New Business to start up

Posted by Sindhi Crawford (386 days ago)

There are some of us who have to work and there are some of us who don't but yet chooose to do something with our time.

Is there anyone who would be interested in disucssing ideas on doing something together, something small perhaps. Starting a class or a business or something you could suggest maybe

Would love to hear from you ladies.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

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Posted by molly2 (386 days ago)

I would love to start a small business, but like you What? What ideas do you have?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by D-Man (385 days ago)

How about a Hair Salon or a coffee shop or even a small clothing boutique?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by sunita26 (385 days ago)

i love to start small business but dot know how hair salon ad cloths is good but depend where and how

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by abby78 (385 days ago)

hi there, did you guys came out of any idea already?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by sunita26 (385 days ago)

how about hair salon

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Tidings 2 (385 days ago)

Do you really think HK needs one more hair salon? How about a panty Hose shop with colours and sizes for non Chinese people?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Aulelei (385 days ago)

Or a shop that does proper western sizing and/or plus sized clothing?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Tidings 2 (385 days ago)

And a shop that sells semi permanent hair color in brands we recognize (Clairol, L'Oreal, etc).

And non Marks and Spenser underwear but still under $1000.00 for a bra !!!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Sindhi Crawford (385 days ago)

I have a block in a building I can get hold of. I'm interested in a cooking/baking school for kids (below 13) but NOT for adults. Cuz kids r less complicated and they ask less questions too (no pun intended to the adults :o) )

Or an etiquette school perhaps with something basic to teach not the whole works.

Please work with me, cuz I'm surely gonna do something it would just be great to do it WITH someone.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by sunita26 (384 days ago)

hi i think cooking school is geart idea and i love cooking i know indian cooking and some other toobut for kids i dont know how much it goes but if u start and u need any help pls let me know

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by southernside (384 days ago)

hi sindhi crawford. I'm a stay at home mom and was thinking of starting something on my own when I saw ur thread. I think cooking school for kids is a gr8 idea. I'm an indian, good at cooking and also quite good with kids. Lets do something together, if not just for money, then atleast to do something productive.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by D-Man (384 days ago)

there are so many opportunities in HK to start your own business. I have started several over the years in HK and its just finding the right one for you.

the kids cooking thing sounds good, anything to do with kids is usually a winner. I would maybe consider raising your age limit a couple of years though and make sure you cover all the fire and safety regulations as you dont want to end up being shut down for a technicality.

Tidings, as you are always one of the first to critique most of the exisiting salons in HK maybe that means there is a need for something a little different to be offered. Keep in mind as a famous ecomomist said, hair salons are one of the few narket proof businesses as everyone will always need to cut their hair. I did want to let you know alson that i saw a shop in cwb going accross from sogo to time square that seemed to stock alot of home hair color, might be worth checking out.

A clothes boutique is also interesting if you get the right type of garments for the right market. HK is a place where people list shopping as a hobbie and there is no shortage of shopping in HK. The start up for this kind of thing is fairly simple and it is something that can always expand.

F&B is also interesting if you have a good concept and location.

The biggest problem in HK at the moment is finding a suitable space that is affordable.

Anyway, best of luck to you all.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Tidings 2 (384 days ago)

I think it's hard to find a stylist you like in any country, not just HK.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by D-Man (384 days ago)

Tidings, ever thought it might not be the stylists? Maybe a hairdressing training school would be a good idea incorporating, english, service and deportment training with it.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Bubas (383 days ago)

I love the idea of western clothes ! so many women are complaining that they don't find suitable clothes and/or shoes to their size !

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by ppoutdoor (383 days ago)

hey guys, how about a lesbian cigar divan-cum- sushi bar ???? cool huh ?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by mayita (383 days ago)

Hello,
If you girls end up setting a shop that caters for my non-chinese frame : i.e. got hips, breast and long arms, legs as well as large feet,.... all at reasonnable price, pls. let me know the address i am interested.
(and no, my long arms & legs do not make me look like a chimps, just a regular western one)

Thanks

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Tidings 2 (383 days ago)

Don't follow you D-Man

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Tidings 2 (383 days ago)

mayita has a good point. Even if we aren't fat our build is totally different from Chinese ladies so no matter if we are a size 6 we don't fit Chinese made size 6. Shorter crotches, they are very long waisted, they have shorter legs. We just don't fit the same.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by mayita (383 days ago)

And also, any bras that is not padded, but with support, still sexy and at a reasonable price for C sized girls (or over) will defiitely attract my attention.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by sarla (381 days ago)

what do u think about jwelery,traditional and at the same time its wokable.

