Opening a business in Colombia

Robert Jorge says on Jul 20, 2007, 09:31:

yurany, go to google search on this site - there will be many threads on the topic.

BEWARE of gold diggers.

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coladventure says on Jul 20, 2007, 09:46:

Of course you can, I am spanish and I just opened a multilingual school in a great location in bogota ( language courses for colombians, spanish courses for foreigners, exchange programs.. check this site in spanish... www.euvcinformation.com) and the most important for me a childre foundation so I can send part of my benefics to pay poor children education ( check this site www.youngerhope.es.tl)
I am also offering cheap and clean and well located accommodation ( check this www.hostelworld.com/colombia/bogota/chapinorte b & b.
we can help you with visa paper work. I work with an excelent lawyer.
you just need to be a bit carefull and speak some spanish.. if need help let me know....

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bufalo says on Jul 20, 2007, 09:59:

I woud advise against it, but this is just general advice. Expect:

- noone to give you a real answer/just tell you what you want to hear
- not to be able to trust/count on almost anyone
- to loose out just by transfering your money here to open up (dollar is low, so you're about 1/3 in the hole just by sending cash here)
- not to get paid when you're supposed to/nor the total amount
- everyone will say tommorow, even gov't places (camera de comercio owes me a bunch for 2 months now, they promised to have it today - they didn't even realize it was independence day the dolts).

I've been here for about 5 years and leaving in January. Lot's of reasons to stay here, but money is a major factor for me going, family is all set.

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

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jarhead says on Jul 20, 2007, 16:01:

I would advise against it, but this is just general advice. Expect:#### I would highly advise against it, not worth it...I have a great business concept, I employ 20 people, great foreign customers(all over the world) who love my products...but it's just not worth doing business here.....

- not to be able to trust/count on almost anyone###you cannot even trust your left hand here, terrible, terrible situation, in business everyone is out to get you here....

- to loose out just by transfering your money here to open up (dollar is low, so you're about 1/3 in the hole just by sending cash here)### I am losing 30% right now, all my customers are non Colombian, mainly, North Americans and Europeans, we deal strictly in dollars, we're getting killed...

- everyone will say tomorow, even gov't places (camera de comercio owes me a bunch for 2 months now, they promised to have it today - they didn't even realize it was independence day the dolts).### state and government agencies are shit, the banks are shit, it's the manana mentality, it's the puente mentality, great if you have a nice paying job, lots of time off, primas, prestaciones etc....very BAD if you are the business owner....the most hostile business environment I have ever seen in my life......

I've been here for about 5 years and leaving in January. Lot's of reasons to stay here, but money is a major factor for me going, family is all set.#### I have been here 3 years and leaving in January, not that many reasons to stay here, (and I am Colombian), moving my family and my factory to Monclava Mexico, much friendlier business environment, and very close to the U.S. border....

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rmykita says on Jul 20, 2007, 18:08:

If the rules are clear, Colombians are far more reliable in working for someone else than Europeans or Americans. They need to be care for, more than we do, but they are much better employees when the rules are straight and you invest.

Do not hesitate to invest - do not believe that they will screw you. I have bought, sold, signed, shaked. There are cheaters, but they are easy to defend against by bringing locals with you. Most people do not believe US, and will panic and cheat. Some are plotters, but are easy to weed out. Set the rules straight, be firm and respectable and well-financed (good people). You will get quality people who care about your business.

The reference ot 1/3 loss on the dollar is way off. The dollar has based for at least a year, and will likely go up slightly for the remainder of the year, especially at the end (actually, expect dipping until later this year when it will visit 2000).

Business is easy here if you are a kind, firm person. Kind means patient, good listener, and modest in your ways. Firm means clear with rule-setting, goal-oriented, and able to levy both punishment and reward. Believe me, the rewards are huge if you do it properly. And if you plan on doing it properly, ignore the other folks on this strip and email me...

ryan_mykita at hotmail.com
r

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vicshere says on Jul 20, 2007, 18:52:

be kind don't believe that for a minute.....if you can't able to be an asshole to the employees your business will not get anywhere in Colombia

listo

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vicshere says on Jul 20, 2007, 18:53:

opps edit "able to" out didnt proof read

listo

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bufalo says on Jul 20, 2007, 19:11:

too tell the truth, I kind of see it like vicshere. for the most part only when I acted like a total asshole and telling people off (that deserved it) did I ever get anywhere here. Otherwise they took advantage of me or tried too. This is for the most part.

