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In recent years, the idea of an ipon challenge has become more popular, and dare we say, more effective with Filipinos. We’re huge fans of them ourselves here at PesoMatters for two reasons. One, it makes the normally arduous task of setting money aside more fun, making us more inclined to get into it in the first place. Two, it teaches us to be systematic about saving money. Instead of just setting cash aside when we feel like it or slipping a handful of bills under our mattress when convenient, we’re compelled to follow a set of rules, which makes us more likely to stick to the program long enough that we see actual results. If your salary is not enough for you to be able to save, you can start selling any of the best products to sell online in 2023.

To help you get started on your own, here are a few suggestions that you can try this 2023.

The 52-Week Ipon Challenge

What it is: This weekly savings challenge is popular because it allows you to pursue a savings goal at your own pace. You start with a small amount, to get yourself used to the habit of saving, but as you raise the stakes by a fixed increment per week, you’re able to accumulate a decent savings amount by the end of the year.

How it works: On Week 1, set aside a starting amount you’re comfortable with, which will also serve as your weekly increment, say P20. On Week 2, increase the amount you set aside by your weekly increment. So from P20, you now set aside P40. On Week 3, increase P40 by the weekly P20-increment, and set aside P60. Continue on this trajectory, and by the time you reach your 52nd week, you’ll have saved a total of P27,560.

Click here to download an Excel template you can use for your own 52-Week Ipon Challenge.

The Monthly or Bi-Monthly Ipon Challenge

The Monthly or Bi-Monthly Ipon Challenge

What it is: If you like the way the 52-Week Ipon Challenge is set up, but would rather save money on a monthly or bi-monthly basis, you can simply apply the same concept of increments to your chosen time frame.

How it works: Just like before, start with an amount that you’re comfortable with, which will also serve as your monthly increment, say P500. On Month 2, increase your monthly savings by P500, which should give you P1,000. By the end of 12 months, you’ll have saved P39,000.

Click here to download an Excel template you can use for your own Monthly Ipon Challenge.

The Fixed Amount Challenge

What it is: A simpler ipon challenge, this one only requires you to set aside a fixed amount—can be P50 or P100—every day or every week, depending on what you’re more comfortable with.

How it works: Assign an envelope or a piggy bank where you can put your daily or weekly fixed amount every day. If you save P50 per day for an entire year, you’ll save P18,250. If you save P100 per day for an entire year, you’ll save P36,500.

The Sticker Challenge

What it is: Every time the -ber months roll around, it’s become a tradition for Filipinos to line up at their favorite coffee shops to collect stickers in exchange for a planner. We thought, well, why not use that same principle, and apply it to a savings goal instead?

How it works: Choose a savings goal that you want to achieve over the course of two months from our ipon challenge templates. From there, you’ll find that each circle represents a day and the denomination that you need to set aside for that day. Every time you fulfill a goal, put a sticker on the circle, or simply shade it in. Now, it’s up to you how to go about it—you can hit several mini-goals on the same day—as long as you complete everything by the end of the time period. To make it more fun, take on this challenge with your friends, and compare notes by the end of the challenge period.

Here’s the template for both P3,000 and P5,000.

The Envelope Savings Challenge

What it is: This ipon challenge simply requires you to label different envelopes with different denominations and to fill those envelopes at your own pace. When an envelope is full, you deposit the amount into your savings account, and you start all over again.

How it works: While the denominations are entirely your choice, we suggest creating envelopes for all denominations that come in bills: P20, P50, P100, P200, P500, and P1,000. Why? Well, while an envelope stuffed with P20-peso bills may not amount to much, seeing a wad of bills may encourage you to stick to the challenge. After all, how often can you set aside P1,000?

The Swear Jar Savings Challenge

What it is: A swear jar aims to prevent people from swearing by fining them a fixed amount every time they utter a word of profanity. Over time, the jar gets filled with money, while the habit is, ideally, kicked off. This is a principle that can be applied if you have habits that are getting in the way of saving or if you have bad habits that you want to shake off in general. Think of it as killing two birds with one stone. One more thing: While swear jars work because people are held accountable for their actions by witnesses, there’s no reason this can’t work if you’re honest with yourself.

