Owning a sari-sari store in the Philippines is more than just a way to earn extra income; it’s a lifestyle that permeates your daily living.
You’ll find yourself becoming a trusted, vital part of your neighborhood.
As a sari-sari store owner, you’ll manage inventory, handle finances, and cater to customers daily.
What makes running a sari-sari store so unique and fulfilling? Let's take a look at duties, responsibilities, and three inspiring stories.
Responsibilities of a sari-sari shop owner
1. Managing inventory
You need to keep track of your stock to make sure you don't run out of popular items. Regularly check your inventory and order supplies before they run low. Use a simple record-keeping system to track sales and restocks.
2. Customer service
Building good relationships with your customers is important. Greet them warmly, know their names, and be polite. Provide excellent service by attending to their needs promptly.
Remember, a happy customer is a loyal customer.
3. Financial management
Handling finances wisely is a must.
Manage your cash flow, ensuring you have enough money to buy supplies and pay bills. Set prices that are fair but profitable. Regularly check your earnings and expenses to ensure you're making money.
4. Store maintenance
Keeping your store clean and organized is essential.
Sweep the floor, dust shelves, and make sure your sari-sari store products are neatly arranged. An orderly store attracts more customers and makes shopping a pleasant experience.
Other common responsibilities:
- Restocking popular items regularly.
- Engaging with customers in a friendly manner.
- Calculating prices accurately.
- Organizing products for easy access.
- Maintaining a clean and safe store environment.
What skills and qualities are needed to run a sari-sari store?
While it looks simple, running a sari-sari store is no small feat. Here are the skills and qualities that will help you succeed:
- Business Acumen - You need a good head for business. Planning your stock, setting prices, and managing money make a big difference in your store's success.
- Communication Skills - Being friendly and clear with your customers makes them feel welcome and encourages repeat business. Good communication with suppliers ensures timely restocking.
- Adaptability - Markets and customer preferences can change. Being able to adjust your stock and marketing strategies will help you stay competitive.
- Problem-Solving - Problems will arise daily, from handling customer complaints to managing broken equipment. Quick thinking and creativity will help you keep the store running smoothly.
- Time Management - Handling inventory, serving customers, and maintaining the store requires good time management. Setting priorities and multitasking are keys to efficiency.
- Solid Community Ties - Knowing your community makes a huge difference. Relationships with local customers lead to trust and loyalty, which are vital for your store's success.
- Being Organized - Keep your store tidy and your records straight. An organized store runs more smoothly and helps you keep track of sales and stock levels.
- Patience and Perseverance - Running a store is hard work. Being patient and persistent will help you overcome the daily grind and achieve long-term success.
Sari-sari store success stories to inspire you
Jeanette “Jing” Sevillas
Meet Jeanette “Jing” Sevillas, a determined 47-year-old living in Lomonay, President Roxas.
Jing’s journey was full of challenges, from working as a housemaid in Manila to dealing with a severe leg condition that forced her to return home in 2003.
Despite her health issues, Jing didn't give up.
In 2004, she used her savings to start a backyard piggery and e-loading business. By 2010, with a starting capital of Php 5000, she opened her own sari-sari store.
Financial struggles led her to close the store temporarily in 2016 and by 2019, mismanagement forced her to cease operations entirely.
However, luck turned when she received a Livelihood Starter Kit from Negosyo Center President Roxas in 2020.
With renewed hope, Jing reopened her store and adheres to health protocols, operating from 5 am to 7 pm. She ensures that business funds are not used for personal needs, a key lesson for any entrepreneur.
Daily earnings now range from Php 400-500.
Jing added more products like candies, soft drinks, and bread, and even sells maruya for extra income.
She’s an example of how resilience can lead to success.
Jing plans to register her business and join upcoming entrepreneurial seminars. P3 loans from the SB Corporation also present an opportunity for her to expand.
Her journey shows the importance of perseverance and proper financial management.
Ana Arsolacia
Our second success story leads us to Ms. Ana Arsolacia, a 58-year-old former factory worker.
After working as a manager for a known local brand, Ana sought more independence and decided to enter the world of entrepreneurship.
In 2014, Ana returned to Majayjay, Laguna, and began her journey with just Php1,000. She started small, selling popular street snacks like fishballs, kikiams, and shakes.
This initial venture aimed at generating some income paved the way for more opportunities.
Later in 2014, she opened OHLET SARI-SARI STORE in front of her house. Initially, the store carried a limited range of items.
Yet, Ana's keen business sense and steadfast dedication led her to gradually expand her product offerings, attracting more customers and increasing her sales.
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 posed a significant challenge. Government lockdowns forced her to temporarily close her store. However, Ana adapted by selling her products online.
In September 2022, Ana received support from the Livelihood Seeding Program–Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay.
This government initiative provided her with Php5,000 worth of goods, which helped boost her inventory.
With the newfound support, Ana’s business thrived, achieving daily sales of Php7,000.
Ana now also offers e-money services like GCash and PayMaya in her store.
Her resilience and dedication prove that with hard work, you can overcome even the toughest challenges.
Ate V-Anne Flores
Finally, let's meet Ate V-Anne, a mother and wife of an overseas Filipino worker who took up the reins of her family’s financial future in 2012.
She began her journey by starting a small community pharmacy through the Botika ng Barangay project in Cavinti, Laguna.
With no nearby drugstores, this endeavor quickly grew popular, assisting her community while also providing for her family.
When she saw the need for more daily essentials in her barangay, she expanded into a sari-sari store in 2018. This store offered a variety of items, from food to household necessities, making it a convenient stop for the locals.
Juggling duties as a housewife and a store owner was not easy, but she managed to keep everything running smoothly.
The pandemic struck and the store faced tough times, especially with her two children being at high risk due to pneumonia. Pero, ang galing ni Ate V-Anne, she didn’t give up!
She received assistance from the Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa Program of DTI Laguna. This support came in the form of livelihood kits and webinars about business management.
Expanding further, she added payment services like GCash and Pay Maya, making her store even more essential to the community.
Her business grew stronger and was later chosen to supply grocery items to their Barangay office.
As Ate V-Anne wisely says, businesses thrive with collaboration and divine blessing.
Through determination and the support of DTI Laguna, she turned her sari-sari store into a hub of community service and prosperity.
Running a sari-sari store can be a rewarding business
Owning a sari-sari store means wearing multiple hats. You’re not just the boss; you’re also the cashier, stock manager, and sometimes the delivery person. The work can be tough, but the rewards are worthwhile.
You get to interact with your community, make a decent income, and even have some fun along the way.
You’re part of the community, serving as a dependable source for daily essentials. This connection creates a sense of trust, making your store a valuable part of local life.
So, if you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a sari-sari store can be a fulfilling venture that doesn’t just fill your pocket, but also your heart.
References
- https://www.dti.gov.ph/regions/region-4a/region-4a-success-stories/story-grit-growth/
- https://dtinegosyocenter.online/news/success-story-sari-sari-store-para-sa-mamimiling-pilipino
- https://www.dti.gov.ph/regions/region-4a/region-4a-success-stories/v-anne-flores-sari-sari-store-a-girl-power-in-the-business-world/
