Kenya is a land of opportunity. If you’re willing to put in the hard work, you can achieve anything you want. This is especially true when it comes to starting your own business. If you’re thinking of starting a fruit vending business, you’ll be happy to know that the cost is relatively low. I will be breaking down the cost of starting a fruit vending business in Kenya.
The cost of starting a fruit vending business in Kenya is between Ksh. 2,000 and 35,000. This money should buy the fruits, cutlery, chairs, counter, utensils, and pay the necessary business permits. The amount is enough for a start as you’ll keep expanding as the business grows.
In the rest of this article, I’ll break down how to use the above amount to start your fruit vending business in Kenya. I’ll also discuss how you can overcome fruit vending challenges. Keep reading to find out!
What’s the Cost of Starting a Fruit Vending Business in Kenya?
Unlike many businesses that require a large amount of capital, according to Mr. Dickson, a fruit vendor in Nairobi’s Muthurwa area, starting this business requires between Ksh 2000 to Ksh 35,000.
The great thing with fruit vending is that you don’t need to rent a store; hence no store cost is required. You can set up shop on the streets, by the roadside, or in any other suitable location and still earn a living.
Also, you can deliver the fruits to the customer’s homes or offices. This will provide you with valuable first-hand information about your customers.
Here is a fruit vending business startup cost breakdown.
- Business licenses and permits- Ksh 10,000
- Cutlery- Ksh 5,000
- Display counter and chairs- Ksh 5,000
- Business registration- Ksh 1,000
- Fruits -Ksh 1,000
Related: How to Start a Fruit Juice Blending Business in Kenya
How to Successfully Overcome Fruit Vending Business Challenges
Just like any business, fruit vending sometimes has some challenges. Fruits are perishable; hence you can’t store them for a long time. If they get spoiled, it will be a significant loss. The change of weather can also be a challenge, especially during the rainy season.
Some fruits can’t be eaten when it’s cold. Rain can also hinder the customers from reaching you to purchase the fruits. In such situations, you experience low sales at the end of the day. In addition, fruits go with the seasons. There are times when certain fruits are scarce in the market. To overcome such challenges and ensure the success of your business, you’ll need to do the following;
Sort Fruits by Varieties and Season
The seasons of most fruits vary. Take this advantage to visit nearby farms and buy at a lower cost. While many people may have fruits at home, they may not know how to blend them to get the juice. As a result, they’ll opt to buy blended juice from the fruit vendor.
You shouldn’t be worried that your sales will be low during the fruit season; you only change the form of the fruits.
Also Read: Profitable Businesses to Start With 10K in Kenya
Identify Adequate Supply
Having an ample supply of different fruits would be ideal. Additionally, buying fruits wholesale is advisable, so you can make good profits while selling them in retail. When purchasing, don’t focus just on ripe fruits.
Purchase unripe fruits to avoid them getting spoiled. Unripe fruits are also cheap than ripe. If there is any fruit farmer who lives nearby, buy directly from his garden to cut transportation costs.
Create a Harvesting Forecasting System
The system will assist you in planning for your sale. It allows you to schedule when to collect a particular fruit from the farm. The technique aids in preventing fruit overstock, which could result in some fruits spoiling because they can’t all be sold at once.
Planning will help you to know which variety of fruit you need to add in large quantities.
Communication Skills
You should figure out how to talk to your customers as a business person. This will make them come back again. How you speak to costumes can make them go and never return. You should use appealing and persuasive words.
The way you approach customers also matters a lot. Most customers get impressed by how you welcome them since most people like to be addressed politely. Try to be always cheerful, lovely, and active. Give your customers the best experience so they may keep coming back.
Manage Your Profits
Avoid misusing the income if you want your business to expand. Ensure you always make more money from your sales. The profit you make will enable you to get new stock. You should not tamper with the money you earn at the end of the day.
You can even open a bank account to save money. This will help your business to grow because you can use your savings or borrow money from the bank to expand your business.
Bottom Line
Starting a fruit vending business in Kenya will enable you to raise your living standards due to its high profitability. The business is rapidly growing, and many people are investing in it.
I hope this break-down of the cost of starting a fruit vending business in Kenya will put you on the right track to start the business.
