Costs
Here are some typical costs for essential sandwich shop equipment:
Glass counter £1400 - £2300
Glass door drinks merchandiser from £500
Integral multi-deck refrigerator display £1600
General kitchen utensils £300 (approximately)
Cash tills from £100
Please note equipment costs are based on the average costs of a number of suppliers, and it’s best to shop around your area to get the best price.
Companies such as Jordon specialise in sandwich shop fit-outs, and will be happy to provide further information.
Stock
Keeping your stock costs down are also important. Just like sandwich ingredients, you may be able to buy stock at the supermarket and still make a profit, and it definitely pays to look for cheaper suppliers.
Wholesalers are one good option, as trade with businesses is typically the lifeblood of their business. However you need to be sure you know exactly what, and how much, you want, as traders like to do bulk deals. Also, be prepared to haggle!
For a directory of UK wholesalers, click here. Alternatively, you can visit the Catering Equipment Suppliers Association here.
Rents
The cost of rents can vary enormously, as area and location are key to the success of any business.
So beware buying or renting a property purely on the basis of price; if you are too far off the beaten track, you won’t catch any passing trade. On the other hand you need to avoid buying somewhere too expensive; else you’ll never make back your payment to the landlord.
Aim to find a place you can afford, but where there are also plenty of potential customers nearby. A large office block full of hungry workers is a top target; if you find one without much competition nearby then you are likely to be on to a winner if the rents are not too high.
Useful contacts
Food Standards Agency
Tel: 020 7276 8829
www.food.gov.uk
Catering Equipment Suppliers' Association
Tel: 020 7793 3030
www.cesa.org.uk