Karon Beach

28th July 2006

Today, I am very positive on things. My options are now laid out after 5 weeks of networking, procedures and processes are getiing clearer. I was given 8 options of possible interested distributor of Beach Hut from Kenneth. Although, all of them are in Bangkok, I have to be there at one point in time for documentation.

Now I have to settle and make things easier to work with SKGF. Although I thought it would be as simple as saying it, it seems to me that it would take another meeting to counter his proposal. Lets just say that with the terms they are offering, it will not be feasible for us to start it. It was nice to meet both Giovanni and Suwanna. This possible partnership would take a little longer than I expected.

Tomorrow, I am to present a counter proposal to them and hopefully I would be able to end this over the weekend, as I should go to Bangkok as soon as possible.

27th July 2006

I am very grateful today as one of companies based here in Phuket found interest in Beach Hut's distribution; He was even able to meet with me within hours. It was a very fruitful conversation we had, if only i dont have a scheduled meeting at that moment, I would have spent more time wiht Giovanni and learn more about his company.

It was one of the best short and informative meetings I ever had. He have shared his capabilities as a distributor wherein which I am searching for. Their company's practices were a different one and his idea of promotion/s were the same with us, which is direct and at minimal cost.

That night i went to Karon to meet Peter. He have two shops he is interested in selling Beach Hut.

That night I roamed around Karon and Kata Beach. It was serene and peaceful unlike Patong Beach. I loved the atmosphere. I am felling differently now.

26th July 2006

The search continues...my tele-marketing skills are being challenged right now. But I know some way or another, I will end up with something. Fortunately for me, a retailer in Karon Beach was interested with Beach Hut. Its another start. We scheduled our meeting tomorrow and finalize the venue when we are to meet up. He is in KRABI for a vacation (I wonder how the place looks like...and also how he is enjoying it).

I have lot of rejections that day. The worst statement I have ever heard was "We dont work with tourists." What he meant was foreigners. Its a reaction and statement about how Thais, espescially businessmen, are not open with free trade. But what was surprising with this particular company was he thought I was looking for a manufacturer for our product. The reason he entertained me. Now that was funny.

What are the usual lines they tell me?
- "no english"
- "no understand"
- " boss Malaysia. phone again" , now this statement took me 5 minutes before I understood her.
- "product not same", not same line of product they are carrying

Oh well, i was just fortunate enough when I have received another list refered by a friend I have met 2weeks ago. He gave me a list of possible importers and distributors for Beach Hut which I am thankful for. And again this made me re-think because the list were all located in Bangkok. Now this is a really pressing me hard to consider again... time is not on my side.

25th July 2006

The turnout with the distributor whom I met yeterday wasnt how I expected it to be. I was thinking about how our conversations were taking place and felt I wasnt feeling good about it. She is not whom we need to do business with. Her ideas are copies from foreign brands, even the way it is packaged. So, today I search for other possible options.

I am left with the list of Phuket based companies I was able to download, thanks to google. All day long, I have to get in touch with the owners/presidents from the list. I have 11 prospects from the 15; 2 sounds like bakeries distributing breads, 1 i already have met yesterday and 1 which has the name of one of our competitors here.

I felt like a tele-marketer selling a product,hoping to get them interested with Beach Hut. I have prepared my script long before comprised of just 2 sentences. Back in the Philippines, I would have sold to all retail shops tasked to me, but now, the challenge is to find the right distributor and most importantly find someone within their company who could understand what I was trying to say; language barrier gives me a lot of headaches.

My office place? Robinsons in Phuket Town at the phone booth. i have to change my bills into coins to make the possible calls. Its the cheapest way which serves my purpose. The whole afternoon was very tasking, trying to find the simpliest and basic word for them to understand.

I went to a forwarding agents office, SkyTrade to follow-up on our shipments and I was informed that there are documents needed wherein which they cant proccess for us. I was advised (same advise I had before by a different company)to process it in Bangkok.

