For ‘young’ people, starting your very own business and becoming self employed is the most suitable alternative to the ever growing hard to get 9 to 5 jobs. Starting a business is always the best alternative to the ever elusive jobs.
A survey by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) revealed that seven (7) million Kenyans are unemployed. An additional figure of over 1.4 million are actively looking for employment. With those figures, it is easy to see why more and more people are looking for alternatives.
Because we know very many business ventures require huge amounts of capital to get started, this new How To series will only show you how to start and execute several small business that require capital from as little as 5,000 Kenyan Shillings. Thus giving you the keys to the kingdom of starting a profitable business with little or no capital.
If you are also just looking for a side hustle to maybe supplement your 9 to 5 or full time job, this is for you.
All that you need to thrive in these businesses besides capital, is good customer service of course, great managerial skills, a suitable business location, and a clear cut vision.
Today’s article will show you how to set up your very own Welding business in Kenya. While this is not exactly a 5,000 Kenyan Shillings capital business, I am sure you would agree that this is also a very viable option.
The Welding business, is another quite profitable business venture in Kenya, that very few individuals are aware of. For the newbies, Welding is a sculptural or fabrication process that joins materials, through the use of intense heat. The process, melts said parts together, causes them to fuse. That materials usually joined together, are metals and thermoplastics.
How To Start A Welding Business In Kenya
Just how much do you need to start a Welding business? What paperwork, and or equipment are you required to have in Kenya? If you are considering this option, here is everything you will need to kickstart your Welding business in Kenya.
- Acquire The Needed Training. You cannot start a welding company without having the necessary training. Especially if you have never done this professionally before. The training will enable you better understand the technicalities behind your chosen business that is; Welding. You can get this by ‘interning’ at already established Welding Companies. YouTube will also provide a ton of information and knowledge mostly in the form of tutorials and How To videos. Doing this, will also increase customer confidence and boost the reputation of your business.
- Have A Business Plan. For every business, having an effective and concise business plan is very important.
- Figure Out How To Raise Capital. The Welding business like any other business, requires capital investment. After completing your business plan, knowing your market and finding a location, this should be your next line of action. Although Personal funds are sometimes the primary source of funding for many new businesses, doing just that may not be enough. Taking on a financial partner is your best bet. If obtaining a business loan from financial institutions proves difficult, the next option should be getting it from friends and family. Loan arrangements in this setting are usually much more flexible as they come with much lower interest rates. All you would need to do is convince said friends and family, of the profitability of your business. Please make sure however, that you pay back the money and in good time too, so as to maintain confidence which you would need if you would require money from them in the future.
- Talk To Others Who Have Done This Before You. No man is an island. While a number of established business owners are more than happy to give advice to new entrepreneurs, it can take a while to find one who will be willing to do so. The wait however, will worth it. Talk to entrepreneurs who have gone into or are still in the Welding business. Examine, study and understand their various business models and strategies. You never know, you just might pick up one or two nuggets of wisdom from them.
- Figure Out Your Market. It is very important that you figure out your market. Especially before starting your Welding business. Your potential customers are Construction Companies, Metal works companies and car repair companies and motorcycle repair companies.
- Plan Out Your Marketing. Next after figuring out your target market, should be planning out your marketing. Yes, your Welding business just like any other business venture, also needs marketing too. Learn how to get the attention of your target market. Would discounts work? Or referrals or both? How about posters, sponsored adverts on social media and fliers. Email marketing for example, is one cost-effective way that is also very efficient in building the customer base for your Welding business. If you have a website for your business, you can gather email addresses of people who visit your site. Fliers, are also another cost-effective way to market. Flyers are one ‘page’ advertisement pieces that can be created at little or no cost. You can distribute these to people, in and around the area where your Welding business will be located. Find out what is most effective for you and use that or a combination of all of them.
