Shoe business

How to start a shoe business | step-by-step guide

READ AND KNOW HOW TO START A SHOE BUSINESS TODAY.

Hey! Welcome to the best guide on how to start a shoe business. [The one you’ve been looking for]

I am positive you will be able and set to start your own shoe business after reading this very detailed 3,000 words plus article.

With this guide, you’ll be able to start a shoe business from home or get shop if you want to.

Good luck on your reading journey, you’ll need it.

INTRODUCTION

Shoes are without doubt one of the most sought after basic personal needs of individuals across the planet. It has and is becoming acceptable even in the extremely rural part of Africa that still walk barefooted (it shows how successful you can be when you start your own shoe business because virtually everyone and anyone could be your potential customer).

Apart from the protection it gives to the feet and for the sake of fashion; shoes are worn for different purposes and footwear are of different type and modifications to suit the purpose for which it is made.

Football, hockey to mention a few amongst others will be a very dangerous game without footwear. And that is why anyone can easily pick a career in shoe making because there are various market to target.

It’s no news shoes compliment clothing of everyone, because no dressing is complete without a good shoe or footwear to suit it.

Truth be told, the shoe production business is a very competitive one. Because almost everyone walking on the street now including you reading this has a pair or more of shoes.

The big question is, how do you intend to make them (individuals) choose your product (shoes) over that of your competitors?. In essence, how do you intend to convince customers to abandon their current brand for yours.

Personally I believe that aside a good marketing strategy, this can be done/achieved by…

  1. Producing shoes or footwear of high quality.
  2. Cheaper or competitive prices
  3. Footwear with guarantee

If you can work effectively on the 3 above mentioned tips then you are on the right track to starting your own shoe business.

Moving forward…

Before you start a shoe business, there are a few things you should ponder on or give a deep thought to.

3 KEY FACTORS TO CONSIDER BEFORE STARTING A SHOE BUSINESS LINE.

1. Know your target audience (Niche)

Who are you going to target?

The first thing you should consider are the segment of people you want to satisfy with your product. Are you starting out to target and satisfy women or men, children or adult, formal or casual etc.

With this already considered and decided, your production will be relatively easy.

Because you’re aware of the type of people you want to feed, you can easily decide on what to cook. What I mean is, it’s easier to produce when you are very aware of who or the type of people who will to use it. Produce shoes with your target audience in mind.

2. Business type. [partnership, sole proprietorship, etc]

Do you want to start and run the shoe business on your own or with a friend?

Do you intend to start-up has a sole proprietor (one man business) or you’re willing to go into partnership with someone with similar motive. Having this considered is also essential. Because It will enable you write a perfect business plan that will see you through in the shoe business.

3. Size/scale of the business.

Are you starting small or big?

Shoe manufacturing is open to different sizes. In essence, this is one business you can either start on a large-scale, medium scale or on a small-scale.

The small-scale is the most adopted in Nigeria though.

Starting on a small-scale means you can start your shoe business from home to maximize capital. And personally I think it’s not a bad way to start a shoe business.

You can start small and grow big as time goes on.

Aside being the owner of all the income, they are other overlooked benefits of starting small which are…

  1. Helps you get direct feedback from customers. Let’s say you produced and sold a shoe without noticing something went wrong during production process. The customer who bought the shoe can come directly to you to show /point out the mistake. And you will learn from it.
  2. Build loyal customers
  3. Suggestions in trending styles and fashion
  4. Accurate market information.

It is said and proven true that when you satisfy one customer, you’re likely to get more customers. For example, you made an attractive, top quality shoe for a friend or customer. Since the individual you made the shoe for is mobile, someone else is likely to notice the shoe and if interested, collects a few information and place an order or locate you to purchase something similar or better. Now that’s another customer secured and this could go on and on.

Secondly, as mentioned earlier, another way of starting your own shoe business is on a large-scale.
Opening this business on a large-scale is just having a bigger shoe production space away from home and a larger or decent amount of the necessary work force and more advanced materials.

Starting your own shoe business on a large-scale doesn’t guarantee your success. That’s a fact. If you don’t really understand the business, you can or should employ someone who does. Commencing on a large-scale is all about finance.

With the necessary cash at hand or in the bank, you don’t really have to do much. Because you’re just a few methods away from getting the right employees for various departments. However, you can actually indulge in supervising the affairs of the organization.

Because to start a shoe business on large requires workers, you should therefore checkout sources/ways of recruiting employees easily and fast.

Don’t forget things to consider before hiring new employees to avoid being sued.

Moving forward…

So having done or worked on the necessary considerations for this business, it’s now time to know how to start it.

How to start a shoe business from home.

Start a shoe business
How to start a shoe business

Step 1: Training [Learn how to make shoes]

All you have to do is locate a very good shoe maker or producer to learn and master the skills [how to make shoes]. Go for a quality shoe maker even if it’s beyond your convenience in terms of distance or location. Remember – No pain, No gain.

However, you can ignore this if you intend starting this shoe business on a large scale. Because you’ll have the finance to employ skilled and experienced workers for the shoe production; you don’t necessarily need to learn it yourself. But a thing or two on shoe production would be helpful though.

