Excellent reply. Agree with it 100%. A little bit of humility and to care about potential customers goes a long way here. So many places take customers for granted to the point of even making them feel unwelcome in their establishment, or that they are doing you a favor by waiting on you and giving you shitty service.
So I heard some bad things about this place already. They are running a 2 tier pricing system. Gringo prices and Tico prices.The locals that live down there, get different prices on their drinks. 1 day for a drink/beer it's 1200 colonies, the very next day it's 1800 colonies and mix drinks, same thing 2 prices. It's not because of a drink special, it's to try to rip the tourist off. They said to not get upset, they are just trying to make money.... hahha
Most expat entrepreneurs unwisely cater to foreigners who are in fact the minority in Costa Rica. A prime example was John at the original Chi Chi's. Once he opened his eyes to the real market he was off to the races. I'm not sure its out of comfort or ignorance, but I'm inclined its because they're lazy in planning and analyzing the market before they jump in. For many, its the dream of being the big boss of something in Costa Rica forgetting its a business like anywhere else in the world. Without understanding that it takes planning, backing, discipline, and execution you're already done.
small country with big mouths.
It can work for or against you.
As you can see, this place may be a one timer. Try it, analyze it then reject it.
ointer:
I clearly remember a pizza place in Rhormoser by Plaza Mayor back in 2012. 10 minutes to 8. wanted 3 pizzas. guy said they were closing shop at 8 and to come back. as he shut the door, he and his buddies were cracking jokes that we didn't get their pizza. Well, fast forward 6 months later, that place is now closed.:howdy:
Shit, don't ever think that you will have "too much " business. Winds can change directions on a dime...cheersgif
It can work for or against you.
As you can see, this place may be a one timer. Try it, analyze it then reject it.
ointer:I clearly remember a pizza place in Rhormoser by Plaza Mayor back in 2012. 10 minutes to 8. wanted 3 pizzas. guy said they were closing shop at 8 and to come back. as he shut the door, he and his buddies were cracking jokes that we didn't get their pizza. Well, fast forward 6 months later, that place is now closed.:howdy:
Shit, don't ever think that you will have "too much " business. Winds can change directions on a dime...cheersgif
Look at Cebolla Verde (sure it's tico owned) on the road from Escazu to Santa Ana lunchtime packed, night time packed. Cheap beer, cheap food place is a gold mine. Rancho De Laly as well every one of their locations is booming.
I'm pretty sure Kokomos is where Pancho Villa used to be. Saw it the other day.
Here is what works in Costa Rica.... cheap cheap cheap and big portions. Quality is an afterthought and certainly way behind the value proposition. Like you correctly point out, its a proven formula. Unfortunately for most gringos they try to deviate. Theres a very limited market for that craft burger or goat cheese pizza. This is why Little Caesars does well here.
I literally lived across the street from there for years and can count how many times I was there on one hand. I wanted it to be a big part of my food and hanging out rotation because I avoid the Americana down there like the plague. I did like their bocas and can't argue with cheap beer but every time I was there something was just off. Usually the service and hygiene.
small country with big mouths.
It can work for or against you.
As you can see, this place may be a one timer. Try it, analyze it then reject it.
I clearly remember a pizza place in Rhormoser by Plaza Mayor back in 2012. 10 minutes to 8. wanted 3 pizzas. guy said they were closing shop at 8 and to come back. as he shut the door, he and his buddies were cracking jokes that we didn't get their pizza. Well, fast forward 6 months later, that place is now closed.:howdy:
Shit, don't ever think that you will have "too much " business. Winds can change directions on a dime...cheersgif[/QUO
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That attitude is so typical when an expat opens up in CR and thinks they achieved the "dream" of running something down in Paradise. They get cocky and end up out of business. I tend to cater to the appreciative types like Chef Tony, and even with all his greatness he's bounced around quite a bit. Was good seeing him at L'Ancora a few weeks back with a packed house.
