Hello, my girlfriend is from Cork, Ireland and was interested in starting a business to make some money. She is in a good location and has an opportunity in her local area but is thinking of something good to open that could be profitable. Hair dressers already in the neighberhood, dog groomers too, cafe, pubs, convenience stores (The place shes interested in is about the size of one.) Pizza parlors, botanists. Oh, you get the idea. Lots of competition in the area if she opened up one. Does anyone have any other ideas I could suggest? Preferably something with low capital to get started? Thanks.
      Answer1:She really needs to find out more about the local community and what people want. Could I suggest she conduct some sort of survey. The results may surprise you, how do you know the people dont desperately need a photocopy/printing shop or a typing service, or a laundromat. The options are endless, but will depend on such things as passing traffic, and community needs.
      Answer2:Maybe a video/dvd rental store?? Could create member rewards, with special promotions etc. Also can sell the over priced candy, popcorn (people buy these for the convenience of getting it in one place). Maybe if the place she is looking at is big enough (and Im not sure how it is equipped) but maybe make a small take aways in conjunction with the rental store? Im a kiwi and I know that growing up my family would have movie night Fridays with fish n chips etc, this is a very common thing for most families in NZ. Though Im not entirely sure how it is in Ireland, but just an idea. Who doesnt like a good movie??
      Answer3:What about dollar store. I have some business parters in the US who is doing this and its not bad.
      Answer4:FIND UN MET NEEDS..........it is that simple and thatdifficult.otherwise, be ready to eat a lot of inventory
      Answer5:There is a site that has a bunch of information on business given from industry experts and other successful entrepreneurs. If they dont have it they will try to help you find the information you are looking for. We use it at my college it wont let me put a link but search: Business Empire Magazine