The Sims 4 Businesses and Hobbies Expansion Pack finally delivers the long-awaited ability to build and manage a fully customizable small business. From quirky cat cafes and charming candy shops to edgy tattoo parlors, the possibilities for your entrepreneurial Sims are endless. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough on establishing and successfully operating your own small business in the Sims 4.
Register small business in The Sims 4 Businesses and Hobbies. EA
Establishing Your Sims 4 Business
Creating your dream business is surprisingly straightforward and can be done right from the start of your Sims 4 gameplay. Follow these steps to get started:
Registering Your Business
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Register: In Live Mode, click the cash register icon at the bottom right. Navigate to the Small Business tab and select Register Small Business for 750 Simoleons.
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Details: Define your business’s identity by entering its name, crafting a compelling description, and selecting a representative icon.
Creating small business in The Sims 4 Businesses and Hobbies. EA
Defining Business Activities
- Activities: Choose five specific Business Activities that define what your customers will do at your establishment. Presets are available for convenience. Remember, these are customer actions, not employee tasks. For a coffee shop, customers would drink coffee and eat, not prepare the beverages themselves.
Business activities in The Sims 4 Businesses and Hobbies. EA
Location and Fees
- Location: Decide whether your business will operate on a separate lot or be integrated into your Sim’s residential lot. The latter offers the convenience of living where you work. If you choose this option, use Build Mode to designate rooms as Residential, Public, or Employee to control customer access.
Sectioning off rooms in The Sims 4 Businesses and Hobbies. EA
- Fees: Set an entrance fee and adjust your price modifier. These settings can be modified later as your business evolves. You can also define target customer demographics based on age group or skill set.
Customer criteria in The Sims 4 Businesses and Hobbies. EA
Staff Management
- Employee Tasks: Before opening, define employee tasks through the Manage Employee Tasks button. Assign specific responsibilities to each employee for optimal efficiency.
Managing employee tasks in The Sims 4 Businesses and Hobbies. EA
- Hiring: Hire new employees and set their wages through the Manage Employees option. Remember, your Sim can only hire Sims they know, so encourage networking!
Hiring employees in The Sims 4 Businesses and Hobbies. EA
Opening Your Business
- Opening Day: Once your business space is set up, open for business (75 Simoleons) and welcome your first customers. A Kiosk is recommended for managing entrance fees, adjusting prices, selling the business, and other essential functions.
Entrance kiosk in The Sims 4 Businesses and Hobbies. EA
Tips for a Successful Business
Running a successful business requires more than just opening the doors. Here are key strategies to maximize your business’s potential:
Utilizing Business Perks
- Perk Points: Earn Perk Points by selling products, having employees perform tasks, and interacting with customers. Spend these points to unlock Small Business Perks that enhance various aspects of your business, from adding a tip jar to investing in SimoCoin.
Small business perks in The Sims 4 Businesses and Hobbies. EA
Sales and Service
- Products and Services: Focus on selling products and services. Skill-based products like candy or pottery can command higher prices with increasing skill levels. Find a balance in your pricing – avoid both underselling and overcharging. Utilize sales strategically.
Employee Management
- Employee Performance: Ensure employees perform their assigned tasks efficiently. Balance workloads and provide fair wages to maintain employee satisfaction while controlling costs.
Employee tasks in The Sims 4 Businesses and Hobbies. EA
Customer Interaction
- Customer Engagement: Interact with customers to build renown. Welcome new customers, share business tips, or address unruly behavior. Building relationships is crucial for success.
Small business interactions in The Sims 4 Businesses and Hobbies. EA
Additional Strategies
- Ambiance and Activities: Maintain stocked retail displays, keep the business clean and decorated, offer diverse customer activities, and set the mood with music. Consider using packs and mods for additional customization and cross-pack functionality, such as creating a cat cafe with the Cats and Dogs pack or a University Commons with Discover University.
This comprehensive guide provides a solid foundation for building and running a successful small business in The Sims 4 Businesses and Hobbies. Now go forth and create your Sim’s entrepreneurial empire!