- Make Sure Your Welding Business Has An Online Presence. This includes creating a Facebook page, as well as Twitter and Instagram accounts for your business. You can also get a website created for your business as well, to further attract larger customers who may require your services in ‘bulk’ or on a contract basis. Make sure the website is easy to navigate, make sure your content is also engaging. Ensure that all the relevant information about your company (which includes the contact details for your business and testimonials) is included, as well as the terms & conditions and privacy policy. Be sure to hire a professional for this, so as to ensure that the website is very well done and looks presentable. The hired professional, will also make sure that your website is well maintained and updated regularly. Creating a LinkedIn profile for your business will also be a good look and will help you further network with other businesses. Just make sure that you update your LinkedIn.
- A Location. As with most businesses, a good location is one of the major factors that determine whether or not your Welding business will succeed. Especially clients who prefer to meet up in official settings or premises. Find a location that is both ideal and easily accessible.
- Create A Unique Logo. The importance of a very well done Logo cannot be over emphasized. Especially with regards to having a positive first impression on your potential clients. Make sure you create a logo that stands out and sets you apart from the competition.
- Be An Authority In The Welding Field. Clients and potential clients tend to believe in businesses who are perceived as Authorities or seen as authoritative in their fields. With this in mind, make sure you exude confidence, when making a pitch.
- Get An Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet. An auto-darkening welding helmet is one of the most important part of your welding safety gear. The auto-darkening Welding Helmet, is used to protect your eyes and face from the fire flashes or sparks that occur during welding. Because the Lens in the auto-darkening Welding Helmet automatically adjusts to what is going on, you do not need to always take it off and put it back on. The auto-darkening Welding Helmet, also protects you from welding radiation.
- Get Safety Glasses. If you are the kind who prefers extra protection, you can also opt for getting Safety Glasses to use alongside your auto-darkening Welding Helmet. Especially when welding metal. Make sure the glasses you choose also give protection from Ultra Violet (UV) rays.
- Get A Welding Apron, A Long Sleeve Shirt Or A Jacket. Due to the fact the the process of welding involves molten metal as well as sparks flying in different directions, it is important that you protect other parts of your upper body, not just your face. Make sure you wear a Welding Apron and a long sleeve shirt; preferably cotton. You can also opt for a leather jacket. Please ensure that whatever clothing you decide on is made entirely from natural fibers and not synthetic materials. This is because synthetic material could burn and damage your skin.
- Register The Name Of Your Welding Business. You will need to register the name of your Welding startup if you plan to run it as a legitimate business. The business name registration would cost you around 1,000 Kenyan Shillings.
- Be Trained In Sales. You might be thinking I’m running a Welding business, why do I need training in Sales. The truth is any business that involves products, services and of course customers, will benefit greatly from sales training. Ensure that you as well as your staff are well trained in sales. This will also come in handy when your business begins to grow.
- Ensure That The Accounting For Your Welding Business Is In Order. Make sure you always have a record of your expenses as well as the income your business generates. Doing this, will ensure that you have a full understanding of how your business is performing financially. It will also help you when it’s time to file your annual taxes.
- Get Ear Plugs. A lot of noise is made during the welding process. This will cause pain especially if you end up welding for long hours. You can protect your ears by getting Ear Plugs.
- Get Welding Magnets. These, usually come in various sizes, and are used to set up metal pieces at different angles. It is best that you get a few of them to better equip for the various project needs that would arise.
- Get A Pair Of Welding Shoes. This will protect your feet during the entire welding process. Be sure however, that the welding shoes you choose are also not made from any synthetic material. Your best bet, will be Leather.
- Get A Respirator. Because welding sometimes produces fumes that can have a harmful effect on your lungs if you take them in, it is important that you get a Respirator.
- A Business License Or Permit. This is one of the most fundamental licences that businesses in Kenya are required to have before commencing operations, so you will definitely need one for your Welding business. Although the cost of a business licence or permit differs from county to county, it usually sits at around 3,000 Kenyan shillings.
