£15,000 To Invest or Bussiness idea

Medellin Traveler says on Feb 9, 2008, 11:47:

craigvane,
I would strongly suggest you look into starting a Bed and Breakfast. It seems to me, to be the best small business venture for starting off in Colombia. Good luck!

La cuidad de la primavera, estoy feliz porque te vuelvo a ver - www.medellintraveler.com

0 funny, 0 helpful.

craigyvane says on Feb 9, 2008, 11:49:

And you think with £15,000 I could start this, how would i start?

Thanks

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Monpirri says on Feb 9, 2008, 11:50:

Try to open several laundromats in Barranquilla, I had a hard time trying to find more than one or two.

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

0 funny, 0 helpful.

craigyvane says on Feb 9, 2008, 11:51:

Can you explain what a Laundromat is please and how i go about finding one and also the cost

Thanks

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Monpirri says on Feb 9, 2008, 12:02:

Craigyvane, don't know anything about the cost but as soon as I find the receipt I saved I would share the address so you can go over there and inquire more about it. Check these links in the meantime.

http://www.mccshawaii.com/tailor.htm

http://www.ehow.com/how_15362_open-laundromat.html?ref=fuel

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

0 funny, 0 helpful.

slguy says on Feb 9, 2008, 12:02:

" eventually want to live in colombia"

does this mean you want to be an absentee investor, initally? that's a quite different thing than following your money to colombia from day one.....

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

0 funny, 0 helpful.

craigyvane says on Feb 9, 2008, 12:15:

Yes, that is right, i would be investing my money and hopeing to make money whilst i live here in the uk, hopefully then move to colombia

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ujay says on Feb 9, 2008, 12:15:

unless you are here to run or watch over your money ,you will get ripped off....

www.unionjackedfilms.com

0 funny, 0 helpful.

craigyvane says on Feb 9, 2008, 12:19:

I have my wifes familt who live there who i trust to help run things, A laundromat really doea sound good as there are not that many around in barranquilla and people really need then

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ujay says on Feb 9, 2008, 12:20:

its family that will rip you off....1st....then the rest....

www.unionjackedfilms.com

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ujay says on Feb 9, 2008, 12:22:

laundromat ,
15000 grand will not buy you the machines you need do a run on the net see how much they cost,the setting up alone the local and that will cost you this,

www.unionjackedfilms.com

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Medellin Traveler says on Feb 9, 2008, 12:53:

First off, YOU need to be in Colombia if you are to do business there, unless you have a trusted partner who can operate the business.

Second, how about an internet cafe with Instant Messaging, Webcam and SKYPE service so you can provide international calls. You can also sell minutes, snacks, ice-cold beverages and office/school supplies.

La cuidad de la primavera, estoy feliz porque te vuelvo a ver - www.medellintraveler.com

0 funny, 0 helpful.

NorwegianMale says on Feb 9, 2008, 13:34:

Dear Craig,

I am a 37 year old Norwegian who is married to a Colombian lady. For the last years we have been living in Norway, but in April we will be moving to Colombia. My goal is to set up a business there, and I have several good options.

I have experience in setting up businesses as well as extensive management experience at international companies. Among the positions I have had are Business Controller at Radisson SAS (hotels) and Business Controller/Cash Manager at Alliance Boots/UniChem (pharmacies/convenience stores). I am 100% thrustworty and can provide references upon request.

If you are interested we might find a way to team up. Please contact me in private if this is interesting for you.

