What Is a Compliance Calendar?
The repercussions of missing crucial deadlines extend beyond non-compliance and can even include hefty fines, lost revenues and opportunities, as well as decreased productivity.
An Online Seller's Guide to E-commerce Fulfillment & Shipping
Here’s a guide to e-commerce fulfilment and shipping for new sellers in Hong Kong looking to drive revenue from online sales. Find out more about the methods, models and software that’ll help you scale the business you’ve worked hard to build.
Tips For Amazon Sellers To Better Manage Your Inventory
Brand owners and sellers of all scales struggle to seek a well-balanced supply chain. Additionally, Amazon has its own inventory management rules, which makes everything even tougher.
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The 10 Best E-commerce Hosting Services in 2021
When you are setting up your e-commerce shop, the right hosting provider can make all the difference. However, with a variety of options out there, choosing the best one can be confusing.
What To Include in an E-commerce Invoice?
For business owners who own and run an online store, you probably already know that invoices must be sent to your customers for the services you provide or the goods you sell, as a form of purchase proof.
What Are the Penalties for Late Filing of Documents?
You will usually need to file your documents by a fixed time however, business owners are often so busy with business engagement that they forget about the deadlines.
How To Set Up Your Own Employment Agency
Given the importance of employment agencies, it is no doubt that they play an integral role in Hong Kong's economic success. Find out how to start an employment agency in Hong Kong as the world hurtles to define a new future of work.
How Packaging Inserts Can Increase Your E-commerce Revenue
As a business owner, you can use packaging inserts to publicise your products. Placing your focus on existing customers also means that you do not have to splurge extra dollars on marketing.
A Guide to Reducing Taxable Income for Small Businesses
As a business owner, you can’t escape paying taxes. But what kind of taxes would you have to pay, and how are you taxed?
5 Profitable E-Commerce Niches Worth Looking At
If you’re just starting or looking to go in a new direction, finding a lucrative niche will make every part of running your e-commerce business easier. This article will look at trending e-commerce niches to consider.
How RoyalKey Saved 4h/day & Reduced Stress with Osome
For Denis Andrei Valcu, setting up his own business was his dream and passion. Fast forward to today, the company he set up, RoyalKey, gets most of their business through gaming channels, honing their reputation as a go-to for gamers’ software needs.
What Are Directors' Duties In Hong Kong?
We bring you through what kind of directors there are, who can become a company director, a director’s duties and what the role entails.
Is It Necessary for My Company To Have a Data Protection Officer
Hong Kong is a fantastic place to base e-commerce businesses as it is well-connected with the rest of the world. This means that personal data will be collected, used and processed during the business transactions.
Cryptocurrency: What Does It Mean to Your Business Operations?
There are more than 4,000 cryptocurrencies that exist. Before you jump on the bandwagon, assess whether cryptocurrencies are suitable to be used in your business.
Customer Retention: How To Keep Customers Coming Back
Every business likes new customers, especially when the customer uses their services again and again. Existing customers help in creating a solid foundation of your business that provides a steady revenue stream that costs less than acquiring new customers.
Streamlining Payroll Process for SMEs: 5 Tips
For a business to run smoothly, the payroll process must be streamlined and error-free. It is easy to streamline and optimize your payroll and other back-office processes within your SMB. Did you know that this can improve your cash flow?
A Guide to Offering Free Shipping Profitably
Have you ever wondered who pays for the free shipping when you shop online? Turns out, it is possible to offer free shipping and have a profit margin at the same time.
A Guide to the Top e-Commerce Payment Gateways in Hong Kong
Other than branding and marketing, these technologically savvy consumers are well acquainted with the Internet and convenient payment gateways and demand nothing less than a seamless e-commerce transaction.
8 Photography Tips for Your E-commerce Store
Want to kickstart your start-up or bolster an existing online business? These 8 e-commerce photography tips could have a direct impact on small businesses owners in Hong Kong, take a look.
What To Do If I Want To Change My Company Name And Information?
If you want to change your company name, it’s relatively easy to do so in Hong Kong. And if there are other changes happening in your company - such as change in registered office address, new company director or secretary - you have 15 days to report these changes to the Companies Registry.