How it works: Decide on a habit that you want to shake off—say, you’ve been doing a lot of online shopping lately, and it’s hurting your finances. To help drop the habit, fine yourself a fixed amount every time you open an e-commerce app or visit an e-commerce website on your browser. Make sure the fine hurts you enough that you’re dissuaded from doing it too often. You can also use this to develop new habits. If you want to wake up earlier every day, say, no later than 7 a.m., fine yourself a fixed amount every day that you wake up later than your goal hour.

Saving is just one part of the wealth generation cycle. Find out more about the role it plays in the overall state of your finances here.

PHOTOS: Pexels.com, Pexels.com 

No matter where you are in the Philippines, every corner you turn will have a sari-sari store. Most of these stores will have a freezer full of delicious ice cream treats. After all, sweet frozen snacks aren’t just refreshing; they’re also a great source of income. If you’re looking for ways to add value to your sari-sari store or simply want to earn money on the side, getting into the ice cream business might be your next best move. Here are some of the top ice cream brands in the Philippines that can help you get started:

Top 7 Ice Cream Brands for Resellers

1) Selecta Ice Cream

selecta ice cream
Image: Facebook/@selectaphilippines

Selecta makes it incredibly easy for Pinoys to become a reseller. In fact, they have a dedicated Facebook page for their ‘ka-negosyo,’ where they offer updates and tips about growing your ice cream business. 

If you want to become a Selecta Ice Cream reseller, you just have to follow these steps: 

Step 1: Answer their Selecta Ice Cream Store Application form. 

They will ask for your full name, business name, address, contact number, and email address. They will also ask you how long you’ve been in business and why you want to sell Selecta Ice Cream.

Just click submit after you answer the form.

Step 2: Prepare your requirements and wait for a Selecta representative to give you a call. 

Selecta’s sales team will give you a call or reach out to you via email to discuss your business plans and schedule an on-site inspection. 

They will assess your store’s location, business capability, and electrical suitability. 

While you’re waiting for the sales team to contact you, you need to prepare the following: 

  • Permits (Business, Mayor’s, DTI, Barangay)
  • Two valid IDs
  • Two billing statements

Step 3: Make your initial payment

Like many ice cream distributors, Selecta will let you “borrow” one of their refrigerators. You have a few to choose from, and they will suggest which one is best for your location and type of store. They will also teach you how to maintain the fridge so you’re sure it’s always in tip-top shape. 

Your initial investment can cost around Php10,000, including the selection of ice cream products you wish to sell. According to those who have tried selling Selecta ice cream, they earn up to Php30,000 a month.

If you have more questions, you can check out Selecta’s official Facebook page and their Facebook page for resellers.

2) Creamline Ice Cream

Creamline is another brand you can consider for your ice cream reselling business. It’s also very easy to apply as a reseller, and the initial investment is affordable. Here’s what you need to do: 

Step 1: Send a message to their official Facebook page

Creamline only has one official Facebook page (here). They will send you an official form that you need to fill out. They will ask for your name, store name, home address, contact number, and email address. 

Step 2: Schedule a site inspection

After your initial conversation with a Creamline sales agent, they will schedule a site inspection. If your store location passes that inspection, they will ask for additional documents, which include a valid ID, proof of billing, permits, and certifications if necessary.

Step 3: Wait for your freezer and Creamline products

After you’ve submitted all the necessary documents and requirements, a Creamline salesperson will arrange the delivery of the freezer and products. The initial investment is only Php4,500.

You can also opt to get the products that will lower your initial investment. For example, Creamline also gives back 5% of your initial investment through their electricity subsidy program if you always purchase Php4,500 worth of products.

3) Aice Ice Cream

AICE Ice cream reseller package
AICE Ice cream reseller package

Recently, more and more sari-sari stores have included Aice Ice Cream in their inventories. It’s also very easy to apply as an Aice Ice Cream reseller. Follow these steps: 

Step 1: Send an email to inquire@aice.com.ph

After emailing the Aice sales team, they will ask you to fill out a form. Provide your name, email address, home address, and phone number. You also need to provide details about your store and its electric capacity. 

