What is missing in Paris?
 

Hi,

I am American and am married to a Frenchman living in Paris. I speak fluent French and would like to start up a company catering to American tourists in Paris, maybe organizing restaurant reservations, apartment stays or exhibition reservations. What do you think is missing in terms of services in Paris?

ttt

That is difficult question. You probalby need to work with a marketing firm to help you.

Do you have many connections there?

It seems most of the services are covered well. You should find some kind of niche market and start from there. Maybe in one small area. Get to know the Hotel Inn keepers/ shop keepers etc.. and go from there.

It sounds like a great idea.

Maybe those who go there ALL of the time may have better insight. I have been there 3 or 4 times over the last 8 years so I am not the best judge. Most of the people who come to this sight enjoy doing all the planning themsevles.

Good Luck!!

I think something that provides an interesting range of nightlife options might be very useful. This was the hardest thing for me to figure out by myself -- the Pariscope guide is so barebones and some insider knowledge would have helped.

I think a niche market yet to be tapped is the solo (not necessarily single) traveler. I see *so* many women traveling alone in Paris, mostly in their 30's and up and they seem to have disposable income.

This isn't quite about tourists but I do think it's a good idea for a business. You could contract yourself out to American corporations(or other companies based in English-speaking countries)who have Paris offices and who may be transferring people from the US. When whole families are moving they need services that aren't often apparent. A company might think of helping a employee find a place for his family to live but what about schools or daycare, finding a family doctor or dentist, learning the subtleties of a new neighbourhood and local transportation, getting kids hooked up with sports teams or other interests, stocking the new home with staples before the family even gets there, local restaurants and shops, etc, etc. You get the idea. I think a large corporation might be happy to have someone like this on contract.You could even be in contact with the family before they move, to learn about them, their needs and their interests, so you can do some research, and then be available to them as a consultant as needs arise after the move.

There was an interesting suggestion awhile back about there being a need for someone to check out potential apartment rentals.
This would be someone who was independent of the actual rental business but who could be hired by the renter to verify the legitimacy of apartments, perhaps act as a go-between, check out and rate the possible apartments and report solely to the renter.
You might be able to expand your services to meeting the renter, stocking the apartment, following up on security deposits et. Just a thought.
(If this catches on my wife and I will volunteer to join you in Paris and assist).

pooper scooper? Just having fun.

Whatever you do, Please let us know, I would bet the people from the paris forum will drop by and give you some business. I would. Good Luck and if I were you I'd do something that has to do with food/restaurants. Ya gotta eat!

Hi I,

You might want to consider arranging for lunch or dinner with local families, cooking classes or other sorts of culinary tours.

((I))

Theresa's right, ya gotta eat! How about a food walking tour like the one in NYC? www.foodsofny.com

I also like the idea of someone in Paris to scope out apartments (and who is not connected with them), and you could even extend that concept to hotels. There is tons of info here about the popular ones, but sometimes you come across a small hotel (or a new hotel) and there isn't much out there and you just don't want to chance your vacation with it!

I like Ira's idea!

What do you think is missing in terms of services in Paris?
arrival services at Paris train stations - unlike at airports where you have minibuses to take folks to a hotel at train stations you only have public transport and taxis. Fine for many but others want more, especially first time well heeled travelers.

Someone on the platform with the sign "Mr & Mrs Platte" when they get off the train. The person could then either take the taxi or public transport with the arrivals to the neat flat or hotel you have arranged.

What about a consierge service for people staying in apartments?You could arrange things like restaurant reservations, theater/concert tickets, spa/hairdresser appointments - you get my drift. I always find my hotel consierge invaluable and would think apartment renters would like the service.
You might consider writing walking tours for shoppers. The only shopping help I can find available is a personal shopper and that's expensive. It hasn't been easy trying to put together a shopping plan for my visit next month with my newly engaged daughter - she's interested in a wedding focus.

