Starting a Shop

isaacmathu · July 31, 2015, 3:15pm

Luther12:

In the estates, parents will often send their kids to the shops. Be creative enough to win them over. I’ve seen it described in a different forum where a shopkeeper always offered complementary sweets to such kids sent to buy stuff by their parents/guardians. The result? They flocked to his shop and even when accompanied by parents, they insisted on shopping there and, over time, the parents themselves shop there even when doing the shopping themselves.

At this moment in time, I wouldn’t advise you to compete on pricing. Considering you’ve just began, this may easily wipe out your capital. Instead, compete on quality of service.

Tafadhali, ensure complementary goods are ALWAYS in stock. Someone coming to buy sugar will probably also buy tea leaves, milk, bread & even margarine at your shop if you have them. The minute they start asking for stuff and you don’t have it, kwisha wewe.

That said, wish you all the best in your endeavor. Come back and update us on how it goes. I’m sure we’ll learn a lot together.

Will do, thanks.

isaacmathu · July 31, 2015, 5:13pm

Also guys, anyone know where I can get a good quality double door clear display fridge (secondhand and non-branded)?
Something like this. Ideas on where to get a single door one are welcome too.

http://images.costco-static.ca/image/media/150-894027-894__1.jpg

Bus · July 31, 2015, 6:10pm

Very important. Customers should not feel a barrier between them and the seller.

mayekeke · August 1, 2015, 5:31am

Industrial Area somewhere near Enterprise Road, they sell fridges and milk dispensers…

Mr_Black · August 1, 2015, 7:41am

You could incorporate Mpesa services too plus Tokens za stima, think of them as a complimentary service.

system · August 3, 2015, 3:38am

How big in square metres will your shop be?

isaacmathu · August 3, 2015, 11:05am

around 6-9 sqr mtrs.

Raebo · May 1, 2024, 5:35pm

Hey, did you ever start

omoisi_omong_aini · May 2, 2024, 8:10am

shop inataka mahali kuna traffic juu profit margin ya duka ni kidogo sana. ukiuza mkate profit ni 5bob pekee. ukiuza sukari profit margin for every kilo ni 10 ama 20bob. so you need kuuza izo vitu in plenty to make good profits. pia ukifungua duka kuna vitu lazima ukuwe nazo. vitu kama maziwa, mkate, sukari, mandazi, sweets, mayai, unga ya chapati, unga ya ugali, sabuni, biscuits etc.