Filipinos, the people of the Philippines, are familiar with the concept of the ukay ukay bundle business. The words ukay ukay means “mag ukay” that means going through or searching. It means going through a pile of clothes until a hidden gem gets found.
Ukay ukay bundle shops need not be filled only with used articles of clothing. It can also sell factory defect clothes, items removed from the shelf of stores to make way for new arrivals, clothes that are out of fashion, and so on. These shops also sell used children’s, men’s, and women’s clothing, as summer and winter clothes.
Benefits Of Ukay Ukay Business
Many benefits exist when starting an Ukay business, as it is one of the most profitable enterprises. Many enterprises have earned profits by marketing the right products for sale. A few of the benefits when starting the business include,
High Earning Potential
In this enterprise, there is a scope for earning high profits. Many clothes get sold at more than double the price they cost. Some get sold for more than two hundred percent profit too.
Ecological Friendly
It helps to sustain the ecological balance of the environment. Since the used clothes get not thrown away, they are reused again and thus reduce waste. It also helps preserve Earth’s natural resources.
Employment Opportunities
It helps in creating more jobs for people who cater to sort out used clothes and sell them. It is building businesses for new entrepreneurs who have started second-hand clothing stores.
Less Investment Required
The Ukay business is easy to set up and does not need much investment. Only a small space and a few used clothes are enough to kick-start the enterprise.
Starting A Profitable Business
After knowing the benefits of the Ukay business, it is time to understand how to start a profitable Ukay enterprise. A few points to consider while beginning this enterprise include,
Suppliers For Used Clothes
For starting the used clothes business, finding competitive suppliers is a must. The used clothing can get bought in bulk from online sellers, thrift shops, or even Ukay bales. After zeroing in on the source, it is time to negotiate for a better bulk wholesale price.
Location For Business
The location for starting the enterprise should be a tourist place with high footfall traffic. A busy, centrally placed area will naturally attract more customers, generating more business.
The Shop’s Look
After getting the clothes supplier and finding the right location, it is time to set up the shop. Where the shops look will significantly impact the walk-in customers. At any given time of the day or night, the shop should be well-lit, and the clothes display for customers should get adequately organized.
It will attract more customers to go through the clothes displayed for sale and purchase the one that pleases their eyes.
Advertising For business
In present days many forms of advertisements for promoting the business are available. Advertising online through social media or posting flyers all over the neighborhood is one of the most cost-effective ways to promote the business.
At the same time, offering sale discounts and promotions for new arrivals will help attract more customers.
Customer Service
Good customer service ensures timely listening and solving customer questions and requirements for the long run of any successful business. It will help prioritize customers’ needs first, thus making them come back to the store again.
Conclusion
After the business starts to run smoothly, it is time to get more suppliers at competitive rates as it becomes profitable. Opening additional branches ensures reaching a broader spectrum of customers available.
Opening an online store through a website or any social media page does help. It is always advisable to keep clothes in the store in an organized way and display only good quality clothes free of stains.
Making sure that the clothes are hung up instead of folded will help give the store a more professional look, besides providing that organized, neat look.