(I am based in Shanghai)

Posted by sarla (381 days ago)

now i hv ready stock also .what is your idea about that.i can send picture to u.b,coz now a days jwelery is passion for everyone to buy,

(I am based in Shanghai)

Posted by Tidings 2 (380 days ago)

Another good business would be a western owned/run low frills spa where you can get a massage for abt $180.00 instead for $550.00 and a facial for $300.00. Instead of having empty treatment rooms in the luxurious spa's around town, they'd be full all day long.

I know what the cleansers and the Skinsceuticals products and the OPI Nail polishes cost and it is very possible to make money while running a discount spa.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by chiki (380 days ago)

ooooooooohh someone hurry up and have a 'low-frills' spa!!!

i need a good massage but i reallllly dont want another Chinese-style one! Where did all those nice smelling aromatherapy oils go???

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by kellieja (380 days ago)

Tidings 2 and Chiki have sent you a PM.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Tidings 2 (380 days ago)

I did not get your message Kellieja.

I've started mixing my own oils at home with carrier oil and various essential oils and just love them. If I'm in a smelly taxi, I just dab a little of my oil under my nose or a bit on my neck and I can deal with the odour until I get out.
It also gets compliments from strangers. I have lots of people asking me what fragrance I'm wearing.
I mix lavender and lemon and sometimes bergamot or rosewood and it really smells fantastic.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by cara (380 days ago)

i've taught playgroups for ages and i'd love to start my own...start up $$$ is an issue though!
boo hoo!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Sindhi Crawford (363 days ago)

Wow, im So glad i started this thread. I'm currently outta town but I"ll be back shortly and I am surely gonna do SOMETHING. I'll get in touch with whomever is serious about starting something and then we can take it from there.
Till then, keep respondingggg

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by D-Man (362 days ago)

The spa idea is interesting but dont forget you also need to pay HIGH rent unless you are in NT or somewhere that is difficult to get to. Also there are the costs and quality of therapists most of whom prefer to work in higher end venues as it pays better and is better for the resume. The idea is interesting but would need serious logistic work and research first. Dont forget even you want quality when you pay for any service and the price usually reflects that.

Its not to say it cant be done but needs alot of thought and a reasonable amount of capital.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by cara (362 days ago)

i had a one room salon/spa and it is NOT cheap... for my room, without all the fancy gadgets, i spent over $20,000 just on towels, robes, bare essential start up products, etc.

if i'd had the money, to buy proper equipment for a proper "spa" you are looking at $50-75,000 for enough equipment for 2 rooms.

quality products are VERY expensive in HK... trust me... it can be a VERY expensive begining and it takes a while to build your clientel.

spas in hk pay a terrible wage, expecting the therapist to earn commission on sales. years ago, i knew a massage therapist a a famous spa and she had to bring in $40,000 in sales per month before she saw any commission at all!

the last i knew, the OPI cost $38 (or was it 48) per bottle wholesale....that was a few years ago.

PS> have you ever given a massage???? its is VERY hard work and therapists usually have a "life span" after which their own bodies are so messed up they can no longer work. i'm qualified as a massage therapist, but i can tell youfrom personal experience, there is NO WAY on this earth that i'd give an hour massage for $180!!!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by hkkm (362 days ago)

Hmmm..... You want a Western owned/run spa (ie people who expect to earn decent wages) that gives "good massages" (ie properly trained and qualified massage therapists who probably also expect to earn decent wages) and you only want to pay $180? Somehow I don't think so.

My husband gets massages at a place in Central that is Western owned/run (I think) with Canadian-trained therapists and he pays about $1000 for a 90 minute massage. I don't know how much of that goes to the therapist but I hope it's more than $180. As Cara points out, doing massage is hard work, and trained therapists should be earning decent money.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by vw (361 days ago)

If you want a small business that will turn a profit and be fairly user friendly, try and think of something that does not require rental space. If you are a slave to a huge rental each month, you have to work really hard on your advertising, customer service and keeping your product reasonably priced to keep the customer coming back. Unfortunately being a slave to huge rentals is a big drain on anyone starting a small business without a large slush back up. Also, a cooking school will need to comply with the education board as you may get a big fine slapped on you if you do not meet the criteria.
I have operated many businesses in HK some have been good, some boomers and some so so. It is always rent that dictates the profit at the end of the day and unfortunatley if you have something like a hairdressing salon you need space and exposure and that will come at a high price. Just my thoughts anyway,.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by raulll (356 days ago)

couldn't help noticing the above post. iam doing some business on the side of my work on my own time that is netting me around US$500 - US$1000 a week with a huge potential to grow. It concerns a e-commerce company. drop me e-mail if interested. cheers

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by kerri (356 days ago)

I am interested in hearing about the e-commerce opportunity. I tried to email you but it was returned. At your convenience, please send me an email. Thank you.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by cara (356 days ago)

kerri... if it sounds too good to be true... IT IS!!
please beware!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Journo (354 days ago)

If you are serious about venturing into business but need guidance, support and advice to take you to the next level and the one after that, don't hesitate to get in touch. As I'm only starting as a life coach in HK, I'd be happy to offer my services for free while I build up my client base.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Titina (353 days ago)

Raulll, i' am very interested in hearing about the e-comerce.
Please give me some information. or tell me how i can do!!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by kerri (353 days ago)

Dear Journo,

I would love to be one of your "test" clients. Please email me. Thanks.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Kegs (352 days ago)

Journo I'm also keen to be a test dummy, drop me an email too please.

