Help with graduate project!

Lionheart says on Jan 26, 2005, 16:14:

a few ideas I picked up from threads small hot water heaters, window a/c units, decent ceiling fans

I heard high-quality appliances in general are very expensive and/or hard to get.

chicharron says on Jan 27, 2005, 02:51:

FREEDOM oh no sorry - you said "something that would sell well from America". No I'm struggling on this one;but might you consider covert military assistance; whacked out political leadership; round-up?

kernow62 says on Jan 27, 2005, 04:42:

Supersize everything!

miamimike says on Jan 27, 2005, 08:15:

possibilities 1)Drive thru automatic car washes(in the upscale neighborhoods)
2)In areas of high population density- Laundermats(do it yourself type)

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? ... That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.,

ARMacleod says on Jan 27, 2005, 10:12:

From my own experience Medium size china tea/coffee cups, Cheese slicers, Microwave ovens, fresh milk, and in each town, one shop that sells everything, from buttons to batteries, cameras to carrotts. For me personally, a gismo to step up 120 Volts to 240 volts that could be lifted without a Fork Lift Truck.

Being of unsound mind and dubious disposition, I cannot be held legally liable for any indiscretions."¡El diablo me hizo hacerlo!" But don't worry, be happy.

The brain is like a parachute, it only functions correctly when it is open. Pax vobiscum.

goosekirk says on Jan 27, 2005, 10:42:

Good ideas Drive-thru automatic carwashes in Colombia might be a tough sell - labor is so cheap compared to machines, it might be cheaper to just hire people.

Small, particularly EFFICIENT on-demand hot-water heaters seems like a great product idea for Colombia. I'm not sure why they don't already sell like hotcakes here.

VOIP wouldn't be so hot. The high-speed internet service providers will just over the same service and make any outside competitor irrelevant.

Maybe Mac Minis, or a similar small, cheap, fashionable computer might work.

And tell your friend who suggested Outback to please, please, please never leave the USA...

kat1 (Moderator) says on Jan 27, 2005, 11:06:

Don't laugh, but what about a shop like Ann Summers. they are still a bit of the taboo in Colombia.
Chao

engage brain before opening mouth

cremaster says on Jan 27, 2005, 11:11:

Goosekirk ¨Drive-thru automatic carwashes in Colombia might be a tough sell - labor is so cheap compared to machines, it might be cheaper to just hire people.¨

My dream business to start is a ¨Bikini carwash¨ - some good,clean fun!
What do you think?

Patrick

miamimike says on Jan 27, 2005, 11:27:

Car Washes I could see these car washes only working in Upscale neighborhoods-where the car owners want to do themselves, either with a Wand or the drive thru.Sure work here in Miami in the Latino Neighborhoods. And some work very well right next to the folks who handwash for almost the same price. Some like myself like to do it ourselves--here if you ask to wash under the car or the motor-a Big Tip is expected and in the end it is just faster for me to do it. What also might work is a Van with the tanks and pressure washer and onboard Vacumn cleaner--these guys go to office complexes, hospital parking lots or the home and sell their services--in a upscale neighborhood this may work. In the Sunny climes in Col. I am amazed that Solar Panels for Hot Water are not already in use-as they are here or in the DR. Again-in the upscale neighborhoods where the people have the $$$ to install these systems. These In-line "Demand Water Heaters" popular in Europe for many years seem a dead ringer for Colombia-surprised there are not more in use.They work great!

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? ... That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.,

ShazCas says on Jan 27, 2005, 11:47:

Turkey farm Colombians see turkey as a bit of a delicacy, but it's only so expensive because no-one's breeding them! And it's healthy, low-fat and oh-so versatile! (cheesy grin)

kernow62 says on Jan 27, 2005, 12:11:

Liquid band-aids.

miamimike says on Jan 27, 2005, 12:29:

Streetcorner Umbrella Venders in Bogota How many times on my first few trips I wished there was a street vender selling Umbrellas when the Sky opened and the usual afternoon Rains would start. Not a Umbrella vender in sight! Here in Downtown Miami or in little Havana as soon as the rains start a vender appears on every street corner. I bring my own with me on my trips to Bogota-never leave home without it as AX says.