No knowledge is wasted.

But if you intend to start small for now with the aim of expanding in the future, this chapter is absolutely inevitable.

You can only prosper in shoe business by knowing (learning) how to actually produce different type of shoes all by yourself.

KEY FACTORS TO CONSIDER BEFORE SETTLING FOR OR CHOOSING A  TRAINER

  • Years in the job.

The amount of years the individual (trainer) has been in the business matters because it automatically determines the level of experience.

An entrepreneur with 10 years or more experience at a job can’t be compared with that of 3 years and less. The way the former approaches the market, tackle obstacles and the management skill will supersede that of the latter.

  • Niche (target audience or market).

As an aspiring shoe producer or manufacturer, you’re required or it is better to get/learn the needed shoe making or production skill and experience from someone flourishing in your desired niche.

If you want to focus only on producing sport footwear, it’s advisable you locate a specialist in sport footwear production and learn the skill not someone targeting a different market (for example someone who is producing for kids).

Others include – business type and product quality.

To be the best, you have to learn from the best.

Step 2: Business plan.

It’s important for you to have available a well detailed business plan to start a shoe making business.

Yes! It’s good to be optimistic while or when writing a business plan but you shouldn’t go overboard. Like selling over 6000 pairs of shoes in your first month of starting is quite inaccurate and unachievable.

Your business plan should include your goals and objectives, your marketing, financing and management strategy, SWOT analysis. Set realistic, and achievable goals. And make sure you follow all processes to achieve them.

You can hire a freelancer to help you write a detailed business plan on how to start a shoe business if you can’t do it yourself or order for one online for a particular fee.

You will receive the business plan via a mail after your payment confirmation. Make sure the email address provided or your email address is correct and accessible by you.

Step 3: Get a good location.

Your location is where your customers can easily reach you, It could be your home or  a rented space. You should have known your target audience at this stage. In essence, you should have decided on kind of people you want to satisfy with your product. Because they will determine where your product will be sited or displayed to be easily seen and purchased.

Furthermore, starting your own shoe business, your place of production doesn’t have to be the only place to display your goods.

You can actually start a shoe business manufacturing from home and put it on display for sale at a very nice strategic location, highly graced / patronized by your target audience when ready. For example, If you’re producing sport footwear, you can get a show room to display your shoes around a stadium.

You can also get your product on online shop such as Jumia, konga, amazon, eBay, Alibaba etc.

Step 4: Business name.

A business name is that which your shoe business would be identified has or called. It should be that of when heard, portrays what you are into and those it’s directed to [target market]

Your business name should be simple, meaningful and easy to understand.

Before you start a shoe business, you can contact a professional and provide the necessary details about your shoe line (niche, business type etc) to help you come up with one.
It’s advisable you choose a business name in relation with your niche.

5. Register your business

Before you kick start a shoe business or in its introductory stage, make sure you contact the appropriate bodies or organization and register your business.

There are loads of restrictions to an unregistered business and as well many benefits to a registered one.

Individuals loves to deal with registered businesses. Because an unregistered business is perceived as illegal and also restricted to exportation.

One benefit of a registered shoe business is that, it can get you government contract deals.

Starting your own shoe business in Nigeria, you can contact the shoe makers association and you can also register your business with the cooperate affairs commission.

Make sure your shoe production business has a legal backing. Simple.

6. Buy the necessary equipments.

A shoe maker or manufacturer without the necessary production materials is like a local farmer without a hoe and cutlass. What are you going to use for production?

Therefore you need to get all required equipments.

Your experience is really important when getting equipments or materials for shoes or footwear production. Because there are lots of fake or low quality materials out there.

This is one benefit of a decent training because your trainer would have exposed you to certain material qualities and how to discover if a material or equipment is fake / of low quality.

Keep in mind that the quality of your material will also determine the quality of your shoes after due production process.

Make sure you get the best and maximize the materials well. Don’t  be wasteful by using materials meant to produce 5 shoes for 2.

NECESSARY EQUIPMENTS NEEDED TO START A SHOE MAKING BUSINESS.

• Scissors of different sizes (based on choice)

Needed to cut materials basically the Nora.
(The Nora is a leather material used for the top of palms.)

• Knives

For cutting hard leathers.

• Filling machine

Just as the name implies, for filling and smoothing of leather surfaces. You can also use it for finishing.

• Sandpaper

A sandpaper is fixed to the filling machine during shoe production.

Because before you  glue two leather surfaces, there’s need to make the surface rough. Though a wire brush can also be used.

• Sewing machine

Used for sewing leather together. Also used for designs.

• Thread and needle

For sewing where or places the machine can’t sew and can also be to create designs.

• Show former

Used to create the tip of shoes and left there permanently.

• Shoe model

Usually or sometimes called pattern. It’s in form or in shape of human foot. It is of different sizes, around which the shoe is made. It’s in wooden or plastic form.

• Punches

For creating cavity (holes) for pins, hooks, rings etc.

