Our agenda today was simple. Release the stocks in the fastest way possible. We are hoping it to be released as samlpes, since we are in the process of formalizing things. This is what we are hoping for.
From the place I am staying, its a 15 km drive to Phuket Town where we consulted the provincial FDA of our predicament. Its a good thing that Giovanni and Suwana are both there assisting me. Suwanna do most of the talking since the guy conversed in Thai and giovannis followed up with questions. I cant really follow w\the converstation since everythings is fast and in Thai language. The FDa guy was very straight forward to us; register the product first and better to take it to Bangkok wherein the process is faster rather than in Phuket.
We are already aware of it already so we moved along. Our next stop should have been the airport customs. Since we would most probably be arriving around lunch time, they suggeted in having lunch somwhere first than taking lunch at the airport which is very expensive. They brought me to "Super Cheap," a whoesaler customer/client of them. The place introduces all kinds of products ranging from appliances, gardening to personal care which can be bought at a very cheap price. The place is humid with lots of electric fans trying to make good ventilation. People who normally buy here are store owners whom we define as Mom and Pop owners from the different corners of Phuket Province. Its a supermarket, grocery and pharmacy in one but Thai style. Bare designs; the ceiling of galvanized steel sheets and walls made out of simple wood. Thats "Super Cheap." Eventhough the place is not a convenient place to buy, there were a lot of people there. With that kind of atmosphere, I thought teh process would have been chaotic. But I was surprised. It was properly managed. As you exit, all of your goods will be checked based on the receipt paid. Add to that, they use bar codes and computers for the cashiers. Tehy have a great sytem just that they took away the aesthetic designs and minimized other fixed expenses to maintain this low price they offer.
We had lunch then at Laeng Hin. Or it sounded like that. Restaurant by the bay which serves fresh seafoods. All the dishes that they ordered were new to me. And I am very excited to try them all: Shrimps with some kind of leaves that are fried together to a crisp which looks like criss-cut fries. Raw shrimps with a dip of spicy sweet sauce. Smoked fish to perfection. Spicy curry thai style. Eat all you can rice. Fruits. And beer as our beverage. Suwana though had fresh coconut since she is pregnant. Did I forget something? Well, to sum it all up, it was a superb lunch.
After that fantastic meal, we headed straight forth the customs at the airport in Phuket. It was a 45minute drive. I met again my agent and both Giovanni and Suwana helped me in questioning the agent. We are told of the scenarios we could partake and was even given actual computations for duties and possible expenses. I have learned a lot in importing goods and starting a company. That day confirmed everything I knew.
We had two choices. But the most deal and best (if you ask me) is going to Bangkok. It was clear to me that Bangkok is the key in everything here in Thailand.
That afternoon, they showed me the shops in Patong wherein their product ZigZag is available. They were available in pharmacies eventhough the law here discourages selling of tobaccos and cigarettes. if you come to visit stores, you wont find any visible cigarettes for sale. you have to inquire for it before they show and give them to you. Its a stict practice here in Thailand and am very surprised on how retailers practice them deliberately.
We had italian ice cream at Re Gelato and espresso in Coffee Lovers as we discuss the possible scenarios of our partnership. I really appreciate their honesty. I know only few who have the guts to tell about their company. And to think the many days they spent helping me out, meeting me, learning and creating scenarios with them, makes me think how serious they are in takng in Beach Hut.
ACTION speaks loudr than words!
by my good friends Giovanni and Suwanna. Yes, they are very friendly and very helpful in this too. I never thought that they would ever extend Teh
I never thought it would take nearly 100 kms of distance just for this.
