The enhanced community quarantine implemented within our country took everyone by surprise. On one hand, it may be an efficient way to lessen the spread of the virus, on the other hand, it may also restrict everyone from going about their daily lives, disrupting work, study, and even play. Now, as boring as it may seem, being indoors does actually help with “flattening the curve,” slowing down the spread of COVID-19 and preventing people from being infected. However, as positive as the effects may be, the ECQ also limits the earnings of the Filipinos, due to the fact that every work task seems to be cut short. Yes, corporate jobs can be done at home, as with online conferences and paperwork, but not everyone has a corporate job. Many of our hardworking laborers are still left out in the dark, grasping for ways to make a living amidst this pandemic. Well, no need to worry, as in spite of the many limitations brought about by the enhanced community quarantine, there are still ways to make a living. May it be by the whole family or by an individual, there are alternatives to the usual labor work that the average Filipino does. Don’t believe us? Check out these following quick money examples:
1. Via an Online Garage Sale
At the advent of technology, people are given the freedom to sell stuff online, may it be brand new or second hand. Even before the ECQ, many Filipinos were already thriving though their online shops. Now, more than ever, they can still thrive, as all the shopping malls are closed down, save for a few branches where only the essential stores are open. With this in mind, you can definitely start your own venture without leaving the house. Of course, such modern venture may require the usage of more than one app, but at least you’ll be able to make a living in spite of the quarantine period. Here’s how you can do it. First, download two major apps, one for delivery and one for showcasing your products. Your products to sell may either be second hand (given that they still function well) or brand new (whatever brand new item you’re planning to sell, make sure that it’s in perfect working condition, and not pre-used). You may then proceed to take pictures of your product and wait for any orders via the buy and sell app. Take note that these “buy and sell” apps would usually streamline customer payment through various payment channels that you’d be most comfortable with, so do not worry about receiving your well-earned cash in the end. Once an order has been placed, you may use the other app, a “pick-up and delivery” app that literally sends a motorcycle rider to your address, where they may pick-up the item for sale, then, deliver it afterwards towards the buyer. Most of the time, the delivery charge would be covered by the buyer, so you (the seller) would just need to notify the buyer once the item is on the way.
On any normal day, the procedure would seem simple enough, however, we are still living under the implementation of an ECQ, so you may need to tell your customers that the item may arrive later than expected. This is understandable, as your delivery man would have to go through various checkpoints, so the time of delivery may be uncertain.
2. Via a Micro Loan
First of all, a Micro Loan is a loan of smaller amounts, typically lent towards small businesses. They are meant to help these small businesses grow. Now, for those who do not have a business yet, that’s okay, micro loans are also lent for startups, just as long as you’ll be able to present the requirements. Now, the said requirements may vary, so you may have to clarify that with the loaning company of your choosing. Did we mention that the amount would also depend on your planned business? Since you’re just opting for a small venture, you may just be given a small slice, well enough for you to start, while providing you with easy and flexible payment options. Don’t forget to pay back of course, unless you’d want the interest to pile up.
Now, due to the enhanced community quarantine, you may have to clarify the dos and don’ts of your planned business. Discuss it with your local government and make sure to study the details. The ECQ has quite a strict implementation of rules, and you wouldn’t want to break any of them.
3. Via Pawning
There is one term which would best describe our heroic health workers during such perilous times, and that would be the term known as “frontliners.” But did you know that the term frontliner doesn’t just apply to doctors and nurses? As a matter of fact, each and every one of the personnel who are still going out of their homes to provide essential service to our fellow Filipinos during the pandemic would fall under the category of frontliners as well. Our security guards, our grocery cashiers, our checkpoint officials, our pharmacy experts, each and every one of them are frontliners in their own right. Surprisingly, the same can be said about our pawnshop personnel. You see, establishments like Cebuana Lhuillier understands the need of the average Filipino to acquire quick cash, especially during the whole pandemic. People need money to restock on supplies, people need money to avail disinfectants and face masks, and people need money to purchase medicines. Quick cash is hard to come by, and much harder it is to formulate a business plan with no capital, as the COVID-19 ordeal came out of nowhere. Much so that even our government officials were caught off guard, but had since recovered by implementing the ECQ. With all of that in mind, Cebuana Lhuillier has opened its doors to those who are in need of a quick financial fix. We Filipinos always believed in the mantra of “Sangla” as a last resort, and Cebuana Lhuillier is aware of that. With 2,500 branches nationwide, Cebuana Lhuillier is one of the most accessible pawnshop chains in the Philippines. Alongside safety and world-class service, Cebuana Lhuillier also gives one of the highest appraisal rate in the industry for items such as jewelry and gadgets, offering up to 40% more than other selected pawnshops.
So, with all of that being said, pawning may be your best option after all. Be sure to visit the nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch for more information.