How To Hold Annual General Meeting
The phrase “annual general meeting” (AGM) may conjure in your head an image of a hall filled with agitated shareholders grilling a row of executives seated on stage with difficult questions about the business, thanks to media coverage of AGMs in listed companies.
The Search for Niche Products and Getting Started Online
Launching an online business is not an easy achievement, with increasingly more entrepreneurs entering the online market space. Competition is fierce, product ideas are saturated, and consumers are getting more well-versed in sieving out the best prices for online products.
Deadlines To Keep In Mind To Stay a Compliant Company in Hong Kong
Tax and filing deadlines are the bane for many company directors, but we can be fairly certain they’re here to stay. Whether you’re a Type A (“Deadlines are easy!”) or Type B (“When is my next deadline?!”) entrepreneur, we’ve put together this handy guide for you.
Annual Return Filing Dates To Take Note of for New Business Owners
New business owners or even company officers may not be familiar with the necessary paperwork to deliver to local authorities for annual requirements. Everything is new. Starting a business in Hong Kong is already so tough and now there is paperwork to deliver to be compliant?
Osome Raises $16M in Series A Round for Its AI-based Accounting Platform To Expand Globally
Osome has raised $16M in a Series A funding from a group of investors including Target Global, AltaIR Capital, Phystech Ventures, S16VC, Ace & Company and Peng T. Ong, who joined as an angel investor.
What Happens When You Avoid Tax in Hong Kong? A Guide to Tax Evasion Penalties
Hong Kong is well-known for its simple and straightforward tax regime, which makes the country one of the best places you could start a business in. However, despite the favorable tax rates, there are still cases of tax evasion which leads to legal consequences.
Osome Is Named Singapore Partner of the Year at Xero Asia Awards
A confirmation of Osome’s commitment at innovation and customer service, this is simply a great way to end 2020. Find out more on how and why we won.
Fulfillment and Storage: The Impact on Your Online Business
So, you have reached a turning point in your company’s growth and feel like you need to focus more on order processing and fulfillment. That’s great because that will allow you to grow your sales.
An Online Seller's Guide to Currency Risk
If you trade in a stronger currency, you will have to pay more for fewer items, which can squeeze your profit margins and make competing with other businesses difficult for you. It can also affect your ability to make profitable investment opportunities.
An Overview of Amazon's Logistics Chain
The Amazon website must integrate a wide range of functions in order to deliver full functionality. It is for this reason that Amazon's supply chain is so important to its success and operation.
Best Bank Accounts for E-commerce Businesses
Banking alternatives are emerging as new banking solutions which are good news for online businesses searching for more business bank accounts options for their e-commerce store.
What You Need To Know About Naming Your E-commerce Store
Choosing a good brand name once you have registered your company is important for an e-commerce business store because it will grow to be the brand that users identify with.
What to Look for When Choosing a Domain Name for Your E-Commerce Website
A domain name is an identity and at the same time, the address for customers to get to e-commerce businesses’ stores online. Thus, choosing the perfect domain name is important for your e-commerce business.
Calculating Taxes: The Self-employed & Freelancer Guide
Partner of a partnership business or sole proprietor? If you’re self-employed and earning an income in Hong Kong, this article will help you get up to speed on all you need to know about calculating taxes for freelance work.
A Guide to Hong Kong’s Double Tax Treaties
Hong Kong boasts a thriving economy with a business-friendly tax regime, including its Double Tax Treaties, which has attracted many entrepreneurs and investors alike.
An Online Seller's Guide To Understanding Customer Lifetime Value
Taking a look at customer lifetime value, you'll see it's easier and less expensive to sell your products to an existing customer than to acquire a new one.
Osome Among Top 4 Platinum Partners of Xero in Singapore
Xero, the global small business platform, awarded Osome with a platinum partner status. This is the highest level of recognition that Xero offers to their counterparts, with only 3 other companies in Singapore holding the title.
Make, Manufacture, Wholesale or Dropship Model for E-commerce Business?
