Opening a sandwich shop...help plz!

3WayFreedom

I am hoping opening a sandwich shop in the near future and would like any tips or advice from anybody in business or a fellow foodie that they would impart to a total business newbie.

Thank you,

3Way x

Horace

I know nothing about sandwich shops but know a bit about setting up a business. I have also found this website to have useful advice:

https://www.venturenavigator.co.uk

Have a chat to your local chamber of commerce too as they will be able to give you some free advice.

chinup_3

not wanting to ''wee on your strawberries'' but have you considerd in the recession,which has only just started, people on cutting back on such things ie making their own lunch mostly ? even newspapers are suffering from people cuting back on their 'daily' ec . my barber told me men are leaving their cut a week longer !!

foreign_correspondent

It really is a bad time to be starting that sort of business - peple cut right down to essentials in times of recession, unless you have considered this very carefully please do be wary.

esuhl

I know nothing about setting up a business, but think of myself as a bit of a "foodie", and have certainly bought a lot of sandwiches for lunch over the years!

There's nothing worse than stale or soggy bread or limp lettuce - so fresh ingredients are essential (though I guess that's kind of obvious).

Also, the main reason I like to buy sandwiches (rather than make my own) is because I can have ingredients that I wouldn't normally have in the house -- I can easily knock up a basic cheese & tomato sarnie myself, so a "poncy" rocket, pine nut, avocado & tomato sandwich would be much more appealing!

Usually I prefer independent shops, but I really rate Pret a Manger, so if you haven't tried their food, I'd give 'em a try to check out the competition.

Hope this helps, and good luck...

nickj_2

i would think the most important thing would be location location location
are there any other similar sarnie places or bakers nearby offering the smae sort of stuff- or fast food places
is there plenty of passing trade
have you considered a van and going round business parks - offices etc

Airwolf1

It depends where the business would be. Check out what the outgoings would be - rent, rates, etc. How long a lease must you sign etc...

Bronnie

The market is awash with coffee shops and sandwich bars selling at knockdown prices and similar premises where the business has already closed down. In many instances in my area anyway, there were simply too many opened in any one area. Now the economy is so tight, the situation is even more difficult.

That's one side.

The bright side is there is always a space in the market for the entrepreneur who pitches it just right! You have had some good advice here already.

Are you or can you be that person? Do you have a clear vision of EXACTLY what you want to achieve and how you're going to go about achieving it?

No, not yet obviously, because you're asking on her here. Have a look for example at this website, as an example of a clear vision in the industry you have selected.

http://www.eat.co.uk/

Impressive eh? This is on a grand scale, but a useful indication of how clear thinking you need to be, I believe to start a business in these times.

WillG_2

Make sure you've a good mix, from std soft drinks, to smoothies, and propper juice drinks.

I'd advocate getting some Snapple in. It's about the only good tasting, proper juice drink I now of that comes in a decent sized bottle.

Savvy_Sue

I went to one just before closing time today, and they were throwing away lots of leftover sandwich fillings, roast beef, chicken etc.

So, get your quantities right, and make sure you maintain rigorous control of the fridge so that the oldest food gets used up first.

Debt_Free_Chick

Research, research, research .....

Will those who you hope to be customers, pay the price you want them to pay for the sarnies you are hoping to make? Being a foodie won't be much use if the locals want "greasy spoon" type of food at 99p rather than a "poncy paninni" (or whatever).

Work out how many sarnies you'll need to sell simply to cover your overheads. If you're renting a place in a prime location, it's going to be very hard to make much profit, as the rent is likely to be eye-wateringly high. But if you're not in a prime location, how much local custom can you command?

What competition is already established in the area you are looking at? What are you going to do that's different/better than they do?

What will your USP be?

Do the pricing using what your suppliers currently charge for the goods you'll be buying. Maintain rigorous supply and portion control - food in the bin is money in the bin.

Remember to cost in packaging, napkins, disposable cups (for tea/coffee), order pads, receipts etc and all cleaning and maintenance.

Are you intending to employ staff? If you don't, you will be on your feet, working all day with no break ..... how does that sound?

Good luck - you have a lot to think about!