Retailers as digital entrepreneurs

Who says only techies and big companies can ride the wave of the digital revolution? Today, even small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs can tap the power of the Internet to their advantage.

Take the case of 33-year-old computer repair shop owner Meily Estorque. This Industrial Education graduate, while also earning extra income through his Smart electronic loading business, has now started to venture into an Internet business via the Smart Bro Computer Station, a livelihood program built around Smart Bro, the wireless broadband service of Smart Communications Inc.

With just P2,600, which he pays monthly for 13 months, Estorque got a brand new personal computer with licensed Microsoft operating system plus Internet connectivity via Smart Bro. He now uses this set-up to operate a high-speed neighborhood computer station right inside his shop.

Smart Bro offers one-PC station packages at a low P2,600 monthly installment plan. It is a pangkabuhayan program being offered by Smart which encourages Internet usage selling.

For a very low monthly payment, qualified Smart Load dealers, mobile reloaders and retailers – like Estorque – who have been selling Smart’s cellphone load can get a Smart Bro Internet connection as well as a brand new personal computer set. They can set up a PC station in their existing Smart retail outlets for additional income.

Once qualified and subscribed, they will receive a "Business-in-a-Box" which contains a desktop computer with a licensed Microsoft operating system, plus troubleshooting guides and one-year hardware warranty.

The computer station is also being offered to non-Smart retailers and other micro-entrepreneurs who own small businesses such as sari-sari stores, small gas stations, car wash outlets, beauty salons, and dress shops and are interested in offering wireless broadband services to their customers.

Suggested Internet rates start at P30 per hour, although the storeowner may opt to charge higher, especially if their Smart Bro Computer Station is the only Internet access available in the area. The owner can also offer online gaming, network gaming, Microsoft office and printing services. For shops operating 10 hours daily, estimated monthly earnings may range from P11,000 to P13,000.

Aside from being a mini-Internet shop, Smart Bro Computer Station owners can use their computers as demo stations and also earn extra from the commissions on every subscription they can get.

The attractive offering can awaken any entrepreneurial mind. Another Smart load retailer, Evelyn Cuyos, has been offering e-load at her store in Baguio City for several years now. It has, indeed, contributed a significant amount of profit for her. From a simple sari-sari store, she is now constructing her 24-hour convenience store.

Cuyos shares the same enthusiasm for Smart Bro Computer Station. "I know how profitable a computer rental business would be, mainly because my children are in computer shops all the time. I can also use the Internet from time to time to keep in touch with my husband, who is based in Hawaii. The subscription plan is also much more affordable compared to buying PCs elsewhere."

With both fixed and mobile broadband services becoming more available, Smart and parent firm Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) are leveraging on the technologies by offering very affordable PC and connectivity packages for various kinds of users.

Meanwhile, PLDT’s myDSL Internet Café Plus package is likewise offered to entrepreneurs as part of the negosyo bundle from PLDT and Smart. It is designed to serve customers with five PCs or more. 

For low downpayment and installment plans, the package will include the set-up of five or more PC workstations, PC networking, and pre-installed games like Ragnarok, Pangya, and Flyff for network gaming.

To apply, interested entrepreneurs may visit any Smart Wireless Center and PLDT Business Office or call the Negosyo hotline at 101-888, toll-free *1888 for Smart/Talk n Text subscribers, provincial toll-free 1800-10-672-7277, or Metro Manila hotline 672-7277.