Business ideas? - Just for fun!

[David]

Hi - if you were going to start a niche business on Camino what would you do? Not copies of what is already there but something, well, from home I guess.

- this is for fun, no need to go into property rents or licences or Schengen time limits - just fun fantasy.

1. For certain I would place an ice-cream van or stand at the top of that climb out of Castrojeriz, where that small building is .... can you imagine finally getting to the top to see an ice cream van in front of you?? Who could walk past that??

2. I would open a traditional English café, well down the Camino for when pilgrims have finally had enough of badly made weak tepid tea and bread that cuts your gums and slices of tasteless cold lumpy potato omelettes, etc ...
So! - with only English bread - sausages, bacon, beans, eggs, toast and marmalade and so on for breakfasts (with veggie option), maybe porridge, and simple lunches such as home-made Cornish pasties and baked beans and chips ... and in the afternoon? English cream teas!! .. scones, thick cream, strawberry jam, proper tea in teapots with cups and saucers, not mugs!! - and napkins, not thin paper serviettes!

Open at 6 am and close at 5pm, every evening free .... What's not to like??

So - looking back at your Caminos .. was there something you thought would be "just right" there?

Do tell

 

[J Willhaus]

I would open a laundromat in Grañón.
Maybe one that also sold beer "suds and duds" type. Phil can drink beer and visit with people while I attend to the machines.

 

[Former member 104756]

Perhaps you could put both enterprises at the newly 'beautified' Cruz de Ferro. It gets a lot passing - and stopping - trade.

 

[David]

Perhaps you could put both enterprises at the newly 'beautified' Cruz de Ferro. It gets a lot passing - and stopping - trade.

A row of automated coin operated confession booths might do better there??

 

[Former member 104756]

A row of automated coin operated confession booths might do better there??

Don’t give anyone ideas

 

[Bradypus]

I'd love to open an orujo distillery and spend my declining years trying to make something that doesn't taste as if it was originally made for stripping gloss paint from doors. Like Hercule Poirot retiring to breed marrows that actually taste of anything. An interesting if impractical quest. Really just an excuse to own an alquitara which is a beautiful object!

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Well, this was easy as I discussed it with a peregrina while atop the Alto de Mostelares between Castrojeriz and Frómista. I think it was she who suggested putting up a zipline for descents. I said that it would be appropriate for a pilgrimage route as those who used it would surely see God on their way down.

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/camino-photos/alto-de-mostelares.4790/

 

[SabsP]

Without a doubt a Frietkot.

The Comfort of the Belgian Fritkot - the low countries

Visit any town or city in Belgium and you will find fries. Derek Blyth pays tribute to the humble fritkot.

www.the-low-countries.com

And some Belgian Trappistbeers to match.

Trappist beer - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Bradypus]

@SabsP Will you have any real gueuze? Worth walking a long way for that!

 

[SabsP]

@SabsP Will you have any real gueuze? Worth walking a long way for that!

National holiday today but will get in contact with Drie Fonteinen brewery tomorrow !
See what I can arrange.

Our story

Our story

www.3fonteinen.be

 

[Pilgrim9]

I would open a laundromat in Grañón.
Maybe one that also sold beer "suds and duds" type. Phil can drink beer and visit with people while I attend to the machines.

There can never be enough laundromats.

 

[dbier]

For the Primitivo -

- vending machines and an outdoor table at Montefurado, like at Borres and at La Espina. Drinks and some food, to lighten the load going over Hospitales and/or up from Pola.

- "Horses over Los Hospitales." There were stocky small horses grazing up there by the cows...have guided trail rides from wherever down to the power plant. I don't even like riding horses, but I would have thrown euros at anyone providing horsepower rather than footpower.

 

[good_old_shoes]

I wouldn't want to run it, but a "de-bed-bug your gear here" service in Santiago would be great. Where you can drop off everything and get a clean set of clothes while you wait for your gear to be decontaminated...

 

[good_old_shoes]

What I'd actually love to run would be a tiny (!) campground for pilgrims / people on foot/bike/horse with tents only, in an area where there's no official campgrounds or albergues that accept tents.

Only a patch of grass with some trees for shade, a toilet, a shower, and a check-in area with donation based cold drinks, basic food items and a few picnic tables (with roof, for bad weather).

But I'm completely useless with paperwork and maths, so that's never going to happen.

 

[MJB]

Gelateria in Caldas de Reis or Redondela on the Portugues. On a very warm August camino in 2022, we couldn't help notice these are the only towns on our Coastal/Central walk that lacked this critical service. Both are pleasant towns too.

For anyone seriously interested, Bico de Xeado, a Galician dairy coop, is franchising:

Próximamente – Bico de Xeado – Helados cremosos de elaboración artesanal

Página web en construción Estaremos disponibles próximamente

bicodexeado.eosaweb.com

 

[David L]

A row of automated coin operated confession booths might do better there??

With the advances in AI, this would be a money-maker. I've never thought of religious professionals being replaced by technology until now

 

[702Jenn]

Hi - if you were going to start a niche business on Camino what would you do? Not copies of what is already there but something, well, from home I guess.

- this is for fun, no need to go into property rents or licences or Schengen time limits - just fun fantasy.

1. For certain I would place an ice-cream van or stand at the top of that climb out of Castrojeriz, where that small building is .... can you imagine finally getting to the top to see an ice cream van in front of you?? Who could walk past that??