Apart from the products you intend to sell, you will also have to make your biggest business decision when it comes to the ideal business model to pursue.
XA Network and AltaIR Capital Invests US$3m in Osome in New Round of Funding
The new injection of funds will assist Osome in its vision to help company founders cope with tedious but unavoidable tasks which entrepreneurs usually outsource
An Investor's 10 Tips on How To Prepare for Fundraising
The most difficult part of starting your own business can be raising capital. For practical tips, we asked Jason Edwards of VentureCap Insight. He’s seen many startups ask for money from his experience as a venture capitalist.
11 Reasons To Go With Osome To Take Over Your Accounting
To get the best chance at success, entrepreneurs have to make sure they have the right partners around them when starting their own business. Here’s why we are the right partner for your accounting tasks.
A Guide to Creating an Invoice
Simple invoices can help save time with all basic accounting details you require to bill clients for your work. Think of them as organised documents that are easy to understand and create.
Understanding Balance Sheets
When it comes to managing your business, one of the most crucial financial statements is the balance sheet. We cannot emphasise how important it is to learn how to read a balance sheet to ensure your company's financial health.
Digital Business Accounts Over Traditional Bank Accounts: 5 Advantages
Today's increasingly digital world is changing the way we bank. Digital banks may be something you've heard about while setting up your business in Hong Kong, but you've probably wondered how they can help your business run more smoothly.
A New Entrepreneurs’ Go-To Guide To Becoming an Amazon Seller
Want to get into the online marketplace in Hong Kong? Think about selling your products on Amazon, one of the biggest Internet retailers.
Getting a Company Set Up in Singapore From Hong Kong Within an Hour for Foreigners
We guide you on what you need to get your business in Singapore registered from Hong Kong. No plane ride needed.
4 Ways to Find Ideal Co-Founders for Your Business
Here are four tips to find the right cofounder if you are either looking for someone to help you refine and execute an idea, or to raise capital before setting up a company.
How To File a Hong Kong Employers Return? Form BIR56A and IR56B
As an employer, you need to fill up the Employer’s Return to report the amount of remuneration and other employee benefits. Form BIR56A acts as a cover letter to all IR56B forms an employer has to submit.
What Do Employers Need To Know About Salaries Tax Returns (Form BIR60)?
As a director of a company in Hong Kong, you would be required to pay Salary Tax on your salary through Form BIR60.
Getting Started With Bookkeeping If You've Never Done It
In the bookkeeping process, we record, classify, and organize financial transactions in your company for both new and established business owners. Find out the basics for your business.
Your Online Store Will Grow With These 5 Accounting Tips
Your online store can suffer from poor accounting, so here are five accounting basics to strengthen your finances and increase sales.
3 Bookkeeping Tips for E-commerce Stores
Essentially, bookkeeping helps you balance your accounts so you can improve business cash flow.
What Is a Holding Company and How To Set Up One in Hong Kong?
Learn how to set up a holding company in Hong Kong. A holding company is a company that has a bunch of subsidiaries. It is still a business entity.
What New Founders in Hong Kong Need To Know About Annual Financial Reporting Obligations
Companies must prepare financial statements and have them audited every year, with those financial statements being included with their annual tax filing. Find out more.
Getting Started With an E-Сommerce Business from Home
In this article, we will examine why going online can prove useful for your business
Starting Your T-shirt Business the No-Nonsense Way
Increasingly, people shop online rather than in offline stores. Here’s a guide on how to get started with selling t-shirts.
What Do SMEs Need To Know About Budget 2021?
With Budget 2021, the Hong Kong government has introduced various measures to help support you and your business, and facilitate long-term growth of all Hong Kong companies.
How E-commerce Entrepreneurs Can Optimise Cash Flow Over Profits
Those who run e-commerce businesses often worry about profits but ignore the value of cash flow. Understand the difference between profit and cash flow.
A Guide to Applying for Investment Visa for Entrepreneurs
If you want to start a business in Hong Kong or join a startup here, you may need a Hong Kong Investment Visa. Read about what you need and who can apply.
Setting Up a Foreign Company in Hong Kong: Subsidiary, Branch or Representative Office?