- Get A Vehicle For Transportation. As a Welding business practitioner you might have customers who will require your services outside of your premises. This is why you will need to sort out your transportation. Make sure you invest in a Van or Trailer as this will ease your movement to and from locations that require your services. Make sure that the vehicle you decide to acquire, is reliable and can effectively transport your equipment and tools to wherever they are needed. It is also advisable that you have your campany name and or logo imprinted on your Van and or Truck. This is part of advertising the presence of your Welding business.
- Vehicle Maintenance. After sorting out your transportation needs, it is important that you also budget for the maintenance of said vehicle(s).
- Create A Services Contract. Because your services will for the most part be provided on an extended basis, you will need to create a Services Contract, that will specify the terms and conditions of your services. Make sure that your customers sign the Services Contracts before you provide your services. The contract should also include the expectations of said clients, and payment terms as well. This will protect you and the clients as well (to a certain extent), from any legal disputes.
- Get An Employer Identification Number. If you will be looking to set up checking accounts for your business and or hire employees, you will need an Employer Identification Number. To get one, simply get in touch with Kenya Revenue Authority which is Kenya’s internal revenue service.
- Employ More hands. No one is an island and as is the case with most other business ventures, you really cannot carry out all the daily activities of a Welding business efficiently, on your own. Especially when your customer base, begins to grow.
- Choose The Most Suitable Business Structure For Your Welding Business. Choosing a business structure can determine your personal liability, how much you pay in taxes, as well as your ability to raise financing. This is why it is very important that you choose the business structure that is most suitable from the get go because changing structures later on, could lead to tax consequences. Be sure to consult a business accountant and a lawyer too before deciding if your Welding business would be a Sole Proprietorship, a Partnership, a Corporation or a Limited Liability Company (LLC).
- Get A Pair Of Gloves. Your hands will be in the closest proximity to the Heat during the Welding process. This makes it important to protect your hands as well, very important. Make sure the gloves you settle on, are industry standard.
- Get A Metal Brush. Sometimes, a lot of slag is created during the wielding process. This is where a Metal Brush comes in handy as it helps to remove any of the slag coating.
- Get An Angle Grinder. This is a very useful tool especially when it comes to preparing and finishing your welds. It can be used before welding begins, to remove dirt, paint or rust. It can also be used to remove any slag that has built up.
- Get Welding Clamps. Welding Clamps help you firmly set your work piece in such a way that it will produce a tight joint and help you prevent wielding defects. This makes them very important welding tools. Wielding Clamps, come in various sizes and it is advisable to have a very good number of them.
- Secure A Fire Clearance Certificate. This is received after undergoing an inspection which you pay for. It also involves getting advice regarding the guidelines of protection against fire, and the installation of the required equipment like fire extinguishers.
- Make Sure Your Welding Business Is Insured. Although nobody likes to incur extra costs, Insurance is one essential part of starting any business.
- Figure Out Payment Arrangements That Work Best For Your Customers. You need to know the payment methods and arrangements that would work best for your customers and potential customers i.e if they would prefer to pay via M-Pesa, T-Kash, Airtel Money, via POS or in cash. Knowing this will help you offer more payment options and also be more equipped to serve them better.
Some other tools that you would need for your wielding business include, A Sheet Metal Guage, Electrodes, a Wire and Electrode Feed, etc.
Also, check out our review on Best Flux Core Welder and Best MIG Welder
And that is it! All you need to know about starting your very own Welding business in Kenya.
Is the Welding business, a suitable venture for you to go into? That question, is left for you to think on and answer. This writer’s goal is to open your eyes to the various entrepreneurial opportunities that abound in the country.
One important thing besides the tips provided here, is to be good at what you do. Continue to think of new ideas and ways to expand and grow your business.
Also while the prospects are very promising and running a Welding business might seem easy, please have a realistic approach as well. It still requires a fair amount of dedication and patience regardless and as with any business, there is a chance that you might incur losses. Especially at the beginning, so please keep your overheads low.
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