Leasing Bar In Phuket

[liveinphuket]

Been to a few bar openings recently (opened by thai people), they have a good crowd of people probably there for the free food. Am told what a good business they are and after a couple of weeks how they make 5000 to 10000 baht a day. If you drive around in the evening they are all empty or only have 1 or 2 customers(not talking about banga road) and are probably making 500 to 1000 baht a day maximum. Talking to expats who have opened bars 90% say save yourself time and worry and just give your money away, whats your appinion.

[rawaireddragon]

Been to a few bar openings recently (opened by thai people), they have a good crowd of people probably there for the free food. Am told what a good business they are and after a couple of weeks how they make 5000 to 10000 baht a day. If you drive around in the evening they are all empty or only have 1 or 2 customers(not talking about banga road) and are probably making 500 to 1000 baht a day maximum. Talking to expats who have opened bars 90% say save yourself time and worry and just give your money away, whats your appinion.

I have been running bars in Phuket for 7 years...unless you have a good crowd of friends who will form your "regular" trade, you have no chance, have to keep trying new things every month......discount your beer, try sports events, rotate the ladies and most important keep the music sane and to the taste of the punters not the staff. If you get all of that right you might just clear a couple of grand in your sky rocket every night.

GOOD LUCK!!

[pagallim]

Been to a few bar openings recently (opened by thai people), they have a good crowd of people probably there for the free food. Am told what a good business they are and after a couple of weeks how they make 5000 to 10000 baht a day. If you drive around in the evening they are all empty or only have 1 or 2 customers(not talking about banga road) and are probably making 500 to 1000 baht a day maximum. Talking to expats who have opened bars 90% say save yourself time and worry and just give your money away, whats your appinion.

My observation is that many bars are taken by people with little or no experience. This is coupled with inevitably they are cash purchaser's of the lease/rental agreement, so don't have to satisfy banks with a sound business plan. There seems to be a perennial problem with staff turnover, with too often inexperienced barmaids/waitresses who receive no training other than being passed on (sometimes bad) habits from other staff.

The successful places are easy to spot because they have standards and are consistent. Staff are attentive, friendly and polite, remove empty bottles/glasses from tables, ashtrays replaced etc ready for the next customers.

[Patong Bob]

I had a bar in Patong for six years - Scottie's in Pisit Koranee Road, didn't make much money but lived OK, no problem going for a good meal, trip home most years. Really hurt after the tsunami though. I think that makes me a bit of a success story, believe it or not. Saw a lot of farang come "buy" a bar, and go after six or twelve months, broke and often alcoholic.

Saw a few bars do very well only to find the the owner wanted huge keymoney again at the end of the lease and if you're doing well probably double the rent as well. You can't win.

People who came here in the early 90's and got a 15, 20 or 25 year lease did well.

My view, don't do it. If you want to do it for a year - just for fun -and not worry about making too much money, then do it.

[sportsman69]

A lot depends on whether you classify your self in the 90 % of losers or the 10% of winners.

If there's a doubt, give it the flick.

[liveinphuket]

A lot depends on whether you classify your self in the 90 % of losers or the 10% of winners.

If there's a doubt, give it the flick.

I have visited the sports club would you consider yourself a winner or a loser.

[steelepulse]

I've jokingly told friends I should start "bar insurance".  Give me half of your money when you arrive ready to make your millions, then  a year later I'll give you half of what you gave me when you leave bahtless.  Win/win situation