Looking for stuff to import? Join the Canton Fair 2011

It's time to get into business.  The China Import and Export Fair, otherwise known as the Canton Fair will be on October 15 to November 4, 2011.  The fair will open by industry in three phases. 

Here is the schedule:

Phase 1: October 15-19, 2011

Electronics & Household Electrical Appliances Lighting Equipment Vehicles & Spare Parts Machinery Hardware & Tools Building Materials Chemical Products International Pavilion

Phase 2:October 23-27, 2011

Consumer Goods Gifts Home Decorations

Phase 3:October 31-November 4, 2011

Textiles & Garments Shoes Office Supplies, Cases & Bags, and Recreation Products Medicines, Medical Devices and Health Products Food International Pavilion 

How to get there?

Make your way to Guangzhou, China by plane, bus or train.  More information http://www.cantonfair.org.cn/

The venue is accessible by: 

1. Guangzhou Metro

Guangzhou Metro opened in 1999. The network covers much of the city center and is one fo main transportation vehicles in — Guangzhou. The fare ranges from RMB 2 to 12. Most of the signs and announcements are also in English. Tickets are bought from vending machines in the stations. Bills from RMB 5 —10 or coins from RMB 0.5 — 1 are accepted at ticket vending machines. Smaller bills can change at the customer service counter. The ticket is a small plastic token, which use at the gate entering the platform, and at the exit.

Getting to Canton Fair

• Line 1

  If you take Line 1 first, please get off at Gongyuanqian Station and transfer to Line 2 (To Guangzhou South Railway Station). Then get off at Changgang Station and transfer to Line 8, get off at Xingangdong Station (to Area A,C) or get off at Pazhou Station (to Area B,C)
  

• Line 2

  If you take Line 2 first, please get off at Changgang Station and transfer to Line 8, get off at Xingang Station (to Area A, C) or get off at Pazhou Station (to Area B, C)
  

• Line 3

  If you take Line 3 first, please get off at Kecun Station and transfer to Line 8 (To Wanshengwei). Then get off at Xingangdong Station (to Area A,C) or get off at Pazhou Station (to Area B,C)
  

• Line 4

  If you take Line 4 first, please get off at Wanshengwei Station and transfer to Line 8. Then get off at Xingangdong Station (to Area A,C) or get off at Pazhou Station (to Area B,C)
  
  

• Line 5

  There are two ways to get to Canton Fair, if you take Line 5 first.
  Firstly, please get off at Zhujiang New Town Station and transfer to Line 3 (To Panyu Square). Then get off at Kecun Station and transfer to Line 8 (To Wanshengwei), get off at Xingangdong Station (to Area A,C) or get off at Pazhou Station (to Area B,C)
  Secondly, you can get off at Chebeinan Station and transfer to Line 4 (To Jinzhou Station), get off at Wanshengwei Station and transfer to Line 8. Then get off at Xingangdong Station (to Area A,C) or get off at Pazhou Station (to Area B,C)
  
  

• Line 8

  If you are close to Line 8, please get off at Xingang Station (to Area A, C) or get off at Pazhou Station (to Area B, C)
  

Route map

Guangzhou Metro

Four Metro lines of 54.12 kilometers have been completed and opened in Guangzhou, with an average passenger capacity of 585,000 person-times per day. Lines under construction include Lines 3, 4, 5, 6, the extensions of Lines 2 and 8, and Guangzhou -Foshan Section of Pearl-River-Delta Inter-city Track Transport.

2 By Car:

A trip to Canton Fair from Baiyun International Airport normally costs around RMB 160.00.

Price List

Taxi Fare
Flag-Fall	RMB 10.00
Charge per kilometers	RMB 2.60

Taxi Hotline: 96900 / 96122

Traffic Guide

Traffic Guide

The complex covers a total construction area of 1,100,000 M² with the indoor exhibition area of 338,000 M² and the outdoor exhibition area of 43,600 M². The Area A has an indoor exhibition area of 130,000 M² and an outdoor exhibition area of 30,000 M², the Area B has an indoor exhibition area of 128,000 M²and an outdoor exhibition area of 13,600 M², and the Area C has an indoor exhibition area of 80,000 M².

