Doing business in a city with a population of less than 50 thousand people is not at all the same as doing it in a million-plus city. Even at the planning stage, you need to take into account local specifics, which have their pros and cons. Here are the main ones:
- Low purchasing power. People in the outback earn less on average than in large cities. It is unlikely that they will spend money on luxury products, as well as on all kinds of “exotics”. So a branded jewelry boutique, a vegan restaurant or a VIP hairdresser with a substantial check runs the risk of not finding its customers.
- Problems with qualified personnel. This can become a barrier to starting a high-tech business: you simply won’t find the right specialists. And luring them away from the big city will not be easy.
- Low barrier to entry. And this is a definite plus. It's cheaper to start a business in a small town than in a big city, thanks to lower costs for rent, advertising and labor.
- Low competition. Often in a small locality it is difficult or even nowhere to purchase the necessary goods and services. You have to use the only alternative or even go to the regional center. And this factor can play into your hands.
Having studied in detail what exactly the residents of the town lack, you can fill an empty niche, and over time expand your business to neighboring regional centers. Let's start by looking at a few proven ideas.
Shawarma selling point
Shawarma (shawarma) is a favorite snack option for many on the go. Its preparation does not require special culinary skills, and the price is acceptable even for people with low earnings.
A hearty and unpretentious snack is quite capable of replacing a full lunch and is in steady demand. The main thing is to find a good place to trade. It could be a bus stop, a market, a park. However, thanks to mobility, you can experiment with different locations and will definitely find the most profitable one.
⚖ Advantages of starting a business in a small town
There are many positive aspects for business development in the provinces that may not exist in a large city.
- Opportunity to occupy a vacant niche. You can become the first in your industry or identify the weaknesses of competitors and profitably build from them.
- Savings on basic expenses. In small towns, rent for premises or land is much lower than in a metropolis. Salaries for staff can also be calculated according to local tariff schedules.
- Support for private businesses. Small towns often have various loyalty programs for new businesses, grants and preferential subsidies are issued.
- Easy understanding of customer needs. When all clients are literally in sight, understanding their requests is not too difficult
Pizzeria
It's hard to imagine a more popular dish than pizza. It is ordered both for lunch on a weekday and for a holiday table. Even if there is already an establishment in the town that specializes in this dish, thanks to the great demand you will be able to find your clientele.
This business has several formats. The most profitable option is pizza with delivery. You don’t need to open a retail outlet: you accept orders by phone or online and deliver the dish to your home. The second option is a kiosk or mini-establishment with a couple of tables, where they sell take-away pizza.
The third format - a full-fledged pizzeria - requires serious investments and experience in the restaurant business. But the game is worth the candle: in a small town, such a catering establishment can become a favorite place for family vacations, birthdays and holidays.