Thanks

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by HKNikkers (346 days ago)

There are lots of opportunities here to start your own business... you've just got to consider what you enjoy doing, what is being offered in the market place already and how you can put a twist to it. I'm studying to become a Soul Coach and it is a 28 day program that covers the 4 elements earth, wind, fire and water and then relates them into your life to help you identify what you really want, what your soul desire is. I'll be certified early November and am also looking for a "test" group. If anyone's interested, please message me. :)

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by chiki (345 days ago)

i volunteer to be a guinea pig!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Purplelover (342 days ago)

I'd love to part of your test group as well. Please PM me too.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by reyonlo (324 days ago)

i was actually thinking of opening a beauty salon in Huizhou city, China, cos one of my friends told me that a guy from HK went up there and open a hair salon, less than half year, he opened 4 more hair salon, apparently, no professional hair stylist up there and its a developing city right next to ShenZhen, and i have asked a couple of friends up there and they are willing to spend thousands of dollars to have a facial done, so am thinking to invite some friends - especially friends who work in the beauty industry, open one up there and i am sure we will make our fortunes up there.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by cara (324 days ago)

you need to have a local partner, no? and a visa to do business, no?

how hard is it to get those things? also, who's going to provide the start-up money?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by reyonlo (323 days ago)

yeah, i guess so, but i think my dad can help me out with that, cos he is doing business up there as well. and i don't think its that hard if you know people over there who works for the govt, so well i guess i have a bit of luck for this since my dad knows a couple. well, the start up money will be an issue for me apparently, cos i don't have much saving, and my idea is whoever is interested in this business, then they can invest in it and we can share the profit by how much money you put in the business. i think this is a fair deal.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Sindhi Crawford (323 days ago)

In the beginning there were some ladies who were interested in doing with me, coooking school or something for kids... i just got back into town and if someone is sitll upto it, id like to get in touch with you.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by CookieMum (323 days ago)

Hi Sindhi,
Like to meet w. you for starting a biz related to kids. Have passion and determination, but a virgin in starting up a biz. Thought it'll be great even to just share some ideas/thoughts. How about coffee in the coming wk? I'm free except tue and thur.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by fukiku (322 days ago)

Running a really small spa is a brilliant idea. You can first rent a small 2-3 room office space somewhere in Soho. Like for example: I went to NUDE waxing yesterday and their staffs were only 2. They do all around roles from receptionist to thereapist. THis is like a very private spa where you need to book in advance. The staffs were really great and very good. They did not spend much on the interior design--it was like a minimal design but they were doing great.

Another idea is a small art gallery shop. You can get young talented artist from China, India, Nepal and etc. IF you rent a shop for your art gallery, this will cost a bit so better come up with an idea where you can have the place at night to lease it out for events or parties/.

Last, Recruitment agencies is also a good business here in HK>

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by cara (322 days ago)

having had a spa.... it's not the interior that costs...it's the equipment, trust me!



as for kids business, i'm starting a playgroup/tutorial centre in tsing yi.... may need some help down the road, if anyone is interested

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Sindhi Crawford (322 days ago)

COOKIE Mom Ive sent you a private message..............
CARA where abouts in tsing yi and that would be far but wouldnt mind getting in touch.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by cara (321 days ago)

it's in a new village house...i'm now in the process of trying to decide if i should try to register (would be worth it in the long run) or keep it small enough that there is no need to register (far less hassle). dealing with the gov't is doing my head in!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by sk76 (321 days ago)

Cara

When you are up and running I wouldn't mind getting involved.
I am trying to get into teaching somehow and need to gain more exposure in a kids environment.
Finding it hard at the moment as not a qualified teacher, just hold a tefl cert.
I really don't want to waste time/resources on trying to qualify as a teacher first without figuring out if it is for me!!!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by cara (321 days ago)

will let you know... i'm not a qualified teacher either, i don't even have a tefl... i just have 12+ years of experience....

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by sk76 (320 days ago)

Cara, have sent you a pm - asking for info.
Thanks:)

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by honeypie (320 days ago)

hi Cara,

count me in if it's a playgroup.

Thanks

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Hee Larius (317 days ago)

Rents and greedy landlords in HK is the main problem for the viability of most of the suggestions here.