Freebies for Pinoys

Raffle draws or freebies are baits to consumers; and these credit card promos are driving everyone nuts.  We thought we had the greatest deals with free movie passes, chicken McDo, gift certificates, starbucks...

But these free international flights from HSBC I would say is talk of the town.  These promos is obviously not for the poor, but for the rich who are suckers of anything for free. Unscrupulous cardholders intentionally split transactions at the merchant's inconvenience, some sells redeemed tickets for profit (yes, this happens), others even swipe on their own business's machine without a valid transaction (yes, unbelievable).  An unscrupulous cardholder even is in the brink of diabetes with daily dose of starbucks.

Here's my take on it...  a trip to USA or Europe only takes fifteen of ten thousand charge slips using a platinum or premier card.  To be a platinum card holder, a million annual proof of income is required (ITR in the Philippines are never real); while a premier card holder, has at least four million placement or investment in HSBC's private banking.  If you compute, P150,000 x 5% merchant discount rate, they only earned P7,500 from this transaction; if you swipe a fictitious sales, that's your cost for that free ticket.  I don't know how they did the math, someone is going to be in big trouble.  If only they limited the redemption to the cardholder's name, then these fraudulent transactions won't be as rampant.  But if dominance is what they're after for the AB market, then kudos to the brains behind this.  At the moment, they can no longer keep up with the demand; they are a month behind in approving credit card applications. A memo has recently been issued, they are now auditing split transactions; so if you are, be prudent. And believe it or not, when you do split sales, the call center agent immediately calls you and accuse you of doing so.

By the way, HSBC cards is no longer owned by HSBC (the bank); it's now just a mere use of name.  What does this tell us?

But don't get me wrong, I'm not against this, I'm eagerly waiting to get my share of this deal.  So how can you accumulate to avail of HSBC's free international trip?  Here are what people are doing:

1.  Pay your globe handyphone and globelines (smart?) at the business center; especially when you have several bills to settle from your business.  Globe accepts creditable withholding tax certificates even with credit card payments.  PLDT, VECO does not accept credit card payments.
2.  Plan your grocery list.
3.  Negotiate with your vehicle gas supplier to accumulate your bill.
4.  It's time to renovate your house.
5.  It's time to get new appliances.
6.  Charge your rent, insurance premiums, amortization, if allowed. The add on rate is just worth it.
7.  In unfortunate circumstance, charge hospital bills; partially pay off by the P10,000 until you're discharged.
8.  To legitimately split credit charge payments; a credit card merchant's advice is to have one invoice per one charge slip;  your next swipe should be at least ten minutes later.
9.  The surest way to avoid charge back, buy only P10,000 a day per store, it only takes 15 days to complete one redemption.  Unbelievably, a lot is willing to go through that inconvenience for a trip to USA.

For more information about the promo, click here.

Reminder:  Take note of the fine prints:

1.  Only HSBC VISA cards are entitled to this promo.
2.  The only Mastercard acceptable is HSBC Premier cards.
3.  Only Platinum VISA and Premier Card are allowed to redeem for tickets outside Asia.
4.  Charge slips must be redeemed within 90 calendar days.
5.  Tickets can be issued to a person other than the cardholder and requires personal appearance.
6.  Tickets are rebookable and is valid for one year.
7.  Reservation is allowed even prior to redemption.
8.  Taxes beyond $100 is on the account of the card holder.

Should I be Hopeful?

Believe it or not, I longed to work with the tax bureau.  As a student, I was curious to know the tricks and the trade inside; but I was discouraged by a friend whose mother was holding a position in the bureau (and he ended up working there).  It's an open secret, graft and corruption is rampant... unfortunately, it has become a norm rather than an exception.  Examiners are corrupt and they are spoiled by equally corrupt taxpayers, don't you think?  There were attempts to revamp the bureau; but I guess it's a hard habit to break.