Other materials or equipment needed are gums, tape and ruler (for measurement), nails, hammer, shoe sole etc.

Step 7: Production .

With the necessary materials in place, the next step is to start producing shoes / shoe production.

Conduct a market research. Through your research, you’ll get to know what’s trending and accepted by target audience.

For example, The no-lace boot is trending and is being accepted by footballers.

If that’s your niche, you can produce such quality boots in decent quantity and contact an organized private or government/state-owned club and sell to them.

Because it’s trendy, it’s something every player will like to try out.

Primarily, make sure your products are in

• High quality. And
• Low or very affordable prices.

The above coupled with a good marketer or a great marketing strategy, you can conquer any market starting your own shoe business line.

HOW TO START A SHOE BUSINESS FROM HOME | STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

Step 8: Brand, Label & Package your shoe

(Optional if you’re starting your own shoe business on a small scale)

Firstly, to brand , you are required to create a name, symbol, logo, or other item that will be used to distinguish your shoes or footwear from others. For example, the first thing that comes to my mind seeing a shoe with a green and red stripe or colour is Gucci. That’s their own unique feature, it distinguish them from others.

Secondly to label a shoe, you are to provide a few details on materials used in producing those shoes and attach it to the shoe. Your label could appear in symbols or words and should be placed at the outer part or inner part of the shoe.

And…

Lastly to package . You need to create or design a wrapper or box like container for each pair of your shoes. This enable your product (shoe) protection, easy identification and it also pleases your customers. Not forgetting that good packaging attracts new customers.

Step 9: Market your shoes.

Aside adopting the use of show room to create awareness about your product, another method is to employ the use of media (radio and television) advertisement. Not forgetting print medias such as magazines and newspapers.

Make sure you consider the media coverage or traffic before working with them. The more traffic the better.

Another smart way is to create a very good designer shoe, contact (plead if necessary) a celebrity with a decent amount of fans or followers and send a pair to him or her for free. All the celebrity has to do is post a picture of the shoe and give credit or drop some important information about your brand.

You can also create a blog or YouTube channel when you start a shoe business. All you have to do is upload pictures, make and upload videos of some of your finest products (shoes).

You can also contact a popular blog in your country or region to help you advertise your shoe. Create a banner and make sure it appears on header segment or part of the blog homepage and footer.

ABILITIES NEEDED TO START A SHOE BUSINESS

• Shoe making skill

You need to basically know how to make shoes before thinking of starting your own shoe business. For those starting on a large-scale, the first to do is get or employ individuals who have the skill.

• Creativity

Creativity is having that ability to use imagination to produce a product that is useful to the society. The good news is, your creativity is something you can develop or work on. when others are making black and brown shoes, how can you come up with a red shoe that will still be appreciated.

You need to work on your ability to create something good, different, fashionable and accepted by your target audience or market.

• Able to teach and train

At some point in time, you are likely to be approached by individuals who want to learn the shoe making skill. You must be able to also teach others the shoe production skill and because it won’t be done for free, you’ve got nothing to lose.

Have the trainees look at the way you make shoes, tell them what there is to be known and answer their basic questions very well.

When you feel they are ready, have them practice their shoe production skill with low quality materials at first just to help them master the skill.

• Book-keeping and basic organizations.

This is all about being able to keep records of all your transactions when you start a shoe business. Successful business owners keep records or employ someone to whoever does on a thing or two concerning their business.

Book keeping and basic organizations will enable you know your income and expenses.

Lastly…

• Familiarity with polish (black or brown) and other necessary equipments.

anonymous – Reasons on why he chose to start a shoe business despite other businesses out there.

Firstly, my role model is Blake mycoskie (CEO toms) not because he makes shoe but because for every toms sold one is given out for free I love his attitude to give.

Secondly, i actually decided to choose shoe manufacturing and learn a bit of leather works because I see no reason for shoes of good quality to be expensive. It has to do with an ambition in the future that no black should work bare footed as far as cattles are rear and rubber trees lives.

Furthermore, as a student I choose to start a shoe business because I believe I can improve on it.

In the shoe business, we say every mistake is a style. As long as it is fitted and comfortable, with good marketing, modelling and packaging people will buy even if it is an old design. For example, Crux the crux is a rubber slippers. I mean low quality rubber slippers design for raining season and for riverine area at a very low production cost of 200 per pair ,with a good modelling crux is sold at 1500 per pair.

And lastly I choose shoe production because I love shoes. Personally I want to make money but I like the way shoe fit on people especially men I really don’t like heels I love real shoes.

SUMMARY ON HOW TO START A SHOE BUSINESS FROM HOME

• Know your target audience
• Learn how make to make shoes
• Decide if you want to start on a small or large-scale
• Write your business plan
• Choose a business name
• Arrange a place around for working or get a good location.
• Register your business
• Buy the necessary equipments
• Start making your own shoes
• Brand and package the shoes
• Market the shoes

Now I believe the next is step is ACTION.

You now know the necessary steps to start a shoe business so get to starting your own shoe business line right away.

