Business premise location is very important and acts as a branding tool. There are many successful supermarkets with the worst customer care and a lack of ample parking spaces. Surprisingly, they make more money than those with impeccable customer service and ample parking space.
The secret to the success of the supermarket with bad customer service is the great convenient location. Don’t get me wrong. Great customer service and care are important to all businesses. The business location must be able to address the question of accessibility. It is better to build your premises and not rent or lease.
Why would you put a great business in an inaccessible place? Even a clinic in the wrong place reflects weaknesses in management. Whether it is a clinic, shop, office, store, or service venture, businesses must have well-thought-out locations. Cheap rent should not be a reason for your office location. Proximity to your suppliers and customer base is another valid reason for a location.
A parking lot is more important today than ever before.
If the building doesn’t have enough parking, you can rent a space in the neighbourhood. It could be a washing bay or garage. Visitors to your business should not have second thoughts about doing business with you because of parking.
Spend more time deciding on a business location. A business location can determine the success of the business. You cannot have a premium clientele and have a service point downtown where their security is at risk. Downtown may be characterised by longer hours in traffic jams. Is the area consistent with the image of your brand? Don’t take premium brands to the countryside full of bad roads.
Choosing a business premise requires you to factor in directions.
Businesses must be easier to find. Get locations next to landmarks, for example, police stations and towns. Landmarks also make it easier to put a business location on Google Maps and Google Places.
In Uganda, it is common for roads to be renamed. Now Kampala signposts and office branding issues have specific regulations under KCCA. You cannot put them on any road or location without permission. A visible building will save you that stress. Your location must be easily found, just in case you are unable to put up a sign legally.
Location communicates the brand character and value.
Don’t share premises with competition unless you are working with a shoestring budget. There is an exception. Some businesses cannot operate if their competitors are not located next to them. Business management must assess how a particular location will or may contribute to their success. If the clientele is the general public, then the location must be easily accessible by public transport, especially commuter taxis. Define what type of location works for your business.
How much rent can you afford as a company? Get a place that you can afford, otherwise the business may end up in the media for the wrong reasons. The key to picking a profitable location is determining the factors that will increase customer traffic to the business.
The reputation of the neighbourhood and a particular building may help draw customers. A Coffee shop and confectionery may need to target areas with heavy foot traffic.
Research possible localities and make the right choice early to avoid unnecessary expenses or closure of the branch. Market research in the area is needed. Is it along a transit route, or is it purely residential? A big mall should not be a reason enough to have a business. Figures have to make sense. Why open a bank branch in an area with fewer than five customers?
Decide what your business requires.
A lot of architecture for communication may be needed and so confirm with the location, landlord, and suppliers. Today, even the internet and electricity are tied to a certain coverage map. You may need fibre internet, but it is only accessible in specific areas.
Decoration and branding must be well thought out.
Will the location enable repainting and remodeling? Is it allowed to revamp? Is the company branding of the building okay with the landlord? Remember your obligations when choosing an office location; it’s important to be aware of your legal and environmental responsibilities.
If your business involves making considerable noise, will it affect the local community? If you intend to hold large, loud staff parties, don’t go for residential areas to rent an office.
Your premises and their surroundings will be the face of your business. Make sure it gives a great first impression.