Best regards,

Ivan

0 funny, 0 helpful.

jonas says on Feb 9, 2008, 14:19:

wire me the money, I will pay 20% interest per month, just trust me

What I have, I do not want to lose, but Where I am I do not want to stay, but those I love, I do not want to leave, but those I know I no longer want to see, but Where I die, I do not want to go;I want to stay where I have never been

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Monpirri says on Feb 9, 2008, 14:22:

ok, dunno but ok

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Leeroy says on Feb 9, 2008, 14:28:

I wouldn't try and set up a business - you wouldn't get anything serious off the ground for 15k anyway. If I were in your position, I would find something worth exporting and export it. A friend of my fathers makes a fortune exporting jewellery from Cartagena to the UK, for example.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

manINred says on Feb 9, 2008, 16:18:

.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

bufalo says on Feb 9, 2008, 18:14:

DON'T depend on your wife's family to run the business (especially costeños!) - heard too many horror stories. Trust me you need to be here to start/run your own business, as stated above. I'd also suggest you spend plenty of time here first, get to know the ins and outs of the culture. Lot's of foreigners come, set up shop, and get ripped off, 15.000 is nothing to throw away, but it isn't millions to fall back on either.

I'd forget laundromat - expensive to start and how many people really need it? Most local folks hire some poor lady from estrato 1 or 2 to do their laundry.

"If you don't like it - lump it, take it down the road and dump it." - Archie Bunker played by Carroll O'Connor

0 funny, 0 helpful.

jonas says on Feb 9, 2008, 18:27:

manINred so can we hear what the idea is about? Come on, give us a hint!

What I have, I do not want to lose, but Where I am I do not want to stay, but those I love, I do not want to leave, but those I know I no longer want to see, but Where I die, I do not want to go;I want to stay where I have never been

0 funny, 0 helpful.

robi666 says on Feb 9, 2008, 18:27:

"Second, how about an internet cafe with Instant Messaging, Webcam and SKYPE service so you can provide international calls. You can also sell minutes, snacks, ice-cold beverages and office/school supplies."

Good idea, there are so many that you won't really feel alone.

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

0 funny, 0 helpful.

durito says on Feb 9, 2008, 18:31:

I can't imagine that internet cafes make any money.

2,000 pesos an hour -- even a big place with 15-20 computers with a good occupancy rate isn't bringing in very much money after paying costs, etc.

I'd invest the money outside Colombia, until you actually plan to live here.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

robi666 says on Feb 9, 2008, 18:34:

Hey durito, why do you want to make money on it when you can pay for the expenses and log into PBH for free?

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Robert Jorge says on Feb 9, 2008, 22:03:

The laundromat idea I think is great. Miamimike is the first that I can remember mentioning the idea. I have never been to the coast, but I sure can't remember ever seeing a laundromat in Bogota or Villavicencio. I would think a barrio laundromat would do fantastic business. My only reservation is: If there aren't any now - Why??? There probably is a reason or reasons.

Like a poster or two said above - NEVER do business with family or close personal friends. That is a sure-fire way to get screwed, get divorced, lose money, lose friendships, etc. If you are established and let a nephew work there - totally different. Letting inlaws manage a place - suicide.

--"I believe in making the world safe for our children. But not for our children's children, because I don't think that children should be having sex." - Jack Handy

0 funny, 0 helpful.

peteyw says on Feb 10, 2008, 06:30:

Why aren't laudromats there now? In the richer barrios, most people have their own machines and/or a maid. In many of the poorer barrios you have people who rent washing machines. They bring them to your home and collect the machines and the rental fee later that day. Its an interesting twist...instead of you taking your clothes to the machine, the machine is taken to your clothes.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

houstongal says on Feb 10, 2008, 06:37:

If I were given the choice of sitting around at a laundromat to do laundry versus having washers delivered to your home, this is a no-brainer!

Culture is language and language is culture - Dr. Annamaria Napolitano

0 funny, 0 helpful.

robi666 says on Feb 10, 2008, 06:43:

You're so right peteyw.

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Medellin Traveler says on Feb 10, 2008, 07:22:

Will they come to Chicago?

I HATE doing laundry, even though it's such a simple a task.

robi666, who does your laundry?

La cuidad de la primavera, estoy feliz porque te vuelvo a ver - www.medellintraveler.com

0 funny, 0 helpful.

robi666 says on Feb 10, 2008, 07:26:

My maid. Or my wife.