How to start a internet cafe [detailed guide]

How to start a internet cafe [detailed guide]

Hey! My name is Daniel. And I would like to take you through the steps on how to start a internet cafe or cyber cafe business.

Actually after reading this article you’ll be able to start this business and make money any where in the world. Be it Africa, Asia, Europe etc

NOTE: Internet cafe and or cyber cafe means the same thing.

With this guide, you will be able to start a internet cafe or cyber cafe business from home if you want to lol.

I believe it’s worth mentioning that I have been in the cyber cafe business for 8 years as at when am giving out this information.

So I would like you to take every tip seriously. They are all based on my experience so far in this business.

What to expect or look out for…
Primarily, my guide on how to start a internet cafe business will be based on the following…

  • Resources [Equipments needed to start a internet cafe]

Here, I will be discussing the proposed capital and materials needed start a internet Cafe business.

  • Ability [Skills]

Having the necessary abilities is key in this business. So this section will entail necessary, primary abilities or skills one should have in other to strive in the cafe business.

  • Motivation and Determination.

Aiming success in a cyber cafe business? If yes, then you need motivation and determination. You’ve got to be highly motivated and determined to see that it succeeds.

Here, I will be letting you know the required commitment and attitude for cyber cafe business.

  • Location

This section is very important. All of the above mentioned points are important. But this is one section to look out for. You won’t find it else where.
And lastly…

  • How to make extra income running a Internet cafe.

Here, I will be letting you know of simple ways you can make extra / additional income when you start a internet Cafe .

That’s it on what to look out for in this article. But you should also look out for other details I will providing like challenges and benefits the business.

Before I proceed to the main purpose of this article, I would like to share a thing or two.

Which are…
1. Meaning of a internet cafe
2. Reasons why I chose the cyber cafe business.

What is a cyber cafe or internet cafe?

Cyber:- according to long man dictionary means – connected with computers, especially with the sending of messages on the internet.

Cafe:- (from the same source) means a place with or on a computer network.

Therefore, an internet or cyber cafe is a place where the internet can be accessible to interested clients for a particular fee.

REASONS WHY I OPENED A INTERNET CAFE.

There must be a reason or reasons for doing something or going into something. You just can’t engage in something for no reason. It’s unheard of.

For example, why are you reading this? Well, I can guess confidently.

The reason is because you want to know how to start a internet cafe or cyber cafe business of your own someday or just for education purpose. Perhaps I guessed wrong. But just like i had reasons for starting a internet cafe business (which I will share soon), there’s a reading you’re reading this.

Now to the reasons…

  1. My first reason for opening this business was because I was, and still am, a lover of the internet. I love everything that has to do with the internet. Surfing the web is simply something I hardly do without. Lucky for me, I noticed a lot people wanted to surf the internet but just don’t have the materials for one reason or the other. Due to poor connections, lack of power, lack of computers and internet accessible mobile phones; I noticed many individuals around me are in the dark concerning the internet. They are hungry for internet access but just couldn’t get it.
  2. I was, and I’m still good with computers. I’ve got great familiarity with software installation, computer upgrading, formatting etc. These things were as easy like eating cakes for me. And I also noticed the same were difficult for a large amount of people around me. They wanted the knowledge but just didn’t know how to get it .
  3. The above reasons coupled with the fact that I wanted to add to the development of my community and also create job opportunities are the reasons why I started my cyber cafe business.

There are many other reasons why individuals go into the cafe business. But the above mentioned reasons are some of the important things you should lookout for before you start a internet cafe.

Yes the cafe business is lucrative, very lucrative. And that’s another reason you should start it. But the hungry crowd waiting to be fed or the high demand for the services is something you should prioritize.

Now to the business of the day…

How to start a internet Cafe business [Cyber cafe]

Step 1: Work at an internet cafe [Get trained]

This is often neglected by a lot people.

You can’t be successful in any business if you don’t really know it’s secrets or how it works. Because not until you know how the cyber cafe business works, you’ll still be lagging behind.

However, I know you’ll be expecting my first point to be get a good location (which is also important). But sorry to disappoint you, you guessed wrong.

Now let’s say you intend to start a cafe business for someone else to manage it right now.
Who would you choose to help you manage the cyber cafe business? A computer literate with 1 year experience at an internet cafe or a computer literate with zero experience? Everyone will go for the former. Because there’s a chance of being successful working with an experienced employee.

Therefore since you can’t actually place your business in the hands of an inexperienced person to manage. why would you that is also inexperienced start it up yourself?
My dear, you don’t have two heads. Ignorance is not an excuse to failure.

My first advice on how to start a internet cafe is to spend a few months working at one. Just to get the much needed or required experience. Probably 3 to 6 months.

This is something I didn’t know that made me mismanaged my cyber cafe business. I was lucky enough to get it right overtime though. But some would never get it at all. That’s a fact.

To avoid hitting the rocks, get a decent amount of training.

They are many benefits of a good training, some of which are…

• It helps in getting the needed experience
• It help you manage the business well
• Familiarity with obstacles
• Trusted solutions to solve problems
• Familiarity with all the necessary services rendered in an internet cafe.