Now with the challenges I am facing, I have to think about how to deal with the situation. I have prospects here in Phuket but I have to go to Bangkok. Both are important matters that I have to attend to but I have drop one.

26th July 2006

I have a shipment for me to look after today. Although it was supposed to have arrived at my doorstep way back, it shouldnt be a worry to get them. It was a 45minutes at a speed of 90kms/hr to the airport to meet with Mr. Pitak. As soon as I have arrived there, he referred to me to 3 agents who could help me with the shipment.

Unfortunately, there was no clearance of the declared product since the product was not registered in Thailand. The 2 agencies can only suggest for me to go back to Bangkok and apply the proper registration in FDA for us to be issued an importation permit. And such permits before being imported to Thaialand, needs requests first before shippping it out. The last agency informed me of other things that could be done. I am looking forward of it.

Another lesson/s learned (for us). We should have been aware of this. I should never have assumed that those shipments would be delivered to my place, in front of my door. I should never have assumed that service would be the same in The Philippines. i forgot that I was in Thailand. Now the shipment is costing us just because I wasnt able to find an interested importer.

Speaking of importers, I met with Khun Varaporn this afternoon for possible distribution of Beach Hut in Phuket. She has 300 retail outlets (pharmacies, etc.) of her product TonTree an after sun lotion. She was surprised that an foreign product would still want to compete in Tahiland since there are already ltos of players. around.

Our 2 hours meeting was long and a bit brutal for me. We were both having difficulty hearing out each other, which meant some words are hard to decipher. Everything should be explained in the simpliest word, the basic. Well, I was surprised at her quick interest in partnering with us. She is pulling my leg. She wanted me to bring her line of lotion after sun products and her other upcoming products this year to Philippines.

Well, I got a word form her that she will be ordering from me for all her retail shops. She cant commit and only on October becasue the season starts at that time of the year. She wanted me to come back on September the trial of distributing Beach Hut.

Well, it was not waht I was hoping for, but should be ample for now. Its a good thing that I was able to back track last Sunday and was able to research on TonTree. I found a list of distributors here in Phuket. Now I hope at least one item in the list distributes consumer products like TonTree.

My meeting ended around 7pm that night. And since I am still not familiar with the places I have been, as usual, i would call my friend over the mobile and make him explain to the motorbike rider where I am going. This is the quickest and surest way in getting to meet people.

Oh well, tomorrow another hunting game for me.

19th and 20th July 2006

 
 
 

Busmates of mytravel back to Phuket

I had a bargain. Along Khaosan Road, you can ride a bus going to Phuket for a mere 450baht. To save money, most tourist take this ride going to the South of Bangkok.

A few minutes past 6pm we rode a 30 seater bus. For 40 minutes, we stopped 12 midnight for dinner at the place shown above. I cant help myself capturing this moment seeing hungry tourists eat at a place like "turo-turo" in the Philippines. Before 1am, we traveled again south to change buses by 6am. 6am we have diffrent buses to ride depending on the point of destination each of us is heading for. 630am ride a mini truck/jeep to a bus going to Phuket. Around 12noon, we arrived in Phuket Town bus station.

During the idle time of changing buses, Hank of Holland, Molly of Hawaii, Ed of Ireland and I had a few laughs on our bus experience.

- Hank stands at around 6"2' (or even taller) is fortunate to have a good legroom. Its like a VIP seat for him with that long legs of his.
- Leg Room is just enough for 5"7' people and below. you cant stretch it any further
- The first 6 hours without eat would reall make you hungry. And you dont have a good selection of food.
- We were just sleeping when the bus was stopped to kick us out
- We felt we were kicked out of the bus one time, as they did not explain in detail that its time to change buses.
- Molly lost his luggage in the airport
- Hank had a miserable time in Bangkok due to traffic

Ed and I dont mind whats happening. As we all agreed, we cant expect much with the price we have paid for. We got the ride for a cheap price and we never really expected an excellent service!


