Thread: Starting new business in Bali. 100-150 K$. Beginning of 2012.

Originally Posted by peut_etre_moi

Thank you. But
First I'd like to know how to start and then I'll decide what to do - to buy existing business or to build up and to register my own.

Unless I am totally reading this wrong..I think you have it backwards...first you should decide what you want (where you want it),
and then figure out how to start it.
Know what I mean?

I don't think it is very hard coming up with ideas and I would be happy to share some that I have. It's often said that a good business model solves a problem that people have. In Bali this could be something for expats, tourists or locals.

You could also look at successful businesses overseas and see if it will work in Bali. One idea I had is a website which Balinese drivers sign up to advertise their business. Tourists can book their service and possibly pay for it online. Tourists could then leave feedback and ratings on the driver, like Tripadvisor. You would then take a small percentage of all bookings. Drivers could also announce their availability and location on the site or via a mobile app and would be better than them standing on the street yelling transport.

I think Bali also needs one really good short/long term rental accommodation site. I don't think anyone has created anything that really stands out. A groupon site just for Bali for tourists, expats and locals could also be a good idea.

Another problems locals and expats struggle with is finding good staff. So perhaps an employment agency that does thorough background checks on potential employees.

Don't just think of a hotel/restaurant/bar. What is your background in and what skills/experience do you already have?

Villa rentals, homestays and hotels seem to be doing good business at the moment but remember any business that depends upon tourists is just a small incident (think terror) away from bankruptcy.

I'll never forget when a hotel GM with many years experience here in Bali metioned to me that his hotel rooms were really just a lost leader and that the real money was made in his restaurants and bars. And his rooms were superb and not cheap either.

Another thought is to do something with the Balinese handicrafts - these people are masters of fine detailed work churned out at speed - just ask the Hardys (jewellers not foods).

I know a number of people that have cloths for resale in Europe made here in cottage type industries and they seem to be doing well too.

Hope this helps
Mark