A cheaper option would be for the women folks to band together and start up a women's web site that DOES NOT BAN people from sharing an opinion, obnoxious or otherwise.

Women have more tolerance for abuse and differences of opinions and the sensitivity and patience to draw out the best in most people.

The revenue comes from sponsorships and advertisements and I'll bet you'll all have a lot of fun moderating, contributing and marketing the site.

I'm sure if this get off the ground, some poor turd that moderates like he's God will soon be crying out for the good'ol days :)

Reas quickly as this post will be made to disappear soon.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Techie (314 days ago)

Hi Sindhi!!! how u been??? This is Techie if you can still remember me... we got together for coffee one time met you at the salon then went out to check out that dart event with your friend competing then out for a great night out with the girls in Lang Kwai Fong! think that was last year... i've been trying to do some business here and there not really came up with something solid. I'm in Shanghai at the moment will be back in Hongkong on thursday, would love to be a part of a good venture. At present i'm a Distributor of Herbalife products a healthy way to lose and gain weight program. Send me an email at emp_skill@hotmail.com maybe we can get together for tea with ladies who are interested in brain storming and gather all our ideas and can come up with hopefully something great, fun and productive!!!!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by TTk (285 days ago)

Hi Sindhi, I love your idea of cooking class for kids... Is this thread still active?? I have quite a lot experiences in biz, i used to own a coffee in Sheung Wan, a massage house in Kowloon City, and also a pet cafe in Beijing. I'm thinking to deal with the spa products from Thailand but have no proper ideas yet... Maybe we can talk about biz sometimes. email: kwanie_t@hotmail.com

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Techie (284 days ago)

Hi TTk! If you will push through your idea in the spa biz i would like to talk to you about galvanic spa which i am a distrubutor if in anyway you may be interested send me an email. emp_skill@hotmail.com

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by soulkins (102 days ago)

In recent years, the world has seen staggering problems like Asian bubble, dotcom/property crashes, SARS, bird flu, tsunami and the last few weeks, a devastating cyclone and then the horrifying quake. It seems that world problems have gotten really big. Will they only be solved through massive groups of people working together?

I'm interested to explore starting a business to address such issues. If you are, please pm or write me at koopsie@yahoo.com

Many thanks

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by foxmulder (102 days ago)

Hi, I have some ideas for staring a new business. Pl send me email address and I will send details.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by kerri (101 days ago)

I am interested in starting a business as well. Please pm me. Thank you.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by cara (101 days ago)

sk76....
if you are still around. i'm up and running now and busier than i'd ever thought i would be after only 2 months!

might be able to work something out with you...

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by AimeeJ (101 days ago)

Hi Cara - I've just sent you a PM. Sorry if you've got it several times - the server kept timing out!

Kind regards.

Aimee.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by cara (101 days ago)

hi aimee, i've responded...

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by juscode (90 days ago)

Hi there,

If you are thinking of doing something productive and have interest in creativity, Get touch with me. I am looking for investor/partner...

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by SKDL (80 days ago)

Hi,

I've just moved to Hong Kong & would love to get involved in something or just help out. Does anyone want to meet & discuss?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by camelliaoil76 (79 days ago)

Hi everyone!

I am from manila Philippines, I would like to open up a thrift shop and I would like to buy good quality used clothes from Hongkong, So anyone from hongkong who has any idea please help me. Thanks ladies!

(I am based in Manila)

Posted by goofy. (73 days ago)

Hi Gals
We`ll there is a big demand for a Female only entertainment club, where you, you and your friends can get together and well do what the men do,I'm sure it wont be hard to find a few young and handsome men to work there.. Since our men dont just go for a massage, have you been to one of these places, they all offer More for some extra cash. Think about it where do you take your friends for Ladies Night exactly some bar where most af the men are drunk or over weight. Why not have a place where if you want go get treated like a lady and have the option to safe you the embarasment of flirting with the tennis or golf Pro.
Think about it,..

(I am based in Shanghai)

Posted by Berkana (68 days ago)

This is true goofy. but i'm not sure why nobody's opening up one... but if any of you decide to venture on this biz i know where to get men to work there and supply the entertainment. It would be really nice to be treated extra special... for all the hard working women in Hong kong. GO GIRLS!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by 1975 (67 days ago)

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The class is designed to give you all the information and motivation you need for setting up your own business. It's only in November, but wouldn't it be grand to kick off the new year as an entrepreneur?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Ria (39 days ago)

Mayita I was laughing at the non padded bra point you made....I have to hunt for those... so true..being Indian and western in hong kong and to get the right kind of clothes, shoes, BRAS!! is difficult unless you go to Marks and pay XXX amount just for a single BRA...PHEWWW

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Ria (39 days ago)

OOPS this was an old thread

(I am based in Hong Kong)