2. I would open a traditional English café, well down the Camino for when pilgrims have finally had enough of badly made weak tepid tea and bread that cuts your gums and slices of tasteless cold lumpy potato omelettes, etc ...
So! - with only English bread - sausages, bacon, beans, eggs, toast and marmalade and so on for breakfasts (with veggie option), maybe porridge, and simple lunches such as home-made Cornish pasties and baked beans and chips ... and in the afternoon? English cream teas!! .. scones, thick cream, strawberry jam, proper tea in teapots with cups and saucers, not mugs!! - and napkins, not thin paper serviettes!

Open at 6 am and close at 5pm, every evening free .... What's not to like??

So - looking back at your Caminos .. was there something you thought would be "just right" there?

Do tell

Compeed vendor!!!

 

[mspath]

Places to sit and rest for a bit as noted in this earlier post.

 

[Bradypus]

With the advances in AI, this would be a money-maker. I've never thought of religious professionals being replaced by technology until now

The future of funerals? Robot priest launched to undercut human-led rites

Softbank’s humanoid robot ‘Pepper’ dons robes to provide low-cost funerals complete with live-streaming option

www.theguardian.com

 

[J Willhaus]

Compeed vendor!!!

Too late! There's one in Granon.

 

[hokiebobwise]

I would open a brewery similar to ones we have here in Richmond, VA USA -> from pilsners to stouts and even juicy/fruit based IPAs. Get a stamp in your pilgrim passport and get a 6oz pour on the house - I think the tour operators who are getting stamps for their 20+ bus riders might have a tough time walking out, but hey they have the passport, they get the pour

We'd serve a variety of tasty, non-Spanish, bar food, with some vegan/vegetarian options. I love the Spanish food, but there were some days where I needed US comfort food - homemade mac and cheese and BBQ.

Hours would probably be 11 to 5 daily -> i'd have to check out the "stage guidebooks" to determine the ideal location. The goal would be to serve the pilgrims, not to make bank. Thus, those who are tired and hungry would be cared for and not turned away.

 

[Turga]

I would set up a booth selling special sand-walking shoes somewhere around As Escaselas for walking on the beach the last kms into Fisterra. I think that would make great business…

 

[Pilgrim9]

Some albergues use disposable mattress covers ... hmmm ...

Here is a thoroughly impractical brainstorming idea: I would create a line of comfortable, extremely-economical, respectable-looking disposable pilgrim clothing made from soft textured recycled-cellulose paper fibres (no synthetic polymer fibres allowed) that would be robust enough to reliably last 1+ day of walking, with vending machines situated at each stage-end selling the next day's set of clothes, and collection bins at albergues and hostels to collect the daily cast-offs. The cast-offs would be burned as fuel in solid-fuel-fired water heaters to heat water for pilgrim showers. This ridiculous system would eliminate the need to carry multiple sets of - or any - clothing in pilgrim backpacks, thereby vastly reducing pack weight. A collateral benefit would be the elimination of the need for laundry services and the time wasted doing that.

Obviously the system of replenishing the garment vending machines would have to be extremely reliable, to avoid those awkward "I just don't have a thing to wear" situations.

 

[maryloufrommadison]

While on the Camino, many women wished for strategically placed porta-potties), or whatever they are called in other countries (one spot--just down the hill from Alto de Perdon, but I think they would be terrible eyesores. I'd vote for David's ice cream stand instead!

 

[Bradypus]

This ridiculous system would eliminate the need to carry multiple sets of - or any - clothing in pilgrim backpacks, thereby vastly reducing pack weight. A collateral benefit would be the elimination of the need for laundry services and the time wasted doing that.

Public nudity per se is not technically illegal in Spain although some towns like Barcelona have their own more restrictive local by-laws. I wonder if any naturist pilgrim has actually put that to the test on a Camino route?

 

[Anhalter]

While the idea might be a bit simple, i guess you could make "Clean Toilet for 1€" work in some places.

 

[Peregrinopaul]

I think it was she who suggested putting up a zipline for descents.

Huh? What's a zipline?

 

[J Willhaus]

Some albergues use disposable mattress covers ... hmmm ...

Here is a thoroughly impractical brainstorming idea: I would create a line of comfortable, extremely-economical, respectable-looking disposable pilgrim clothing made from soft textured recycled-cellulose paper fibres (no synthetic polymer fibres allowed) that would be robust enough to reliably last 1+ day of walking, with vending machines situated at each stage-end selling the next day's set of clothes, and collection bins at albergues and hostels to collect the daily cast-offs. The cast-offs would be burned as fuel in solid-fuel-fired water heaters to heat water for pilgrim showers. This ridiculous system would eliminate the need to carry multiple sets of - or any - clothing in pilgrim backpacks, thereby vastly reducing pack weight. A collateral benefit would be the elimination of the need for laundry services and the time wasted doing that.

Obviously the system of replenishing the garment vending machines would have to be extremely reliable, to avoid those awkward "I just don't have a thing to wear" situations.

Hey, you are already putting laundromat from response #2 out of business! Maybe we could combine the beer/laundromat with your idea and have a beer stop/pilgrim wash-shower/recycled clothes place? That might be great to have the sand walking shoes nearby, too.