Subsidiary, branch or representative office? Here’s what to know when deciding what foreign company options in Hong Kong are best for you.
A Guide to Articles of Association in Hong Kong
An Articles of Association (AA) must be submitted if you wish to be registered as an entity in Hong Kong, regardless of entity type. Here’s how to prepare it.
What New Business Owners Need To Know About Companies Ordinance
In Hong Kong, the Companies Ordinance creates a legal framework for companies to be incorporated and operate. As your company would need to adhere to it, find out what it’s about.
Hong Kong Ecommerce Trends & Statistics in 2021
E-commerce now accounts for more than one quarter of all retail sales in the Hong Kong. This number is expected to steadily increase in the years ahead, and would reach nearly one-third of all retail sales by 2024.
Is Accounting for E-commerce Businesses Any Different?
There are 3 main aspects you need to understand about e-commerce accounting so you can fully comprehend your cash flow and profitability.
Top 6 E-commerce Platforms for Hong Kong Entrepreneurs
A guide to the most popular E-commerce platforms for new and current entrepreneurs planning to sell in the Hong Kong market.
Things To Note When Issuing Shares in Hong Kong
If you plan to increase your company’s capital by selling part of your company through the issue of shares, there is some administrative work you need to do for existing and potential shareholders.
What Taxes Are My E-Commerce Company’s Profits Subject To?
Taxation can be challenging and at the same time, confusing for many who are either starting a new e-commerce company or have already operated one for a long time. Let’s break it down.
A Complete Guide to Selecting a Nominee Director
A nominee director allows you to have someone else’s name on the board instead. Find out the reasons companies choose a nominee director.
A Guide to Trademark Registration in Hong Kong
Even though it’s not mandatory, a registered trademark could be a pretty valuable asset for setting up business in Hong Kong.
2021 E-commerce Sales Dates in Hong Kong To Plan For
As an online retailer, you can prepare for sales to anticipate the Hong Kong demand throughout the year and plan for 2021. This article highlights some key dates and events in Hong Kong.
Tips for Organising Invoices and Receipts for Small Businesses
Ask any entrepreneur what their least favorite business activity, just about all of them will say “paperwork”. Here’s some tips to get you to organise your invoices and receipts so you can turn your frown upside down.
A Guide to Maternity Leave and its Costs to Employers
Since the Employment Amendment Ordinance was passed on 11 December 2020, you might need to update your company’s policies and procedures concerning pay and leave entitlements for your staff on maternity leave.
A Guide to Taxable Income for New Business Owners in Hong Kong
With so many new rules and regulations every year, it’s hard to keep up with what is taxable and what is not taxable. In this article, we will take you through an overview of taxation in Hong Kong and the types of income earned that are taxable.
10 Best Accounting Software Used by Hong Kong Businesses
Each accounting software has different features with multiple pricing plans to choose from. Here we list some of Hong Kong’s most popular accounting software for you to select the most suitable for you.
5 Reasons an SME Needs an Accounting Firm
As your business grows, the amount of paperwork would also increase and become more time consuming. At this point, it might be sensible to find an accountant for your small business. Here are 5 Reasons why your small business might need to work with an Accounting Firm.
5 Hong Kong Government Funds to Tap Into for Your Startup
The Hong Kong government has put in place a few financing schemes to support the growth of these smaller businesses through financing and loan guarantees. Find out more about them and if you are eligible to apply.
3 Tips for a Better Tax Filing & Planning Strategy
Making sure your accounting paperwork is in order is important as you file your report profits tax to the Inland Revenue Department (IRD). You wouldn’t want to owe the Inland Revenue Department any tax as that will not look good for your business
How to Change My Hong Kong Company’s Registry Address
You may have started your business in Hong Kong for a few years or you’re considering moving to another location due to a high rental cost of your current registered address.So, maybe now it’s time for you to change your company registered address.
