The Sims 2: Open for Business/Walkthrough

The Sims 2: Open for Business comes with a very clear objective of running a successful business. This article reviews the basic mechanics of starting your own business.

Opening your Business
The first step is using the phone or computer. Select either Business...Start Home Business or Real Estate...Purchase Community Lot. You now own a business. If you chose a home business, it automatically opens and customers will poor in. If you bought a community lot, then you must drive to the shop to open up.

Required Objects
These objects are required for business. If your business is a shop then you need these objects. If your business is a restaurant then you'll need these objects. Restaurants can be run without Nightlife. If your business is a venue then you only need one object. These other objects can be run in any type.
 * Open/Closed sign: This controls when customers come and go.
 * Phone/Computer: These objects are essential to any business. They let you hire employees as well as buy new businesses. They also let you reveiw business information.
 * Cash Register: Customers won't be able to pay without one.
 * Shelving: Not essential but improves the look of your shop and lets you hold several objects on one tile.
 * Crafting Stations: If you sell crafted objects then you'll need a station to make and supply these objects.
 * Kitchen Objects: If you run a bakery.
 * Car Display: Only available with Nightlife. Lets you sell cars.
 * Host podium
 * Restaurant Stove
 * Furniture
 * Ticket Machine: If you want to make a profit then you should charge people to use the objects on the lot.
 * Salon chair: Lets you change customers apperances.
 * Bars: Lets you sell drinks.
 * Coffee Bar: Lets you sell espresso.
 * Lemonade Stand: Lets you sell lemonade.

Business Tracker
This icon appears whenever you're on a business lot that you own. It contains six panels.
 * Customers: Also shows how loyal your customers are.
 * Employees: Shows skills, talent badges and current task.
 * Cash Flow: Shows the money your business has made.
 * Business Info: Shows business rank and whether your business has been reveiwed.
 * For Sale tool: Lets you mark objects for sale.
 * Business Perks: Whenever your business gains a new rank, you are given the option to buy a business perk.

Customers
Customers are needed for any business to run. Their loyalty is marked with a five star system with five stars being the highest. They can also lose stars. When deciding whether to buy something, you can influence that decision with the Sales menu accesible by clicking on them.