10 Tips to make money in the Clothing Import Business in Nairobi, Kenya

The clothing import business has gained popularity in Kenya in recent years, due to the demand for imported clothes. These clothes are favored by Kenyans because they are priced reasonably, and are often of better quality than local ready-made clothing. If you are thinking of getting into this business, you should take a look at the 10 tips to make money in the clothing import business in Nairobi, Kenya.

10. Specialize

• The best way to make money in this business is to specialize in a particular area, rather than dealing in all types of clothing. You can choose to deal in ladies’ clothing, children’s clothing, or men’s clothing, depending on the target market you select.

9. Become a source person in the country of export

• Not everyone can travel overseas in search of stock, especially if the stock is fast-moving. You can take advantage of this opportunity and set up shop in the countries from which clothes are imported, and become a contact person for importers in Kenya.

8. Importing in bulk and reselling

• One of the 10 tips to make money in the clothing import business in Nairobi, Kenya is importing in bulk for resale. You may decide to import the clothes in large quantities and sell them to wholesalers per container or in bales. That way, you will not have the headache of having to sell the clothing items in small batches and being left with dead stock.

7. Research on current trends

• Because you are dealing with clothing, you must be up to date on fashion trends, especially among the people you intend to sell your wares to. You will need to know what the latest fashions are, what the celebrities in other countries are wearing, and what your customers keep saying they wish they could get!

6. Identify your target market

• Who are you going to sell your imported clothes to? Is it the career men and/or women, the teenagers, the young adults, or children? Where are these people located, and how willing would they be to buy your clothes as opposed to going to their favorite store? Factor in these thoughts as you decide what to import for sale, and how you intend to market yourself.

5. Location

• You need to place yourself where your customers can find you easily. If you are targeting the middle class, for example, you need to pick a place where there is lots of parking space. Make sure that your physical selling location is right where your customers are likely to pass every day or every other day.

4. Go to where the customers are

• Home delivery and personalized selection services are gradually becoming an easier way to shop for most people in Nairobi. If you can, find a way to go to where your clients are and let them select what they want at leisure, sparing them the hassle of going all the way to your shop. You can also offer delivery services for those who want to make online orders.

3. Special offers, gifts, and discounts.

• The next tip out of the 10 tips to make money in the clothing import business in Nairobi, Kenya is special offers and discounts. Every shopper loves to hear that prices are reduced, especially if he or she has been eyeing a particular item. You can have special offers coinciding with the holiday seasons like Christmas and Easter, on Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and many others. You can also offer discounts to people who purchase more than one item at a go. Lastly, give your regular customers a gift once in a while, and they will be sure to tell their friends and workmates all about you.

2. Build a customer database

• As soon as you begin to get a regular flow of customers, make a list of those who come often, those who are always asking when you are bringing new stuff, and those who ask you to find specific items for them. Once you make this list, you can let them know when you are getting new stock, when you are having a sale, or even wish them Happy New Year! Those short messages that you send will remind your customers that you value them and that you appreciate their loyalty to your business.

1. Market aggressively on social media

• Think about all the people who spend hours on social media daily. Chances are if you put an ad on Facebook or Instagram they would see it, right? Social media is a powerful tool that you can make use of to market your imported clothes. Set up your social media accounts and then market your items on the platforms that your potential clients visit regularly, and you will surely make some sales!

Try out these 10 tips to make money in the clothing import business in Nairobi, Kenya today. Use them to come up with a great marketing strategy and then get out there and sell. Good luck!