Let me take you back over 20 years ago when I was just a clueless teenager who knew zilch about hookah lounges. But I got super lucky and met my girl Nancy, a total OG (original gangster) in the hookah scene who also happened to own a lounge. She was mad chill and generously schooled me on the ins and outs of running a lounge – how to scout the perfect location, deck out the decor, get all the required permits, and everything you need to start slangin ‘ some sweet shisha !
Under Nancy’s wise guidance, I gradually became a hookah connoisseur. Now I’m ready to pay it forward and share this priceless knowledge with all of y’all. So if you are considering opening your own shisha lounge, then. this guide on how to start a hookah business will definitely help you on your journey!
How much does it cost to start a shisha lounge UK?
When you open a shisha lounge, the highest cost is the rent. According to the British rental price, it is generally between 2,500 and 10,000 pounds.
Shisha supplies – Quality shisha tobacco, hookah pipes, hoses, and accessories will set you back around £2,000 to £5,000 upfront, of course, I am used to setting aside £500 to £1,000 per month for restocking,
but it’s worth mentioning here that when you don’t ‘t When knowing which brand of hookah supplies to buy, I highly recommend top hookah brands such as Al Fakher and Global-hookah. These brands are what I often buy and the quality is very good.
Ventilation system – Of course, don’t forget the ventilation system. Generally, it will cost at least £3,000 to purchase a ventilation system that meets the requirements.
Furniture – Comfy bean bag chairs, low tables, plush sofas priced from £5,000
Licensing and insurance – Legal fees vary, but licensing, permits, and liability insurance will total £1,000 to £2,000.
Portable Car Hookah Bulk With Led Light Bulk
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Do I need a license to sell shisha?
Many wrongly assume that operating a shisha bar only requires a simple business license, but the reality is more complex. Under UK tobacco control regulations, shisha bars need to pay duty on tobacco products and display health warnings on packaging. If shisha contains tobacco, businesses must provide evidence of legal supply chains, or risk enforcement actions.
Importantly, shisha bars themselves do not require a specialized permit, unless they also sell alcohol and other licensed goods. Especially for a tobacco license, you need to apply for a tobacco products retailer license from the county government. This certificate has regulations on the purchase and sale of tobacco products. In addition, the state government will also require you to continue to apply for a hookah bar business license. But don’t worry too much, these are very simple. When you are ready, you can promote your shisha lounge
How to promote hookah lounge to attract customers
So, how do we carry out effective promotion? Let me share with you some successful experiences today.
First, we must make good use of the power of social media. Create official accounts on Facebook, Instagram and other platforms, and frequently update pictures and texts of in-store activities, new product releases and other content to attract the attention of young users . At the same time, we can also cooperate with some influential local bloggers, invite them to come to the store to experience and write reviews, and use their influence to expand exposure.
Secondly, offline promotion methods are also very important. We can regularly hold new product launches or theme parties and invite customers to the store to participate in the activities. You can also design some activities such as membership points cards to encourage customers to visit frequently.
Use platforms such as Desygner to create rich stories and shisha pictures to better reach target customers. Partnering with influencer bloggers can also bring in new traffic. Displaying beautiful designs can go a long way in increasing brand recognition.
But, listen up, folks. In addition to some promotional methods, you also need to hire employees who are familiar with shisha knowledge. Don’t underestimate this. Know that when your employees try new flavors and discuss their favorites with customers, it will give customers some guidance. Sexual suggestions, which can perfectly improve customer experience
Besides that, I have an idea – why not have weekly “flavor nights” where customers can sample your newest shisha flavors? It’s a fun way for them to find new faves. While you’re at it, put together some starter bundles for newbies. It makes it so much easier for beginners to get everything they need in one simple package.
Now, you gotta keep your peeps engaged long-term. Throw monthly hookah parties! Let your community mingle, smoke some hookahs, and bond over good times. Loyal customers are everything, ya know.
Oh, and update your inventory constantly with the latest and greatest hookahs and flavors. Keep things fresh!
What are the most popular shisha tobacco flavors I should offer on my menu?
When designing a shisha tobacco menu, lounge owners should consider mixing signature flavors from various brands along with consumer preferences to provide diverse choices. For example, Starbuzz’s White Peach with Green Savior and Fumari’s exotic flavor lines are hugely popular. I usually like to mix fruit flavors with mint in different proportions to create unique flavors, but unexpectedly, they were so popular that I didn’t expect.
Additionally, combining two tobaccos is a great idea, like Starbuzz Blue Mist + Fumari Spiced Chai for a creamy, spicy combo, or Al Fakher Vanilla + Fumari Blueberry Muffin for a sweet, creamy treat.
Location, ambience, an epic shisha menu, stellar service – nail those things and you’ll have a successful lounge in no time. As long as you follow our blog seriously, Just take it step by step. Come on!
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