Some services rendered in an internet cafe you should know.

  • Photocopying
  • Spiral bindings
  • Laminating
  • Printing
  • Browsing
  • System upgrading
  • System formatting,
  • Software installation, typing etc.

Step 2: Rent a shop

Make sure you rent a shop very close to your potential customers.

Unlike when looking for a shop for a barbershop (barbing salon) business, your internet cafe shop exposure isn’t 100% important. (Am not saying you should get a shop in a hole like area please)

Just make sure you get a decent well spaced shop for your cyber cafe business.

Being sited at a place populated by higher institution or college students is one of the best things that can happen to your business in a country like Nigeria.

Because students do patronize internet cafe’s everyday. You will surely start making decent sales in due time.

One way to attract students to your cafe business shop in Nigeria is to make it obvious they (students) are free to come charge at your place. At their own risk but at no cost. This trick works like magic and it’s one freebie you can offer as a cyber cafe business owner. Another is nice ambiance with background music.

In no time, you’ll be attracting loads of individuals who will start patronizing you. You’ll wish there’s 28hrs a day because you’ll have a lot to do.

Things to consider while choosing a cyber cafe business location (shop)

  • Numbers and nature of internet cafes.

Make sure they are no or very few numbers of Internet café’s available in the area or neighbourhood you intend to get shop. (This is can be ignored for those sited or who want to get a shop in / around higher learning institutions)

  • Prices and speed

Consider the prices set by other cafe owners (competitors) in the neighborhood.

The prices should be same or yours should be lesser as you’re just starting out. Overall, make sure the prices are competitive.

  • Population.

Consider the population of individuals living in that area or neighbourhood before settling your cyber cafe business there.
The more populated an area or neighbourhood is, the more you’re likely to get hungry people wanting to be fed (more customers).

This is an advantage of being located around learning institutions in Nigeria. The population is there already.
You won’t have to worry over lack of customers. All you have to do is lure them to your cafe or make them notice you as you’re just starting out.

  • Profile of individuals living or working in the area.
    very important.

It’s advisable to settle or sited at a place with more low to middle income earners (individuals).

Not so rich as to be able to afford their own personal computers and internet connection, but not so poor as not to be able to afford the services. (This is another point that can be ignored for those sited or who want to get a shop in / around higher learning institutions)

Step 3: Get a business name.

A business name is that in which client or customers will use to recognize and distinguish your cyber cafe business from others. Your business name is literally what you’ll be called.

Choose a business name that is meaningful, simple and memorizable. Example: Unique cyber cafe.

Step 4: Register your business.

You need to be registered to peacefully run a cafe business.

To be registered, all you have to do is locate and contact your union. Businesses like the internet cafe doesn’t need a license in a country like Nigeria.

Ask around for the union and if not found, don’t worry. Just start your internet cafe business and as time goes on, the union will locate and register your business.

How to start a internet cafe [detailed guide]

Now you’re well trained (very experienced), your shop is place with your business registered.

The next step having solved or having worked on the above 3 tips is to set up your internet cafe.

Setting up your shop is inevitable. It’s something you must do.

HOW TO SET UP AN INTERNET CAFE

Step 5: Inspect your shop.

Make sure your shop is very intact or in good condition.
You can do this by checking for holes and leaking areas. And if found, make sure to have them blocked or fixed very well. Your ceiling or roof top shouldn’t leak to avoid rain entering your shop and damaging your computer and other equipments.

Step 6: Paint your shop

Satisfied with the condition of the shop? The next step is to paint it.

Painting is a way of beautifying.

Make sure you get the painting if your shop done using a very nice colour paint.
I’ll advise not to go for a plain white or black colour paint. You can always do better.

According to my boss, blue is always a good choice. If you’re confused and you’ve got the cash, you can get an interior decorator to do the job.

Step 7: Furnish your shop.

Your experience having worked at cafe comes in handy here. All you have to do is follow similar or better settings like that of the shop you gained your internet café experience.
Make sure you furnish your shop with required Furnitures (chairs, tables / desks) and all other necessary equipments.

Equipments needed to start a internet Cafe business.

  • Desktops
  • Wireless Internet connection or broadband
    Softwares
  • Furnitures (Shelves, Desk and Chairs)
    Air conditioners or Fans
  • Photocopy machine.
  • Laminating machine.
  • Entertainment gadgets (T.V, Radio, Decoder, Speakers) etc.
  • sign board / banner.

Recommendations in choosing desktop computers.

Without doubt, desktop computers are a must have to start a internet cafe.

First of, you need to go to a reliable store for your desktop computers. You can also take a very good computer engineer along to check and confirm the desktops. Just to be certain they are in good conditions.

Depending on your shop size and settings, 5-7 desktop computers isn’t bad for a start. All networked.
In choosing desktops always lookout for the speed (Ram), graphics and make sure it’s in good condition.

ABILITIES NEEDED TO START A INTERNET CAFE.

  • Good Computing knowledge and skills.

This is no news really. But still it’s worth mentioning.

To be able to start a cyber cafe business, you need to have a very high familiarity with computers. You should also add this among other things to consider before hiring a worker.

