How much can you earn?
An HMRC estimate of the fish and chip industry states that you might expect gross profits of around 50% - where some achieve more, others less. This comes down to economic preparation, effective portion control and reasonable pricing. All of which you can get advice on from trade organisations like the NFFF. Other factors like the standard of the premises and image you project is up to you.
Promoting your business beyond a bright and welcoming shop is something several of the people we spoke to were doing. Loyalty schemes, 'buy one get one free' offers, and sponsorship of local sports teams or events can all get you better known and build up your business.
Daring to flout the traditionalists still mourning the loss of newspaper wrapping, many businesses have now addressed the soggy effect of paper wrapping by introducing cardboard boxes. Beedle says consumers who were originally dubious about the idea have been so impressed by the improvement in freshness and temperature, they've come back for more - and the product is allowed even more exposure. As the NFFF's Richard Ord said of fish and chips: "It's a fantastic product, so why spoil it by wrapping it in paper?"
Ultimately, the quality of the product is the number one factor in how much you will earn. If it’s good, people will not only come back to you but they will travel out of their way, past other shops to come to yours. And they will tell their friends about you – incidentally something they’ll also do if the product is bad, with the obvious opposite effect.
Communicate with your customers, make them feel their custom is wanted, tell them how good your fish and chips are, then prove it by delivering a delicious product. Achieve this and you’re sure to be the major plaice for takeaway for miles around.