I would set up a booth selling special sand-walking shoes somewhere around As Escaselas for walking on the beach the last kms into Fisterra. I think that would make great business…

View attachment 159529

 

[davebugg]

A row of coin-operated, massage recliners at Orisson.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Huh? What's a zipline?

Lots of videos here of record holding ones.

The World's Fastest, Longest and Most Inspiring Zip Lines

Soar like Superman, zoom over oceans and rainforests, or zip by a volcano on some of the world’s coolest zip lines! Here are six of them.

scoutlife.org

 

[Steven Dwyer]

Public nudity per se is not technically illegal in Spain although some towns like Barcelona have their own more restrictive local by-laws. I wonder if any naturist pilgrim has actually put that to the test on a Camino route?

I didn’t think Barcelona was that restrictive. But perhaps they have changed since I saw this cyclist on a sunny day in Barcelona in 2009.

 

[Bradypus]

I didn’t think Barcelona was that restrictive. But perhaps they have changed since I saw this cyclist on a sunny day in Barcelona in 2009.

The local law changed in 2011.

Barcelona City Council bans nudity and semi-nudity on the streets | Catalan News

The measure is a reaction to the large number of people, many of them tourists, who in the summer months only wear swim suits across the city or walk with their naked torso, even in the underground. The area next to the more than 5 kilometres of beaches is excluded from the ban, although...

www.catalannews.com

 

[Vacajoe]

Breakfast burritos to go!

 

[David Tallan]

I would compete with whomever is providing the disposable sheets to albergues by providing ones that are one inch bigger, thus fitting onto a twin mattress instead of almost fitting onto one.

When we walked the Frances in the height of summer 2016 my son had the idea of opening a place that sold iced coffee with coffee ice cubes.

 

[Blister Bill]

Huh? What's a zipline?

Flying fox in kiwi vernacular

 

[Pilgrim9]

How about some system to collect cast-off walking sticks in SdC and transport them backwards along foot-pilgrimage routes, to be dumped in piles beside the walking routes upstream of where people tend to suddenly realize they need one. Just upstream of paths beset by those 10 foot wide muddy potholes would be one ideal destination.

 

[William Garza]

A Tex Mex taco stand..you get carbs,protein and veggies.
Simple,a folded tortilla,chicken beef or fish,lettuce and guacamole...
On sundays
A barbacoa taco and a big red soda.
Easy to eat and treck on

 

[Robo]

A 15 minute mobile foot spa at all those spots where your feet would just love one!

 

[Kirkie]

Hi - if you were going to start a niche business on Camino what would you do? Not copies of what is already there but something, well, from home I guess.

- this is for fun, no need to go into property rents or licences or Schengen time limits - just fun fantasy.

1. For certain I would place an ice-cream van or stand at the top of that climb out of Castrojeriz, where that small building is .... can you imagine finally getting to the top to see an ice cream van in front of you?? Who could walk past that??

2. I would open a traditional English café, well down the Camino for when pilgrims have finally had enough of badly made weak tepid tea and bread that cuts your gums and slices of tasteless cold lumpy potato omelettes, etc ...
So! - with only English bread - sausages, bacon, beans, eggs, toast and marmalade and so on for breakfasts (with veggie option), maybe porridge, and simple lunches such as home-made Cornish pasties and baked beans and chips ... and in the afternoon? English cream teas!! .. scones, thick cream, strawberry jam, proper tea in teapots with cups and saucers, not mugs!! - and napkins, not thin paper serviettes!

Open at 6 am and close at 5pm, every evening free .... What's not to like??

So - looking back at your Caminos .. was there something you thought would be "just right" there?

Do tell

@David, it would be rather interesting to have a closing date on this thread, and to then seek offers for the permit for the most popular idea...
I think mine would be a loud voice to halt peregrinos taking the wrong way.
A not for profit, for sure.

 

[Chizuru]

I would open up nice toilets along the areas that sorely need it. Your icecream vending could be attached to a nice toilet at the top out of Castroherez and another along that Roman road of 20kms with only saplings for privacy!

 

[truenorthpilgrm]

When we walked the Frances in the height of summer 2016 my son had the idea of opening a place that sold iced coffee with coffee ice cubes.

As someone who is addicted to a creamy, yet roasty iced latte, I'd be first in line.

Hailing 30 minutes north of the border in Southern California, I'd set up a fish taco stand with beer battered tilapia, cabbage, queso fresco, fresh guacamole, a smidge of pico de Gallo, and authentic corn tortillas.

Goes great with a caña!

 

[K_Lynn]

In the summer months, I would install a misting tent to spray a fine mist of cool water on hot pilgrims as they walked through (1€ for each pass through)
A wagon attached to a tractor or a couple of horses, where tired pilgrims can be driven the last 3km to the edge of town (5€ pp)
Massage chairs set up in the main plaza for back and shoulder massages (1€ per minute - 10 minute minimum)

 

[Anamiri]

Flying fox in kiwi vernacular

I can just see the dismount in my head. Putting your feet out, touching the ground, and then being flattened face first by your backpack.
It could earn additional dollars by charging spectators.

 

[Anamiri]

Those electronic massage chairs, with a cold drink dispenser, fan and a big shade cover.

 

[trecile]

I may tire of the same food on the Camino, but I wouldn't want to replace Spanish cuisine and culture!

 

[Robo]

A valet service to wash my hiking gear each evening and turn down my sleeping bag.

