Buying an established business in Poland

Cześć!

Everybody want to know about jobs in Poland and how much they need to live on.

I have a question about moving to and working in Poland. Has anybody bought an already established business and worked for themselves?
I'm talking about a small shop, something with a long history of regular business that would sustain living costs? I am not looking to become rich, it is more about the Polish way of life.

I know not everybody would be in a position to do this but I am keen to hear thoughts/obstacles. Visa requirements?

Thanks!

15,000 closed down this year.

Still want one?

Where did you get that info? Not that I am disputing it, just interested in researching those things.

My research (from the other side of the world) shows retail sales data on a steady increase from 2010.
Can you suggest a sector in particular that would be better to investigate?

I like the idea of a simple life in a place like Bialystok.

Here you are, in Polish only unfortunately - wp.pl/?s=finanse.wp.pl%2Fsgwpsgfirst-6322120390408321a

The Sunday ban really screwed up small shops, because the large chains introduced good promotions on Fridays/Saturdays only, so people are now staying at home on Sunday and not using any shops.

thank you for that website, a very interesting read!

@delphiandomine

Sunday ban was clearly not well thought out. Living here, a few weeks ago, I needed something that couldn't be purchased at Zabka or the like on a Sunday. Real pain in the a$$. Most of my friends who work all week, used Sundays to go to the Galleria and other shopping, now they have to rush to do it and definitely don't spend the extra time and money enjoying it.

PolAmKrakow, I assume you live in Krakow? Can you tell me more about small business you see that are doing better than others?

Its simple. Consumable items are what sell. Tourists and residents alike all need the little things. This is why Zabka does so well. They fill a niche and do it very well. In smaller cities there are sole proprietors doing the same thing also doing well. The margins they work in though I wouldn't know.

Keep in mind too, that Krakow is not just Rynek. Its a big city and it has a very large transient population. The key to any successful business here is going to be your property lease and then your concept. Some things clearly wont work in some cities though. Mexican food for instance. the one Mexican place looks like it has been a dying business for years.

If you want to buy an existing business, that has long standing income, and reputation, you are going to pay a premium for it. Business start up costs for a non resident are not cheap, and everyone is skeptical until you can actually prove to them you are committed to the community and Poland. Lots of pretenders coming to Poland with little money and a big dream only to find its not as easy as one would think.

If you want specifics, or to talk about a specific idea, message me directly.

20 to 40% on alcohol,15 to 20% on ciggs,30 to 50% on the rest of the stuff on an average depending on the location,and novelties,impulse items 100% or more.