Bookstore Vending Machine

FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY - MAKATI

Introduction
Far Eastern University - Makati is a campus extended particularly to students pursuing
accounting, business, and law. Following the standards of Far Eastern University - Manila, it
hosts semi-annual examinations that require scantron sheets for easy grading. A scantron sheet is
a slip of paper that, when shaded correctly, grades and records the results of the exam. While the
bookstore provides enough sheets for all students, it closes early.

Around late into the afternoon, the bookstore shuts down its operations, affecting students
who arrive late into the evening. Although friends and helpful classmates do exist and hand out
scantron sheets and other school supplies, the situation could be improved upon.

A simple workaround would to install a vending machine for school supplies, most
especially the scantron sheets.

Is there a market for it?

Yes, there is a market for it. Students who require basic school supplies would have to
walk out of campus to purchase overpriced items. Oftentimes, these are to be used within a few
minutes. Is it not tiring to do a quick loop around the campus and up the stairs to finish hands-on
projects promptly?

Does the business solve a problem?

It does. The problem is the inaccessibility of the FEU - Makati Bookstore late into the
evening while students are on campus. By providing access to the beneficial supplies for student
projects and examinations, the Bookstore could keep generating income while improving its
services for the convenience of students.

Is the business idea unique?

Locally, it is. There are hardly any schools that offer this kind of set-up (i.e. school
supplies instead of food items). Although, the concept is familiar internationally, especially in
Japan.

What is the price point?

Depending on the items placed inside the machine and considering the inflation of the
country, prices of commodities range between ₱10.00 and ₱30.00.

Will investors be interested?

 Definitely. Time is money. The bookstore is losing potential income while it stays closed
during the school’s opening hours. Additional profit is still profit.

Is the business idea hard to replicate?

The idea is not hard to replicate. In fact, it could be reimagined to house different kinds
of products.

Can the business idea last? Is it scalable?

Theoretically, it should last. There is no need for direct human capital, save for
maintenance. And people would always need things; a band aid or a working pen right when
necessary. How convenient and scalable to other branches because again, people would always
need things.

What is the driving force of the business?

Convenience. Who would not want to skip the walk under the heat of the sun and instead,
just buy what is needed through the bookstore. The phrase “meron diyan oh, sa bookstore lang
[it’s just there in the bookstore]” indicates FEU’s hospitality towards its students.

Go Green or Go Home: Natural Pesticides for cleaner business operations

Undecided Company
Introduction
Imagine going out for a bite to eat then seeing a little critter walk across the floor. You do
not shriek and continue eating.
Health protocols are important for every food-related business in the market. If it is not
according to standard, the potential for complaints and lawsuits arise. That much is to be
avoided. Although, humans are only capable of so much and there are small details that are
important yet overlooked.
Have you ever checked for pests inside outlets? If not, why not give it a good spray.

Does the business solve a problem?

The problem lies in contamination. If businesses use pesticides like bug sprays, it may
cause guests to ingest unseen particles. And if not, smushing little buggers is not the most
efficient nor clean way to go about it.

Is the business idea unique?

Generally, it is. Most do not consider caring for certain plants even just for the aesthetic.
That is why the idea has probably not caught on with other establishments.

What is the price point?

Depending on the plant, it could range between ₱500.00 to ₱1,500.00. Other plants
require maintenance that may increase costs.

Will investors be interested?

It is hard to say. Depending on the plant, it could get in the way of normal operations by
taking up space and time out of employees. Additionally, when incorrect handling destroys its
life, replacements would have to be brought in, incurring more costs.

Is the business idea hard to replicate?

It is not that hard to replicate at all. It only takes a few hours of thorough research.

Can the business idea last? Is it scalable?

It surely can last, especially with the ongoing trend of sustainability and environmentally-
friendly alternatives. If successful under one location,surely others would follow suit.

What is the driving force of the business?

The goal is to encourage a more clean environment without risking contamination of
harmful substances towards guests.