Question 1

What businesses can OFW returnees start with their savings?

Accepted Answer

OFW returnees in the Philippines most successfully start service businesses that leverage skills developed abroad: caregiving and health services, cooking and baking businesses, beauty and nail services, tutoring (especially English and math), tailoring and dressmaking, photography, and home repair services. These businesses require minimal overhead because you work from home or go to clients. With Suriya, you can set up your booking platform and start accepting GCash payments in 5 minutes — no shop lease required.

Question 2

How do I avoid clients who don't pay?

Accepted Answer

Suriya requires GCash, card, or bank transfer payment before any booking is confirmed. This is the critical difference from collecting payment informally over Messenger or verbal agreement. When clients pay upfront to lock their slot, no-shows and unpaid work drop to near zero. Most OFW returnees who have tried informal payment collection say the upfront payment model is the single biggest improvement to their business.

Question 3

Can I start a food business from my home in the Philippines?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Home-based food businesses (baking, cooking, catering, kakanin, pasalubong) are one of the most common Suriya use cases in the Philippines. You operate on a pre-order model — clients order and pay via GCash before you make the food — which means zero waste and guaranteed payment. You can set pickup times or offer delivery. Suriya handles the order form, payment collection, and order management automatically.

Question 4

I don't have a Facebook page or website — how do customers find me?

Accepted Answer

Your Suriya booking link acts as your complete website — service listing, pricing, photos, booking form, and payment. Share it anywhere: your personal Facebook timeline, Facebook Marketplace, community Facebook groups (barangay groups, OFW groups, local service groups), Viber community groups, and Messenger. You don't need a separate website or Facebook page to start. The link is your entire online presence.

Question 5

How much can I realistically earn per month?

Accepted Answer

For home baking and food businesses: ₱15,000–40,000/month with 20–50 orders weekly. For beauty services (nails, hair, makeup): ₱20,000–50,000/month with 3–6 clients per day. For caregiving or companion services: ₱15,000–25,000/month per regular client. For tutoring: ₱300–600/hour, with 5 regular students earning ₱10,000–20,000/month. These are conservative estimates from home-based service businesses in Metro Manila and provincial cities.

Question 6

Do I need to register my business with DTI or BIR?

Accepted Answer

You can start accepting paid bookings on Suriya as an individual without business registration. DTI registration (Sole Proprietor) is recommended once you have consistent income — it adds credibility and lets you open a business bank account. BIR registration is required for formal tax filing. Many OFW returnees start under their personal name and formalize once they're consistently earning ₱20,000+/month.

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Clients pay before you start — always

Home-based or mobile — your choice

Share your link everywhere Filipinos look

Questions from OFW returnees starting a business.

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