PPH or run our own?

[sloppyjoe's]

I know first hand the difficulties in starting an operation from scratch. Make sure understand the business and what it takes to be successful (like any business really) and who your dealing with before you make any big mistakes.

Definitely a good advice

 

[mixuone]

Gamingdude, I have no doubt that things are a lot different after you've been there for a while. I can always leave, but if I don't try I'll never know. I think Costa Rica is beautiful and has some great people, but I did experience the bad roads and crazy drivers while I was there. I also got ripped off by a couple of taxi drivers that got "lost" on the way to the office.

 

[55 % at worst]

I know first hand the difficulties in starting an operation from scratch. Make sure understand the business and what it takes to be successful (like any business really) and who your dealing with before you make any big mistakes.

Its not worth it. Waste of a few hundred grand. then u have to lease the software....4-8k a month for LIFE. Hire compentent staff(good luck) and work 24/7.

 

[offshoresports]

Its not worth it. Waste of a few hundred grand. then u have to lease the software....4-8k a month for LIFE. Hire compentent staff(good luck) and work 24/7.

No doubt 55%. Its a lot of work.

 

[RaoulDuke]

also, REALLY, really consider the small disadvantages of living here.

Most things you think are a given, are just not here.

EVERYONE steals from you, from the restaurant, gas station, to your employees, girlfriend, to your landlord... well, EVERYONE, not just stick ups.

Furthermore, most people in this country seem incapable of doing even the simplest thing right. Something broke at home? Good luck getting someone to fix it... and even if you find someone that is actually half competent, they will probably still steal from you.

The other day I asked for a plastic bag in McDonnalds, and the woman didn't give it to, she said it was only for salads. I had just paid TWICE the price for a combo than what it would cost in the US... for lower quality, and they didn't want to give me a plastic bag, only paper. I had to call the manager to get it. And if you order express, they will say, just wait ten minutes. Then 1 hour will pass. Then 2. Sometimes it will come, sometimes not (and I'm talking about a place that is 3 miles from a MacDonalds). And this shit will happen to you several times a day.

Car having trouble? You though US mechanics were thugs? Well, you haven't been here. And going to the agency, no fucking way, they charge WAAAYYY more than even a US mechanic... and will also steal.

Need a part of anything (a screw, a bolt, a whatever), good luck finding it. Not only will they give you bad information when you call a store (if they even answer), then the address is something like, from the dog that is lying next to the tree, go 300 meters north, 50 west and 30 south (which isn't even magnetic south if you use a compass). If you stop and ask someone for directions... odds are they will give you the WRONG address intentionally.

And you will have to go the mechanic more here, because not only are roads SHIT, but people drive like crazy and are as inconsiderate as possible. If they dent your car, and you didn't see his/her license plate, forget them stopping to 'exchange insurance'.

If you have insurance, good luck collecting it (the insurance company here is a national monopoly and will look for any excuse to not pay).

Seriously... it isn't that easy to see when you first get here... but year after year... this place can make you a racist, even if you weren't one before coming down here. I know many Gringos come down here, totally non-racist... end up believing Ticos are truly inferior (before every tico on the board jumps on me, I'm not saying they are, just mentioning something that is kinda common).

Nice post!!!!@)@)

 

[gamingdude]

wow... I now realize I was a little... yeah just a little frustrated and kinda ranted there.

To put that all into perspective, I must admit I live in Costa Rica and have the option of living in the 'free world' (US passport ready to go) but rather stay here.

There are disadvantages, but for me life is better here (although sometimes I wonder).

 

[Jabow]

Are you stll looking? and why dont you enable PM (private messaging)

 

[Masxmenos]

Tough question to answer. Basically boils down to how much are you paying a week, how big is your business, and if your ready to handle the huge headache of running your own office and moving to a third world country. Software is expensive, rent is not cheap, good clerks are hard to find then you have to pay them for vacations, xmas bonuses, social security. Then you have to deal with claims, clerks not showing up to work etc etc etc...Then you have to throw everything out the window that you are used to up in the states services (cable,electricity and water that dont go out frequently) good cheap shopping ,restaurants, bars etc etc etc.... I've been here 10 years and I love it here and would never go back. However its a huge step if you haven't spent any time here and know how things work down here. I know a few guys with tiny offices here with a few clerks and they do fine. Just depends if your ready for the move I guess...Hope some of this helped it is a little early and i havent had any coffee yet...

Mr. Duke... can you get my chat from the stoner that sits next to you at work (fuck, that might be all of those guys, but I am referring to the one that looks like a character from a teeny bopper TV show in the 1990's), had a question for you.

 

[Mikewph]

I have software and i can help..

 

[Mikewph]

If you are still looking please PM me!

 

[LOD.gt]

ill help you with the info .. send me an e-mail LODGT@HOTMAIL.COM

take care

 

[WagerPerHead]

If you need software please e-mail me wagerph@yahoo.com . I have a PPH shop and software for sale.

Thanks

 

[ODDSInc.]

Wagerphead, are you getting out of the business?

If I read that correctly, that should speak volumes to answering the original author's question.

Knowing what I know now about the industry, I would sub everything out. Own nothing. GL

 

[WagerPerHead]

let me show you my software. what will it hurt. all you have to do is take a look at it and see how easy it is. wagerph@yahoo.com