Sandwich shop

[Dusit99]

Hi,

I have been thinking about the possibilty of openeong up a sandwich shop in bkk for some time and thought now is the time to do some actual research as to what it takes to start up and run a small business like that.

I am looking for information on salary. How much should I expect to pay a full time worker and how many hours a week is a full time job? How about part time workers, is it possible to pay some of the staff by the hour and not commit to giving them any minimum of work hours?
How about accounting? What should I expect the cost to be on a yearly basis?

Are there any specific legislation I need to be aware of when running a shop that serves food - ie. Hygiene, licenses, taxes?

As to my knowledge so far company tax in Thailand is a flat 30% - can I count on that?

Lastly I'm looking to obtain info on rent in different locations. I'm specifically interested in malls that have a big foreign clientel. Any suggestions on how to obtain that information?

Any advice will be much welcomed. Also links and references to where I can obtain some of the above information.

Thanks

[Suradit69]

I would think Subway, Minor and Au Bon Pain as well as the usual fast food places have got a lock on the sandwich trade in malls and other places where there's likely to be a market. Tough competition for a no-brand food seller to go up against.

[LindaLovelace]

I can't speak for anyone else, but Iwill always try the "little guy" before going to a big chain, and if he's good, keep coming back. I have long thought a really good sandwich shop could make a go. The cookie cutter strict "portion control" chains weary me. A fabulous ham and cheese sandwich with thick slab of real ham, a roast beef sandwich loaded up with beef, a great Reuben or Philly cheese, all winners, not good ones available that I have seen.

One warning,though, make sure you have a good lease with options to renew. I have heard of repeated heartbreak stories where the lessor got a five year or so lease, and was verbally assured of renewal. Then set up a great business. As soon as the lease is up, the landlord decides to steal the business by refusing to renew the lease. Never rely on a "handshake" (or wai) in this country! PTT did this to a bunch of Amazon Coffee franchise holders at some the the most successful locations.

[stoli]

You are thinking of going onto the hardest possible market, and the smallest return on investment, than you could possibly find. I say this from vast experience. I have to agree with the comment about that it will be very difficult to compete against the chains that have the buying power for product, and the experts at obtaining leases, equipment, and know the needed profit margins to survive. As far as the second comment, yes, there are a few that will pay to have a sandwich loaded high with meat and cheeses. They will buy one a month. It is too hard to sell $12 sandwiches when everyone else is charging $4. Yes, you are giving more value in many ways, but today, people don't care. They will get 3 $4 sandwiches if they are that hungry, and none are. Please re-consider. You will save a lot of time and money.

[rijit]

Another thing to look at is what will you charge for a decent sandwich ? and then just look around and see what you can buy for the same money its a really tuf market food is doubly cheap in thailand little room for a profit. Agree with the prev poster ' give it a miss and save your money.

rijit

Edited June 15, 2015 by rijit

[LindaLovelace]

I can't argue with the two previous posts. On the other hand, there are many success stories about entrepreneurs who entered a market against all odds, differentiated themselves and made a fortune. I cite TOGO's sandwich shop, which stared in San Jose California across from the university back in 1968. They made a fabulous sandwich at cheap price. It was absolutely loaded with meat. Everything was also "to go." Only four people at a time could fit inside the counter area. People lined up out the door, but were willing to wait to get one of these sandwiches. We used to ask, "Where did you steal the meat?" I think that part of their secret is that they cooked everything they could from scratch, rather than buying commercially prepared stuff.

Following their great success, they opened other shops and eventually franchised the business. By 2001, there were over 350 shops. Of course, the sandwich was no longer anything special by this time, but they had their market share. It can be done if somebody has the brains, drive, knowhow and ability.

There is one BIG RED FLAG here, though. The OP came to TV for advice. If you had to do that, then you should listen to the two previous posters because you are probably doomed to fail. This is the LAST place on the planet I would ever come for advice, with the exception of advice on electrical in Thailand. And that, only because we are lucky enough to have Crossy!

Edited June 15, 2015 by LindaLovelace

[NickJ]

Premium mall rent is pretty much at the point.. If you have to ask, you cant afford it. Rents are right up there to western prices.

I qould say that you dont see independent places much anymore is that they have failed out. Premium malls are kinda like the F1 of retail.

Its best to find a niche and fill it. Also, If this is an idea and not based in your own work experience history. The Restaurant business is not for you chances are.

You have asked some questions that indicate you are at the very bottom of information gathering. TV is not the palce to figure it out.

Anyways....do yourself a favor and really research it before you get into a situation where you loose out.

[blackcab]

I wish you every success. Before you start, read about Sirivat Voravetvuthikun who owns SIRIdeli just so you know what some of the competition is like.

[Dusit99]

Thank you all for the advice, I appreciate it.
However, I was mainly looking for advice on where to obtain information for things such as tax, specific legislation for serving food and beverages, employee payment/contracts, rent in diferent locations etc. Not so much whether you think it's possible to be successful (though that's also appreciated)