  • Able to install software and do routine maintenance and repair.

Customers will come for system upgrading, formatting, antivirus installation etc. The ability to carry out such tasks come in handy at that point in time. Because you will make money from it and it’s will keep you customers coming back.

Customers will always come back when satisfied with your services. If you don’t know how to perform those, you can simply check sources of hiring easily and fast to get someone who can do the job; while you focus on other things.

  • Ability to teach/train clients in basic computing and internet browsing.

This is one solid way of generating income running a cyber cafe.

There are loads of individuals out there who intend to have a very good computing knowledge. Guess what, they are also ready to pay real good for it.

Having the ability to train / teach clients, you can organize classes for them to come and learn and for a particular fee, depending on the course.

Arrange or schedule your classes based on clients preferred courses.

The price charged for programming in Nigeria is around #25,000 – #30,000, graphics design #15,000 – #20,000 and Java is #35,000 – #40,000 for 3 months.
Now let’s say you’re running courses for programming and graphic designs only for 10 customers or students.

Let’s do some math for programming.
(the price to learn programming) #30,000 x 10 (students) that’s #300,000. That’s the amount you will realize for taking just 10 students the programming course.

NOTE : prices for the various course mentioned above differs based on location. Make sure your prices are fair and very affordable. Offer discounts when necessary. Your prices should tally with that of your competitors.

  • Familiarity with internet search engines, computers and email.

The major point here is to be familiar with various search engines like google, bing, yahoo and others. Also various computer products like Dell, HP, Lenovo etc.
With this knowledge, you’ll be able to suggest to clients, the best to use to get the best result.

  • Book keeping and basic organizations.

This is all about having the ability to records of accounts before and when you start running your cyber cafe.

Keeping records will help you determine know your income.

It will enable you determine the amount to set aside for other necessary things like equipments maintenance etc.
That’s it on how to start a internet cafe ; based on ability needed.

Motivation and Determination

Motivation is having that eagerness and willingness to do something without needing to be told or forced to do it.

Determination is the ability to continue trying to achieve what you decide to do even when it’s difficult or stressful.
Personally, both motivation and determination work hand-in-hand.

It’s very important in any business. And the internet cafe isn’t an exemption.

Below are tips on motivation and determination you should have or work on.

  • Ability to operate long hours

Being motivated and determined is key  to operate or work long hours when running a cyber cafe business. At least 10-11hrs for 6-7 days a week.
Working 10-11hrs a day in this line of business is fair.

Depending on your location it could be more. When or if sited close to any higher institution, you can open by 7am and close by 8pm and still get complaints sometimes from customer you couldn’t attend to. Fact.

  • Problem solver

Earlier I gave some reasons why I decided to start a internet cafe business. Those are what I call problem solving reason. I noticed people wanted to access the internet, they find it difficult to do printing out and photocopy documents etc.

I wanted to solve those problems and I did; by opening my own cyber cafe business. Simply because I was motivated and determined. You should posses same eagerness to solve similar problems around you.

Others are…
• Having concern for efficiency
• Being innovative.

How to earn extra income running a internet cafe.

  • Provision of soft drinks and snacks for sale.
  • You can also put on display for sale computers, diskettes, CD-ROMs and other related products.

How to start a internet cafe [detailed guide]

Benefits of an internet cafe business.
• It’s very lucrative.
• Reduces unemployment rate.
• It can serve as an alternative source of income.
• Improves the development of the neighborhood or location of business

Challenge of a cyber cafe business
• Competition
• Lack of power supply.
• Long hours of work.
• Expenses: money spent on fuel, oil, transportation, generator and other equipments maintenance.
• Lack of customers at the introductory Stage.
• Inability to satisfy customers
• Lack of competent workers.

Final words…

As mentioned earlier, this is one ignored very lucrative business that if sited at the right location will generate massive income in little time. Do your research well and start it. Don’t forget to write down your business plan and take book keeping very seriously.

Help a friend by sharing this article.

Best of luck.

That is all on how to start a internet cafe popularly cyber cafe business in Nigeria from my end. Got questions? Ask them via the comment section.

How to Start a barbershop (barbing salon) in Nigeria: [Things you need to know]

How to Start a barbershop (barbing salon business) and make 340,000 monthly

Do you want to start a barbershop or start a barbing salon in Nigeria, USA, Ghana, and other countries either as your main or an alternative source of income? I want you to know you are in the right place.

Barbing salon or barbershop which is correct ?

Well, that’s not why you are here.

Possible keywords that brought you here.

  • How to start a barbing salon
  • How to Start a barbershop

In terms of the information provided on this article, the above keywords  are both the same. But in relation to which is correct? the term BARBERSHOP takes it all.

In Nigeria, many of us are guilty of using the wrong word(s) barbing salon.

Barbershop is simply the correct word.

Surprisingly, you might come across words like salon, barbing salon etc in this article. Because like I said earlier many of us are guilty as charged.

After reading all the information here, I am positive you will be able to start a barbershop as a business and start counting millions in just a short period of time anywhere in world. Be it Africa, Europe, Asia etc.