My objective today is to get to the airport as soon as possible to find the shipments sent for me. As soon as I arrive in Phuket, travelled an hour in a motorbike to Patong Beach for the free 7 days stay at my previous place in VISES Hotel. I took a quick shower and headed forth Phuket Airport for the shipment. Before 4pm, am already at the airport and unfortunately the airlines I was supposed to look for is in Bangkok.

We are currently experiencing difficulty in transfering information. Now I am sent back to my place and will wait for any further information from them.

Now I can have a good rest! 

ASTRO Bar and Restaurant

 
 
  

Wednesday 19th July 2006

I woke up not feeling well. I feel like getting sick so I opted to sleep longer and rest well for my meeting later. As I woke up, I still feel funny. I dont have the appetite to eat. I have butterflies in my stomach. I am nervous thinking about my meeting later with IDS.

I was an hour early for a meeting. Mr. Bruce Hemmingsen travelled from the province just to meet with me. It was privilege to meet and have a chat with him. He was just a concerned on the small scale strategy we wanted Beach Hut for distribution. I mentioned him that its a start but we aim to be widely distributed in ASIA. He asked me tell my boss to get in touch with him.

From hereon, I am looking forward for a partnership with them! I got so excited that I immediately reported this to Manila.

Another UP!- that night I met Flip and he introduced me to Hok and Jessie. Both owns a website which sells a lot of stuff. A possible partner in e-commerce. They are willing to look for me that particular distributor they see which carries a lot of products. I was glad to meet as they shared a lot of things about Thai culture which I really need to learn.

Sawat Dee Khrap/Ka is never used much anymore. They have a slang for it or cut it short when they pronounce it. Its old school using that phrase or either "you learned that in Thai Bars." I wish I can spend time with them again.

Thats me, Flip, Jessie and Hok in the picture above. We met at ASTRO Bar and Restaurant. A cozy place to have a chat and booze. Showcased in the bar are old toys that the owners normally collect.

Tuesday 18th July 2006

 

I woke up early today. 6am I traveled back to Khaosan Road and search for a daily rate place, took a bath, dressed up and travel again for my meeting with BIG C. By 10am I was within the area. (The picture above is the BIG C Supercenter in Ratchadamri Road.) After waiting in line, to my dismay, I was told to re-schedule the meeting and call them again.

Now I have to gather my thoughts. I settled down BIG C Supercenter's food plaza and sked for a schedule with them. I also did a lot of thinking if I missed out something. And I remembered that I was not able to get in touch with IDS so I gave them a call. I was a ble to reach Khun Nuch secretary of IDS Managing Director. It was a different situation selling a product by phone. Its a good thing that I was able to create a simple script that will only take a few seconds explaining the product.

Upon explaining the product to her, I was asked for any materials that would support the claim I was telling her. Instead of faxing the usual proposal I mentioned her to visit www.lotionsucks.com to have a better grasp of the product. She hanged up and told me that she will get back to me within the day. After that, I travelled forth in search of Watsons which is located at Klong-Teoy, Bangkok. It took me 3 hours to find the place and left the proposal with their purchasing head and was asked to get back to them after a weeks time.

I have my ups and downs that day. The DOWNS!- The re-scheduling of my meeting with BIG C, follow up meeting with WATSONS. Add to that I was called by Khun Thu and Khun Uiy, friends of Tita Tessie (friend of Tita Ian, Autnie of my brother-in-law. What a network!) regarding Diethelm Distribution, that they cant carry Beahc Hut since htey are already carrying a competitor with them.

My UP! - Khun Nuch called back and wanted an immediate appointment with her boss and me at Sheraton Grande Hotel in Central Bangkok. He will be traveling form the province to meet me. Now that is really great news!


Looking forward for tomorrow! 

