Finding & Setting Up Your Location
·
15 min
Setting Up Your Space on a Budget
How to fit out a Vietnamese commercial space professionally without the premium price tag.
Setting Up Your Space on a Budget
A well-designed space is critical in Saigon — Instagram-worthy interiors drive real foot traffic and social sharing. But you don't need to spend a fortune. Here is how to do it smart.
Where to Source Everything
| Category | Where to buy | Budget range |
|---|---|---|
| Furniture (local) | Lê Văn Sỹ street (D3), Nội Thất Hòa Phát | 30–50% less than IKEA equivalent |
| Custom woodwork | Local carpenters in D12, Bình Dương province | Extremely affordable, good quality |
| Lighting | Yersin street (D1), Bình Tây market | $5–30 per fixture |
| Plumbing / electrical | Trần Nhân Tôn street market | Cheap but use a qualified electrician |
| POS & tech | Nhật Tảo tech market, thegioididong.com | Competitive local pricing |
| Decor / plants | Hồ Thị Kỷ flower market, weekend markets | $20–100 can transform a space |
The $5,000 Cafe Setup — Is It Possible?
Yes — if you are resourceful. This is a real benchmark achieved by experienced operators:
- Custom furniture from local carpenter: $1,200
- Coffee equipment (used or entry-level commercial): $1,500
- Electrical + plumbing works: $600
- Lighting, decor, plants: $300
- Signage + menu boards: $200
- POS system + printer: $400
- Contingency: $800
Never Cut Corners On
- Electrical installation — Vietnamese electrical standards are inconsistently applied; a poor installation is a fire risk
- Ventilation — critical for F&B; a hot, stuffy space loses customers in the first 10 minutes
- Bathroom — in Vietnam, a clean bathroom is a strong signal of overall quality and management