food restaurant at nearly the same price.

8. Real Estate Agent

Real estate is an investment that pays out over time. Demand for real estate property remains consistently high in the Philippines. This is why even if the property does not look viable today it may do so in the future because of gentrification.

Local governments invest in gentrification activities to increase the market value of their real estate. You may have noticed this around your neighborhood. You can see the local government fixing roads, putting up street lights, or allowing more permits to open up businesses along the main streets.

Real estate remains a valuable asset because it represents ownership of land from a country. You can buy property in an area with low real estate value and given time; it could appreciate and payout dividends multiple times over what you paid for it.

As a real estate agent, you can represent the seller and become a Listing Agent. Or you can represent the buyer and be a Buyer’s Agent. You could also look for people who prefer to invest rather than live on the property. Another option is to become a Property Manager for condominiums and commercial spaces.

Agents are paid commissions that are calculated on the final sale price of the property. The amount of your commission can range from 2.5% to 3% depending on the location of the property.

If you want to become a real estate agent, the first thing you should do is sign up for a 120-hour course on the real estate market from an accredited real estate training center. Once you’ve completed the course, you can take the licensing test from the PRC or Professional Regulation Commission.

As a real estate agent, you have to build your leads list constantly. Networking is a very important activity. Attend open houses, auctions, and listings as often as you can. Introduce yourself to developers or real estate and connect with reputable real estate investors.

9. Health and Wellness

People are also looking for alternative ways to become fit and healthy. The most popular classes are for yoga and Pilates, which train the body and mind. Similar to personal training, you should have proper certifications before offering your services.

10. Buy and Sell

If you have the eye for spotting value and the ability to negotiate, buy and sell may be the business for you. eBay is a popular online site for buying and selling items. Many people have made good money by buying items and selling them on eBay for profit.

11. General Cleaning Services

For sure you’ve noticed gas prices are heading toward 50 Pesos per liter. Petroleum is a main factor of production which means you should expect prices of commodities to rise over the next few months.

The Peso is also rapidly depreciating at nearly 50 Pesos to a US Dollar. As a net importer, the deterioration of the Peso will exert more upward pressure on the prices of commodities.

Thus, more households will remain dual income. Both parents have to continue holding down jobs to pay the bills. They may not have enough resources to pay for household help and time to do the cleaning.

General Cleaning Services is a great business opportunity to earn income and to give dual-income families an option to keep their homes clean.

You will need to buy cleaning supplies, equipment ,and solvents. If you include carpet cleaning, you will have to get a steam cleaner. To bring down costs, you should enter into a supply contract with a reputable supplier of cleaning products.

Give discounts to homes that sign up for your services every week. Carpet cleaning can be done every 3 to 6 months. The usual charge averages 25 to 35 Pesos per square meter.

12. Photography

If you have an eye for telling a story, photography may be the home business for you. Photographers are constantly in demand because various events take place every day.

You have birthday parties, weddings, corporate events, and anniversaries. You can even offer your services to marketers looking for materials to be done. Magazines and websites are also constantly hiring photographers for graphic design purposes.

This business requires a relatively huge investment because a professional camera and its supporting equipment are very expensive.

13. Pet Care Service Provider

No doubt you’ve also noticed the increase in the number of pet care proprietors in malls and around the city. There is a big market for pets because there are people who consider them as part of the family.

You can offer the following services in pet care:

  • Grooming
  • Veterinary Services
  • Walking
  • Pet Sitting
  • Pet Supplies Distributor

While you’re at it and if you or someone you know has the requisite training and expertise, why not offer Pet Psychiatry services? This is what famed “Dog Whisperer” Cesar Milan and cat psychologist Jackson Galaxy of “My Cat from Hell” do, and it pays out well.

Make sure you have licensed or certified people working for you aho share the same love and passion for animals. Dog walking is a service that requires certification.

You can offer these services at your home or have mobile services available.

14. Pest Control

Who can tolerate cockroaches, insects, and vermin? Restaurants, offices, and households are the usual clients. You need to make sure that all chemicals and pesticides in this service receive the proper clearance from the appropriate implementing agencies. The great thing about pest control is you can offer monthly retention arrangements.

15. Car Repair and Maintenance

It seems the new administration in charge of Metro Manila traffic is leaning toward retaining the number coding scheme. Not only has the number coding scheme been proven to be ineffective in reducing traffic but it is one of the reasons why there are more cars every year.

It’s all about supply and demand. When you curtail the use of a car, it will necessitate buying a new one to ensure the conduct of daily activities remains unhampered. This is why the car is no longer a luxury but a necessity.

It is estimated that by 2020, the number of cars traversing Metro Manila will be 500,000.