A Guide to Basic Bookkeeping for New Business Owners
Bookkeeping is a complex process, but an essential one nonetheless. Here's how you can get started with a fundamental understanding of what bookkeeping involves
Choosing to Hire or Outsource a Bookkeeper or Accountant: How to Decide
As your business expands, the amount of paperwork would increase. To ease your load, you may think of getting help by hiring or engaging a service provider. Let’s look at the pros and cons of these two options.
A Guide to Profit Tax Return in Hong Kong
What is a Profits Tax Return? Does my company have to file this form? By when? We’ll take you through the different BIR forms there are and how to file them.
Setting Up a Hong Kong Company as a Special Purpose Vehicle
Find out what a Special Purpose Vehicle or SPV is, and what are the things you need to have to set up this entity in Hong Kong.
6 Tips to Improve Accounting Accuracy for Hong Kong Companies
Stay compliant with the Inland Revenue Department and prepare end-of-year financial statements in no time at all when you follow these tips for accounting accuracy of your company.
Why You Need a Company Secretary for Your Hong Kong Business
Since a company secretary is a must, find out why you need one, what their roles are and how best to choose one.
How Do I Withdraw My MPF Before Leaving Hong Kong?
If you will be leaving Hong Kong permanently, you can withdraw your MPF before reaching the retirement age of 65. Find out how.
Changing My Company’s Financial Year End
If your current financial year end date was not chosen by you, or you want to streamline the date with your parent company, you may want to read this.
What Business Owners Need to Know About Accounting Standards in Hong Kong
Find out more about how to standardise your accounting with Hong Kong’s Accounting Standards
Startup Founders Share How They Aced Their Pitch & Raised Funds
Talking someone into giving you money is hard, especially if we are talking millions. Osome Blog asked 3 founders who succeeded, 1 startup scout and 1 product lead to share their experience. Here’s what they told us.
Selecting a Financial Year End for Your New Company
Your financial year end affects how you do your accounting and tax submissions. So how do you decide? Read on.
Profit Tax: How a Hong Kong Company Can Get An Exemption
In Hong Kong, tax exemptions are applied to profits received from offshore funds. Here’s how to apply so your offshore company can benefit.
Using a Virtual Office as My Registered Physical Address
As companies work remotely and borders are restricted, would virtual offices fulfil the requirement to open a company?
6 Advantages of Converting to a Private Limited Company
Is it time for your freelance business to change from a sole proprietor? Find out the 6 advantages and 3 steps to a Private Limited Company.
A Practical Guide to the Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme
Looking to hire specialised individuals from overseas to work for you in your Hong Kong company? Then you’ll need to get acquainted with this scheme.
Hong Kong Work Visa: A Fuss-Free Guide to Apply for One
If you’re an entrepreneur planning on relocating to Hong Kong, here’s all you need to know about applying for a work visa and how the process works.
Find the Right Fit: Which Corporate Structure is Best for my New Company
Now you’ve decided to set up a company, which business structure would be the best? We take you through to find the right fit.
A 4 Minute Guide to the Inland Revenue Department in Hong Kong
Once you open up a company in Hong Kong, you’ll be dealing with this government agency a lot. Learn more about its role, functions, and services in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Withholding Tax: What Is It and Who Pays It?
If your company is a resident company and you’re making specific types of payments to non-resident companies or individuals? You’ll need to know about withholding tax then.
Getting Your Business Registration Certificate
We illustrate how simple and seamless the process of getting a business registration certificate can be.
A Guide to Opening a Representative Office in Hong Kong
Looking at opportunities in Asia as a starting base to expand your company, but don’t want to make too huge an investment? Foreign companies often explore Asia by registering a Representative Office in Hong Kong. Learn more about how to do it properly legally.
Filing Your Annual Return in Hong Kong: A Quick Guide
Want to learn more about company annual return filing to Companies Registry in Hong Kong? Let's get you familiar with all the important details.
What You Need to Know to Deregister Your Hong Kong Company
We take you through the requirements, process, and what you can expect when you wish to deregister your company in Hong Kong.
A Guide for Opening an Offshore Company in Hong Kong for Entrepreneurs
This article will guide you on how to incorporate an offshore company in Hong Kong, the benefits of opening a Hong Kong offshore company, its formation requirements, the procedure, and timeline.
