On the lookout for a great business opportunity? You now have a chance to own and operate a Sun Shop satellite branch, for about the same capitalization required to put up a neighborhood business.

Digitel Mobile Philippines, Inc. (DMPI) recently announced that Sun Shop satellite branches are now available for ownership and management by accredited third parties. The introduction of this partnership model is part of efforts to expand its retail footprint and serve more subscribers in various parts of the country.

Currently there are 142 Sun retail stores nationwide, 18 of which are partner-operated branches located in provincial areas. DMPI targets to open 35 more satellite branches by the end of 2015, all of which would offer services for both Sun and Smart subscribers. 

“For a capitalization that’s very attractive, partners can already carry the country’s top wireless brands which have a total subscriber base of almost 70 million. And they will get operational, marketing, logistics, and merchandising support from us, as well as dedicated support hotlines for satellite branch operations,” said Louie de Guzman, Sun and Smart center head for retail partner management.

He added that so far, DMPI’s third-party retail partners have recorded encouraging revenues from service fees and commissions.

“Meanwhile, our customers get convenient and improved access to Sun and Smart’s offerings and aftersales services, in a way that’s also cost-efficient for us. This business model is really beneficial for all stakeholders,” de Guzman said.

The Sun Shop satellite branches will offer postpaid (both cellular and broadband) applications processing, bills payment services, loyalty and retention services, and sale of Sun and Smart prepaid products.

To ensure that customers would get quality service, DMPI implements a strict accreditation process for interested entrepreneurs, provides regular and comprehensive training for branch personnel, and conducts regular quality assurance checks.