 

[Stephan the Painter]

I'd love to open an orujo distillery and spend my declining years trying to make something that doesn't taste as if it was originally made for stripping gloss paint from doors. Like Hercule Poirot retiring to breed marrows that actually taste of anything. An interesting if impractical quest. Really just an excuse to own an alquitara which is a beautiful object!

I'll come by! I love Orujo! Grappa also. I guess I just like my alcohol tasting like paint thinner

 

[Chizuru]

A 15 minute mobile foot spa at all those spots where your feet would just love one!

Like this one that I am soaking in after finishing the Kumano Kodo in Japan

 

[peregrino_tom]

I wouldn't want to run it, but a "de-bed-bug your gear here" service in Santiago would be great.

What I'd actually love to run would be a tiny (!) campground for pilgrims / people on foot/bike/horse with tents only, in an area where there's no official campgrounds or albergues that accept tents.

Only a patch of grass with some trees for shade, a toilet, a shower, and a check-in area with donation based cold drinks, basic food items and a few picnic tables (with roof, for bad weather).

From many years back on this forum (EDIT actually it might have been the other forum that was around at the time) there was a thread asking for ideas about the design of a pilgrim waystation in Porto. It looked like it had some funding earmarked (as far as I can recall), but I've never heard any more about it.
But it got me thinking about how valuable it would be to have a few pilgrim waystations along the Frances and what that might ideally look like. Something similar to the campground GOS describes: Shade, fresh water, open shelter, toilets, maybe showers, simple food, a sellos. Somewhere you could snooze a couple of hours under a shady tree on a warm day. Some kind of vending machines where you could get bad coffee at 4 in the morning, if that's what you want. A place where your pals can catch up with you and socialise for a couple of hours. Provide a great big board where people can write messages or say what they feel, and leave a pile of rubble on one side so those folk who get creative by stacking little stones on top of each other can do their thing...
But I really like the idea of adding a de-bug station to it. Why wait until you get to Santiago for that? Much more helpful for the camino if people take preventative action before then. So in an almost symbolic cleansing, you might divest yourself of all worldly possessions for a couple of hours while they are subjected to heat treatment. Completely optional of course, but possibly relieving some anxiety for people that have been walking with others that were bitten. I can think of a few caminos where I would have been happy to pay more than five euros for this.

 

[Pilgrim9]

From many years back on this forum (EDIT actually it might have been the other forum that was around at the time) there was a thread asking for ideas about the design of a pilgrim waystation in Porto. It looked like it had some funding earmarked (as far as I can recall), but I've never heard any more about it.
But it got me thinking about how valuable it would be to have a few pilgrim waystations along the Frances and what that might ideally look like. Something similar to the campground GOS describes: Shade, fresh water, open shelter, toilets, maybe showers, simple food, a sellos. Somewhere you could snooze a couple of hours under a shady tree on a warm day. Some kind of vending machines where you could get bad coffee at 4 in the morning, if that's what you want. A place where your pals can catch up with you and socialise for a couple of hours. Provide a great big board where people can write messages or say what they feel, and leave a pile of rubble on one side so those folk who get creative by stacking little stones on top of each other can do their thing...
But I really like the idea of adding a de-bug station to it. Why wait until you get to Santiago for that? Much more helpful for the camino if people take preventative action before then. So in an almost symbolic cleansing, you might divest yourself of all worldly possessions for a couple of hours while they are subjected to heat treatment. Completely optional of course, but possibly relieving some anxiety for people that have been walking with others that were bitten. I can think of a few caminos where I would have been happy to pay more than five euros for this.

Trek Stops? I like it.

 

[HumanistHiker]

Gelateria in Caldas de Reis or Redondela on the Portugues. On a very warm August camino in 2022, we couldn't help notice these are the only towns on our Coastal/Central walk that lacked this critical service. Both are pleasant towns too.

For anyone seriously interested, Bico de Xeado, a Galician dairy coop, is franchising:

Próximamente – Bico de Xeado – Helados cremosos de elaboración artesanal

Página web en construción Estaremos disponibles próximamente

bicodexeado.eosaweb.com

There was at least one gelateria in Redondela but it was rather disappointing. The Stromboli gelateria/heladeria in Pontevedra, on the other hand, was as good as I've found in Italy.

For what it's worth, the business that I'd like to see set up would be portaloos, even paid for ones, particularly on the sections between Redondela and Santiago.

There were Compeed in a vending machine outside a pharmacy in Sao Pedro de Rates on the Camino Portugues.

Oh, and whoever suggested cafes serving porridge would get my vote. I don't find bread and jam a particularly satisfying start to the day, and after a week of it I ended up buying a bag of porridge oats, and various pots of yoghurt, bananas and mini cartons of oat milk from supermarkets for mornings where my hotel room rate didn't include breakfast. I had a spoon with me just in case, and tended to make a sort of cold oaty bircher stodge in the little plastic glasses provided in hotel bathrooms for brushing your teeth, to fuel me for the morning.

 

[JustJack]

I'd put a Slushie/Slurpie machine, like you find at 7-11s and Circle K convenience stores, at some of the hottest driest spots on the meseta.

 

[Kiwi-family]

My kids “designed” the ideal albergue as we were walking our fifth day in a row of rain on the Via de la Plata - they would have needed to invent some of the things they thought up…..but then we decided it just wouldn’t be the Camino without some hard lessons….I prefer the Camino to Disneyland!