And since you have legal standing to open such a business you may even solicit non-europeans who would like to open businesses there but don't qualify - businesses like your idea but who may already have a potential client base and work with them

I really like the idea of a business that offers concierge services to those staying in apartments, for restaurant reservations amongst other things. I'm staying in an apartment in May and that is the one thing I have been having trouble with - securing reservations. Whether it's the language barrier or just finding the right number to call, I have found it to be intimidating.

There are several people already doing this kind of thing in Paris, and they charge a lot for various kinds of personal tours. All the ones I know are women, but if you are in the business, you probably know who they are.

I wouldn't have need for any of those myself as I don't hire people for those kinds of things, but agree with the others that an apt. rental check-out service and "concierge" type package for those folks seems like a good idea. I have also noticed the lack of personal drivers at the airport and think that's a good idea, but that is a whole business in itself and I don't think is that easy to get into. I also suspect there are some French laws and license reasons for that, it can't just be that no one ever thought of it. Running a private car service is a business in itself, and I don't think is as easy to get into as just personal services. I have used a private limo from the airport, so it was that general idea (Carey Limosines) and there was a driver with a sign, but that was more expensive than some of those private car services in other cities (like Prague, or even London).

Unfortunately, just about anything you might imagine is already being done by someone else. Your only hope is to do it better or cheaper than the competition, or otherwise distinguish yourself. Paris is a city of eleven million, and almost all of the 30,000 or so Americans in France live in the Paris region. And a lot of them are trying to figure out ways to make money (since it's hard to earn an American standard of living in Europe).

I think you are right, Anthony, but sometimes newcomers who have a great idea and execution can do well. A lot of it is pricing, however, and there is a problem with some of these concepts -- like the idea of concierge services for private apartment stays or arranging exhibition tickets. Anybody who is slightly competent can easily do these him or herself at no cost (eg, buying exhibition tickets on fnac.com). And many people who are renting vacation apts. who don't know French or can't handle thast claim they are renting apts. to save a lot of money over a modest hotel, so they aren't going to be willing to spend lots of money on private services like that.

So, it is an odd market to try to make a lot of money from people for minor services that people can do themself for free. If you are in business for yourself and trying to make money, you have to charge a lot per hour to justify your time and cover business expenses. Most people won't be willing to pay that much (I know, I'm a consultant and charge over $200 an hour). Now people who are student-age or don't consider this a major income source or career might be willing to work for a whole lot less that it is feasible, but I really wonder how many people would be willing to pay someone a couple hundred US$, for example, to check out an apt. rental? Given how many want to save 10-20 euro on transportation into the city from the airport, I bet not very many.

Folks are always asking about touring wineries from Paris on here (which isn't very feasible yourself), so day trip winery tours would probably be a good idea, but you'd really have to spend a lot in advertising for people to know about them. There are a few wineries in the Ile de France where this might be feasible (or maybe Chablis, which isn't that easy to get to on your own).

I personally would never in a million years pay someone to organize an apartment stay, if that means letting someone else choose an apt. for me and me just trusting them to find a place I liked without me reviewing everything they found, in which case, what's the point. Then you'd be paying a commission on top of the already expensive agency commission, or a commission for a private party rental which most people do to save money.

I, too, would agree that some sort of concierge service would be wonderful for those of us who are renting apts. and aren't fluent French speakers. I'm off to Paris in a few weeks and will be renting my second apt. (in the 6th through VRBO) and the one thing that's causing me difficulties is arranging dinner reservations from the US. I've enlisted a French friend to call from here for me, but would love it if there were other options. My French will never be good enough for me to feel comfortable with making reservations over the phone. Is there such a service already?

Well, most trip planners will do that for you. I do it for my trip clients from time to time, though I always think it's better to fax and ask the restaurant to fax back confirmation so that you can show up with confirmation in hand. There are a number of trip planners listed on the SlowTrav site, and I'd guess most or all of them make reservations for their clients.