If books didn't decrease their pay rates in the last decade maybe they would be buying American breakfasts with bagels, salmon and bacon... Remember when clerks used to make $6-$7 an hour while books made millions... well books still make millions, clerks make $5 an hour and the cost of life has double or tripled!
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I buy fruit from the farmers market. My fruit + granola breakfast costs about $1-1.3 USD. Much healthier, and about the same price.
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Regarding your bitching about book salaries:
1- Books have much slimmer margins now a days, because of competition AND harder processing. Not only that, but the risk of owning a book has gone up.
2- It used to be that any idiot who knew how to turn on a computer and speak in english could make good money. Why? Supply and demand. There weren't many people who knew how to do it. And there were a lot of people who needed people who knew how to do it.
3- Many former clerks have upgraded their skills inside the industry and outside (Sasha Campbell, Tiquito, that boxing woman were all clerks) or taken on risk as owners/partners. They are making good bank. I personally know a couple of people on here who you have insulted who are in that category (former clerks making good money)
4- Socialist, self entitled mentalities are what made a lot of the books leave here. Remember the $1000/computer tax? Remember all the regulations they wanted to put in WITHOUT giving any licensing? That didn't come from 'evil politicians'. It came from an attitude of entitlement that has grown within this country. I don't know why that has developed. But your post reeks of it. Other countries weren't as entitled, Curacao, Isle of Man, Gibraltar, etc... they all taxed the industry in EXCHANGE for licensing. Those places have enjoyed huge job growth, and with that, salaries have gone up. I know several guys from CR who were paid to go there. With full relocation packages.
Bottom line: We all get what we deserve, we make our own beds. If you don't like a reality you are faced with, change it. The power is in you. This country has WAY more potential then it is achieving. In good measure that is because people are way busier bitching than they are working. That goes for everyone, me included. Now... I'll get back to what I was doing.
...
I buy fruit from the farmers market. My fruit + granola breakfast costs about $1-1.3 USD. Much healthier, and about the same price.
...
Regarding your bitching about book salaries:
1- Books have much slimmer margins now a days, because of competition AND harder processing. Not only that, but the risk of owning a book has gone up.
2- It used to be that any idiot who knew how to turn on a computer and speak in english could make good money. Why? Supply and demand. There weren't many people who knew how to do it. And there were a lot of people who needed people who knew how to do it.
3- Many former clerks have upgraded their skills inside the industry and outside (Sasha Campbell, Tiquito, that boxing woman were all clerks) or taken on risk as owners/partners. They are making good bank. I personally know a couple of people on here who you have insulted who are in that category (former clerks making good money)
4- Socialist, self entitled mentalities are what made a lot of the books leave here. Remember the $1000/computer tax? Remember all the regulations they wanted to put in WITHOUT giving any licensing? That didn't come from 'evil politicians'. It came from an attitude of entitlement that has grown within this country. I don't know why that has developed. But your post reeks of it. Other countries weren't as entitled, Curacao, Isle of Man, Gibraltar, etc... they all taxed the industry in EXCHANGE for licensing. Those places have enjoyed huge job growth, and with that, salaries have gone up. I know several guys from CR who were paid to go there. With full relocation packages.
Bottom line: We all get what we deserve, we make our own beds. If you don't like a reality you are faced with, change it. The power is in you. This country has WAY more potential then it is achieving. In good measure that is because people are way busier bitching than they are working. That goes for everyone, me included. Now... I'll get back to what I was doing.
I dont disagree with anything you say, is a very sad situation, truth is you make same money working at a bar with tips than clerking or even doing props. Is fucked up, most talented individuals diversify, or open their own shops, tech services. I for one complement my income with poker and several months I can say my main income is online poker instead of book money... Planning on getting a web design degree to make things better.
Im not dissing the industry, Im criticizing the whole situation, including the government crackdown on our beautiful business. I dont hate gringos, mom is one, I know it seems that way but believe me is not. I just wish the golden years never went away.