Some ten years ago, I remember a press release from the bureau that they have hired a new breed of young, competent, intellectual Certified Public Accountants.  I was tempted to apply.  I've talked to an examiner my age recently who claimed to be one of the new breed but I guess, they are corrupted just the same and even worse.  They can be rude sometimes, you just need to put your foot down and convey a message that you know better than them (at the same time, don't forget to kiss ass).  Sometimes, I get so tempted to set them up and bust them but I'm not brave enough to make a scene.

In any negotiation, over used lines go like these:

• "may cut pa kasi sa taas"  taas could mean, as high up as the President of the republic.
• "we're having a revamp, let's settle this so it will be removed from my inventory."
• "in our division, we don't accept anything below a million."
• "how much are you willing to pay?"
• "20% lang may recibo, so it can't be less than x amount"

With this new administration, I'm hopeful, I would not hear the first line anymore. Even if we keep our books clean, they never fail to always ask for something.  It could be something for themselves or for the government. I always go for the latter even if it could mean more and the next examiner does not believe that not a single cent went into their pocket.  It is a sad reality, every taxpayer needs to prepare a budget for this. 

I once talked to a deputy commissioner about a haphazardly prepared assessment, the only assurance he could give me was to tell that examiner "times have changed", has it?

-0-



Recently, the bureau has issued RMO 62-2010 prescribing the supplemental guidelines on the electronic issuance of Letters of Authority (LA) and related audit policies and procedures; a first attempt to monitor examinations.  If you have not received an electronic LA for taxable year 2009 onwards, you have the right not to entertain revenue officers.

Opportunity Knocks Only Once

My maternal grandfather was a chef who operated the most famous Chinese restaurant in his locality during his time. Unfortunately, when he passed away, no one was able to carry on that legacy. I would have wanted to do the same but I'm occupied with so many other things, that remains an unfulfilled dream.

A relative of mine franchised a popular coffee shop. My sister opened up the idea if we could supply them some sweets. I blurted out our intention once but was turned down simply because of franchise policies.

However, some policies are made to be broken. Three weeks ago, I got a call if I could supply since their supplier cannot meet the demand. Willingly I agreed. The past weeks, I've been in search for decent ramekins... unbelievably, it's such a hard find! I got a few from Landmark Makati at a very good price but it was not enough.

The past weeks I've been in my test kitchen... now my throat is sore with too much sweets. It has been a while since I last baked. Luckily, I have a cousin who's a food technologist whom I can consult every so often. Home baking is a lot different from commercial baking. It's not just the ingredients, it's the procedure, the packaging and everything else. I had to have my oven fixed from red to blue flame. I had to bake the ramekins for an hour prior to its first use to keep it oven safe.

With a very small volume, the proceeds I will get from this is actually not material at all. It's barely enough to sustain my weekend fancies. But it's an opportunity I want to grab.

10 More Long Holidays for 2009

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed on December 24, 2008, Proclamation 1699 that lays out the holiday schedule for this year.

Consistent with the President's advocacy of holiday economics to boost domestic tourism and to allow Filipinos to have more time with their families, there will be ten long holidays in 2009.

Holiday economics entails the transfer of some holidays so that Filipinos may enjoy longer weekends. Last year, non religious holidays are moved to the nearest Monday while this year, it's retained or moved to the nearest Monday or Friday. Moving it to a Friday would benefit only government employees and a few private sector with no Saturday work.