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

0 funny, 0 helpful.

gringoloid says on Feb 10, 2008, 07:56:

I've already checked into the Laundromat idea; the electric bill will kill you.

A good internet cafe including phones and fax will make you $900 to $1500 a month with you doing a couple or three shifts per week.

that's in Bogotá,....I have no idea about Baranquilla.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Medellin Traveler says on Feb 10, 2008, 08:17:

I think the Internat Cafe works out for some of the locals who operate the business out of the home. My friends father-in-law in Medellin has six internet stations and there always seems to be a line waiting to get online. He also sells snacks and refreshments to those waiting around for a computer to be freed up. He does well.

$1500 a moth for a local is serious cash, no?

La cuidad de la primavera, estoy feliz porque te vuelvo a ver - www.medellintraveler.com

0 funny, 0 helpful.

robi666 says on Feb 10, 2008, 08:52:

Just to add something to the laundromat idea and what peteyw wrote, the rent of a washing machine in Barranquilla in a poor barrio is 2,500 COP per hour.
So figure it out...

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

0 funny, 0 helpful.

RAAAY says on Feb 10, 2008, 08:54:

Robi..........I have quite a bit of dirty laundry at te moment..............any chance I could drop if off for you to wash...??

.........Its useless to argue with ignorance

0 funny, 0 helpful.

robi666 says on Feb 10, 2008, 08:57:

If I had some kind of panty fetish, and if it was not just YOUR stuff, I'd do it for free. But I have not.
So, I can sub rent my maid to you at 20,000 per hour. I'll pay for the soap.

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

0 funny, 0 helpful.

gringoloid says on Feb 10, 2008, 09:02:

jaja....you guys crack me up!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

slguy says on Feb 10, 2008, 09:13:

Maybe Elmo's Bar & Chucheria needs a silent partner.....

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Medellin Traveler says on Feb 10, 2008, 09:46:

NO SILENT parnters here.

La cuidad de la primavera, estoy feliz porque te vuelvo a ver - www.medellintraveler.com

0 funny, 0 helpful.

manINred says on Feb 10, 2008, 10:25:

/.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

jarhead says on Feb 10, 2008, 10:49:

craigyvane, my advise to you would be for you not to invest in Colombia, there are other Latin American countries that would be better suited for investment.........Colombia, while being an incredibly beautiful country, with nice people, killer geographic location, etc.etc...has a very hostile business enviroment, this is not a business friendly country, banking services are crap, labor is expensive, and problematic, taxes will kill you, infrastructure is almost non existant, add to this the rising strenght of the peso...
If you must set up a business here, you would be fool if you involve your wife's family, that is the WORST possible mistake you could make, it will probably end your marrige, be weary of EVERYONE, most everyone is on the take, when it comes to money, or when money is involved.....you MUST live here if you want to set a business up, you must be personally in charge of that business 100% of the time, or you will be out of business in a second...I know there will be a lot of pissed off people, or people who do not agree with this assesment, but it is my personal opinion, based on my experiences, and experiences of American friends, who by the way, are running their own successful business here in Bogota, as we speak......
I have been in Bogota for over 3 years, I set up a classic car parts manufacturing business, we export to, and have distributors in the U.S., the U.K., Holland, Canada, South Africa, Japan, and Australia..... we deal here in Colombia with Camara de Comercio, ProExport, several Colombian, and foreign banks,UPS, FedEx,shipping lines, various suppliers of goods and services, every day, I have over 25 employees, we deal with the headache of providing health insurance, retirement, pension etc.etc....so I am not making this up, this opinion is based on everyday experiences, if I had to do it all over again, I would do it in another country....and BTW, I am Colombian, born in Cali, raised in the states......

0 funny, 1 helpful.

Medellin Traveler says on Feb 10, 2008, 12:03:

Jarhead,
Regardless of what others think, it's an honest and very informative reply, thanks.