As demand goes up, so will car prices. Given the increase in the price of petroleum and the deterioration of the Peso, cars will become more expensive every year. But people will still have to buy them because, in the absence of a comprehensive public transportation program, cars will remain a necessity.

People would rather maintain their cars and have them repaired rather than buy a new one. If you have the skills, the equipment, and the best mechanics, you will easily find customers for your car repair and maintenance services.

16. Music Instructor

Some people cannot absorb music instruction in a classroom setting because feelings and emotions are integral to learning, and group sessions can be disruptive. This business is great if you have received formal training and if you are passionate about music.

17. Senior Care Business

The majority of the population is getting older, and not everyone wants to commit their parents to homes for the elderly. In this type of business, trust and reputation are critical.

It is not enough that the caregivers and nurses that you contract present the required certifications and updated clearances from the law enforcement authorities. Conduct due diligence and always check on references, such as past clients.

18. Car Restoration

In light of the spiraling prices of brand-new cars, the market for car restoration has experienced a resurgence. Prospective clients here also include those who have been involved in accidents. A unique niche is those who want home service.

19. Tutorial Services

There are many tutorial service providers in the Philippines. But there is always room for one more!

My observation is these tutorial centers are focused more on establishing the basics or fundamentals in each discipline rather than helping the student understand his or her current lesson.

Developing basics is good; it encourages good habits. However, doing the same drills in Math will not contribute much to a student who needs help in solving Word Problems.

These types of tutorial centers are better suited for preschool children but are next to useless for students who are deep into formal education. And they are not exactly affordable either!

There are very few tutorial centers that help students manage homework or prepare for tests. And if there are, the coverage is limited to only Math and English. Why not include Science, AP, Filipino, Economics, and Social Studies?

If you decide to set up home-based Tutorial Services, you should offer instruction for current lessons. Hire teachers who can provide instruction up to Grade 12 initially.

On average, a person can maintain focus for only 90 minutes. You can schedule 1-hour classes per student or groups per subject. It would be a good idea to set up a few glass-enclosed, soundproof booths in your home. Include an intercom with a headset, so parents can listen to their children perform.

20. Virtual Assistance

Did you know the Philippines ranks among the top three providers of virtual assistance support in Asia? From their ourvey, the online job platform Elance reveals that 1/8 of their eight million freelancers are from the Philippines!

There will always be a good demand for virtual assistance services because businesses are constantly looking for ways to streamline costs without compromising productivity. Virtual assistance is their best option to run their businesses without incurring the additional costs involved in hiring full-time employees.

To become a virtual assistant, you need the following:

  • Reliable computer
  • Good headset
  • Online profile in several online job platforms (e.g., Elance, Guru, and freelancer.com)
  • Above-average English proficiency
  • Familiarity with several online collaboration tools (e.g., ASANA, DropBox, Skype, and Slack)
  • Proficiency in MS Office

21. Tutoring

Parents are also looking for experts who can guide their children in achieving higher grades in selected subjects in school. Not all students excel in a classroom environment, and some require individualized instruction. If you will hire teachers, please check their certifications, references, and previous clients.

22. Home Security

The market for home security products and services has increased and reflects the current state of law and order in the country. In addition to the usual CCTV and lighting sensors, look to distribute products that are proven deterrents but not available in the industry. It would be a good idea to attend trade shows in the US that highlight the latest in home security devices.

23. Transcription

This is one of the promising industries in freelancing. The Philippines is a popular destination for companies that need transcription work done. There are three popular types of transcription services: medical, legal, and audio.

If you want to become a transcriptionist, enrolling in a few transcription courses is a good idea. Accuracy is the most sought-after quality in a transcriber. Doctors and lawyers are constantly looking for transcriptionists with a 95% accuracy rating.

You need to have a high proficiency level in English and a background in the field of transcription you want to work in. For example, if you choose to become a medical transcriber, having a background in the sciences helps understand many of the complex terminologies.

The following are the must-haves as a transcriptionist:

  • Reliable computer
  • Headset
  • Stable Internet connection (you will be receiving a lot of data)
  • Knowledge with CRM
  • Foot pedal to control the speed of audio

24. Accounting Services

Companies are outsourcing accounting services to generate cost savings and to minimize risks of collusion within the organization. You have to buy licenses for the latest accounting software and must have a secure FTP site and fast but accurate encoders.

If you do not have a background in accounting, hire someone with an accounting degree and experience as your project manager. A CPA holder is not required unless you offer analysis of financial statements and auditing services.

25. Wedding Planner

Although seasonal, weddings are planned by couples months in advance. If you are highly organized and have a network of caterers, florists, pastry chefs, hotel reservation agents, photographers, and a team you can depend on, this can be the career for you.