Step 2: Wait for the assessment and site inspection

The Aice representatives will assess your information and forward your application to a distributor near you. 

The distributors will then visit your store, ask for other necessary documents, and talk to you about your initial payment. 

Step 3: Wait for the delivery of your supplies

Once representatives approve your application and your store’s location, they will come back with your supplies. This includes the Aice freezer and your choice of ice cream products. 

The initial announcement costs around Php9,000 to Php10,000. We have a more detailed article about being an Aice reseller here. It also has a list of products you can choose from.

4) Big Scoop Ice Cream

Big Scoop Ice Cream is one of the country’s biggest ice cream providers. Did you know that Big Scoop distributes to well-known restaurants like Gerry’s Grill, Vikings, Dads World Buffet, Sambokojin, and The Old Spaghetti House?

They’re well-known for their wide range of classic ice cream flavors like coffee, mocha, orange, strawberry, and vanilla. They also have flavors like cheesecake, green tea, and sesame, and fat-free sherbets like buko lechias, calamansi, and guyabano

If you want to be a Big Scoop Ice Cream reseller, just check out their website and send them an email through their Contact Us tab. You can also send your inquiry to bigscoopicecream@hotmail.com.

You won’t find a lot of details about how to be a Big Scoop reseller on-site, so it’s best to send them an inquiry on their website instead. Be wary of fake resellers as well.

5) Nestle Ice Cream

Nestle has become a household name. But they don’t just sell and distribute ice cream; they’re also known for their milk brands, coffee products, baby food, breakfast items, and pet food. 

You wouldn’t go wrong making Nestle products a part of your sari-sari store inventory since it’s such a popular brand.

Start by checking out their official website. Click their Contact Us tab and choose Retailers/Resellers. You’ll find a list of authorized distributors there. 

You can inquire about their reselling packages and the minimum investment. The updated information you’ll find online about reselling costs is around Php1,000. Much like the other ice cream brands on this list, the Nestle sales team will ask for your contact details so they can schedule a site inspection. They will also ask for additional documents like your business permit.

6) Magnolia Ice Cream

Magnolia is another household name, but you won’t find many details online about becoming an authorized reseller.

Luckily, they’ve enumerated several ways to reach out to them. You can send a message to their official Facebook page here. You can also fill up the form out their website and click on their Contact Us page. Choose Business Opportunities on the drop-down list and send your inquiry. 

The good thing about going to their website is that you can also see other San Miguel products available for reselling. This allows you to expand your inventory to include Magnolia Chicken. In addition, the company currently has a Magnolia Chicken Community Reseller Program you can check out.

7) Geno’s Ice Cream

Geno’s Ice Cream is a famous Bataan brand. They’re well-known for their unique gabi ice cream. They were only popular in Bataan until tourists and locals started bringing tubs of ice cream outside the province. Now, it has become a favorite in Metro Manila and other parts of the Philippines. 

You can contact them on their official Facebook page here. You can choose between a half-gallon tub and a gallon tub. A gallon costs Php820, and a half gallon costs Php470. Apart from their gabi ice cream, you can also choose among their seasonal flavors: mango keso, avocado keso, and langka keso.

You can also choose among their add-ons: honey waffle cones, insulated sleeves with ice bags, and apa cones.

Send an email to jav8trading@gmail.com to learn more about ordering and reselling.

Before you become an ice cream reseller in the Philippines

Before selling ice cream in your sari-sari store, you must remember a few things. For one, deal only with authorized agents from ice cream brands. There are a lot of ‘fake resellers’ online who will talk to you about reselling, but not all are legitimate. 

Apart from that, take note that most ice cream brands only offer cash-on-delivery payment, which means you don’t have to pay for anything unless they’ve delivered the freezer and ice cream to your store. 

The freezer usually comes with your contract for free or as part of the deal. Most ice cream brands don’t charge for their freezers—all you have to pay for is the initial stock of products you’re going to sell. 

Being an ice cream reseller in the Philippines can be highly profitable, especially during the summer months. If your store is near a school, an office, or a street with high foot traffic, look into selling ice cream. Who knows, it might just become your store’s bestseller.

