Starting a hookah or shisha lounge in Dubai can prove to be a highly profitable venture. Well, it’s not as difficult as you think; all you need is the right kind of planning, the right way of executing the plans, and openness to working hard. These ingredients are applicable to starting any kind of business enterprise, and a hookah lounge is no exception. Read on to discover the major steps involved in starting a hookah lounge successfully.
Choose a name:
Like any business, a shisha lounge Dubai first needs a name. This plays a key role as it will act as your brand identity, and will last as long as your business. The name should be impactful and relevant. In order to ensure that the names you select are available, you can check them against trademark databases and the list of registered businesses in your state.
You also need to confirm whether an appropriate domain name is available. As far as a hookah lounge is concerned, the name should be easy to pronounce, spell, and remember. Ideally, it should also reflect the focal point or USP of your hookah lounge, something that sets your brand apart.
Develop a business plan:
A detailed business plan is instrumental to your hookah lounge enterprise, as it will help you understand the market fully and accordingly plan your strategy. Prior to figuring out your way with shisha outsourcing in Dubai, a business plan acts like a roadmap and is also important in funding sources that can raise funds for the business.
The business agenda should comprise the following elements- an executive summary, company overview, industry analysis, customer analysis, competitive analysis, marketing plan, operations plan, financial plan, management team, and so on.
Choose the right legal structure:
Some of the usual legal structures that you can follow for a hookah lounge include- Sole proprietorship, Limited Liability Company (LLC), or others.. Each of these types comes with its own pros and cons, so research thoroughly in order to make a well-informed decision.
Obtain Startup Funding:
In all likelihood, you will need to raise capital to launch the business. For a hookah bar, the chief funding sources include, personal savings, credit card financing, bank loans, crowdfunding, angel investors, amongst others. For the uninitiated, angel investors offer capital to early-stage businesses. They will be open to the idea of investing in your hookah lounge only if they feel it has a considerable growth potential.
Choose a location:
As far as the location is concerned, you should ensure you have a big enough space that can accommodate a fair number of guests comfortably. It should have a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. Most importantly, narrow down areas that allow smoking lounges. The availability of easy parking is yet another major concern. It is also advisable to shortlist locations that are well-connected by public transport, as it will make it easy for your guests to reach the lounge.
Open a business bank account:
You should have a bank account by the name of your hookah lounge. The process to initiate shisha outsourcing in Dubai through a business account is simple and the steps involved are as follows:
- Identify the bank you would want to work with an get it touch with it
- Collate all your documents you’ll need including your company’s Articles of Incorporation, driver’s license or passbook, address proof etc.)
- Present all the required documents to the bank and complete the application form, furnishing all the details
- Meet a banker for expert consultation on your business needs and strike an equation with him/her
Get a business credit card:
Having a dedicated credit card for your hookah lounge will help you keep your personal spendings separate from your business expenses. Be it with a bank or a credit card company, you’ll need to provide basic information about your business to apply for the credit card. This includes your business’ name, address, type, etc., besides your name, Social Security number, and date of birth.
Get the necessary business licenses and permits:
A business license, tobacco license, and a permit to sell tobacco products are mandatory for you to start the hookah lounge business. You should also reach out to the local government to find out what licenses and permits you need.
Buy or lease the right equipment:
Some of the essentials include hookah pipes, tobacco, coals, etc. Besides, you will also need a considerable amount of space to accommodate the tables, chairs, lounge, and so on.
Develop the marketing materials:
These are imperative in attracting and retaining customers for your business. A good logo, a comprehensive website, and well-planned social media handles are must-have marketing materials that promote awareness and customer trust.
Don’t forget the software:
A hookah lounge needs a point-of-sale (POS) system that helps in keeping track of your inventory, finances, sales, and reservations. You also need to have software that is equipped to handle the business’ administrative aspects and track customer data.
So what are you waiting for? If you’ve been toying with the idea of starting your own hookah lounge, it’s high time you take the plunge. Follow these steps and you’ll soon be well on your way to establishing a successful business venture!
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