26. Events Hosting

If you have a vibrant, optimistic, sociable personality and have a quick wit, this can be your calling. These characteristics are your advantage if your network includes contacts for party amenities, entertainment, celebrities, photography, and food retail.

27. Junk Removal

It’s a dirty job that not many people want to do; which is why you should consider getting into it. Your potential clients include households, offices, and local government units, which may award long-term contracts.

You need to assure clients of trucking facilities, warm bodies, and equipment to pull out items regardless of size and condition from the premises.

28. Moving/Logistics

If you own light trucks that are underutilized, you should get into the moving business. You may be surprised at how difficult it is to book a moving company. This observation indicates good demand for these services. Potential clients include households and companies that need transportation services to haul cargo.

29. Personal Trainer

For sure you’ve noticed the increase in fitness-themed shows on TV. This is because people want to get fit but don’t have the time to go to the gym. Traffic will always remain a problem in the Philippines. On a weekday, it may take you 1 to 2 hours to get from your home or office to the gym.

These TV shows are great, but nothing beats personalized instruction. More people are hiring Personal Trainers today so they can stay on track with their fitness goals. There are many disciplines that you can offer as a Personal Trainer. These include the following:

  • Yoga
  • Pilates
  • Bodyweight Exercises
  • Boxing/ MMA
  • Running
  • Weight Training
  • Cross Fit

You can set up a small, private gym in your house or offer personalized instruction at the gym where the client is a member. Of the latter, take note that most gyms do not allow third-party personal instruction. Make sure your client gets clearance from the gym. Another option is to pay home visits for personal training.

If you want to be a Personal Trainer, you should get licensed or certified by a reputable organization such as:

As a certified Personal Trainer, you could charge 300 Pesos to 1,000 Pesos per hour per client. If you have credentials as a champion in a related sport such as Bodybuilding, Power Lifting, Weight Lifting, or Cross Fit, you can charge even higher.

30. Computer Repair and Maintenance

Another important item that will be subject to inflationary forces is the computer. Even though mobile gadgets have overtaken the PC as the primary source of online traffic, the desktop still offers great value for life and work.

But it is expensive to keep replacing computers every year. The advantage of the desktop over laptops, notebooks, and tablets is you can just upgrade the motherboard, increase the memory, and improve other hardware to make it as good as new.

Computer Repair and Maintenance will remain a valuable and in-demand service You can repair computers at home or conduct in-house repairs for an extra charge.

If you have the experience and the necessary skills, include mobile gadgets in your suite of services.

31. Carpet Cleaning Services

If you have a large network of households and offices plus contacts in the hotel industry, you can make a good recurring income with this business. Be prepared to invest in the latest cleaning equipment and make sure that the chemicals and solvents that you use have been approved by the appropriate agencies.

32. Air-conditioner Repair Services

Air-conditioner is a necessity in a tropical country, such as the Philippines. On average, air-conditioners run six hours in a household, and some companies use their units 24/7. They are subject to regular maintenance and cleaning services. The people you contract for repairs must have experience handling air-conditioners of various types.

33. Dog Walking

This other niche service is slowly catching on. Owners love their dogs as if they are family. However, dogs need to be walked every day. Some dogs of a particular breed must be walked twice a day, and some owners may have no time to do this. If you love dogs, this is the business for you.

34. Air Conditioning Repair and Maintenance

Forget what US President-elect Donald J. Trump thinks about global warming. We have been experiencing extreme and unpredictable changes in the weather for the last ten years.

While working on this article a few nights ago, the temperature became inexplicably warm. The electric fan was no longer sufficient and in fact, was circulating warm air. I had to open the air-conditioner.

I normally do not open the air-con unless the temperature is unbearable which it was that night. The barometer in the kitchen read 37 degrees! This was at night!

Haven’t you noticed that in the middle of November, the weather continues to remain unusually warm? I believe our summer months will just get warmer and more humid.

Similar to the automobile, the air-conditioner will be declared a “necessity.” Buying a new air-con can be expensive especially if you opt for an Inverter. It would be better to have the unit repaired and serviced every few months.

As a proprietor of air-con repair and maintenance services, you will need good technicians and updated equipment. Make sure your technicians are familiar with different brands and types of air-conditioners.

A home visit for cleaning costs between 500 to 800 Pesos per unit. Repair services could average 1,500 to 3,000 per unit depending on the type of air-con and the extent of the repair. In addition to repair and maintenance, you should offer installation services.

35. Cell Phone Loading Business

As long as the phone companies continue to fall behind in their commitments to build facilities that support landlines, the demand for mobile services continues to rise in the Philippines. The majority of these services cater to prepaid subscribers.

