Where we store food that is on stock
The food needs to be stored somewhere overnight. In the cost calculations, we took a big refrigerator (dutch: koelcel) into consideration. The products can not be stored in the van during the night, because otherwise the van needs to be up and running the whole night. Besides that, a self storage space is needed that
functions as a warehouse for the products that do not require cooling. We contacted by phone two garage rental companies in Enschede, however they would not allow storing food in their garage boxes. Only air tight food. Therefore, we considered two other options:
First Option
Renovating Garage
Since this service will be a startup, with not more than two working people, we would suggest storing the products at home. Many startups in catering do the work from their own kitchen at home, or they even renovate the inside of their garage.
The advantage of having these products stored at home, is that the investment costs are low. This will give you less risks of money loss in the future. Of course, this option to change the garage should be available. If we would carry out the service ourselves in real life (what
would happen if this was no university project, then we would have started with this option. However, not all people have the ability to do so. Therefore we also suggest a second option. This is more expensive, since you have more indirect costs, but it is worthwhile to consider.
Renovating a garage would cost around € 5 000,- for making it function as an office/working space.
Storing the products at home by renovating a garage
Pros
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Low investment
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Less risks of money loss
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Easy accessibility to the products
Cons
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Self responsible for security
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Not everyone has the option of renovatng a garage.
Second Option
Renting studio space
Rent a studio/office space to use as a hybrid office/storage space
Pros
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Good division of personal and work life
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The driver can be safely given keys
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More professional
Cons
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Higher costs —> more customers needed
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500-1000+ /month
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A mix of these two options can be implemented where the company starts off with storage in one of the owners’ garages and later transitions to a separate office/storage space once thermopane builds more capital. In this way, you take less risks of money losses. Therefore, we will start with the first option of renovating a garage. Both options however need to comply with NVWA regulations on food safety.
