How To Start A Sari-Sari Store...

Is ₱5,000 enough to start a business? Yes—especially if you’re planning to open a sari-sari store. This Filipino classic remains one of the most practical and low-risk business ventures, even with limited funds.

In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to set up your own sari-sari store on a tight budget and grow it over time.

Why Start a Sari-Sari Store in 2025?

• Low startup cost and flexible setup
• Daily cash flow from community demand
• Can be operated from home—no rent needed
• Easy to manage even for first-time business owners

Even with rising prices, you can still launch a basic version of this business and expand gradually.

Is ₱5,000 Really Enough?

Yes, but it requires smart planning. You won’t stock the entire sari-sari inventory right away—but you’ll start with fast-moving essentials. You can run the store from a small shelf or repurposed window at home.

Sample Starter Budget for ₱5,000 Capital

Item	Estimated Cost
Basic Inventory (sachets, snacks, canned goods)	₱3,000
Shelf or repurposed cabinet	₱1,000
Plastic containers / labels	₱500

You can reuse existing furniture or get creative with setup to save more!

Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Your Sari-Sari Store

1. Market Research

Observe what your neighbors frequently buy. Talk to other store owners and take note of fast-moving items like coffee sachets, instant noodles, and soft drinks.

2. Plan Your Starter Inventory

Focus on essentials. Here’s a list of items that sell fast even in small quantities:

• Coffee, powdered drinks, and sugar
• Instant noodles and canned goods
• Biscuits, chips, and candies
• Soy sauce, vinegar, and cooking oil (small packs)
• Toiletries (shampoo, toothpaste sachets)

3. Find Low-Cost Suppliers

Buy in bulk from wholesalers like:

• Puregold Tindahan Club
• SuySing Commercial
• Divisoria or local public markets

4. Setup Your Store

You don’t need a separate building. You can use:

• A window with a sliding panel
• A converted shelf or cabinet near your gate
• Even a table with organized baskets

5. Pricing and Profit Tips

Mark up your items 10–20% depending on local competition. Use a notebook or digital app like ListaPH to track daily sales and prevent losses.

Legal Requirements: Do You Need a Permit?

In most barangays, you can start informally. But as you grow, it’s best to register your business with:

• Barangay Permit
• DTI Registration
• Mayor’s Permit (optional for small stores, but useful for expansion)

Tips to Make Your Store Stand Out

• Greet customers warmly—people come back to stores they feel welcome in.
• Avoid offering too much credit (“pa-utang”) unless you have a clear system.
• Keep your store clean, well-lit, and organized.
• Offer e-load or prepaid credits as an added service.

What’s Next After ₱5,000?

Reinvest profits into your store. Add more inventory weekly. You can also add:

• Frozen goods (longganisa, tocino)
• Homemade snacks (turon, banana cue)
• Other services like bills payment or water refills

Real Story: Small Start, Big Growth

“I started with just a shelf and ₱4,000. Now, after 6 months, I’ve expanded to a full sari-sari store with frozen goods and e-load services. Hindi kailangan ng malaking puhunan basta tuloy-tuloy lang.” – Marlon, sari-sari store owner in Laguna

Starting a sari-sari store with ₱5,000 is not just possible—it’s practical. With patience, good inventory, and proper pricing, your small tindahan can become your steady source of income.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)