 

[Kiwi-family]

And not just for fun…..I reckon someone selling one-off artwork (watercolour sketches or pen and ink drawings or any medium I suppose) could make some money if they truly wanted to. Either set up a stall outside Santiago cathedral (with council consent of course) or wander along the Camino with an advertisement on your backpack….

 

[David]

And not just for fun…..I reckon someone selling one-off artwork (watercolour sketches or pen and ink drawings or any medium I suppose) could make some money if they truly wanted to. Either set up a stall outside Santiago cathedral (with council consent of course) or wander along the Camino with an advertisement on your backpack….

I knew a chap once a long time ago, from the States. He had a Honda 90 motorcycle with a trailer that held all his art materials ... would ride around the English countryside looking for big houses .. would knock on the door, ask if they would like their house painted (always had to explain he was an artist, not a house painter) - no charge unless they liked it. Then would get his easel out, sit on his folding stool and do a superb watercolour, take the money and ride away - so this could definitely work!!!
and what a beautiful summer on Camino for a watercolour artist too .... maybe portraits as well?

 

[jmaher]

Funny I remember having this conversation with a couple of pilgrims earlier this year.

1) Custom stamp stall that charged €2-5 a pop, after Sarria to get all the groups of school kids. Think scented wax stamps, bright coloured stamps, glitter all that jazz. So a stall that let people go nuts and "design" their own personalized stamp could work.

2) a Stamp map for the camino. So a fold out map with blank boxes at all the major locations that the pilgrim can have stamped, rather than the current credencial format, which is just blank boxes against a white background. Could also do a stamp map app where locations along the route could "claim" their location on the app with a picture of their stamp. I am constantly amazed at the amount of people who pick cafes or even albergues based on the stamp they offered.

3) Finally (and I'll likely be shot here for suggesting this) but American style coffee or a Starbucks copycat. I appreciate coffee culture is different in Spain, but a lot of Europeans and Non Europeans frequent the route, and I just know would happily pay €5 a pop for an iced frappuccino or similar.

(Apologies if any of these ideas have been suggested, couldn't read every comment)

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Finally (and I'll likely be shot here for suggesting this) but American style coffee or a Starbucks copycat. I appreciate coffee culture is different in Spain, but a lot of Europeans and Non Europeans frequent the route, and I just know would happily pay €5 a pop for an iced frappuccino or similar.

You're right, your now a 'dead man walking' !! . Living here in Germany as I do I find the coffee absolutely terrible. It's either too cold, too weak, or very sour (a terrible blend). I have to say on the several occasions I have visited the USA the coffee has also been rather mixed. Sometimes fairly good but other times stewed dishwater. Probably why they all like Starbucks so much. At least it's consistent.

One of the things about going to Spain that I love - at least 70% or more of the time I'll get a decent coffee! But to be fair I am a New Zealander and a Cafe con leche is practically a flat white..... .
Yeah we've got Starbucks here but frankly I think they're bloody awful. With zero training I can make a better flat white than they do - and yes it's on their menu.

Although to be fair a decent ice coffee would be nice...... . Just not from Starbucks. To me they're the coffee version of McDonald's - to be stayed clear of except in an absolute emergency!

 

[Papadragons]

Costco breakfast burritos. Station about 30 little carts on the Frances, on the typical stages. Would make a killing!

 

[Kiwi-family]

2) a Stamp map for the camino. So a fold out map with blank boxes at all the major locations that the pilgrim can have stamped, rather than the current credencial format, which is just blank boxes against a white background. Could also do a stamp map app where locations along the route could "claim" their location on the app with a picture of their stamp. I am constantly amazed at the amount of people who pick cafes or even albergues based on the stamp they offered.

I really like this idea....might make one for myself! I've already made the credencial for my 2024 walk and it does include a map, but this idea is even better. Love it!

 

[alexwalker]

I would invest in ca. 100 Compeed vending machines and peppered them troughout the CF. Since Compeed is possibly the worst you could use on blisters, it would ensure repeat business day after day the whole Way through from many pilgrims.

I'd just have to activate them the week before Easter (and then enjoying a pre-Easter peaceful Camino), and return in late Nov. to collect the money. No exchange facitity in the machines, so you would have to pay at least the stated price (I'd start at €5 per Compeed piece).

I figure I would sell (no.of pilgrims x no.of Compeeds x price/unit) 300.000 pilgrims x 5 Compeeds average x €5/piece) = 7.5 mill. € per year. Within 3 years I could buy 100 albergues and dominate the CF.

If I had them open all year I could maybe comb in 10 mill. €/year, but I am a modest man.

 

[Kiwi-family]

@alexwalker
You have forgotten to factor in
1) the purchase cost of the compeed
2) capital cost of the machines
3) the fact that half of the pilgrims may not get blisters
So you might only make €3m ;-)

 

[jmaher]

I really like this idea....might make one for myself! I've already made the credencial for my 2024 walk and it does include a map, but this idea is even better. Love it!

Glad to hear it, would love to see a finished picture when you have it done! Question for you, you say you have made your credencial for 2024? How is this possible? Do you not have to use one of the approved credencials?

