A live selling business sells clothes, bags and other items through live video shows on social media, where buyers type 'mine' to claim an item. Most start at home with a good phone, lights, one assistant and stock bought from wholesalers. The money is made on a loyal audience that comes back every show, claims that actually get paid, and fast, careful shipping.

This guide walks through what it takes to start a live selling business in the Philippines: the capital, the monthly costs, the permits and the first 90 days. The peso figures are sample estimates for a home live seller in Cebu as of October 2026; get your own quotes before you decide.

How much capital you need

The sample comes to about ₱156,550 including one month of fixed costs kept as a cash buffer. It splits into live setup (₱42,500), internet and power (₱6,000), stock and packing (₱68,500), permits (₱4,200), launch (₱11,000) and working capital (₱24,350). Other ways to start: part-time seller at ₱30,000–₱60,000 and live selling team with a studio at ₱400,000–₱800,000.

Monthly costs and break-even

Fixed costs in the sample are ₱24,350 a month; the biggest are live assistant and packer (₱15,600), SSS, PhilHealth and Pag-IBIG (₱2,200) and internet (₱1,700). Each order sold earns about ₱157 after its own costs, so the break-even is 7.8 orders a day, and the startup capital comes back by month 12 if sales start slow and build up.

Permits and registration

Register the business name with DTI (or SEC or CDA), then get the barangay business clearance, the Mayor's permit through the city or municipal BPLO, and BIR registration; register with SSS, PhilHealth and Pag-IBIG once you hire. A live selling business also needs: sales promotion permit (raffles) and FDA-registered products only. Requirements and fees differ by city, so ask each office for its checklist first. DTI Negosyo Centers help for free.

Where to set up

  • A room with good light and little street noise
  • Fast, stable internet, with a backup
  • Close to courier drop-off points
  • Near your wholesale suppliers

Mistakes to avoid

  • Bogus buyers who never pay. A short payment deadline, a bogus-buyer list, and holds released on time to the next buyer.
  • Disputes over sizes or flaws. Show sizes and flaws clearly on camera, and keep a recording of the show if you can.
  • Restrictions on your page or account. Follow the platform's rules on selling and raffles, and keep a backup page.
  • Stock that does not sell. Buy small lots, track what sells in each show, and bundle the slow items.

Plan it with the starter kit

The Live Selling Business · Negosyo Starter Kit has every worksheet behind this guide in a 26-page PDF, plus an Excel calculator: type in your own quotes and it works out your capital, break-even, profit and payback month. It costs ₱349 and downloads right after payment.