QUESTION: I am thinking about returning to Jamaica to start a small business. I would like to sell seasonings, such as black pepper, chicken seasoning, etc. What are the names of wholesalers or manufacturers where I could buy these products so that I could sell them at cost price to the public? What is the name of the packaging company I could use to package my products? Also, what is the correct procedure to start such a business?

- M. Richards

RESPONSE: M. Richards, who writes from overseas, will find the Jamaica Yellow Pages - also available online - a very useful guide in finding packaging companies, as well as those which sell seasonings wholesale.

You will also find in it the restaurants, hotels and smaller wholesales which also purchase from you if, in turn, you wish to sell the products in bulk.

market appeal

However, it is the recommendation of our adviser this week - Dionne Palmer, incubator manager at the Technology Innovation Centre (TIC), University of Technology - that Richards consider producing something with more market appeal.

According to Palmer, the client should consider producing his or her own high-quality seasonings with the help of the Scientific Research Council in Kingston.

He or she may contact a marketing research officer for additional information as he or she will need much more data concerning demand and supply in relation to what he or she wants to sell.

If producing his or her own seasonings, Richards should consider interacting with the Rural Agricultural Development Agency for suppliers and good quality products.

To assess quality, turn to the Jamaica Bureau of Standards. the Jamaica Business Development Corporation also assists with packaging, marketing and product development.

The TIC also advises start-ups on how to configure their businesses and develop markets.

Jamaican seasonings are now very popular; but pricing is critical, as is quality.

Also ensure that your company is registered with the Companies Office of Jamaica, Inland Revenue Department as a taxpayer, and statutory agencies, such as the National Housing Trust, and the National Insurance Scheme.

A registered company has better prospects for funding, loans and investment.

Email Dionne: dpalmer@ticjamaica.com.