( 1)Apr 6 (Mon) - Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) in lieu of April 9
( 2)Apr 9-12 (Thu-Sun)) - four-day Easter holidays
( 3)May 01 (Fri) - Labor Day
( 4)Jun 12 (Fri) - Independence Day
( 5)Aug 21 (Fri) - Ninoy Aquino Day*
( 6)Aug 31 (Mon) - National Heroes Day
( 7)Nov 01 (Sun) - All Saints Day*
Nov 02 (Mon) - All Souls Day*
( 8)Nov 30 (Mon) - Bonifacio Day
( 9)Dec 24 (Thu) - Christmas Eve*
Dec 25 (Fri) - Christmas Day
(10)Dec 30 (Wed) - Rizal Day
Dec 31 (Thu) - New Year's Eve*

*Special Non-Working Days

There is no mention as to declaration of Feb 25 Edsa Revolution Day as special non-working day and date of Eidl Fitr is yet to be announced.

What's in a Tagline?

A tagline is a branding slogan, a phrase that will reflect the product's concept or otherwise, it's a marketing tool to create a desired image in line with the company's mission.

In the Philippines, banks for one has taglines like "you're in good hands" with Metrobank and BDO has "we find ways". The former connotes confidence building while the latter aims convenience banking; both have somehow lived up to their tag line.

SM Malls goes for "we got it all for you" while Ayala Malls "because you deserve more", then there's Max's "sarap to the bones", Jollibee's "langhap sarap". Some claims ownership like Coca-cola's "coke ko 'to" and McDonald's "love ko 'to".

Even countries market their tourism sector with phrases like Wow Philippines, Amazing Thailand, Sparkling Korea, Uniquely Singapore...

Airlines like Cebu Pacific failed to live up to it's on time track record so they changed it's tag line from "99% on time" to "it's time everyone flies CP". The latter is a shift in marketing strategy to dominate the market by offering absurdly low fares. While PAL changed from "Asia's sunniest" to "It's about experience" to "Clearly No. 1", to highlight some facts or make a statement.

Asian Spirit on the otherhand recently changed it's name to Zest Airways, following it's new owner's Zest-O brand for drinks. By changing it's name it can save itself from the mockery of being tagged as "leave as asians, land as spirits". But what really struck me is their new tagline - "Asia's most refreshing airline." Duh, what's that again? I wonder what that tagline aims to convey or simply a lame effort to relate the word "zest" with "airlines". I hope it doesn't mean fresh air, the last time I boarded Asian Spirit, a fan is provided, that came in handy since there is barely cool airconditioning throughout the flight. Nevertheless, this is a welcome development to all travelers and a renewed challenge to the airline industry.

New Age of Marketing

The books tells you 101 ways to market your product... but there is no one successful formula. I'm no expert in this field either.

Have you heard of establishments with awards, like shopper's choice, outstanding retailer of the year and so forth? Yep, it doesn't only happen in the movie industry. As an ordinary consumer, I was led to believe that these companies were actually screened and given such award voluntarily. The truth is, these so called award giving bodies are actually advertising or marketing agencies. We received several notices that we are nominated as this and that and we shall be awarded in exchange for a sum of money. How can these be credible when a nominee has to pay for such award? It costs around twenty to more than a hundred thousand pesos to get that so called seal of excellence. Wow, such easy money for them! It shall remain credible for as long as the consumer remains ignorant of how the process works. Nevertheless, this new age of marketing seems to work.

Whew!

Whew! I’ve never been this occupied. It’s finally over, at least for now. God is so good.

Twas my first experience to join a bazaar. So many lessons learned from merchandising, marketing to operations and customer service -- indeed a discovery of thyself… a far cry from my daily routine of counting numbers. I've sold close to 400 pieces of these! :D

The greater challenge was being part of the organizing committee. From the nicest comments to those constructive criticism, not counting the never-ending dilemma that came our way, those sleepless nights have finally paid off. To a few who did not believe in this project, i humbly say *wink*, ha we made it! It was not just a bazaar, twas indeed a feast! Those praises from shoppers I’ve never met before were priceless. The smiles and appreciation from the exhibitors were heart-warming. Thank you for believing in us. The feast shall continue very soon…

I just deserve the two sessions I had with the masseur and a shopping spree at the bazaar. My staff (that I have taken for granted during those busy days) will surely be delighted with the nice inexpensive earrings, bangles and bags I got for them! :)

Happy Holidays!