The last few months have forced many of us to take stock of what’s really important in life, not just because of the risks the pandemic poses to our health, but also because we can no longer afford to be frivolous with our money. To help you, we’ve created a series to help you say goodbye to unnecessary expenses and cut down on those that aren’t. Today, we’re listing down tips on how to reduce your electricity bill.

Tip 1: Make the most out of natural light.

If you’re working from home, try to position yourself right by the window where you’re more likely to get a healthy dose of vitamin D. If the weather permits, you might be able to get away with not turning the lights on for four to five hours each day. If your setup doesn’t allow for natural light, however, try to work where the lights need to be switched on anyway like the dining room, or share your workspace with another person.

Tip 2: Unplug your gadgets and appliances when not in use.

This is pretty standard, but most people don’t bother doing it because they don’t think that it’s going to make much of a difference. That may be true if we’re just looking at one category, say, electric fans, but the average household has more than just electric fans. There are laptops, rice cookers, ACs, coffee makers, printers, lamps, and so on and so forth, and each one emits what is called phantom power, the energy that appliances and gadgets consume even when they’re not turned on. According to How Stuff Works, when combined, these can make up around five to 10% of your energy consumption.

Tip 3: Stop mindlessly opening and closing your refrigerator.

Going to the kitchen and opening the refrigerator just to see what’s inside is a habit we’ve all been guilty of, but while we deserve a break, especially after spending hours in front of our computers, it does cost us. To minimize energy consumption, only open the refrigerator when you’re certain that there’s something in there that you want to eat.

Tip 4: Don’t use your gaming console as your streaming console.

Yes, it’s cool that your gaming console can also stream movies, but did you know that using your gadget in this manner also affects its energy consumption? According to the New York Times, gaming consoles can end up consuming 45 times more power than streaming ones.

Tip 5: Replace appliances and lights that aren’t energy-efficient.

It’s a well-known fact that traditional incandescent bulbs are cheaper, but consume more energy, while LEDs are initially more expensive, but save you more money in the long run. The best thing about this is that it’s an easy fix. Another switch you can do is to trade your AC and refrigerator in for models that make use of inverter technology—if you haven’t already. However, both are relatively big-ticket items, so you should only do this if your budget can accommodate it. If you can only choose one though, go with the refrigerator. It’s the only one that you can’t turn off.

Tip 6: Study your Meralco bill carefully.

The nation’s energy supplier found itself in hot water this year amid accusations of inaccurate consumption charges reflected on consumer billing statements, and while some of those have been explained as average consumption computation, others were revealed to be actual “overestimates” and “underestimates,” according to CNN. One silver lining here is that more of us are examining our bills more closely. The next time your bill arrives, take the time to check whether it’s accurate or not, and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to raise them. After going through the trouble of cutting your energy consumption, the last thing you want is to overpay.

Want to learn how to lower your water bill? Click here!

Managing your expenses is part of how you can manage the wealth generation cycle. Learn more about it here.

PHOTO: Pexels.com

Who would have thought we’d come to a time when everything you need arrives on your doorstep with just a click of a button? That’s exactly what online shopping and same-day delivery do for consumers and business owners alike. One same-day delivery app steadily climbing the list of must-try services in the country is Borzo, previously known as Mr. Speedy. If you haven’t heard of it yet, it’s an international platform connecting businesses and individuals needing deliveries. 

Currently, Borzo operates in 10 countries worldwide, with services ranging from quick same-day deliveries to taking cash orders and securely delivering important documents.

Borzo also offers an excellent way to earn money. Just follow the simple steps below to become a Borzo rider.

How to become a Borzo rider

Before you start the application, you will need to download Borzo mobile app from Google Play or Apple app store. After downloading the app, simply follow the step-by-step application process below.

Borzo Rider Application Process
Borzo Rider Application Process

Step 1: Fill up the registration form

Answer the registration form, asking for your location and full name. It will also ask you to take a photo of yourself, which will serve as your identification.

You can also download the Borzo Delivery Partner App through the app store and Google Play. After you’ve installed it, you’ll be prompted to confirm if you are located in the Philippines. Click “Oo” and enter your mobile number. 