Monday 17th July 2006

 

From my new place, I walk for 5minutes to take a bus in Thamassat University to take van ride going to Bangkok. Its an hour and a half of travel, the sacrifice I have to make in finding a cheap place but a convenient one since I have company who could help me with there.

I went to look for BIG C's main office. I have an address that was given to me in Phuket. The address I have is Rajdamri Road but cant be found in the map. Flip explained to me that there were changes in how Thai streets were spelled nowadays. Rajdamri is Ratchadamri road and I was able to get to the place riding the MRT (subway), BTS (skytrain) and walking to BIG C Supercenter in Ratchadamri Road. I consumed a lot of time locating it and asking for directions within the BIG C SuperCenter. I was passed on form people to people because most of the time I was asking for directions to Thai who cant understand my pronounciation.

Again, my agenda is to walk the front door and ask for a presentation. I did this before with Family Mart last week and went well. Khun Penwipa (Family Mart) was interested to take in the product but they will entertain us only if the product is under a Thai company. I felt the same thing would be requested by BIG C, but then again my purpose of visit is to ask for their referrals of possible distributors for Beach Hut here in Thailand. I was given an appointment for tomorrow.

After that, I went in search for 7eleven. I have with me is their address(in Thai language). With the what I got, i consulted cab drivers and asked them to take me to the place written down. I was surprised that they have no idea where the address is located. So I dropped that strategy since I believe that 7Eleven is just the same with Family Mart who have a centralized distribution of products.

From thereon, I went to DHL to ask the location of the shipment sent to me from Manila. I gave them the House Airway Bill Number and told me that there should only be 10 numbers for them to locate it. I called Mara for the update and later on learned that there was a confusion on information that were sent/given to me.

Due to this, I have to change plans immediately and ride back to Phuket for the shipment. I have to settle my bill with the apartment I just booked, get back to Khaosan Road for a daily rate rental and acquire my leads within a few days before setting forth back to Phuket.

My travel back to my place was not the end of it. After 1.5hours of travel and the whole day searching for places I am not familiar with, that night I have to negotiate for the rented apartment. I did not bother my friends since I know that they were always busy during weekdays. I found it difficult negotiating the 2000baht downpayment I gave with the land lady. I was requesting for a dialy rate since I have to cut short my lodging. The land lady was not going to give me back the money. Its a good thing that a Thai student helped me out epxlaining, interpreting and begging for a cheaper price. We settled for 1000baht for two days. I am very thankful for the Thai student to helped me out.

Its was long and exhausting day for me. And tomorrow is another adventure searching for a new place to stay and searching for a possible carrier of Beach Hut sunblock. 

Flip and Muhi 15th July 2006

 
 

(First photo)Flip, a filipino-chinese and Muhi of Indonesia. Both works for Asian Disaster Preparedness Center located in Thammasat University at Pathumthani Thailand.

I was introduced to Flip long before I got along with him while I was working at Boracay for Beach Hut. Its a small world. I never realized I would meet him him again. That Saturday night, we had a few beers at his place and got to know more about Thailand. One of these days, he will also introduce me to his Thai friend who is starting a business thru internet.

Muhi, the Indonesian, told me there are a lot of similarities with Indonesians and Filipinos. The language is almost the same. Like shoes, they call it "sapato." Tomorrow, he will accomodate me in renting a room near his place. 

Chatuchack Weekend Market

 
 
 
 

Other than clotehs, here are pictures of some stalls and their merchandises in Chatuchack Weekend Market. Thats correct! It is only open during weekends. 

Chatuchack Park

 
 
 

Some scenes at Chatuchack Park 

15 July 2006

I have decided to find for another place to stay. The room I have rented at Khaosan is cheap for its price but not the room I needed. It was next to a bar restaurant which plays very loud music until 3am. Add to that, there are no sockets for me to charge my gadgets inside the room. I have to go down and charge it in the locker room of the front desk. For my mobile phone its okay, but for my laptop I cant risk it.