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? ... That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.,

john says on Jan 28, 2005, 10:53:

To name a few.. -The Light figures used in the U.S. during x-mas for you front lawn , ie: Deer figures made with wire/wood and lights

-Awings with different colors.. i noticed to many "letreros de lata" they can change the look las calles....

-More automatic-flush toilets with sensors..
-Visible Street signs!
-Sally the sheep from Imclone!
- And finally and electric machete LOL

hope this helps :)


John

John

latingirl says on Jan 28, 2005, 10:56:

hot water heater question How does these "in demand small water heaters" work? Would they vbe something that a low-middle class household be able to afford. Could they buy it at an Exito or Carrefour?

Thanks for the suggestions.

mishelle

latingirl says on Jan 28, 2005, 10:58:

thanks! Thanks for that suggestion...

I have heard that before. That is true they do see Turkey as a gourment food.

Cerealkiller says on Jan 28, 2005, 11:00:

How about real Mozzarella cheese, a Waterstones (or Barnes and Noble), Outback steakhouse sounds like a good thing, I am a bloomin Onion addict and Ive seen myself on the brink of tears already because i cant get them. Quiznos? Ready Meals? Bacardi Breezer -or a wider selection of alcopops-?
No supersize options please, bring the good stuff, why the awful byproducts of american lifestyle? obesity should be kept as far as possible...people eat pasta with rice already, isnt that enough?
Maybe something like DIY stores, B&Q or Homebase, thatd be quite cool.

Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives -John Stuart Mill

Lionheart says on Jan 28, 2005, 11:18:

compact water heaters They were never common in the USA, but they are still being used in Europe. There are 2 basic kinds, one is a small container, often 5 liters with built-in heater, good for washing hands & dishes, the other is a flow-through heater, size depends on how much hot water you need per minute, like for a shower or bath.

I will send you more info in email, Mishelle

bramafear says on Jan 28, 2005, 12:09:

BizBlogs will be Everywhere Soon Get yours today!

Blogs are taking over the planet as we speak. About 23,000 are created everyday says Google.

BizBlogs is the low-cost personalization tool for small business, worldwide. Bizblogs empowers them to interact with their customers on a realtime basis, unlike weekly & monthly advertising.

For more on BizBlogs visit: http://bizblogs.blogspot.com.

I'm looking for franchisees -- first few in the door get their own place on the map -- no startup fee.

This is an excellent vehicle to start your own business with virtually nothing.

When can we pack our bags?

TiaKatia says on Jan 28, 2005, 12:48:

Chipotle!!! Oh my God, if I ever opened a business in Colombia, it would be the American Chipotle (mexican food - fast food chain, for those who don't know)! It would sell like hot bread, I am sure!

Lionheart says on Jan 28, 2005, 13:32:

chipotle I was first!!! Many threads ago!!! I even grow my own chilis!!! I smoke them too!!! (and not only in my pipe, Oldgringo)

grin ... I think there must be something about this market ... it keeps popping up. I could imagine a SouthWest, TexMex, and Mexican restaurant doing quite well ...

TiaKatia says on Jan 28, 2005, 14:41:

Chipottle Lionheart, sorry, didn't mean to step on your territory, jeje.. Maybe we should join forces. Chipotle is so good and cheap even by Colombian standards, my hubby and I were talking about it few days ago, that it would be a hot bizniz anywhere here, but in particular close to a university campus.

Lionheart says on Jan 28, 2005, 14:56:

just kidding TiaKatia, where are you in Colombia? I am very open to join forces.

I am a chilihead and enjoy making all sorts of hot stuff, I had some success selling to local places in the USA. Several threads have stated an interest in Colombia for hot sauces, salsas, bbq sauces, and preserves with chilis. I am also a cook and enjoy torturing my guests ... I love those who say it can't be hot enough ... snicker ... I am evil.

Send me a PM if you want to talk more with me.

Lionheart says on Jan 28, 2005, 15:38:

Franchise Restaurants I can't say too much about Colombia, but other Latin American countries have mixed experiences with them. For example, KFC is doing great in Trinidad, but McD and/or BK gave up and closed. I was told of 4 factors that make or kill the success: 1. Adapting the recipes to local taste; 2. Flexibility of corporate offices to adapt to local demands; 3. Recognition of local eating habits in general; 4. Setting up local management capable of maintaining franchise standards.