 

[jmaher]

You're right, your now a 'dead man walking' !! . Living here in Germany as I do I find the coffee absolutely terrible. It's either too cold, too weak, or very sour (a terrible blend). I have to say on the several occasions I have visited the USA the coffee has also been rather mixed. Sometimes fairly good but other times stewed dishwater. Probably why they all like Starbucks so much. At least it's consistent.

One of the things about going to Spain that I love - at least 70% or more of the time I'll get a decent coffee! But to be fair I am a New Zealander and a Cafe con leche is practically a flat white..... .
Yeah we've got Starbucks here but frankly I think they're bloody awful. With zero training I can make a better flat white than they do - and yes it's on their menu.

Although to be fair a decent ice coffee would be nice...... . Just not from Starbucks. To me they're the coffee version of McDonald's - to be stayed clear of except in an absolute emergency!

I better walk as fast as possible so! Yeah I completely agree its not my kind of coffee. But I know in a hot climate, a cooling, sugary, caffeinated drink in a half litre container would sell itself!

 

[adrianflude]

Costco breakfast burritos. Station about 30 little carts on the Frances, on the typical stages. Would make a killing!

What’s so great about a Costco breakfast burrito?

 

[Pilgrim9]

I would invest in ca. 100 Compeed vending machines and peppered them troughout the CF. Since Compeed is possibly the worst you could use on blisters, it would ensure repeat business day after day the whole Way through from many pilgrims.

I'd just have to activate them the week before Easter (and then enjoying a pre-Easter peaceful Camino), and return in late Nov. to collect the money. No exchange facitity in the machines, so you would have to pay at least the stated price (I'd start at €5 per Compeed piece).

I figure I would sell (no.of pilgrims x no.of Compeeds x price/unit) 300.000 pilgrims x 5 Compeeds average x €5/piece) = 7.5 mill. € per year. Within 3 years I could buy 100 albergues and dominate the CF.

If I had them open all year I could maybe comb in 10 mill. €/year, but I am a modest man.

Excellent and creative business plan, Alex.

For a reasonable fee, payable each year in advance, I will refrain from setting up a series of flimsy booths selling Duct Tape [TM], the frugal person's blister preventer. ;-)

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Glad to hear it, would love to see a finished picture when you have it done! Question for you, you say you have made your credencial for 2024? How is this possible? Do you not have to use one of the approved credencials?

Apparently not, if this thread is anything to go by:

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/making-ones-own-credential.30133/

As you'll see by the thread, it's not @Kiwi-family 's first Rodeo....

 

[trecile]

Do you not have to use one of the approved credencials?

If you want to receive a Compostela, yes.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

If you want to receive a Compostela, yes.

And yet we have seen several reports from people that have received a Compostela even though they had lost their credential but had video and photographic evidence of the journey?

 

[trecile]

Apparently not, if this thread is anything to go by:

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/making-ones-own-credential.30133/

As you'll see by the thread, it's not @Kiwi-family 's first Rodeo....

That thread is 9 years old. I don't know if the rule that a credencial needs to be issued by a recognised authority such as a diocesan office or a confraternity was in force then. I suggest that you read the past couple of posts in that thread.

Here's the info from the Pilgrim Office about the credencial:

The Credencial: Pilgrim’s Reception Office

The official Credencial of the Pilgrim’s Office

oficinadelperegrino.com

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

. I suggest that you read the past couple of posts in that thread.

I did - I always read a thread in its entirety before quoting it however that seems to be unsupported by the evidence hence my quotation and subsequent query.
Mind you it could be another case of the 'how many stamps in the last hundred kilometre' syndrome. If the pilgrims office believes you to be the genuine article they will not penalize you for an honest error.

But it is nonetheless a risk.

 

[trecile]

I did - I always read a thread in its entirety before quoting it however that seems to be unsupported by the evidence hence my quotation and subsequent query

The problem is that the "evidence" in that thread is outdated, whereas the last couple of posts were from this year.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

The problem is that the "evidence" in that thread is outdated, whereas the last couple of posts were from this year.

I'm not talking about that, as I mentioned I'm talking about the evidence from people posting here on the forum that they have got their Compostela even after having lost their credential. They simply showed photographic and or video evidence of their journey and were granted the Compostela.
But as I also said above I appreciate that it is a risk (that some would not be prepared to take).

Personally at the end of it all I would prefer a personally crafted credential, ( what a superb memoir,) and to make a decent donation to the church rather than just a three-dollar credential from Ivor - as much as it supports his work. I'd rather support him in other ways. Such as my membership on the forum and purchasing other items from the shop.

But I am rather derailing this rather fun thread - apologies!

 

[alexwalker]

To get this thread back on track: I want more business ideas...

 

[jmaher]

To get this thread back on track: I want more business ideas...

€1 a comment on any camino forum thread... goldmine.

 

[jmaher]

If you want to receive a Compostela, yes.

Thanks for clarifying. I've walked it a few times so

I'm not talking about that, as I mentioned I'm talking about the evidence from people posting here on the forum that they have got their Compostela even after having lost their credential. They simply showed photographic and or video evidence of their journey and were granted the Compostela.
But as I also said above I appreciate that it is a risk (that some would not be prepared to take).

Personally at the end of it all I would prefer a personally crafted credential, ( what a superb memoir,) and to make a decent donation to the church rather than just a three-dollar credential from Ivor - as much as it supports his work. I'd rather support him in other ways. Such as my membership on the forum and purchasing other items from the shop.

But I am rather derailing this rather fun thread - apologies!

