Starting a Pasar business doesn't need big capital

IT'S hard to believe, but starting a business with less than $100 in capital can actually be done. Just ask Pasar Malam Gadong vendors. Some started with only $40 in capital, while others invested as much as $1,000.

Vegetable vendor Hjh Dayang Hassan went into business in 1998 with only $40 in capital. Because of her limited capital, she initially only sold leafy vegetables which were cheaper than other kinds of vegetables.

Over the years, she said, sales had improved that now, she is able to sell different kinds of vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, cucumber, which required bigger capital.

"I was determined to make the business a success, so I would use some of my profits as capital again so business would grow," she said.

Awg Seman started his burger stall seven years ago with less than $200 in capital, which he recovered after only after a few weeks in business.

He said he had scraped together the initial capital with the help of his younger brother. With the money, they bought some of the basics: a table, gas cylinder, grilling pan, utensils, ingredients and other equipment.

When earnings started to come in steadily, Seman upgraded his equipment. He said that he was lucky he did not have to buy a big car, which he needed to transport merchandise, because his father already had one.

Like Hjh Dayang, every time he made a profit during the first few years, he would plough it back into the business to use as capital.

Now, he said monthly profits average $1,000.

Ishak, already a Pasar Malam regular vendor, said he started his nasi katok business with capital of less than $200.

He said he only needed a small amount because he had already been selling food at Pasar Malam for a while and added the nasi katok menu only recently.

He said that the money was used to purchase frying pans, ingredients, chicken, wrapping paper, utensils, among others.

Already, he said, he has recovered his initial capital.

A fruit vendor, who wished to remain anonymous, said he initially spent less than $200 for seasonal fruits like durian, rambutan, langsat and others.

Because he wanted to go into business, he took a chance and used some of his savings.

He said he had concentrated on selling seasonal fruits because he knew people liked them.

Unlike the food vendors, Hassan Hj Ibrahim, who runs a clothing and accessories stall, had to start his business with a bigger capital. He started with an initial $1,000, which came from his savings after he retired a few years ago.

He said he needed that kind of money because he bought his merchandise from Malaysia.

He said he has already recouped his capital, but was noncommittal whether the business made profit everyday. "Clothes are not as hot selling as food but I stick with the business because it is my passion.

"Profitable or not, I am just surviving and trying to make a living," he said. The Brunei Times