Any perks for being in business?

Pippie


Joined: 02/12/2009
Posts: 1288

Message Posted:
11/03/2010 18:49

Having heard so many negative things over the months I've been watching this forum about the dangers and pitfalls of setting up in business here, I was trying to think today of any positives - besides the obvious of being able to finally earn a living when you've finished jumping through all the regulatory hoops (which I haven't yet!!). I'd be interested to hear about the positives from all you folk with experience.



Also, I was wondering, do we have anything like a 'cash and carry' here, like Macro or Costco etc., or wholesalers where you can go and shop at wholesale prices, even if you're only buying one or two things - just show em you're business permit and you can do your weekly shopping there instead??



And, how do you find out where the wholesalers are???



Thanks everyone.

negativenick


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 6023

Message Posted:
11/03/2010 19:04

Yow'l learn as my Uncle Percy used to say......

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
11/03/2010 19:18

It's a pretty closed shop here for food import produce/products unless you're prepared to take on the Mafia and are totally fluent in Turkish with a good legal brain in addition to being totally aware and knowledgeable in the workings of bribery and corruption!



Richard

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
11/03/2010 19:30

Debbie - Maybe in the TRNC but these days if you comply with the law there are very few if any in the UK.

BoTanica


Joined: 22/12/2009
Posts: 714

Message Posted:
11/03/2010 20:00

Tax on imports are huge. I dont think there will ever be a cash and carry on the scale of other European countries. Unless its run by mainland Turks who seem to have a monopoly on most big businesses. Dont sink all your money, hopes and dreams in business here, its really not worth it x

Pippie


Joined: 02/12/2009
Posts: 1288

Message Posted:
11/03/2010 21:32

Ok so we have to tiptoe along carefully. But, come on, there's got to be some positive experiences out there from being in business.

Isabella


Joined: 02/10/2008
Posts: 199

Message Posted:
12/03/2010 11:21

What business are you setting up Pippie?

dizzycows


Joined: 12/05/2009
Posts: 2736

Message Posted:
12/03/2010 11:40

Pippie you must like headaches...... stress...... and like to lose money.... If you have these qualities then go for it...

mikeyCBBR


Joined: 05/01/2009
Posts: 168

Message Posted:
12/03/2010 11:51

I think they are so many opportunities on the island but like any business UK or TRNC you need a niche a good plan and a fair amount of capital and a trustworthy northern Cypriot.



The amount of negativity on here amazes me no wonder most people fail, Pippie good luck

bridie


Joined: 18/09/2008
Posts: 308

Message Posted:
12/03/2010 12:41

The biggest problem here is the tax office!!!!

dizzycows


Joined: 12/05/2009
Posts: 2736

Message Posted:
12/03/2010 13:01

Most businesses fail because they go in blind! All positive until they start to hit problems... If you can take a bit of advise from some of the above you may not hit the hurdles as they have done.....

ladylittle


Joined: 09/03/2008
Posts: 498

Message Posted:
12/03/2010 18:15

A cash and carry would be great, if at all possible. We are all going to supermarkets and getting 5 -10% discount, not good!!!

Cyprusquest


Joined: 09/12/2008
Posts: 428

Message Posted:
13/03/2010 11:49

ms 12



You have a cash and carry already. Just cross the border.

Serkan


Joined: 12/05/2009
Posts: 75

Message Posted:
21/04/2010 15:43

cyprus heaven for business opportunities not many people can see that. Sometimes I think it is a good think.

barnaclebill


Joined: 12/12/2008
Posts: 303

Message Posted:
21/04/2010 16:36

Having lived in, and having had a buisness in the TRNC, which we have since sold up and moved back to the UK after 6 years,I would say that you could make a good living provided that you hit on the right product.

If I had been younger I would have loved to have started up a Activity Holiday Centre.Think of the things you have already on your doorstep there.

Mountains Rock Climbing

Pathways Walking/Pony trekking/Mountain Biking

Sea Canoeing/Sailing/Sub Aqua

I always found that holiday makers that came to the TRNC very soon found out that there is little to do bar lie on the beach,drink and eat .Maybe one day eh ?

Pixie


Joined: 18/03/2009
Posts: 489

Message Posted:
21/04/2010 17:09

I totally agree with Barnacle Bill and Serkan.



There is money to be made on this little island but it all depends on what you are offering and how you go about it.



The activity holiday center sounds like a fabulous idea and it doesn't need much capital obviously, you just need to have some people on your books, do some advertising and get commissions.



I also have a few ideas Im tossing around and am waiting to see how the economy will stabilise (or not) after Eroglus election, as we all know that Turkey is sending over the budget every month and if the govt workers don't get their salary, then the rest of the island is going to suffer.



If anyone has some good ideas about small businesses and needs a turkish cypriot partner I am game for a risk. I also have my own little baby Im working on and it will cost roughly £15,000- £20,000 per partner (2 partners) but if it works it should be a nice little earner.



email me for more details...



bluestriver@hotmail.com

marcosthechef



Joined: 30/11/2009
Posts: 646

Message Posted:
21/04/2010 17:50

Agreed its not easy here but I have managed to make a living and have had 5 out of 7 years a success, but i work on some tried and tested business ethics and keep away from people who cant be trusted or who lie, the minute you spot that in a person, walk away and ignore their calls,



many of the comments above are infact incorrect



imports are not sewn up by a few mainlanders



there is more 'Mafia' in certain parts of the Uk than here (excluding Marcos the Mafia)



The Tax office can be dealt with and once a reasonable negociation is made with them and you honour it, then they leave you alone, because there are a lot bigger fish to fry out there, it worked for me.



Negative nick I do believe your old uncle Percy snuffed it years ago !!



The headaches here are a fraction of the bullshit you go thru in the UK



Pippie I hope this post is a bit more positive for you



Marcos