My personal taste: I wouldn't touch US franchise restaurants with a ten-foot pole - I wouldn't want to be an ambassador of US junk food.

Gomezman5 says on Jan 28, 2005, 16:13:

Hi Lionheart!! I can tell you that American Franchise restaurants in Bogota for the most part are a huge success!! I remember when the first McDonalds opened there in the mid 90's I was living there when the opened their first 2 stores. One of the was in Centro Andino. It was so wierd!!

For months and months on end people waited in huge lines just to order. They even had somebody there to find tables for the people once they obtained their food.

Lionheart says on Jan 28, 2005, 16:23:

look at McD Moscow the Red Square had to be used for the line ....

It seems that they all do well in the beginning, novelty or US effect? But after a few years many fail for some reason. Look at Tinto's comment on Subway. I experienced how BK and Wendy's failed in Germany, poor corporate management and bad franchise choices. McD seems to have gotten it right, or righter than others.

Gomezman5 says on Jan 28, 2005, 16:28:

McD Is still doing quite well in Colombia. And let me tell you, as you know doubt know, Mexicans eat more Tacos then we eat hamburgers and Hot dogs together, still the McDs in Mexico still do very well!!!

I have been to a few in Guadalajara, Jalisco and they are always busy!!

kernow62 says on Jan 28, 2005, 20:05:

Geez they even have Wimpy's in Colombia.

I would prefer not to find foreign fast food joints in Colombia, but that isn't going to happen. Dunkin Donuts has 24 hour delivery in Bogotá! Who do they pay enough to deliver donuts at night! I wouldn't deliver pizza where I live in Orlando at night. When I was younger I had a great paying job, collecting money from debtors at night! I'm too old for that crap now.

Cerealkiller says on Jan 28, 2005, 20:19:

Well if American franchises do so well in Colombia explain to me why is it that Wendy's left?
And Wimpy is horrid both here and in the UK.

Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives -John Stuart Mill

miamimike says on Jan 28, 2005, 20:37:

Demand water heaters My Buddy in Pa. installed 2 in his summer camp--low demand type.. You turn the water on slowly for a 30 seconds or so(the unit is wired with 110volt household current)then after that point you can open the faucet wide open and the water is hot. After you turn the water off-if it is correctly wired-the unit automatically turns off and no more energy is used.The export a lot 'em here from Miami but I don't know how many head to Col.

"Wait a minute. What did you just say? You're predicting $4-a-gallon gas? ... That's interesting. I hadn't heard that." -- Feb. 28, 2008 --George W. Bush, Washington, D.C.,

lpdiver says on Jan 29, 2005, 04:01:

CAjun restaurant and dance hall But that is just my wish...They don't seem to care for spicy food down there.

Tony

"cook some rice!"

santiBOG says on Jan 29, 2005, 07:06:

As somebody said above... U.S. franchises in Colombia are a risky proposition. I think McDonald's is definitely an exception because of the strength of their brand. But otherwise, you have to look at what you're getting in exchange for your franchise fee, which can be as high as $150K USD. What is Subway? it's just a big sandwich. Sure, they have a standardized system for running the store and the product itself probably has a special taste to it. But at the end of the day, what are you getting as a franchisee for your huge franchise fee? Name recognition, but that's it. Name recognition will get you customers at the beginning, but down the road people will keep eating at other less expensive places when they realize that a Subway sandwich is just a sandwich for which you pay a little bit more.

Another reason that these franchises don't do well in Colombia is because of the local competition (Charlie's, El Corral). People realize that not only are they spending their money in a Colombian restaurant but also they are paying for a better-quality product (as opposed to the garbage that is a Wendy's or McDonald's hamburger).

Lastly (this is one of those unfair generalizations) but some may associate U.S. food with obesity and prefer to stay away.