I like the idea Peter of a personalized credential. Given a lot of people have theirs framed at the end and like to show both the map of the route and the stamps, that's where my idea for a single stamp map came from, combining the two.

But my understanding was and has been pointed out it has to be an official one. Mind you, any time I arrive in Santiago to get a Compostela, nobody checks the two stamps a day criteria, only what point did I start from.

 

[trecile]

I like the idea Peter of a personalized credential. Given a lot of people have theirs framed at the end and like to show both the map of the route and the stamps, that's where my idea for a single stamp map came from, combining the two

If you want to frame your credencial, then use two. Stamp only the map side of one, and only the non map side of the other.

 

[David]

What’s so great about a Costco breakfast burrito?

What is a burrito? Isn't that a Spanish food?

 

[David]

Re credentials. The ones that Ivar sells are the official credentials that he gets from the cathedral office and I think he sells it as a loss leader, non profit. If I could get them delivered to the UK I would do the same in my Camino store, as a service to future pilgrims. But designing your own so that it could be framed when you get home? Do that, so that it can be stamped one side but also take the official credential with you and get both stamped at the same time.

Oh! I have a business idea but not on Camino. I could have copies of the sellos made for two stamps a day from Sarria, buy a load of credentials off Ivar, stamp them and sell them, only the dates to be added later????

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

What is a burrito? Isn't that a Spanish food?

Mexican

 

[David]

Mexican

Sure. But Mexican is Spanish really isn't it? Spanish empire and all that .. but what do I know as I don't like Spanish food very much and in the UK we don't have much Mexican but any I have eaten has been just like Spanish to me. Please accept that I am not a foodie!!

What's wrong with a good British bacon sarnie??

Errmmm is a burrito like a bread roll, filled? If so, can you get bacon with English mustard ones? I'd try that!!

 

[trecile]

But Mexican is Spanish really isn't it?

Nope

 

[David]

Nop

Nope

Ah - I just looked it up. It is a savoury tortilla wrap. I always assumed that tortilla was Spanish. Quite a new thing outside of Mexico as the first Burrito sold in the USA was in the El Cholo Spanish Cafe in Los Angeles in the 1930s.

Sure, there is always a cultural crossover and I can see that this Mexican food was possibly imported to Spain rather than the other way round, but as far as my taste buds are concerned it comes under "Spanish food" - though, I was fooled by Tortilla as a wrap - in Spain it is those appalling lumpy potato omelettes but in Mexico that flatbread used as a wrap.

Mind you, looking at the photos and descriptions a Burrito seems very similar to the French savoury pancake, the Crepe, or Galette ... I suppose the nearest we come to savoury in a wrap is the Cornish Pasty (I would stop at a Cornish Pasty stand!!). Ph! no it isn't it is the sandwich!!!

 

[J Willhaus]

Ah - I just looked it up. It is a savoury tortilla wrap. I always assumed that tortilla was Spanish. Quite a new thing outside of Mexico as the first Burrito sold in the USA was in the El Cholo Spanish Cafe in Los Angeles in the 1930s.

Sure, there is always a cultural crossover and I can see that this Mexican food was possibly imported to Spain rather than the other way round, but as far as my taste buds are concerned it comes under "Spanish food" - though, I was fooled by Tortilla as a wrap - in Spain it is those appalling lumpy potato omelettes but in Mexico that flatbread used as a wrap.

Mind you, looking at the photos and descriptions a Burrito seems very similar to the French savoury pancake, the Crepe, or Galette ... I suppose the nearest we come to savoury in a wrap is the Cornish Pasty (I would stop at a Cornish Pasty stand!!). Ph! no it isn't it is the sandwich!!!

Nothing really like a crepe or galette. Much sturdier wrap usually made of flour, a little water, and fat. Breakfast burritos are awesome. Filled with potatoes, eggs, usually meat served with salsa to dunk it in. Probably only a very US thing and also sold at many fast food places for a breakfast on the go.

 

[alexwalker]

Alright, I almost give up getting back on track... Maybe set up a Burrito bodega between Carrion and Calzadilla?

 

[J Willhaus]

Interesting, Cpt Obvious question here, but they are sold hot?
I was writing of the concept, the food type - a wrap with savoury filling? Can see how a Crepe wouldn't be strong enough to hand eat. A Cornish pasty is a hard pastry 'wrap' with a savoury filling but more a sort of pie really (though a soft bread roll filled is closer), was really trying to think of other types of food that are wraps with savoury fillings, therefore type, not recipe - fail I now think.

Is it now a very US thing, they didn't appear until 1930s .. though may be common now where there is Spanish Mexican influence? Are they as common in Vermont or New England or Missouri?
We gave India back and within a few years had loads of Indian restaurants (we gave away lots of grade B British passports as part of the letting go deal) and Chicken Tikka Masala is now the most common English dish, and that only took about 50 years I guess.

This is me with Spanish/Mexican food, funnily enough that is exactly how I dress on Camino too!

Yes, served in fast food restaurants across the land...

 

[David]

Yes, served in fast food restaurants across the land...

Sorry to go on but - they sell them at roadside stands too? I was wondering as they can be handheld ... I can see them all the way down the Camino!! So Spain doesn't have anything similar? They would be an exotic import?
p.s. I'm hungry now!!
oh, I get it - fast food restaurants - what we call takeaways? You can sit in but also buy and go? eat them on a bench, etc - right, no more questions, I have them now - thanks.