Note: If you want to start the barbing salon  business in a big way; or you want to start it with the intention of hiring someone to help you manage it because you are busy, that’s fine. But that means you’ll need to get or hire a few workers.  You should therefore know the way or methods ways or methods of recruitment . The sources of recruitment are ways you can get good employees easily and fast.

Don’t also fail on the factors to consider before employing an individual to work for you [considerations for recruitment ]. If you fail on this you’re likely to be sued for sure.

This business (start a barbershop) just like the internet cafe business, shoe making business and footb all viewing center business are very lucrative businesses you may want to consider going into. They are promising business options with good Return Of investment.

moving forward…

INTRODUCTION

As at the time am writing this post the cost a local barber charges per person for a haircut is #500 while Home Service is #5000 only in Nigeria.

Personally I visit the barbing salon at least once a week, making it four times a month. 500 x 4 =#2000. which means I spend #2000 monthly on haircut at least; it could be more because sometimes I tend to re shape or trim during the week which isn’t done for free. I know a few individuals who are just like me, spending at least #500 every week on haircut. let’s say a barber get just 20 or more customers to work on daily. #500 x 20 is 10,000. Now #10,000 daily x 7 days a week is #70,000.

Let’s say the barber gets just 3 Home Service jobs in a week. #5000 x 3 that’s 15000. Are You Seeing what am seeing? now let’s do some addition. (customers that came to the shop)#70,000 + #15,000 (Home Service) is #85,000, that’s the total money realised for the week.

Now 85,000 weekly x 4 weeks available in a month equals a whooping #340,000. Now multiply #340,000, the amount least expected monthly x 6 months (half a year). that should be #2040000.

Do you doubt the fact that this entrepreneurs are secret millionaires?

With your barbershop going well, you can achieve more than that in due time.

we’ve been talking a lot about barbing without knowing what it really means. Just so you barbing has a definition, which I will like to share.

DEFINITION / MEANING OF BARBING

What is barbing?

Barbing can be defined has an act of grooming, dressing, cutting, trimming shaping, tinting, dyeing, and shaving for the purpose of adding visual values to the hairy part of the head region. You’re welcome!.

Barbers motivation.
(Below are some of the reasons that motivated individuals to start barbershop (barbing salon) business in Nigeria).

I took the time to ask people/individuals into the barbing salon business on what really made them chose the business considering, or rather out of various other businesses out there.

Below are some of the responses I got…

  • The reason I chose this business was that; I have a lot of interest in it. Aside that, I love fashion a lot and having a good haircut is a blessing to one’s appearance. I actually started this business to help people people look good. Because no matter how well dressed up someone is, the appearance will be bad or not that pleasing to the eye with a bad haircut or a rough hair.

  • Aside the love I have for this business, barbing is kind of relaxing to me which made me had interest in it. Also, I am the type of person that dislikes hair disease like dandruff, ringworm etc. I noticed such diseases was rampant around me.

    I couldn’t think of another way of helping individuals with hair diseases out. so I had to start  barbershop because it’s one of the best ways to notice the issue and solve them.

  • Barbing is very lucrative and is very easy. I said it’s easy because barbing isn’t something that requires you applying lots of muscle or too much power. Barbing is a creative work and am the creative type. All that’s really needed is focus. And the ability to think and come out with different styles/ method of delivering the best.

There are so many other reasons that interested individuals into starting the barbing salon business. But; if from the three above you find a reason you should start a barbershop; then continue reading as I would like to share with you straight away; what you need to start this very lucrative business.

How to Start a barbershop (barbing salon) in Nigeria:[Everything you need to know]

Below are the most important things you need or must have to work on before you start a barbershop.

  • Education (optional)

Yes it’s optional which means it’s not compulsory you have it in Nigeria. You don’t really need to have a degree in barbing before pursuing a business career in it.

But allow me share you something important. If you’re a student reading this; perhaps in school with the aim to start a barbershop business one day, you should therefore take or consider the educational, educative, or educating (whichever is the word) aspect of this business seriously.

Note that you don’t have to change your future or current field of study (course) to do this. A lot of people won’t tell you this for reasons best known for them but I will do because your success means a lot to me.

While in school (college or university, polytechnic, college of education), you will have or be provided the opportunity to learn a study on a vocational skill and entrepreneurship study, in which a technical manual will be provided for purchase for those interested in the line of business.

If you are interested in beauty and fashion or you’ve made up your mind on going into the barbershop business, you could go for the barbing course or manual (handout) provided despite or amongst many other entrepreneurship skill program that will be organized by your institution.

Example of a technical manual

Barbershop technical manual.

The advantage of this is that the manual provided will give you a lot of insight on barbing which will be helpful during the course of your training.

You’ll agree with me that having a little knowledge on something prompt decent questions which will lead to good answers and mastering afterwards.

During your training to start a barbershop of your own, nobody or trainer or boss will automatically start telling you every single thing you need to know about barbing.

Things Like the human hair is classified into different bases; neither will be told the meaning or the definition of barbing.

