New business idea need help tuning.

**bender87** · 10-26-2009 07:59 PM

Hi,

I came across this website while looking for ideas and inspirations. I’m 22yo and knowing that working for someone won’t get me far.

I’ve decided to take the risky path and start my business. In the end life is too short to only dream and never bring it to reality.

I’m deciding to open a take away store which focus on salt and pepper like salt and pepper prawns, squid, spare ribs etc. I’ve done a bit of research and found that there isn’t a store as such on the market that only sells this only.

On the menu there is only going to be about 6 different meat/seafood. Is this going to be enough on the menu to attract customer and retain them?

Reason I want to do take away is that I can start small as I have limited capital and the overhead will be smaller.

Any input and opinions will be great.

**SantaCruzer** · 10-26-2009 08:19 PM

You need to network with some people that are in your specific industry. Learn on their dime.

I like your enthusiasm and willingness to start a business. Plan carefully, plan plan plan. Don't get yourself into a ton of debt unless you know you have a better than good chance.

Honestly, I don't understand the Salt and Pepper thing??? You want to sell seasoned food?

**bender87** · 10-26-2009 09:04 PM

Originally Posted by SantaCruzer

You need to network with some people that are in your specific industry. Learn on their dime.

I like your enthusiasm and willingness to start a business. Plan carefully, plan plan plan. Don't get yourself into a ton of debt unless you know you have a better than good chance.

Honestly, I don't understand the Salt and Pepper thing??? You want to sell seasoned food?

I should've elaborate on this. By Salt and Pepper I meant like Salt and Pepper squid that you can order at pubs or chinese restaurant but make it really tasty

**jflahiff** · 10-26-2009 10:39 PM

Hey SantaCruzer,

You have the right idea. Working for someone else is not the way to really make it big. The most important thing you will do in starting a business is find something you are really passionate about. I mean Really passionate. something that you will do even when you aren't making any money at it. something that you will stay up until 3 AM just doing because you love it. Because that is what it really takes to make a business work.

If you are really, really passionate about the restaurant business then great. Go man go! I recommend that you not only not "get your self in to a ton of debt", as Bender87 said. I recommend that you not take on ANY debt. Really it is possible and believe me it will keep you from making a bunch of stupid mistakes with money that you will regret. One of the most critical things to do when starting a business is identify the risks to that business. Debt=risk...period. if you want to reduce risk, Don't take on debt. If you did take on debt and the business failed (and the restaurant business is brutal with margins around 3-4% profit at best) then if the business fails, you are left with this debt and no way to pay it.
I don't want to sound discouraging I want you to start a business, but I want you to start one you are passionate about and one that will make you a ton of money, and do it with the least risk.

my .02
Wishing you Success
Joseph Flahiff
startup-your-startup

**Christopheri-BC** · 10-29-2009 08:09 AM

Hey Bender87,

You have the right idea. It is great you are passionate about a business such as this. It is true you must be passionate, but do not mistake that as everyone gets burnt out once in a while. As they say, plan, plan, plan. Do not get into debt. Their are ways around this as stated above.

I am not too familiar with the whole Salt & Pepper thing you are referring to.

Let me know if you have any other questions.