Copycat businesses (taking other business owners’ ideas) is a problem among businesspeople. It is sometimes considered the golden rule for starting a business, and it is a common idea when we talk about how to start a business in Cambodia.

This happens not only to big corporations, but to small business owners. Even the humble duck egg vendors are targeted.

Than Sophy, 27, said she started a duck egg business two years ago when it was not so popular among youths because it was a new thing.

Sophy fought dozens of problems before she could own a 25-table-store near a university. She admitted she had experienced a problem which she could not afford money to pay for the store.  After trying to make it work many times, her small business began to succeed and she was able to sell at least 500 to 600 eggs a day.

However, she faced a new challenge when her neighbours opened their own duck egg businesses. The young entrepreneur said her neighbours have started their businesses after noticing that she could easily earn a lot of money from the duck egg trade.

“If I am careless one time, I will fall down. The customers have money to buy and choose any product they want. They want to eat a delicious and quality meal”.

“Why do people always imitate other successful businesses? What should I do to still be successful?,” she asked.