Corner shops in digital photo & video

Ceneri · #1 10-15-2003, 09:33 AM

Hi,

I manage a french company which offers all services and products in digital photo and video in France.
It's very good business in France, in touristics places, and I would like to duplicate the concept in DR, by placing photo-corners shops in hotels or very touristics places.
I can invest from France, but I am looking for co-investors in DR who knows very well DR process and touristic domains.
Thanks for your help
B.L

Escott · #2 10-15-2003, 10:50 AM

You don't even know which are tourist areas but you want to go into business in the Dominican Republic?

Now that is assinine.

GringoCArlos · #3 10-15-2003, 11:56 AM

Scott, I think that it is asinine that you jump all over this guy, when he states very plainly that he is looking for partners who know the DR MARKET. The DR is #2 in tourist arrivals in the Caribbean. Tourists want photos, and they usually want them right away. Seems pretty logical for a market opportunity.

Foot in mouth disease?

It sure as hell looks like he knows his business, just not the market. The DR is ripe for someone who is willing to give service in this kind of business, as I haven't been able to find anyone after living here for several years, and I have given up shooting photos. I wish him the best.

Peter & Alex · #4 10-15-2003, 12:02 PM

Hasn't his already been done? Cabarete has a large AGFA shop at the east end of the high street which does all this and seems to have cornered the trade here. He's very busy too!
He will transfer to CD, process paper pix, develop, print, photocopy and even take your picture.

Ceneri · #5 10-15-2003, 12:08 PM

We have the same kind of stores in France : Kodak Express, Fuji center, Agfa Centers, but they don't propose real digital services because they are traditionnal stores with adding some digital services. And people are generally better in computing, DVD than the store.

PhMB · #6 10-16-2003, 08:22 AM

Edited due to stupidity.

Chris · #7 10-16-2003, 08:33 AM

We've had very good service from Planet Foto in Sosua. So, maybe on the North Coast the services exist. I cannot comment on quality or development of quality photo and video work, as I've not needed these services.

I would suggest that you maybe come for a visit to the DR and look at the market yourself before you even look for someone who can run the DR side. It may be that you decide that there are enough services already. It is expensive to buy your way into a market. But then, on the other hand, we have four cell phone companies in the DR, so, there may be space for the service that you suggest. It may be an idea to check out the all inclusive hotels as most of the tourists here go to all inclusives.

Escott · #8 10-16-2003, 10:15 AM

I don't know one person that partnered up with another that he didn't know in the DR that hasn't been taken for the ride of their life. Never, not once.

I usually never run into anyone that has been successful in business in the DR either. Most people just can't make it.

I have never ever in my life run into a place with its own specific micro economic crazyness as I have run into in the DR. To think about doing business there even if you have been there, learned the Culture somewhat, found someone you think you can trust 100% and even find a location to rent that is actually owned by the person that is renting it to you and feel confident you will do ok there is still a risky idea and odds are you will probably fail.

So, I haven't been thrown out of France for any reason. I haven't been jilted by a French woman, don't have nightmares of French Monsters, but just have strong feelings about going into business in the DR.

I have helped people get info in the DR probably more than most here. I know for sure, more than the people that have commented on my post. I have found homes for newbies to live in, I have driven people all around to give them the lay of the land, I introduce more people together that even live in the same town than people that live there full time. Many people show up to my dinners/Parties because they have a good time, meet lots of great people and do a lot of business there. It is not surprising that a million dollars may change hands because of the contacts made at my get togethers since I know that it has happened. I share my sun with anyone happily. I am not in competition with anyone and even if we do the same things I introduce them to my contacts and help them.

My last trip down I came to terms on a home in Cabarete. I stopped at my attorneys on the way to the airport dropped off the money in full in a check for the amount I was planning on paying for the property plus 2k more to cover a corp, taxes and expenses. I was on the phone while waiting at the airport, made my deal on the cellular after going back and forth some more and got on the plane. That was 2 weeks ago. NOW, the attorney of the Seller wants 5 thousand US for a deposit in HIS hand to correct the problems of the property in order for me to buy it.

The person that is the owner on the DEED has been DEAD for 4 years. Does this type of thing surprise anyone who is in the DR? Doesn't surprise me because I wasn't born yesterday and know the DR.

I can go on with other personal stories about the DR if you would like. You are not safe doing business with Dominicans nor Foreigners alike. I am not prejudiced against Dominicans I am an equal opportune person.

YOU AINT IN KANSAS ANYMORE TOTO once you are in the DR. I consider this the BRAVE NEW WORLD as far as doing business there. Even if you are sucessful you will have had a bad time learning to be. I GUARANTEE it!

Anyone that advises him or even encourages him to do this the way I see him attempting to do it deserves to be shot. Let me rephrase this. Anyone that advises him or even encourages him to do this the way I see him attempting to do it deserves to be shot.

This is no business paradise and if you want sun that is fine but BUSINESS, better get real and rethink your thoughts.

I have told people here 1000x that I think this is a great place if you don't have to work there. This is true 90% of the time.

Scott, Escott, Jazzcom, etc, etc, etc.

NYC_Girl · #9 10-16-2003, 12:23 PM

While what Escott is saying sounds harsh, the heart of what he is saying is very true.

The business concept sounds good and it may work but there are obstacles, such as who is going to mind the store. Minding the store meaning not just working at the store but controlling the money.

Just from experience, you really can't trust someone to do things the same way you would. When it's not your money you won't try to negotiate the best price for something.

It's an experience that you have to see first hand.

adrianb · #10 10-16-2003, 02:40 PM

While Scott was initially pretty tough on this guy, he is 100% correct. I especially like his comment

"Even if you are sucessful you will have had a bad time learning to be"

Scott: sorry to hear you're joining the "I got ripped off the the DR" club. Maybe we should print tshirts? :-)

Adrian