There were no more places within the area that would fit my budget, so i called Flip and asked for his help. Coincidentally, flip and his friend Muhi are looking for cheap apartments too that day. So, i met them that afternoon near Chatuchak Park.

I went along with them searching for a divider for Flips apartment. Chatuchack market is a huge place. They sell lots of things from shirts, accessories, collectibles to house furnishings. We have seen only a part of the place for 2hours. I was told that we won't be able to see the entire place for a day.

During the search, Muhi and Flip told me about the apartments they have seen near Victory Monument. It is a strategic location since its very near teh BTS or Sky Train. But I told them that I would prefer a place near them. They reside near Thammasat University, outside of Bangkok. Although the place is a far from Bangkok, it would be easier for me if I can can get in touch with them quickly. Mostly for translations and directions to places I need to present Beach Hut.

That night,w e just hanged out sharing stories and a few laughs. Both are a great company to be with. Very helpful.

Tomorrow, I will travel to Thammasat University for a 4,000baht monthly rent. And Muhi is willing to travel with me and show the place.

Computer Rentals

 
Have your bills change into 10baht coins and you can rent this computer for 15minutes. A cheap computer rental but you have to be sure to have ready coins with you. The monitor automatically shuts off when the time expires.

Since there are no wifi connecitons withing the area, I usually rent this computer. It the cheapest I can find in Khaosan Road. 

Hand Crafts

 
 
Hand Crafted Cards. Just one of the few things you will see along Khaosan Road. 

Pad Thai

 

Fast Food Pad Thai along Khaosan Road. For only 20baht, you can have a vegetable Pad Thai with egg! A cheap price for a superb authentic Thai food! thsi is how their carts looks. 

Khaosan Road

 
A backpackers place, Khaosan Road are for tourists with tight budget. You can get cheap rooms from 250-500baht per night. Vegetable Pad Thai for only 20baht. Fresh fruits for 10baht. Fried Rice with vegetables and egg for 20baht. Around 4 24hours convenience store along this street. You'll reach McDonalds, Subway and Starbucks in a minute.

There is a lot of things you can do just along this street. Shop for a cheap shirt. Dare yourself with fried Scorpions, cockroaches, leeches and worms. Meet friends from around the world. Try their Club. Listen to live bands playing. Everythign is open until 2am in the morning.

Its a great place for a day or two of vacation. But at the moment, its not for me. Whenever I arrive here after roaming the streets of Bangkok,searching for partneres, all I wanted to do is rest. With the loud noise going on (my place is right beside a bar) i seldomly have a good nights sleep for 3 days. I guess I have to leave this place. But surely I will be back for a vacation. 

12 July 2006

Map Reading!

I am on my own in an unfamiliar territory. I bought a map to guide of my whereabouts here in Bangkok. I pursued looking for Boots Pharmacy's head office here. With a map, I know that I can easily find the address.

I followed the instructions of the Land Lady gave me in getting there... I asked every person along the street but to my dismay i cant seem to get to the place with the address I am searching for. Until I asked an attendant of a particular hotel, and my oh my, he speaks well in english. He knew exactly the building and showed me the way.

My objective was to walk the front door, look for the buyer/purchser in charge, present the product and finally they would be able to introduce me to a prospective distributor. Well, everything didnt work according to plan. I was simply told to email her the proposal and wait for their reply. What a waste of time!

I searched for 7Eleven next and since it was already 3pm, i opted to ride a cab again to get there. The address is in Thai language so I cant understand and let the cab read and get me there. I was very unlucky! Even the cab drivers doesnt know where it is in Bangkok. I walked around and hailed more cabs but still to no avail. I feel like I have bad luck with me.

Well, its dark already and started raining. I was surprised to see a subway which also leads to the skytrain. I tried that route on my way back home. Yes, the picture attached is how the the subway looks like. Very spacious adn comfortable to ride.

11 July 2006

I set forth to Bangkok!!!