La cuidad de la primavera, estoy feliz porque te vuelvo a ver - www.medellintraveler.com

0 funny, 0 helpful.

peteyw says on Feb 10, 2008, 13:34:

Jarhead is very much on target...a bullseye! However, the grass always looks greener on the other side. I have done business in many countries and each and every one of them has their own unique set of obstacles. The general rule is if a country is easy to do business in then its usually a very costly place to do business in.

There are super hassles about dealing with the rules and situation in Colombia, however, at the end of the day I'll bet its a whole lot less expensive for Jarhead to have 25 employees in Colombia than the cost of 25 employees in the States. There are many companies both Colombian and non-Colombian operating successfully in the Colombian business 'ecosystem'. You have to pick and choose your spots, your partners and expect hassles you haven't even thought of yet.

And he's very, very correct about not letting relatives control a damn thing. Keep them out of it.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

jonas says on Feb 10, 2008, 15:13:

manINred so how do we get you liquored up ;-) ? Would that be difficult?

What I have, I do not want to lose, but Where I am I do not want to stay, but those I love, I do not want to leave, but those I know I no longer want to see, but Where I die, I do not want to go;I want to stay where I have never been

0 funny, 0 helpful.

jonas says on Feb 10, 2008, 15:24:

I know GIB would disagree but why don´t you simply buy some Gold and sleep well instead of grinding your teeth away because your family starts getting between you, your money and your relationship...

What I have, I do not want to lose, but Where I am I do not want to stay, but those I love, I do not want to leave, but those I know I no longer want to see, but Where I die, I do not want to go;I want to stay where I have never been

0 funny, 0 helpful.

slguy says on Feb 10, 2008, 18:21:

Keeping relatives out of it would be my advice, no matter WHAT country you consider investing in....

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

0 funny, 0 helpful.

manINred says on Feb 10, 2008, 18:29:

jonas... it is not difficult to get me liquored up... because I do it voluntarily :)

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Monpirri says on Feb 10, 2008, 18:39:

Don't do it! This could happen to you.

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

0 funny, 0 helpful.

manINred says on Feb 10, 2008, 18:44:

haha, monpirri, I thank my lucky stars that it hasn't happened as of yet (nor will I ever let it ;)!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ujay says on Feb 11, 2008, 01:33:

JONAS....I know GIB would disagree ,

as GIB..IS NOT HERE,dont put what you think about the guy,until he is back and can reply for him self,

but buying gold will not make the guy any money ,may as well just leave money in bank ,if thats your best ,sleep well ,you have not woke up yet....

www.unionjackedfilms.com

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Monpirri says on Feb 11, 2008, 04:52:

Craigyvane, I'm sorry for posting the wrong info I do not think there are any laundromats in Barranquilla. When I said there were one or two I was referring to Dry Cleaners only. Here's the addreess of the Dry Cleaner I used go.
Costmatic on Carrera 43 No. 72-184 Tels. 356-1302
Laundromats is a viable option.

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

0 funny, 0 helpful.

jinksmiester says on Feb 11, 2008, 05:58:

Just an idea..not sure if it would fly but i hav.nt noticed to manny fancy limo,s or caddys in colombia or Bq....perhaps bringing in a nice caddy or stetch limo for rental with a driver for special occations ...weddings etc...

A man is not old until regret takes the place of dreams

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ujay says on Feb 11, 2008, 07:46:

for years there was only one limo in bogota ,a white lincon,i used it for my wedding i will try look out photos,it was always parked on the 68 dont know what happened to it ,but it was not making much money.here is not like home where you hire it just to drive round and show off,for a few hours ,i dont think a limo would work here.

www.unionjackedfilms.com

0 funny, 0 helpful.

jonas says on Feb 11, 2008, 15:23:

ujay how about 11% in 2008, almost tripled in 5 years...Gold, and that´s only the beginning. Whilst your money in the bank loses value on a daily basis, inflation has surpassed interest.

What I have, I do not want to lose, but Where I am I do not want to stay, but those I love, I do not want to leave, but those I know I no longer want to see, but Where I die, I do not want to go;I want to stay where I have never been

0 funny, 0 helpful.