Originally Posted by Lionda

It's a pity we will be living too far away from you (Castalla) as this is something we have talked about in the past. Your idea sounds a good one and we will definitely drive out to see how you are getting on if you do go in for it. There is a lot of planning to go into and preparation though, Mercedes has given good advice.

Originally Posted by Hillybilly

I wish you well in your venture! Don't forget you will need to sit your Food Handling/Hygiene (carnet de manipulador de alimentos) exam (in Spanish).

Originally Posted by Mrs eddie

Hi guys,

Thinking of setting up a new business here in sunny Spain.

Never ever done this before.... beware Mrs Eddie's on the loose- straight jackets at the ready !!!

Just wondered if any of you have...and if so did it go ok?

Whether this was all new to you or whether you have had business experience in the UK....your experiences would be helpful, that's if you want to share them .

Originally Posted by keithwalters

Is that obligatory? There are some Brits opening up a Fish and Chip shop () near Plaza Arenal in Jerez who don´t speak any Spanish. I don´t see how they would have passed an exam in Spanish.

Originally Posted by Mrs eddie

lol.....

thanks for that...

maybe offer to do weekends...so the school runs aren't affected.

good thinking chick xxx

Originally Posted by Big Pete

Evening Mrs`Eddie

I have set up loads of businesses over the years so would just like to add what you will find is the Biggest and Best Tips of all , based on experience..

1/ When you sit down as i know you will ! With your spreadsheet or even with your calculator if your not that advanced ? You will no doubt have the estimates of Rents - water , electric etc... then you will sit there and say something like Well if i sell 50 x Fish and chips at £ 3 a time that will be £150 etc etc.. Well when you do this half what you expect on the Sales side .. And then Add 20% to your costs of the fish and cooking oils etc..
As from experience thats the way it normally goes ..

2/ When you ask around and friends or people you know say "Oh we will use you all the time and loads of others will " Dont rely on it as they are just being nice instead of truthful...

3/ I think someone has already correctly pointed this one out but !! Before you commit to it , work for some other Chippy Free of Charge if needed to see if its really for you ?

If when you satisfy the above your happy then go for it , who knows you could be the "Senorita Eddie Ramsden" of Spain .

Originally Posted by montgomail

Scallops in Javea are always recruiting - it is a large busy restaurant catering for Brits; I've only ever heard English voices in there. It wouldn't be too difficult to get a job there. Fantastic location overlooking the Arenal beach and you can be sure that your lack of Spanish will not be a problem.

Originally Posted by Mrs eddie

Thanks for that......definitely drive out there today.

It will be a shame that I won't be practising my Spanish tho

Originally Posted by montgomail

Scallops in Javea are always recruiting - it is a large busy restaurant catering for Brits; I've only ever heard English voices in there. It wouldn't be too difficult to get a job there. Fantastic location overlooking the Arenal beach and you can be sure that your lack of Spanish will not be a problem.

Originally Posted by spain

sorry to correct you but I have been an many occasions (last Sunday being the last time) at the table opposite there were a group of 8 friends - from what I could make out 2 English, 1 German and the rest were Spanish - all tucking to various meals from cod and chips to salad and a roast

The time before that there was a Spanish couple having a roast

So I think Mrs Eddie if you are welcoming (and your prices are reasonable) to Spanish and other nationalities you will get all customers and not just Brits

I for one will definitely be there (not necessarily "all the time" big Pete but when does anyone go to the same place all the time)

all the best

Originally Posted by Mercedes

Why hasn't the English lady not done very well? Things to think about if you haven't already. Is your area mainly expats or Spanish, if the latter how good is your Spanish? If the former are they permanent residents or people who use their appartments for their holidays, weekends etc. What percentage of the local area is full of actual people and not empty appartments. Have you actually physically gone door to door asking people where they shop and where and what they would use a convenience store for or any other services that they need? Have you sat down and worked out your monthly costings and how many people you would need a day and Euros spent per day to cover your costs and make a living out of it. Dealing with suppliers are you profient in Spanish in dealing with them. How are you going to advertise and have you covered that in your costings. If there are loads of expats in the area, some may not have washing machines, you may also be able to offer a laundry service if there is a need (if you haven't the room maybe have an arrangement with someone who has a laudry facility and do pick ups and drops off).

The other thing is, is when are you going to take a break, ie holidays etc if there is only the two of you or will you employ someone to work part time. If you decide to employ someone you will also need to know about social security, etc. Often people forget that they may be working long hours, especially when they are starting out and holidays, weekends etc often go out of the window which can be a shock if you're used to 4 weeks etc a year. Are you going to do Spanish hours or British? Have you got a contingency if one of you are ill or both for that matter who will do the work. The other thing is, have you spent 24 hours together, especially under stressful conditions. I spend long hours with my business partner and there are times when I want to kill him and vice versa, it certainly tests realationships.

Just food for thought in case you haven't thought of them. But wish you well with your venture. Most people fail, because they don't do their homework properly, especially if they haven't run a business before. Have you also got enough money for emergencies or when times may be quiet or tight?

Originally Posted by spain

sorry to correct you but I have been an many occasions (last Sunday being the last time) at the table opposite there were a group of 8 friends - from what I could make out 2 English, 1 German and the rest were Spanish - all tucking to various meals from cod and chips to salad and a roast

The time before that there was a Spanish couple having a roast

So I think Mrs Eddie if you are welcoming (and your prices are reasonable) to Spanish and other nationalities you will get all customers and not just Brits

I for one will definitely be there (not necessarily "all the time" big Pete but when does anyone go to the same place all the time)

all the best

Originally Posted by Mrs eddie

Ummmmmm they do Roast Dinners aswell????? Think I may be spoilt for choice...

Thanks hun...I do intend to research the prices well....

Looking forward to going to Javea, as not yet been....want to see the port aswell...thanks for all your advice guys x