I took the VIP24 bus from Phuket to Bangkok. The travel time is approximately 12hours covering 860kms of distance. We only had one stop for a break and eat at Chompon. Its a good thing that the bus have a toilet inside. Taking a leak wasnt a problem.

As soon as I arrive, I went to Khaosan Road (backpackers place) for a room to rent. Left my backpacks and met Tita Ian and her friend Tita Tessie. Both are very good singers of prestigious hotels here in Bangkok. They encouraged me to join them and maybe some of their friends can help me in my search. And fortunately we met Khun Thu & Khun Uiy at CheeseCake Restaurant ner Ekemai Road.
Khun Thu and Khun Uiy are very kind for spendiong sometime with us during their vacation with their family. They are to refer to me to a good friend of theirs who works at Diethelm, a consumer products distributor. I really appreciate the help they extended and the time they spent to hear me out. Now I just have to wait for their friends call within this week.

That night too, they brought me along with them having a dinner in ChineChine Restaurant. It was farewell treat by Khun Chit for Tita Ian. We had chinese food (and how I miss it). We had some chats and and singing and I had a talk with a friend of them (sorry I forgot your name sir) that Diethelm and IDS are the top disti\ributors in ASIA. I should give it a shot to contact them for my product.

Well, I had a great welcoming treat from Tita Ian, Tita Tessie and friends (espescially Chit). So as the night passes by, I sang songs for their entertainment while they ctach up on things.

Tomorrow is the official start of my search in Bangkok!

10 July 2006

 

Pressure!!!!

Thats how I am feeling right now. I have traversed the whole area, met new friends and acquaintances, searched every corner of possibility here in Phuket, and yet am still where I started....still serching.

Pressure can make a ball burst. Now I dont want that to happen. Its a good thing that I am still here, alive. Got to think more deeply now...ponder on things...and device a new and different strategy.

I just watched the beach and let my thoughts ponder and reflect. Where and when will I ever find a distributor to present at? Where will I find that particular friend to introduce me? 

Send off pics...

05 July 2006

Am all maxed out. I have talked to almost all of the pharmacies here in Patong beach for the nth time and still to no avail. It would have been the best distribution for the beach since these retail shops are everywhere. “Slow business. Get back to us when its in season. We will purchase one. We stiall have a lot of sunblocks in stock.” I don’t know if its really wrong timing, but Thai owners of pharmacies there are not in favor of trying it our. I just wish that they could have shared to me their contacts of distributors. That would have been a big help.

Add to my ill-fated day, my appointment with Holiday Inn at Patong was moved until I was able to show them a license “Authorized to sell in Thailand.” Helen broke this sad news, “Reproduce the license just like San Miguel has to distribute product/s.” I am not aware of this and that’s another lesson that has to be charged to experience. Holiday Inn is a global company, who practices good business in a procedural way.

That night, my new friend Lyn, the lawyer, called me and mentioned that she was trying to check if Beach Hut will pass the government approval in selling the product. If there will be no restrictions on the ingredients it has. She will confirm this to me as soon as she heard news about it. Also she mentioned me about offering her services on the trademark application of it. I was really glad that she is helping us out here. Some things that we might have missed up.

With what had happened this week, I have another option to walk the front doors of the 3 most biggest supermarkets in Phuket (which I was told have chains in Thailand). These are Big Sea, Lotus and Central Festival. This would be my agenda before the week ends. I wish myself goodluck!

I believe in the law of averages. I will close a distributorship for Beach Hut after many trials. This is what I am banking on! I am learning...I hope its just faster.

YELLOW

Mondays and Fridays are yellow days! Thais wear yellow shirts to honor thier King. 5 customers of this bank wears it. All the staff are dressed in yellow. And even the vendors are wearing them. I was surprised I was wearing a yellow polo that day too!

Was it mere circumstancial? It was my first time to wear that yellow polo shirt in Thailand. And I am glad I was wearing it that day.

Hail to the King!