29/09/2026
BEFORE RENTING SHOP STUDY THESE THINGS
1️⃣ WHO ACTUALLY PASSES THERE? 👀
A busy road doesn't automatically mean good business.
Look at the people passing: workers, students, families, traders, drivers, residents, etc.
The important question is: Are the people passing there likely to buy what you sell?
A location can have 2,000 people passing daily and still give you 0 customers if they aren't your target market.
2️⃣ WHAT ARE PEOPLE ALREADY BUYING THERE? 🛍️
Don't just count shops. Observe what people are actually buying.
Which businesses have customers entering regularly?
Which products move quickly?
Which shops always seem active?
This can help you understand the spending behaviour of people around that area.
3️⃣ HOW MANY COMPETITORS ARE AROUND? 😅
Competition isn't automatically bad.
Sometimes, several businesses selling similar products can show that there is demand.
But you need to understand what makes each competitor different.
Price? Location? Customer service? Product quality? Convenience?
Don't enter a street with 15 people selling the same thing and say, “God will make a way.” 😂
4️⃣ WHAT IS THE FOOT TRAFFIC LIKE AT DIFFERENT TIMES? ⏰
Don't inspect the location only at 2PM and make your decision.
Visit in the morning.
Check afternoon traffic.
Check evening traffic.
A place that looks empty during the day may become busy later or the opposite.
Your business hours should match the behaviour of your potential customers.
5️⃣ IS THE SHOP EASY TO FIND AND ACCESS? 🚶🏽♂️🚗
Can people easily see the shop?
Can they stop nearby?
Is parking possible?
Can customers enter without struggling?
Is the road accessible during rain?
A beautiful shop that customers struggle to reach can become an expensive decoration. 😂
6️⃣ WHAT OTHER BUSINESSES ARE AROUND IT? 🤝
Look beyond your direct competitors.
A good neighbouring business can bring potential customers into your area.
For example, certain businesses naturally attract people who may also need your products or services.
So before renting, study the entire environment not just the four walls you're about to rent.
7️⃣ WHAT WILL THE TOTAL COST REALLY BE? 💰
Don't calculate only the rent.
Think about electricity, security, service charges, renovation, signage, transportation, taxes/levies and other regular expenses that may apply.
A shop with cheaper rent can become more expensive if the surrounding costs are high.
Don't rent the shop because the landlord said, “My brother, this price is for you.” 😂
Calculate properly before committing.