Cerealkiller says on Jan 29, 2005, 07:19:

Mc Donald's and Subway In regards to Subway, I think subway has potential, it just needs to change its marketing startegy which i suppose its non existent. Why not introducing the Meal Deal? or the eat lean and stay healthy? perhaps even adapting a local recipe to its sandwiches, or appealing to young executives with little time to eat. Subway isnt a place you go to to sit down and have a meal, its boring...Subway is definitely stronger when it comes to take away. As opposed to Mc donalds which is generally appealing to children and young people on a budget -although personally id ban Mc Donalds, i find it quite repulsive, it has a characteristic unpleasant smell-. I say yay to the outback steakhouse though :P

Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives -John Stuart Mill

lpdiver says on Jan 29, 2005, 07:59:

Subway in Aruba They don't show any pictures of JARED. JeJeJe but then again it's not unusual to see a three hundred pound woman in spandex at the bus stop either. Burger King failed. I did noticed that their drinks seemed twice as sweet as here?

Aruba isn't Colombia but ir is near...lol

T

"cook some rice!"

Cerealkiller says on Jan 29, 2005, 08:12:

I dont recall seeing BK in colombia, when did this happen?

Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives -John Stuart Mill

bramafear says on Jan 29, 2005, 08:49:

Fridays in Chico Is it still in business?

When can we pack our bags?

Cerealkiller says on Jan 29, 2005, 08:54:

Brama Hell yeah, you mean the one in Parque de la 93? It is still there, went there last sunday.

Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives -John Stuart Mill

bramafear says on Jan 29, 2005, 09:02:

Cerealkiller How about that whacked out place near Chico on Carrera 15 called, "Lennon"?

When can we pack our bags?

Cerealkiller says on Jan 29, 2005, 09:09:

Brama Im afraid Im lost there. Haven't seen that place, I dont tend to hang out in la 15. Ive heard there are really nice places, but for some reason I stick to la 11. I can try and find out though...

Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives -John Stuart Mill

utopiacowboy says on Jan 29, 2005, 09:15:

I can't see any type of Mexican food doing well in Colombia. My wife and kids can't stand Mexican food, whether it's the local Tex-Mex or from the north of Mexico - it's just too spicy for them.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

Cerealkiller says on Jan 29, 2005, 09:21:

why is it that mexican doesnt do the trick in colombia but other spicy dishes like indian stuff seem to be all the hype?

Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives -John Stuart Mill

bramafear says on Jan 29, 2005, 09:22:

Well... You are not missing anything. I used to go nuts every time I visited Bogota and the Familia and this place was always closed. I was just fancinated that they had a bar for one of my most admired artists in the world, John Lennon of the Beatles.

Then finally on my last visit in 1999 it was open... and what a let down after 7 years of trying. Hehehheheheheee

When can we pack our bags?

bramafear says on Jan 29, 2005, 09:25:

Spicy? I Know.. The first few times I visited, I couldn't believe I couldn't find Amer Sausage for breakfast! We tried everything from little hot dogs to liverwurst...hlehhehehehhehee.

Finally, on my next trip I brought a 5 pound box of pre-formed sausage paddies and the Familia LOVE IT!!!!!! Yes!!!!

When can we pack our bags?

bramafear says on Jan 29, 2005, 09:30:

Colombia Needs Some Wild Turkey Around When visiting the liquior stores (frequently with the Familia), I noticed that complete absence of Kentucy Bourbon. I thought that was strange... they had everything else.

So, later I brought a bottle of choice Bourbon for Papa... HE LOVED IT!

Anybody know why this is?

When can we pack our bags?

Cerealkiller says on Jan 29, 2005, 09:35:

Oh Brama let us avoid the booze issue. No Pimms, no Smirnoff Black Ice, no Bacardi Breezer, No Southern Comfort...I think I miss uni hahaha

Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives -John Stuart Mill

Tinto (Moderator) says on Jan 29, 2005, 09:36:

maybe the 15% tariff difference is part of the reason http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/node/7033

Thededalus says on Jan 29, 2005, 09:44:

Chickin Wings Are there any good chicken wing places in Colombia???

oldbongo says on Jan 29, 2005, 09:50:

what this country needs... is a good 5 cent cigar....

bramafear says on Jan 29, 2005, 09:58:

Tinto -- Trade Gracias for the link... muy interesting! Wow!