E-commerce in Hong Kong: How to Set Up Your Company?
Whether you have an existing retail business and are thinking of pivoting your business model, or just starting from scratch to open an online shopping store in Hong Kong, we’re here to help you make your company official.
MPF Guide to Employers in Hong Kong
As a new employer, you need to be aware of different schemes under the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) to kickstart your hiring process. This article will take you through what MPF is about.
A New Business Owner’s Guide to a Company Audit in Hong Kong
A company audit assures that all the information in your businesses financial report is fair, accurate and compliant. So you’re a new business owner in Hong Kong facing your first company audit, this article is here to guide you through the process.
Company or Common Seal in Hong Kong: Does Your Company Need it?
A comprehensive guide to common seal in Hong Kong and whether your company needs it.
A First Time Entrepreneur’s Guide to Starting a Business in Hong Kong
Want to know how to start a business in Hong Kong? In this article, we illustrate how simple and seamless the process can be. It all starts with an understanding of the basics which include licensing, registration and financial regulations.
Financial Statements & Business Growth: What’s the Connection?
Want to expand your business and make smart financial moves? How about attracting the right investors or securing that new business loan? We unpack how your financial statement can be a helpful tool for business growth, take a look.
How Hong Kong Collects Information About Company Ownership
Every Hong Kong company keeps records about the people and businesses who own it and influence its decisions. Those records make up the Significant Controllers Register (SCR). The authorities can ask for them at any moment.
Guide to Hong Kong Tax for SME Owners
Hong Kong can boast one of the simplest and cheapest tax systems in the world. Is there a value-added tax? No such thing. How about a withholding tax or a capital gains tax? Again — nope. We will explain which taxes for private limited companies do exist in Hong Kong and how to pay them.
A Quick Guide on Directors' Duties in Hong Kong
Being a director is as prestigious as it is cumbersome, or so they say. Let's look at directors' duties in Hong Kong and try to evaluate how much risk comes with this respectable job title.
Entrepreneurial Burnout: Can I Love My Business Again?
Natalia owns a video production studio. Some time ago, her business was doing great, but she wasn’t. In this article, she explains what steps she took to change the situation and where it all led her.
How an Entrepreneur Can Move to Hong Kong and Bring Along Their Team
Hong Kong employment visas can be pretty hard to get, so we created this quick guide to help you understand how to apply for one and assess your chances before you make the move. We break down the rules and describe the application process.
Business Registration Number (BRN) in Hong Kong
We explain everything you need to know about BRNs. This article is for people relocating their business to Hong Kong and those looking to incorporate a company there.
Pointers to Get Your ID Approved by Companies Registry on Your First Try
When setting up a company in Hong Kong, foreign directors and shareholders must submit a notarized copy of their ID. We explain how to obtain a document that will pass the requirements
Osome Celebrates It's 2000th Client
It took us 15 months to grow the first 1,000 clients. Now, only six months later, another 1,000 business owners joined us. Thank you for trusting Osome!
Osome Is Now a Gold Partner for Xero
Osome has received the gold partner status from Xero, a cloud-based accounting software platform. With only 30 Singapore companies holding this title, Xero recognizes Osome expertise in bookkeeping, accounting, and taxation.
Osome Raises $3m To Expand to the UK and Hong Kong
Osome announced a $3 million financing led by Target Global. The new investment will help expand its technology platform to the UK and Hong Kong, and already started testing these markets.
Traditional Banks vs. Neobanks: Whose Business Account Suits You Best
The so-called neobanks offer online banking, and they are affordable. So is opening a business account with a neobank a good idea? How is it different from turning to a regular bank? Let’s find out
Tips on Opening a Business Bank Account in Hong Kong
In 2020, a mere wish to open a business account is not enough. One needs to convince the bank that they can trust them. Every case is unique, but we gathered some universal insights from practising lawyers, explained the procedure, and outlined the questions you will be asked
Is Setting Up a Private Limited Company in Hong Kong for Me?
A private limited company is winning the race among all the business structures in Hong Kong. We look under the bonnet of an Ltd. and why it might suit you.
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