Employees are used to getting screwed. They are usually dumped after a few months no matter how good they were. Usually they are owed pay and are accused of something as an excuse to lose their job. Women either do some hanky-panky with the boss or it's hit the road - so when you come along, they see you as a sucker, and step up to it.

Just try to get someone here to accept responsibility for a mistake, or a cheat...

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

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Gator says on Jul 20, 2007, 19:15:

"...how do I start up a small bar or restaurant. Are there a lot of paperwork and licences involved and how do I find premises to rent?"

It would be much less traumatic to take off all your clothes, stand necked in an ice cold shower and rip up $100 bills.

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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vicshere says on Jul 20, 2007, 19:21:

LOLROFL :::))) at gator

listo

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bickerss says on Jul 20, 2007, 23:39:

Surely it cant be that bad. Opening a bar or restaurant is risky in any country, maybe more so in LA, but is it that bad.. What about the owners of in Bogota: the irish pub and (ex) english pub in Bogota, London, calling, the brit bar up from that, the Italian restaurnant, a pizza bar / rest near P 93 - cant remember the name; Cali: the blues bar. the london bar, Medellin: new bar in P lleres with 4 americans, Italian restaurant, Scottish Bar, . All these are expat or part expat owners.

Some people have made a decent go of it so it must be possible.

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bickerss says on Jul 20, 2007, 23:41:

and 1 x british bar in Zona G bogota and new one opening soon by a Brit guy (currently under construction).

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Timba says on Jul 21, 2007, 06:35:

I met a Cuban who told me how tough it was to run a restaurant in Bogota.....and a Cuban should be used to getting crap from everyone!

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spigrimace says on Jul 21, 2007, 07:50:

Dont forget the sports bar in Belen.

My favorite is how they love to complain. My favorite was the complaint about how cheap were my courtesy mints.

Other winners: There weren´t enough red balls in the piscina de pelotas. Someone bitched how short the UFC cahmpionship match was and wanted their cover back. Someone ate a whole combo, not a crumb left, and then said they didn´t like it and wouldn´t pay. I called the police. They paid.

A business here can be done. But I would talk to as many owners as you can b4 hand to know what you are getting into. Take your time. I think a lot of bad experiences stem from jumping in with 2 feet b4 knowing everything about what they are getting into and with unrealistic expectations or comparing apples to apples of a business in USA or Europe to one in Colombia.

Small bar in medellin anywhere outside of poblado, 12 tables, nothing special should cost you more or less 15 millones and might make you $500,000 to at best a millon a month or maybe nothing and maybe losses. They will look at you and ask $60 milllones.

Most people here just try and flip. Buy it for 15 millones and sell it 4 months later for $18 millones.

I am an honest guy with a guilty conscience but I have convinced myself it´s no sin to bullshit a bullshitter.

A rope a dope example: this little troll of a paisa wanted to sell me a replacement lamp for a Projector for 2 millones which was an absolute gringo ripoff. See they cost about $250 or $500,000 pesos in the states and they do legitimately go for close to a millon pesos here in Colombia so I told her, no thanks, I have a friend who can bring in down from the states and it will only cost me $750.000 pesos each (bs the bs´er). She said really? Let´s do business: You bring them down to me and I´ll give you $800,000 and you can make $50,000 (what a troll!). I said hey, no es justo, you´ll sell them for, ahem, 2 millones each, so she raised her offer to a whopping $850.000. I agreed, brought 2 down last time I was in the states and sold them to her making $700.000. This was a few years back and she hasn´t called me since for another order.

