How to Start a Roti Bakar Business: Equipment, Costs and Tips
A roti bakar business takes little hassle and earns a decent profit. See the equipment, a Rp3,500,000 startup budget and five tips to draw customers.
Roti bakar, Indonesia's grilled toast, is a business that isn't too much hassle yet earns a decent profit. It is easy to make, the ingredients are easy to find, and people from all walks of life like it. As with any other business, opening a roti bakar stall takes careful preparation and the right strategy. Here is what you need to prepare, an estimate of the capital required, and the strategies that help your roti bakar sell like hot cakes.
Ingredients and equipment to prepare
To start a roti bakar business, you will need some essential equipment to make delicious roti bakar.
- Kiosk or cart
The key question is where you will sell. Where is the kiosk, and how much does it cost to rent or buy? Or, if you don't have enough capital to rent a kiosk, you can simply buy or build a cart and pick a selling spot that is strategic without getting in anyone's way.
- Stove and gas cylinder
The second thing to buy is a stove and gas to heat the griddle for toasting the bread. Buy a 3 kg gas cylinder so it is easy to carry if you only use a cart.
- Griddle for toasting the bread
Next is the griddle pan. Think about how wide it needs to be.
Read also: Sari Roti
- Jars
Prepare a few jars to hold sugar, chocolate sprinkles, raisins and other toppings.
- Other items
Other tools such as a spatula, turner, knife, cloth, small boxes and plastic bags also need to be prepared carefully.
As for ingredients, you will need:
- Sliced white bread
- Butter
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Assorted toppings and jams
Estimated capital needed
Estimating what it costs to buy the equipment and ingredients that make up your capital is essential. Here is the estimate. You should set aside at least about Rp2,500,000 for the roti bakar equipment: a cart at Rp1,500,000, a stove and gas cylinder at Rp400,000, a griddle at Rp300,000, a few jars at Rp100,000 and other small tools at Rp200,000.
For ingredients, assume you will need Rp1,000,000. That covers a month's supply of gas, jam, cheese and other toppings. So the total capital for equipment and ingredients is about Rp3,500,000.
Tips for Starting the Business
Here are a few more tips on the strategy for starting a roti bakar business that draws a crowd.
- First, find a strategic spot without many competitors. A small bit of research is needed to find the right location.
- Next, be unique, for example by adding a new menu item unlike anyone else's.
- Make your cart easy to spot, whether by adding lights or painting it in a bright, easily recognized color.
- Set prices that suit the target market where you sell your goods.
- Last, offer friendly, good service.