According to a 2011 study by the World Bank, 96% of mobile subscriptions in the Philippines are prepaid. How mind-boggling is 96%?

In 2013, the Philippines had a population of 94,013,200 and a mobile subscriber count of 106,907,068. Assuming that the percentage remains the same, that’s 102,630,078 prepaid subscriptions, which is still more than the entire population of the Philippines!

Starting a cell phone loading business is easy. You can select the carrier of your preference and then inquire about its load retailer arrangements. You can also provide for several service providers but make sure to use a separate cell phone for each of them. Some third parties offer arrangements to become a single load agent for all the major carriers.

With this business, customers may constantly go to your house or send text messages requesting for load. You have to be very patient because the request may sometimes come in during the most inopportune times, such as when you’re about to sleep!

36. Online Retail

Filipinos are prolific shoppers. They know where to shop for the best merchandise for their budget. However, they are also tired of the worsening traffic situation in Metro Manila.

These factors open up great opportunities for an online retail business. As a retailer, you can get generous pricing concessions from authorized suppliers of the products you plan to sell. Your products can be competitive, and you can offer the convenience of home delivery.

You will need the following:

  • Reliable computer
  • e-Commerce website
  • Business documents, which are requested by suppliers
  • Merchant account

The main component of an online retail business is your website. You have to invest in this. Do not opt for a “do-it-yourself” website. An e-commerce website is complex because it has many features.

You have to make sure that your website is mobile responsive and accessible by multibrowsers. Remember that since 2014, 60% of online traffic has originated from mobile gadgets. If your website cannot be accessed with a smartphone, Internet users will not search for it again.

37. Website Design and Management

Businesses have slowly come around to understand the importance of having a website.

As of 2014, only 53% of businesses have a website. I expect this number to rise correspondingly with the increase in the population of smartphone owners. It is estimated that by 2017, there will be five (5) billion smartphone users in the world.

And most of them will be from Asia!

If you want to become a website designer, I strongly advise you to take courses and work as an apprentice with another website designer for 3 to 6 months. Experience is always a good thing to have, and the best training you will get is actual work.

A website designer’s job is not finished once the website is turned over to the client. You have to constantly monitor the performance of the website to make sure that all of its features run smoothly.

How to Start a Home-Based Business in the Philippines

There are many great home-based business ideas and opportunities that you can consider. How do you know what home-based idea to work on or business?

Research

Find out which businesses or industries are showing growth potential. I would not recommend putting too much emphasis on established industries. Look for a niche that is still in its fledgling stages but has a nice, stable upside for growth.

What’s Your Passion?

Some people say passion is overrated and that you do not have to be passionate about your business idea to succeed. I disagree with that.

In my opinion, passion drives business to succeed because it fuels drive, determination, and commitment. As Confucius said, “Find something you love to do and never work a day in your life.”

Trust Your Intuition

Numbers and research alone are not enough to determine the viability of the business. What does your gut tell you?

The “gut” is often referred to as your instinct. A good number of entrepreneurs and businesspeople have relied on their intuition to make a good judgment call on a business opportunity. These include Roy Disney, Sir Richard Branson, Elon Musk, and Howard Schultz.

The strategy follows numbers but sometimes you just have to trust your intuition.

5 Tips Before Starting a Home-Based Business

When you have decided on the home-based business ideas and opportunities, bear in mind these five valuable tips before commencing activity:

  • Register Your Business – If you want your business to be well-received, noticed, and respected, register it as a legal entity. You can negotiate better terms if you are authorized to enter into trade agreements.
  • Invest in a Website – In a mobile-dependent economy where consumers search for information online, you cannot hope to succeed without a website. Your website must be mobile responsive, accessible, fast, and fully functional.
  • Conduct Online Marketing – Industries have become highly competitive. Set aside a budget for online marketing activities.
  • Moderate Expectations – It is not realistic to expect great success at the get-go. There is a Learning Curve to respect and challenges to overcome before the business starts to gain traction.
  • Get Help – You cannot hope to do everything yourself. And even if you could, you shouldn’t. Get help by hiring people to run parts of your business. This will free up your time to focus on the business’s core functions.

Recommended video:

Start Your Home-Based Business

If the list did not include your specific skill or talent, don’t let it stop you from pursuing it.

When you’re starting a business, your primary objective is to build your clientele, that is, your prices have to be competitive with the market. There are days when you may feel the amount of work rendered is not duly compensated. However, be grateful that you have a market to build on. Keep working to give your clients greater value for your services.

Business success is not just about filling a need, finding a market, and addressing demand. If you love what you do, success will ultimately find you!