Get used to hustling here

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miamimike says on Jul 21, 2007, 08:12:

Spigrimace--Nice Return Volley--Good Story--LOL

My Avatar-- Sarah Palin Says " "You know the difference between a pit bull and a hockey mom?? Lipstick!" Now on a Short Verbal Tether by the Honorable John McCain

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miamimike says on Jul 21, 2007, 09:49:

"sprigimace that was wrong as these people are poor"


So Pow Wow, your idead would be to let those people make Spigremace as Poor as they are,,,LOL,,,Great way tostay in Business

My Avatar-- Sarah Palin Says " "You know the difference between a pit bull and a hockey mom?? Lipstick!" Now on a Short Verbal Tether by the Honorable John McCain

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jinksmiester says on Jul 21, 2007, 21:42:

I have a small hotel..bar, cafe..rooms here in canada. Ive observed that some bars in colombia seem to stay pretty active.People like to party no matter where they are.If i were to start a bar in colombia im sure it would be a lot different from here with extra challenges ...that said i do believe that if done right there is money to be made.
If i were going to do it id stick to just a bar..but a good rock,n place with say a dance floor with track lighting and other lighting effects and perhaps a big overhead projection tv to catch the soccer games.I think id steer clear of food ...more money in booze and a lot easier to crack a beer than cook a meal.Or have someone come in and vender food (snacks)to your patrons.
Security would be a big issue ..not just honest staff but you might also want some muscle at the door.
id treat staff the same way i do here...pay them better that any other bar around...treat them with respect but be firm in your rules and try to run a place that people are happy to come to work too..Exspect that some will screw you over(some always will) and explain to them that you will know if they are.Have your business set up to monitor stock and cash flow (only a fool would,nt).I f someone screws you over its strike one-you,re out the door. If you treat them better and pay them better than anyone else you will in time get good people who will not want to screw up a good thing.
I would want to be careful with suppliers as well...as in putting cash up front and getting screwed.....
A` big thing is treat your customers well...thats the only thing...they are the life blood that makes or breaks you....getting your business to be hot spot that people want to party at takes time and consistancy...and perhaps luck and talent in colombia...
i think it could be done and money could be made..if a person is smart and careful....
But im thinking id rather make less stressful money here in Canada and one day just retire and relax in colombia and find other things to stay busy at...either that or work the warmer months in canada ...make some good cash ,and spend the cooler months in colombia.

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

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Robert Jorge says on Jul 21, 2007, 22:46:

One of my oldest friends told me: "My daddy always said, a bartender ALWAYS gets paid what he thinks he should." And of course that was here in the US. I don't think Colombian workers would be any different than US workers, as far as honesty goes. Except that there is more opportunity for dishonesty in Colombia when the proprietor is gringo and the entire staff is Colombian. Just like if a Colombian bought a bar in Connersville, Indiana; and hired nobody but locals, and he didn't speak good English. Of course people would take advantage of him. He is an easy target ... an opportunity. In my opinion, it is do-able, but I imagine it is essential to be fluent in Spanish, perhaps have at least one or two people you know personally working there, and most importantly being committed and involved on a daily basis in the business. Like 60 hours-plus a week involved ... at least for the first year or two.

BEWARE of gold diggers.

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jinksmiester says on Jul 22, 2007, 08:54:

I agree...lots of work and a person would need decent spanish.If it were me id also be looking to family and friends i have down there before hiring out to people i did not know.Part of that would be wanting to give them a better income and life than they presently have,not just trying to make money for myself.Running a bar in colombia would take balls and brains...exspecially if a persons a gringo.Like i do here ..id install vid cams to watch employees/the till etc and for bad customers...and monitor stock/cashflow like like a mother hen watching over her eggs,and if someone screws you fire there ass out the door.
I don,t think it would be easy.

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

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bickerss says on Jul 23, 2007, 00:29:

Not sure - blue is a bar in Medellin that is popular but isnt expat owned; the other i was refering to was Blues bar which is in Cali. There is an address for that and website link somewhere on the site.

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LilaM says on Aug 2, 2007, 10:08:

Anyway is better to business with foreing money outside colombia believe me!!! Panamá is a good option....

"You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don´t try" B. Sills

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