Just wondering if I could get your thoughts on some business ideas I'm considering. One being a Relocation Company in the Vaud area for the French speaking part of Switzerland. I understand that some people work simply as property brokers for foreigners wishing to buy or rent property, perhaps this may be a simpler place to start? I worked in the real estate industry in Sydney for many years, so this is 'somewhat' of a familiar field for me. Do you think this could work, or is it an over-populated are of enterprise already?

I also have the possibility of importing very good quality clothing form some great designers (although not well known), at very resonable prices. Given that Switzerland is so expensive, perhaps this may be a viable plan?

I appreciate your thoughts.

From an earlier post you were looking for amn English speaking mechanic so i guess your French is basic at best.

How can you be a "relocation agent" if you can't speak the local language, you are missing half the basic requirement !

I agree with TodayOnly. You really need to know the local language as you are the intermediary between the regie, landlord, insurance agents, banks, etc. If you can't speak the language at least to a high intermediate level, I can't see how you can efficiently help the client.

The clothes thing would be more interesting. You could start by importing a few items and see how that goes. There are plenty of clubs & groups with English speaking woman that you could join and see if they would be interested.

Good luck.

A greater handicap than even language is local knowledge. Agents work with the local communities and have their ears to the ground all the time. They know when a house or flat will become vacant months in advance and have got it all sown up among themselves. It is a very 'maffieux' type environment.

With rents as high as they are- you can't make a living by just selling a few clothes. If you do it from home and illegally- neighbours will soon complain. So you need to do it properly, getting premises, etc. A huge gamble.

Thank you both.

I am not intending on starting the business very soon, at the moment I am concentrating on learning French - and given that I am doing this full time and speak 2 other Latin languages fluently I'm hoping it won't be too long. I realise that I still need to gain quite a lot of knowledge; language, laws, contacts - all I was hoping for is some feedback on ideas I have for the future.

I am certainly not looking at doing anything illegal! Oh and the mechanic has been found, so if anyone needs a good name, let me know .

Bonne chance alors.

Merci Oilde