 

[J Willhaus]

Alright, I almost give up getting back on track... Maybe set up a Burrito bodega between Carrion and Calzadilla?

Easy to make and easy to take and much better than a tuna empanada. Yum! Maybe a side of nachos to eat at the Cafe movil and a burrito for the road.

 

[David]

Alright, I almost give up getting back on track... Maybe set up a Burrito bodega between Carrion and Calzadilla?

Burrito flavoured ice cream stand at the top of the climb out of Castrojeriz??

 

[David]

Easy to make and easy to take and much better than a tuna empanada. Yum! Maybe a side of nachos to eat at the Cafe movil and a burrito for the road. Oh, if only the remains of St James were in St Jean and I could walk and eat! in France. x

Oh, ok, a French Bistro on the Meseta??

 

[Bradypus]

Oh, if only the remains of St James were in St Jean and I could walk and eat! in France. x

The hand of St James is supposed to be kept in a church in Marlow. Probably a few decent restaurants around there.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

The hand of St James is supposed to be kept in a church in Marlow. Probably a few decent restaurants around there.

Does Marlow have handwich shops?

 

[trecile]

@David I'm sure that you can find Burritos in England - just think of them as wraps which are easily found there.
Or try these places in London.

THE 10 BEST Burritos in London (Updated November 2023) - Tripadvisor

Best Burritos in London, England: Find 56,790 Tripadvisor traveller reviews of THE BEST Burritos and search by price, location, and more.

www.tripadvisor.com

 

[Bradypus]

Does Marlow have handwich shops?

You could name them after St Hugh of Lincoln who infamously bit off a chunk of one of Mary Magdalene's fingers and kept it when he was given the chance to kiss her hand.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

You could name them after St Hugh of Lincoln who infamously bit off a chunk of one of Mary Magdalene's fingers and kept it when he was given the chance to kiss her hand.

Ladyfingers for desert then.

 

[TravellingMan22]

You're right, your now a 'dead man walking' !! . Living here in Germany as I do I find the coffee absolutely terrible. It's either too cold, too weak, or very sour (a terrible blend). I have to say on the several occasions I have visited the USA the coffee has also been rather mixed. Sometimes fairly good but other times stewed dishwater. Probably why they all like Starbucks so much. At least it's consistent.

One of the things about going to Spain that I love - at least 70% or more of the time I'll get a decent coffee! But to be fair I am a New Zealander and a Cafe con leche is practically a flat white..... .
Yeah we've got Starbucks here but frankly I think they're bloody awful. With zero training I can make a better flat white than they do - and yes it's on their menu.

Although to be fair a decent ice coffee would be nice...... . Just not from Starbucks. To me they're the coffee version of McDonald's - to be stayed clear of except in an absolute emergency!

Good coffee in Spain, though think Italy has the edge. Germany… well it’s ok. Backwerk is good value, and Berlin HBF (in your area) has a lot of options.

Still can’t believe anyone adds milk to coffee! Rum, whiskey, Liquor =yes. Milk = no.

 

[TravellingMan22]

Sure. But Mexican is Spanish really isn't it? Spanish empire and all that .. but what do I know as I don't like Spanish food very much and in the UK we don't have much Mexican but any I have eaten has been just like Spanish to me. Please accept that I am not a foodie!!

What's wrong with a good British bacon sarnie??

Errmmm is a burrito like a bread roll, filled? If so, can you get bacon with English mustard ones? I'd try that!!

Mexican food is everywhere in London ( and I am sure other major cities) from restaurants to supermarkets.

 

[TravellingMan22]

You could name them after St Hugh of Lincoln who infamously bit off a chunk of one of Mary Magdalene's fingers and kept it when he was given the chance to kiss her hand.

Marlow has everything you could ever wish for ! It’s that’s kind of place!

 

[David Tallan]

 

[Bradypus]

@David Tallan Do you think it could be adapted to run on methane? Perpetual motion at last....

 

[Kiwi-family]

Glad to hear it, would love to see a finished picture when you have it done! Question for you, you say you have made your credencial for 2024? How is this possible? Do you not have to use one of the approved credencials?

Yes , officially you do have to use an official credencial if you want to get a compostela. This has not been a make-or-break for me and so I have been happy to take the risk. That said, I have received/bought a compostela each time I have used a homemade credencial! There must be some naughty volunteers in the office - don't count on it if it matters to you though.
Here's my pretty-battered-but-much-loved credencial from 2018 (photo on the cover is from my 2014 camino)





An astute observer may even notice I pulled it out at Immigration on my return to NZ and after a chat about my camino, they happily gave me one last stamp!
A note for anyone else doing something similar...make sure you use paper that readily accepts stamps. This was watercolour paper that had too much tooth and some of the scraps I sewed on were too shiny.

As for my next one....I'm taking a bigger risk in that I will be stamping each day in a wee journal. I'll also be adding an elevation profile, weather details, albergue details and food I eat, distance covered....and there's room for a sketch or two. I can tell I'm going to love it! (The "Vaya con Dios" photo is from our very first camino - it's on a wall just after Monte de Gozo and any time we enter Santiago from that direction we make our own little pilgrimage to the spot....particularly as we were standing right there one year when we heard someone very special to us had just died. It's curious how a place can hold a memory)