IConcierge services already exist, as do food guides, photo guides, art guides, shopping guides and just about any service under the sun. What I do recommend is that you figure out what you are passionate about and what ever that is, figure out how to make money sharing it with visitors.
(AND how to do it without setting up a business in France).

1. Customized shopping tours. Especially if you have connections to manufacturers and can offer clients a visit to showrooms where they can get "discounts" or to select antique dealers.

2. Concierge services for apartment renters including checking on rental apartments for prospective tenants. Might be conflict of interest with the owners..tricky.

3. Some kind of wedding service that you could market to brides who want a "romantic" Paris wedding.

I am sure that none of these are unique, but sometimes it is just a question of how you slant it and how much editorial publicity you can garner for yourself

I agree with ekscrunchy; someone may already be doing some of these services/tour ideas but can you do it better? different? For example, there may be 100 people who say they will take you around Paris for the day, but who immediately comes to mind when someone here asks about a Paris guide? Yep, Michael - because he is excellent at what he does, he does it better than most and with his own style. Now apply that concept to some of these other things and you just might be able to pull it off.

Michael comes to mind only because his name is self-perpetuating here. A bit like Rick Steeves. Each community has its favorites, but that's usually not enough to support a business.

It's really, <i>really</i> hard to make money with gadget services like these in Paris, so don't get your hopes up. It's best to already be rich before you arrive.

Hi,

I like the idea of taking people shopping. I have always wanted to shop in the small antique stores, cooking stores, and small boutiques. Good luck

Anthony, green is not your color! lol

Isabelisa, what do you think the suggestions so far?

What is missing in Paris?

Well, if you order my book, &quot;How to turn a Vacation into a Job - or Vice Versa&quot; for $34.95 plus shipping and handling, I'll tell you. (And if you order now, you'll also receive, at no extra charge, the companion volume: &quot;How to Make Money on the Stock Market in the Way I Never Did, Such That I Sell Advice Instead&quot;.

;)

Seriously, I would find something you would enjoy doing just for the experience, and if it turns out to make a little money for you, great. This is, of course, assuming that you don't have a pressing need for income immediately. In which case look for a job as a secretary for a company that provides services to trade shows or conferences held in Paris.

Maybe the concierge/planning/arranging services, but with a specialty? (this coming from someone who hasn't been to Paris, which may be a positive for this angle)

How many people, at least among many Americans it seems, think of Paris with a uniquely romantic image? How many honeymoons, anniversaries, weekend whirlwinds and long-dreamt-first-big-trip's target Paris as their goal?

It'd seem like a fairly high percentage to me. Yet I type &quot;Paris&quot; &quot;romance&quot; in Google and do you know in the first one hundred results, I didn't see a single service offering personal assistance in that area? Tons of articles about the subject (imagine getting the fluff piece travel writers to include links to your services). Hotel, where to propose, event planning, end-to-end city of lights romance.

Do you know how many guys have no idea how to arrange their first big trip to Europe, much less make it a memorable, exciting, and romantic honeymoon?

I'm just sayin'

france and the rest of the latin countries are closed business societies as compared to northern europe and america. it is extremely difficult for disconnected outsiders to get real jobs (expat assignments excluded) or run successful businesses embedded in the local business environment.

because of this, just about every outsider (retiree from overseas, bored trailing spouse, etc) has the idea to start a business to serve their own community rather than the local community....organising tours, introducing people to local life, etc. most of these things provide little value and there are many of them. these people think that they have a unique skill in understanding both business cultures and markets but it is usually their inability to operate in the local business climate that has lead them to these sorts of ventures in the first place.

i think you should analyse your own strengths, qualifications, skills, connections and experience in order to find your idea. just trying to build a business around being an american who speaks french and knows a little (or a lot) about the city is not enough to build a business IMO.

Thank you so much for all of your suggestions. I realize there is a lot of competition but I am not sure that eveything has been thought of yet.
Just to give you some background, I am 30, studied art history and worked for a start up travel management company in New York and also lived and worked as a tourguide in Rome.