You will receive a one-time password and be prompted to enter your name and region. You will also be asked to upload a profile photo.

Step 2: Submit relevant documents

Once you click next, you will be asked to upload a copy of your NBI Clearance. It will also ask for your complete address and BIR Tax Identification number.

Make sure you take a clear photo of your documents. You also need to double-check the I.D. numbers that you will enter.

Step 3: Wait for confirmation

Borzo will review your application and send you a confirmation after 24-48 hours. Afterwhich, you can start taking orders and delivering around your area.

Related Article: How to become a GrabFood Merchant

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Borzo rider application free?

Yes. You don’t need to pay a registration fee to become a Borzo rider.

Do I get a Borzo insulated bag for free?

You can buy a Borzo insulated bag from the company’s office in Pasig. New riders get a discount after attending the company’s on-site training and passing the exams. 

Borzo also runs promos for their drivers. For example, if you are able to complete 40 orders within seven days after becoming a Borzo rider, you get an insulated bag for free.

Borzo Free Insulated Bag Promo
Borzo Free Insulated Bag Promo

Can I apply if I have a non-professional license?

Yes. Borzo allows their riders to have either a non-professional or professional license, provided it’s valid.

No one can say no to ice cream, especially in tropical countries like the Philippines. And it’s not just a delicious dessert—it can also be a very profitable venture. Take Aice Ice Cream, for example. Several Filipino entrepreneurs have found success in becoming Aice ice cream resellers. If you’re thinking of being an ice cream reseller, follow the steps below: 

How to be an Aice Reseller

Step 1: Visit the Aice website or send an email to inquire@aice.com.ph

When you visit the Aice website, you will be asked to provide your name, email address, home address, and phone number. They will also ask for the name of your store and your store’s electric capacity.

After you hit submit, all you have to do is wait for an Aice representative to contact you.

Once a representative gets in touch with you, they will ask for two valid IDs. Some branches will also ask for your business permit, DTI permit, barangay clearance, and proof of billing.

Step 2: Wait for the assessment

After your initial conversation with Aice representatives, they will assess your information and forward your application to a distributor near you.

The same distributor will talk to you about the start-up payment and all the other necessary requirements to become a reseller. 

Step 3: Wait for the site survey

A team of Aice representatives will visit your store or preferred location to check if it’s ideal for business and to make sure there are no other Aice resellers in the area. 

This helps make sure your business kicks off well and that you have all the optimal conditions to help your Aice reselling business prosper. 

Step 4: Wait for the delivery of the freezer and pay for your stocks

After the Aice representatives check and approve your location, they will arrange the delivery of your ice cream freezer. 

Once they arrive at your location, they will explain how to use and maintain your freezer. The products will also arrive on the same day.

How much does it cost to be an Aice Ice Cream reseller?

The initial capital to become an Aice reseller costs around Php 9,000 to Php 10,000. 

It includes a freezer and your initial order of ice cream boxes. Technically, you’re no longer paying for the use of the freezer. The initial payment is only for the first boxes of ice cream you’re going to sell. 

You get up to 20% profit from your initial capital—not bad if you’re a beginner business owner or if you just want to make money on the side. 

What are the products and Flavors of Aice Philippines?

You can choose from different flavors and sizes of ice cream.

Aice Reseller Requirements

  • 2 valid IDs
  • business permit
  • DTI permit
  • barangay clearance
  • proof of billing.

Should you be an Aice reseller?

Aice Ice Cream originated in Singapore. When it came to the Philippines, it has since become a very popular after-lunch treat and merienda. If you’re located near a school, a college, or an office building, consider becoming an Aice reseller. The franchise also adds a bit of profit if you’re a restaurant or canteen owner. After all, most Pinoys enjoy sweet treats. What’s a better way to satisfy their ice cream craving than including Aice in the products you’re selling? The popularity of social media, online selling, and same-day delivery has also given resellers a better chance to make a profit.

How do I contact AICE ice cream?

For Aice reseller inquiries, you may call  (02) 7501-7577 or send a message to official Aice Philippines Facebook page. Moreover, you can also send an email to inquire@aice.com.ph or the alternative email aicephilippines@yahoo.com.