Bookshop business in Kenya flourishes well in towns and near education institutions. In this article, I will walk you through the steps that need to be taken to launch a successful bookshop business in Kenya.
There will always be a demand for stationery materials like textbooks, pens, and exercise books in Kenya. This proves that the bookshop business will remain valuable in the future.
Different educational institutions cater to students of varying ages, which has resulted in the emergence of a lucrative market for bookstores. Bookstores in Kenya facilitate education by disseminating reading materials.
To ensure that you have the appropriate learning resources in stock, you must first determine who your ideal customers are. Focusing on elementary schools means carrying reading material suitable for that age group.
Here is how to start a bookshop business in Kenya.
Starting a bookshop business in Kenya
1. Know your target market
Bookshop businesses have different categories of stationary for various age groups. Determining who it is you want to sell to is essential. Customers may range from pre-schoolers to high school seniors or even college students. Stocking books relevant to your target clients requires knowing who your customers are.
2. Business Location
Identify a suitable business location for your bookshop. The bookshop should be easily accessible and visible to everyone. Learn about the market and the competition in the areas. Setting up your bookshop business near learning institutions and in an area with less competition is advisable.
3. Get licenses and permits
The first step is registering your business name through the eCitizen portal. After registering, you will need the following licenses and permits.
- A Single Business Permit – Ksh 5,000.
- A Fire Clearance Certificate
4. Find reliable suppliers
You’ll need to track down some necessary supplies for your bookstore to run well. Book publishers and writers fall into this category. To purchase from publishers in Kenya, you must be a member of the Kenya Booksellers and Stationers Association.
5. Market your business
As with any other business, advertising is essential to your bookshop’s success. Find out what will interest your target audience. Discover whatever method works best for you, then use it (or a mix of strategies) to achieve your goals.
Cost of starting a bookshop business in Kenya
Like any other business type, opening a bookshop will need some initial financial capital. You will need Ksh 200,000 to open a small bookstore, but as your clientele and income grow, you’ll be able to invest more. Below is the cost breakdown for a small bookshop:
- Business stock – Ksh 150,000
- The Kenya Booksellers and Stationers Association Membership fee- is Ksh 12,000 (Renewable every year for Ksh 5,000)
- A Single Business Permit – Ksh 5,000
- Fire Clearance Certificate – Ksh 5,000
- Bookshelves – Ksh 10,000
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How profitable is a bookshop business in Kenya
The bookstore enterprise is lucrative, mainly if you focus on selling directly to educational institutions. It is still to make a profit by selling to individual customers.
In particular, the months of January and February, when schools are reopening, are excellent for a bookshop’s business in Kenya. Businesses selling books report an increase in sales of over 50% during this period. These are the times of the year when you should strive to maximize your earnings
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