When in Rome recently i was talking to an Italian and he mentioned an Irish gal about your age there who was taking folks around the Vatican as a personal guide and he said she was taking groups of 20 who paid here about 20 euros a piece. So this thing is possible.

Green IS my color, but I'm not wearing it in this case. I am not in competition with Michael Osman, but the subject has come up often enough for me to form a few opinions.

First of all, since this is a forum where people come to get information, I think it is a shame that every time someone mentions Paris (even something as vague as &quot;what to do&quot;), the cheering section pops up. It's boring and predictable.

Given, as noted, the number of people providing similar services, I am amazed by the number of people willing to continue to patronize someone, no matter how nice he is, who can't even respond to e-mails. While I am not a competitor, I do have enough experience to be offended by shoddy business practices.

Finally, I have gathered that some of Michael's popularity may be attributed to his rates, which I gather are considerably lower than his competitors. Most people who go into business don't have the luxury of cutting their rates to that extent.

Now, I'll brace myself for the inevitable defenders.

And that, Toupary, is why I always recommend a DIFFERENT guide (though I have met Michael and he is indeed charming).

PalenQ: I toured Assisi with &quot;that Irish gal&quot; (who doesn't like her real name to be mentioned on BBs), and she's got quite a nice business going.

StCirq, I have no doubt he is charming. I just wish people would post more on their experiences with other guides -- such as the one you recommend.

There is already a service for vistors eating with local families. You can find it on the city of Paris website.

Toupary &amp; St. Circ - missing the point! My example was not to start a thread on which tour guide is best. My point was that there can be 100 guides, agents, personal shoppers etc., but if you can do it better or more unique than the next guy you can make some money. Marketing, connections, funding, skill, personality and more all come into play. Whatever Isabelisa does she will have to make herself stand out.

Your art background is intriguing; perhaps you could build around that?

Isabelisa,
my suggestion is somewhat different than the others or your original ideas. I wonder if you've given it any consideration.

isabelisa, relocation companies offer this type of service, some in greater depth than others. It is big companies who can be made to realize someone has to keep the relocated family happy.

Promoting your services with a very professional pamphlet to a couple big companies (where you might know someone) to start out, or see if any of the large relocation companies need extra part time staff.

you can find a list of official relocation companies through the european relocation association &quot;EURA&quot;.

event planning may also be interesting to you. one must find the clients, as in everythig, but there is plenty of work in that field. it certainly can be stressful though.

a personalized wedding service, designer shopping at workshops, and home meals/winery tours all sounded like very interesting proposals to me.

are you able to interpret at business meetings? This is an excellent form of income.

Many u.s. universities have programs abroad and need local people to be on board to help provide services for many permanent students. the u.s embassy will have a list of those universities. in fact, if you can find out a new small one that is trying to set up a program.. you could really get in on the ground level if this would interest you.

good luck, i am sure something will come of your energy in this project. hopefully it will grow SLOWLY to what you want it to be! Best of luck!

Paris attracts a number of solo travelers particularly women (like me) in their 30's - 50's and up. I know how to meet people and all but sometimes? I would love it if there was a service that arranged for meals in local restaurants with other solo travelers, especially dinner. I would pay a fee for someone who made the resrvations, put out the word on where and when to meet and arranged it so that the ages of the participants fits with my demographic. A reasonable size would be important. If shopping tours were also offered especially with themes such as antiwues, jewelry etc. that would also be great. I liek independent travel, but sometimes I want company. I don't always meet people easily and someone who arranged a little help in that area would be welcome.

Shopping tours. A mini-bus charter for groups out to the outlet malls. The out-of-the-way places like the Institut du Monde Arabe boutique where you can buy those lovely babouches (slippers) and have a cup of mint tea. Dehillerin kitchen supply. Diptyqe candle shop. The fabric district at Montmartre. All things that take time to discover for yourself and to get to.

And how could I have forgotten the flea markets?! It would be great if someone who didn't speak French had someone to bargain with sellers.