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### Week 1-2: Market Research and Planning

1. Identify Target Market:

- Research consumer preferences in the Philippines for outdoor gear, beauty products, health items, and eco-friendly goods.

- Analyze competitors on platforms like Shopee, Lazada, and Facebook Marketplace.

2. Choose Product Categories:

- Select specific products within each niche (e.g., camping tents, Korean skincare, fitness trackers, reusable bags).

- Validate demand using tools like Google Trends and Keyword Planner.

3. Create a Business Plan:

- Define your business goals, target audience, pricing strategy, and marketing plan.

- Estimate startup costs, including product sourcing, shipping, and marketing.

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### Week 3-4: Business Registration and Legal Setup

1. Register Your Business:

- DTI Registration: For sole proprietorships, register your business name with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

- SEC Registration: For corporations, register with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

2. Obtain Necessary Permits:

- Barangay Clearance: Secure a clearance from your local barangay office.

- Mayor’s Permit: Obtain a business permit from your local city or municipal government.

- BIR Registration: Register with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to get your Tax Identification Number (TIN) and official receipts.

3. Import License:

- Apply for an import license from the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

- Check if your products require additional certifications (e.g., FDA approval for skincare products).

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### Week 5-6: Sourcing Products and Supplier Negotiation

1. Find Reliable Suppliers:

- Use platforms like Alibaba, Made-in-China, or 1688 to connect with manufacturers.

- Attend trade shows like the Canton Fair to meet suppliers in person.

2. Negotiate Terms:

- Discuss pricing, minimum order quantities (MOQs), and shipping terms.

- Request samples to evaluate product quality.

3. Quality Control:

- Hire a third-party inspection company to ensure product quality before shipping.

4. Dropshipping Option:

- Consider partnering with suppliers who offer dropshipping to reduce inventory and shipping hassles.

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### Week 7-8: Logistics and Shipping Setup

1. Choose Shipping Methods:

- Decide between air freight (faster but more expensive) and sea freight (slower but cost-effective for bulk orders).

2. Customs Clearance:

- Work with a customs broker to handle import duties, taxes, and compliance with Philippine regulations.

3. Warehousing:

- Rent a warehouse or use third-party logistics (3PL) services for storage and fulfillment.

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### Week 9-10: E-commerce Platform Setup and Marketing Strategy

1. Set Up Sales Channels:

- Shopee and Lazada: Create stores on these platforms.

- Own Website: Build a branded website using platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce.

- Social Media: Set up business accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

2. Integrate Payment Gateways:

- Enable local payment methods like GCash, PayMaya, and Bank Transfers.

3. Develop a Marketing Strategy:

- Social Media Marketing: Run targeted ads on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

- Influencer Partnerships: Collaborate with local influencers in your niches.

- SEO and Ads: Optimize your website and run Google ads.

- Customer Service: Offer excellent customer service in English or Filipino.

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### Week 11-12: Launch and Initial Operations

1. Launch Your Stores:

- Start selling on Shopee, Lazada, and your own website.

- Promote your launch through social media and influencer collaborations.

2. Monitor Performance:

- Track sales, customer feedback, and marketing effectiveness.

- Adjust your strategy based on performance data.

3. Customer Engagement:

- Respond to customer inquiries and reviews promptly.

- Offer promotions and discounts to encourage repeat purchases.

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### Week 13+: Scaling and Optimization

1. Expand Product Range:

- Continuously research and add new, trending products to your inventory.

2. Bulk Discounts:

- Negotiate better pricing with suppliers as your order volumes increase.

3. Brand Building:

- Create a strong brand identity and focus on customer loyalty.

4. Cross-Border E-commerce:

- Use platforms like Shopee and Lazada to reach multiple countries in Southeast Asia.

5. Automation:

- Use tools like Shopify, Oberlo, or WooCommerce to automate order processing and inventory management.

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### Key Tips for Success

1. Localize Your Approach: Adapt your marketing, packaging, and customer service to Filipino preferences.

2. Focus on Quality: Ensure your products meet local standards and customer expectations.

3. Leverage E-commerce Platforms: Use platforms like Shopee and Lazada to reach a wide audience quickly.

4. Offer Affordable Pricing: Filipinos are price-sensitive, so competitive pricing is key.

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By following this detailed timeline and step-by-step guide, you can successfully launch and grow your import-export business in the Philippines, focusing on outdoor and sports gear, beauty and skincare, health and wellness, and eco-friendly products.