Why would they prohibit used car parts & clothes? Mechanico's must go nuts there? They are all over the place.

When can we pack our bags?

goosekirk says on Jan 29, 2005, 15:24:

Hey Cereal Where are you finding this Indian-food-is-all-the-rage? I really miss good Indian food... are you holding out on us?

Cerealkiller says on Jan 29, 2005, 15:32:

Goosekirk Ill look up for a couple of places. Massala which is a take away place is actually pretty decent. There are some other places close to Museo Nacional, really tiny but quite good. Im still doing some research. If you like Thai food as well, I found a really nice place ill try tomorrow so Ill let you know if food was as nice as the restaurant itself.
Heres a deal; You tell me the gato gris' exact location and I promise youll eat a decent curry in Bogota ;)

Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives -John Stuart Mill

utopiacowboy says on Jan 29, 2005, 16:17:

Curry in Bogota. I have heard it all now. I think I've reached the end of the Internet.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

Cerealkiller says on Jan 29, 2005, 16:19:

Believe it or not Utopia. Its happening and its darn weird.

Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives -John Stuart Mill

utopiacowboy says on Jan 29, 2005, 16:32:

You sure got that right. After this, I'll just shrug when I learn that Antony has found a Cajun joint in Bogota.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

crispeta says on Jan 29, 2005, 16:33:

Solar Panels I am also a International Business student who has been traveling to Colombia for the past 5 years, and had lived there for over six months. The thing about Colombia is that your product can be copied very easily. For example you can buy copiedX-Box and Playstaion 2 games for $2. You can rent first rate pirated movies on DVD. Over the holidays I was on the coast electicty is genrated by diesel genraters, so I think that solar pnels would be a good product to import. Importing into Colombia is difficult at times.
The suggestion to Outback is not too good. Coasta Rica has outback and denneys, you know why? They set their prices to sell to the Gringos who live there and travel there.

Lionheart says on Jan 29, 2005, 16:53:

alternative energy Solar panels and wind generators are a good idea in general. The main problem is that they are very expensive. Even in countries where the cost of energy is very high they hardly break even. With all the import problems you have in Colombia I would only recomend producing them there ... but at what cost? I think they could also only compete in areas where there is no other electricity at all, or where it fails frequently, and then only for emergency purposes.

For 110V you need a lot of panels. Most common are private projects where you can run off 6V, 12V, or 24V batteries, which are charged by the panels. Choppers converting the DC into AC are also expensive.

latingirl says on Feb 27, 2005, 22:49:

furhter discussion Hi there

I am interested in knowing more about your background-I see that we have some common interests, where did you study? What was your course of study?

I would love to talk to you further,


With Regards

Mishelle L Pennington

YEP says on Feb 28, 2005, 05:27:

Latingirl you might consider this site
www.tve.org

http://www.micromacro.tv/english.htm

they often have something on bbcworld/bbclearning too ;-)


-------------------------------------------------------------------
Just another scandinavian getting ready to explore South America

------------------------------------------------------------------- Just another scandinavian getting ready to explore South America

carldecolorado says on Feb 28, 2005, 07:59:

The hot water heaters A very good frined of mine is an architect in Colombia and telld me that the high end houses he designs come equiped with the on demand hot water heaters. If you are looking for a web site with more info on them go to www.foreverhotwater.com I hope that helps!! I am not sure what brand he is using in Colombia, but I do know that this brand is considered one of the best.

Carl

SiempreHero says on Feb 28, 2005, 08:22:

Hooters Not a single one in Bogota. (I mean the restaurant chain).

kernow62 says on Feb 28, 2005, 10:14:

The on demand water heaters I saw were from Germany, they are sold at a shop just north of the Hotel Dann Norte on the same side of the street before you get to Carulla. I'm sure GIB has seen it on his walks.

Hunter says on Mar 1, 2005, 12:26:

The on demand water heaters... work fine if you have the right capacity, so it has to a large one for a large apt/casa, otherwise you won't get the pressure to get the water very far from where the boiler is.

I have only seen the small ones here, which would only be any good for a very small place, maybe they have bigger ones, but I just haven't seen any.

Hunter