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 a Dry Cleaning and Laundry 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 Dry Cleaning and Laundry business, is another one of the lucrative entrepreneurial options available in Kenya. Especially in the middle class and urban areas. This is because many individuals in that bracket, are unable to handle their laundry themselves as a result of heavy workloads and or busy schedules. This has led to the provision of dry cleaning and laundry services, becoming very profitable and in high demand.
In addition, wears like Blazers and Suits require very special procedures with regards to cleaning, further increasing the demand for Dry cleaning services.
How To Start A Dry Cleaning And Laundry Business In Kenya
How much do you need to start a Dry Cleaning and Laundry 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 Dry Cleaning and Laundry business in Kenya:
- A Location. As with most businesses, a good location is one of the major factors that determine whether or not your Dry Cleaning and Laundry will succeed. Consider the location or area your business will be based in, keeping in mind that the location you do eventually decide on will affect and also influence the particular customers or potential customers, who will require your services. Make sure that your location is near offices, a hospital or clinic, hotel and of course easily accessible. Also bear in mind that the space from which you will be operating from should be large enough to have a sorting area for the clothes, accommodate your equipment, space for storage of the chemicals you need, adequate space to hang the already dry cleaned clothes and if possibly a reception area as well.
- Have A Very Good Business Plan. Just like is the case with any other business venture, you will need to have a very good business plan. This will guide you during the entire process of creating or setting up your Dry Cleaning and Laundry business. Write out your expected cash flow, projected costs, maintenance of the equipment you will be using as well as other logistics that your business would need. Having a good business plan, will also help you win over potential investors who will provide you with capital and other resources that you will need.
- Secure the Necessary Licenses and Business Permits, As Well As Insurances. You are required by law to acquire a business permit before starting any business in Kenya. Please ensure that you get in touch with the necessary authorities who issue the business permits and licenses. Doing this will show that you abide by guidelines for the business operations in Kenya.
- 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.
- Get Dry Cleaning And Laundry Equipment. Equipment like foam finishers, conveyors, shirt finishers, laundry hot leads, etc. Please make sure that you purchase these equipment from dealers who are reputable. While new equipment are preferable, you can also opt to buy a small already established Dry Cleaning and Laundry outfit. Doing this will save you the struggle of buying your own equipment.
- Employ More hands. No one is an island, you really cannot carry out all the daily activities of a Dry Cleaning and Laundry business efficiently, on your own. This is why you will need to get more hands on deck. You will need to employ more hands. Please make sure however, that everyone you employ, has a clean record with no criminal activities, in addition to having experience in providing Dry Cleaning and Laundry services.Ensure that potential members of your staff, always provide a certificate of good conduct. You might also require extra personnel to handle deliveries to clients.
- Marketing. While setting up your Dry Cleaning and Laundry business, make sure that you market the business. This inform potential customers of the existence of your business. You can do this by utilizing business cards, flyers, referrals, as well as social media sponsored ads.
And that is it! All you need to know about starting your very own Dry Cleaning and Laundry business.
Is the Dry Cleaning and Laundry business suitable for you? 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.
Also while the prospects are very promising please have a realistic approach as well. As with any business, there is a chance that you might incur losses. Especially at the beginning.
Was this article helpful? Are there any other How To topics you would like us to write on? Feel free to reach out to Mpesa Pay in the comment section.
