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Starting a Boutique in France
- By Stephen Hruza
- Published 31 December 2008
- Small Business
- Unrated
It is true that anyone can run a shop or a boutique in France, if he/she considers some practical tips in mind. So, here are some tips that will help you in setting up a boutique or a similar business:
• You must speak in French. If you do not communicate in French or just make an attempt of speaking, your buyers will not accept it, especially in case of business.
• You must hire a good French accountant. This is not only important for a peace of mind, but the advice of your accountant will be taken as a guarantee by government officials that can be beneficial at times. Hire an accountant who lives nearby and can come whenever you want his help. Local employees are a good source of information on areas like employment law. Accountant will give you an idea of first year’s fees and also negotiate for it on your behalf.
• Research more about your business and its feasibility before starting. Do not think that an imported idea would work well as most of the French are traditional and a bit reluctant to adopt new things. French don’t like to travel to shop, and prefer
to buy things from a prime location that is easily accessible. Running a shop in the side street will ruin your business.
• Before registering, find out the entire process and additional expenses involved in the business. Consulting a local Chambre de Commerce is a good idea, as you will always find someone there to give advice and guidance. Rules and regulations in the business change continuously, its better you understand every clause before starting a business.
• Be respectful while talking to authority people. If you loose your temper in France or raise a voice against government officials, you are surely going to have a tough time.
• French bureaucracy is worse than you can imagine. If you don’t follow rules or don’t fill the documents correctly, you will not get what you want.
• Register your business only when you are ready to open. Once your business is registered, you will have to pay the fees even if the shop is not started.
• Don’t give up in the beginning by seeing low sales record. It might take few months or even 1-2 years to develop a clientele.
• You must speak in French. If you do not communicate in French or just make an attempt of speaking, your buyers will not accept it, especially in case of business.
• You must hire a good French accountant. This is not only important for a peace of mind, but the advice of your accountant will be taken as a guarantee by government officials that can be beneficial at times. Hire an accountant who lives nearby and can come whenever you want his help. Local employees are a good source of information on areas like employment law. Accountant will give you an idea of first year’s fees and also negotiate for it on your behalf.
• Research more about your business and its feasibility before starting. Do not think that an imported idea would work well as most of the French are traditional and a bit reluctant to adopt new things. French don’t like to travel to shop, and prefer
• Before registering, find out the entire process and additional expenses involved in the business. Consulting a local Chambre de Commerce is a good idea, as you will always find someone there to give advice and guidance. Rules and regulations in the business change continuously, its better you understand every clause before starting a business.
• Be respectful while talking to authority people. If you loose your temper in France or raise a voice against government officials, you are surely going to have a tough time.
• French bureaucracy is worse than you can imagine. If you don’t follow rules or don’t fill the documents correctly, you will not get what you want.
• Register your business only when you are ready to open. Once your business is registered, you will have to pay the fees even if the shop is not started.
• Don’t give up in the beginning by seeing low sales record. It might take few months or even 1-2 years to develop a clientele.