Munsterfan

EMR we humans are complex and sometimes we make errors in our romantic and political positions and God-willing, as we educate ourselves along life's journey we have the grace to change our viewpoint sometimes even a 180-degree change of belief on a particular subject. But hopefully ones mistaken beliefs in youth don't negate a persons successful works. I can't/won't defend what the founder of IKEA believed in politically the 1940s-1950s. I like IKEA and I like that he built a wee start-up into a Global success. That's all.

EMR

Because it us an environmentally sensitive site and they do not have the permits to start construction.

Ingles

To quote your post
"even though the necessary permits HAD been granted"

nogard

Machiavellian flavour!?

GeniB

You naughty person!! to remind me of the Lingonberries..Like you I lived with Ikea on my doorstep for over 30 yrs (Eindhoven NL) I liked to go and have the salmon and new potatoes with delicious sauce .Loved the crisp breads and the herrings in dill sauce ..yummy ..Also know the story of the company .My SIL is Finnish and this attitude is not unusual in these Nordic countries where they put families first...I just want to see the economy of the Portuguese improve ,plenty of wonderful innovators here they just don't get the publicity they deserve .Its a real problem..They don't know how to sell themselves.
We should start a . Did you know? post of all the things the Portuguese produce and where they sell them...

Munsterfan

GeniB...lets start a new POST, I think you are SO right. I LOVE THIS IDEA!!
I've only been here 6-months (today) but what a bit of American/ International ingenuity could do here to help start-ups and young businesses get recognized and sell their stuff! WHY NOT?

EXAMPLE: On my way to my Vet in Amancil, I spotted a hand written sign in front of a tiny shop on the N125, which said 'Portuguese Craft Beers'...I barely saw it, I said to meself, I'm going to stop in there on my way back. So I did. OMG what an interesting business concept...the shop was full of alcoholic drinks all MADE IN PORTUGAL; Gins, beers, liqueurs etc., etc. not a handmade knitted thingy anywhere just really cool drink!
But it was poorly set up, very rough and when I tried to buy nearly E100 worth of goodies... they had no service to take even a Debit Card. I said well let's go online and you send me a PayPal invoice and I'll buy your stuff this way...Nope couldn't do this.
They said they weren't getting enough customers to pay for the credit card service...I explained my order alone would have covered a good part of the bank fees.
They suggested I turn my car around and drive to (and back) an ATM about 6 blocks away. HMMMMMMMM!
They ran a print 'info-advert' in one of the English language newspapers...nearly 1/2 page and "didn't get one customer" from the advert. Gee, I explained that when you run print advertising you must think in terms of MONTHS of consistent advertising to get a response and 75% of the advertisements value is in BRANDING your business name and service to potential customers AND each advert must also have a 'call-to-action' such as; 'Come to our shop every Thursday (this month only) between 6pm-8pm for craft beer 'tasting', mention this advertisement and get 25% off a 6-pack and enter a drawing for a Portuguese bottle of Gin'. I also suggested they provide yummy snacks. They said they could not afford this. I smacked the top of my forehead... Goodness Me!!!! I said that perhaps they get a local café looking to increase business to donate the snack-type food and give out coupons to their café'....WHY NOT?
So, yes, I'd love to help find a way to promote Portuguese businesses. I'll help. How about free seminars on HOW TO PROMOTE YOUR PRODUCTS/ SERVICE?

Munsterfan

Quick thought: Maybe we set up a free seminar for entrepreneurs to attend but first they must send us a letter/email that describes their craft/business/venture. We select and invite to attend the ones that have a chance (I know a judgment call but so is business). Then we gather a few folks with business building skills and set up a 'Pane'l to answer questions from the audience OR have several tables and one person with a specific skill heading each table. Each entrepreneur gets 5(+) minutes with each Mentor to ask questions. One Mentor may be skilled in Marketing, another Sales, another Branding and Promotion, another Seed Funding...etc...kind a like a 'Speed Dating' format......hmmmm

We can also set up a WordPress site linked to other more powerful Websites and get recognition for these businesses this way as well. ...just brainstorming...but lets start a new POST here and see if our fellow Expats have some cool ideas?

EMR

There are a number of trade fairs in the Algarve throughout the year including local wine and beer festivals.
Next month sees the largest the Fatacil in Lagoa , well worth a visit for anyone new to the Algarve.
Portuguese business is not very internet save, remember in the Algarve they are trying to service locals and nationals from a multitude if countries all with their own ideas of what constitutes good service.
If you intend doing anything like promotion first become an expert on the mind numbing beaurocracy that anyone trying to set up a business in Portugal has to overcome.

Munsterfan

good idea...will do that!

mark93

Thank you for your help, much appreciated.

mark93

Thanks all for all the advice. To be honest given we only had a short time we went for a mixture of local and large stores but all local to algarve, didn't make it to ikea. Love the lively discussion and the tip for craft beer. I've become well acquainted with the 125 and will keep and eye out for the sign whatever the new format 😀.

Thanks again
Mark

mark93

Weird, 34k view, that's not right?

GeniB

I was a tad puzzled by that as well Mark