Most people dream of operating their own business: making the income a successful business owner makes, working their hours, and having the best team. If you are a welder, we’ve created a guide on how to start a welding business in Kenya to make it easier for you.
If you want to start one of the profitable businesses in Kenya like welding, you need a guide. This guide will show you the fundamental principles for aspiring business owners. It’s not just learning how to start a business; it’s about establishing a business that will succeed.
Here is a guide on how to start a welding business in Kenya. Embrace the principles discussed, and you will know the steps to take for success.
1. Write a Welding Business Plan
The success of any business depends on how well it’s planned; therefore, a clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. Your business plan should include
- Business name
- Startup cost
- Sources of startup cost
- Cash flow projections
- Market analysis
- Target customers
2. Acquire a Single Business Permit
You need a business permit from the government to operate your business. Below are the steps to apply for a single business permit in Kenya:
- Reserve a business name: Visit e-citizen to do a name search and reservation. You’ll pay Ksh. 150.
- Business name registration: Pay the business name registration fee and obtain the certificate.
- Make an online application: Click on ‘add business’ and follow the prompt. The last step will be to download and print the business permit. That’s what you’ll display at your business premises.
Find out: Profitable Businesses to Start with 10K in Kenya
3. Get Welding Machine and Equipment
The cost of accessories that come with purchasing the machine and the availability of spare parts in Kenya are some of the factors to consider when purchasing equipment. It’s also good to check the firm’s legitimacy in selling the item and the guarantee. Be wary of counterfeit and low-cost machinery; instead, look for well-known companies.
You’ll need to invest in high-quality welding equipment and machines. Purchase new metal fabricating equipment if at all possible to avoid expensive repair costs. It’s advantageous to invest in new appliances since you can take advantage of the warranty term and have them fixed for free if they break down.
Also, purchase appliances that are appropriate for your business. Here are the necessary appliances for a medium welding business in Kenya.
Mig Welding Equipment
For arc welding processes, Mig welding equipment is the most prevalent. The equipment can be used for both small and large metal construction works. It may be used on a variety of materials of various thicknesses.
The basic idea behind Mig welding is that an arc is formed between the tips of the reel fed wire as it emerges from the workpiece’s torch.
Arc or Stick Welding Equipment
Stick welding equipment is used to repair and weld metals. It can be used to weld a variety of materials. It uses stick electrodes to maintain, repair, and fabricate stainless cast, mild steel, cast iron, low alloy, and hard facing.
Gas Welding Machine
You will need this machine if your business involves cutting through heavy metals. The equipment comprises professional cutting touches with multiple welding tips so as o provide easy cutting through the metal.
This equipment is suitable, especially if you need quality metalwork that can be used together with multiple welding tips.
Tig Welding Equipment
It’s a type of welding machine that works faster and produces higher-quality results. It’s great since it allows you complete control over your welding process.
4. Get a Suitable Location for Your Welding Business
Welding business succeeds well near highways. Ensure your business is visible to road users. It will make you more accessible, and buyers will know your welding business’s presence.
Display your work for customers; they will approach you asking for services if they like it.
5. Buy Cheap But Quality Metal
Clients want high-quality products. That means you’ll need to find cheaper suppliers. The metal depends on the profit you’ll make.
You can begin by constructing doors, gates, jikos, metallic beds, windows, and metallic tanks. Some metals employed in welding are aluminum, copper, and steel. Find a reputable firm to provide you with the metals.
6. Hire Proficient Staff
You will require experienced personnel for your welding business. You can work as a welding technician or hire a professional. Hiring someone with suitable qualifications will make clients appreciate your services and suggest others to your business.
Welding courses are offered in most vocational institutes in Kenya, and it runs only for a few months.
7. Keep Up With the Trending Designs
You must stay current on new welding designs and be able to acclimate them quickly. Make your products with the most up-to-date designs. You must be skilled in the arts and make sure your business is one of the first to use new and developing approaches to make products.
Also, be inventive and create stunning, one-of-a-kind designs that incorporate great fishing. Customers will come to you if you have great products, and you can even earn referrals.
9. Set Pricing
Come up with good pricing criteria. A reasonable price should be fair to the customer, earn you a profit, and run your business. Find out how much other similar businesses in your area charge for different products.
Also, you should balance between profits and market fair prices. Simply make a balance and offer reasonable discounts without making losses to your customers.
9. Market Your Business
You ought to be active on social media to market your welding business. Join construction groups on media sites such as Facebook. Keep posting the location of your business, your fabrication work, and your contacts.
If your work catches people’s attention, they will contact you for orders. Once you get a client, encourage them to tell others about you. You can even give them better discounts when they bring a new customer.
Giving commission to people who bring clients is a great way to grow your business. You can also use posters and banners to market your work.
10. Learn the Market and Meet Its Demands
The markets are constantly acclimating, some more rapid than others. Without exception, markets will adjust in some ways years later after you initiate your business. Learn everything to know about your target market.
Learn what your clients want, what your competitors are up to, and how to modify your business to keep up with them. If you don’t succeed with your market, someone else will surpass you.
However, keep in mind that your clients may not be prepared for the shift if you move too quickly. This requires careful planning, but it can yield fantastic results for the business if done correctly.
Welding Business Starting Cost in Kenya
How much does it cost to start a welding business in Kenya?
To start a small welding business in Kenya, you need around Kshs. 100,000. The money will acquire a business license, buy welding equipment, and buy metal. You can expand business with an increase in the number of your customers.
Is Welding Business Profitable in Kenya
Yes, welding is a profitable business in Kenya if you have a suitable location.
You can operate a profitable welding business with a good business location and excellent marketing strategies. Metal fabrication is in high demand as many people are building houses. You can also visit construction sites to find new clients and increase your orders.
Bottom Line
With the increase in construction activities in Kenya, there is an increase in demand for metal fabrication. Therefore a welding business can be profitable provided it’s set in a good location. This guide on how to start a welding business in Kenya should guide you on what to do.
If you’re a welder or have always wanted to own a welding business, you should take this advantage. As you start your business, you should also consider having the necessary expertise and most up-to-date fabrication designs, as they are essential for a thriving welding business.
You can easily acquire the skill from a vocational institution. Finally, ensure that you market your business and provide good services to help maintain existing clients and get new ones.