During the course of my research, I got to interview about 10 different barbers basically on the right/correct definition of barbing and none of them could give me a good answer. I don’t think barbing has a definition or dose it? Said one of barbers I asked… And that’s one disadvantage of lack of education.

Once again, education or a degree for the barbing salon business is 80% not compulsory, it’s very optional. But if presented the opportunity to learn a thing or two about any skill of your choice; be it fashion designing, catering, car wash etc.
Why not go for it? after all it won’t hurt you or will it?.

Knowledge is power, remember that…

  • Learn the skill (Barbing)

This is arguably the most important success factor(s) to start a barbershop. This aspect will in no doubt determine your success or failure running a barbing salon business in the nearest future.

You need to learn how to give a very good haircut.

Based on research, the appropriate length of months suggested to perfect your barbing skill is 12 months. However, some individuals tend to spend 6 months learning how to deliver a good haircut. It all depends on your level of understanding, how quickly you can get to know important things or everything related to barbing.

Make sure you do your personal research on where to acquire your barbing skill as it is very important. An apple doesn’t fall far from the tree they say; which in this case means if you get your training from a very good barber, you stand the chance to be good yourself and vice versa.

It’s advisable you get your training from someone who has relatively high patronage with – years of experience .

Learning from a trainer with lots of customers is very important because there will be no time for play and most importantly you will stand the chance to learn and deliver different hair styles. Customers are different. Not all individuals will come for the same hair style throughout your barbing career.

Learn the various trendy haircut styles to keep your customers satisfied and coming back.

Hair styles
  • Management skill

Management too is important to start a barbershop business. That’s why its Third on my list.

During your course of training you should also learn or copy the management techniques adopted by your boss to grow his barbing salon to such high level.

For your barbing salon or barbershop to be a success on the long run, you need to prioritize satisfying customers.

Aside that, the way you manage salon affairs which involves planning, organizing, staffing, controlling etc plays key roles in its success, not forgetting cash flow management .

Focus is key during training. When you are focused during training, you tend to know every techniques needed to be known to run a business.

Note: Nobody is perfect, and your boss isn’t exempted. There must be things your boss isn’t doing right or you felt could’ve been done in a different way during the course of your training which you noticed. Make sure you note it and work hard on them when you start a barbershop of your own.

For example, maybe your boss gives no room for suggestions or opinions; how do you work on this? Be open to opinions and suggestions but be careful as well the ones you implement.

Get a good location / rent a shop.

A good location is very important to start a barbershop.

Your location is basically the place where your salon business will be located or sited. It’s otherwise known as the place where your shop/space will be sited so that customers can reach you for your services.

During the course of searching for a barbing salon shop at a good spot to rent, have in mind the exposure of the shop . Let’s say you found a shop at a complex or a mall and you are ready to be sited there. Considering, analysing or looking at the structure of complex or mall, make sure the shop is at the outer part of the complex not on the inside ( that is a shop in the complex that is more or very expose ). The essence of this is for people to quickly and easily notice and locate you.

Furthermore, it’s advisable you get a shop that is very spacious both on the inside and on the outside.

The benefit of this is that, your customers will have the chance to park their cars, bikes etc, enter into the shop and can also wait on another customer that is being worked on comfortably without any issue. Why? Because you’ve made life easy for them by being located at a spacious place both internally and externally.

Lastly, when you start a barbershop of your own, make sure you are not located at a place boosting of a high crime rate. Customers value life and prosperity.

  • Choose a name

Brainstorm on a perfect name for your barbershop.

Getting a good name for your barbing salon  business is very important. A good business name helps you spread like wide fire in little or no time. A business name is what represents your business or the tag of your business.

You should consider the following when choosing a business name.

  • Simple and memorizable

Your business name should be very simple and easy to understand for everyone.

  • Meaningful

It should be that of when heard, speaks or passes a lot of information about what you do without mentioning what you’re into. Example Best touch barbing salon.

How to get a good business name

Recommended: You can consider what you are popularly know as or called as your business name.

It could be your last name, first name, or even your Nick name.

You can also reach out to a professional to help you out with a business name for a particular fee. The secondary thing you need to do is provide the person details of your business.

Lastly, you can try the online business name generators for a good business  name.

Benefits of a good business name

  1. When you’ve got a simple, meaningful and understandable business name, it helps individuals refer their friends or colleagues to you without much difficulty.
  2. It also helps in locating you easily.
  • Get your license.

A barbering license is a must to  acknowledge a professional barber.

You need one too for proper identification.

Requirements to obtain license differs based on your barbershop or barbing salon business location. Know your current location requirements and make sure you fit in before you apply. Acquiring a license isn’t free though, it requires some cash.

  • Get a good business plan.

You can actually settled down and write a good business plan yourself. You business plan should contain all of the above mentioned points and more.

HOW TO SET UP A BARBERSHOP (BARBING SALON)

  1. Paint your shop.

Now you have your barbing salon shop already at your desired location, the next thing to do to set up is paint it. Actually the colour of paint to use is left for you to decide but it’s advisable you don’t paint the shop plain white. It’s too common, you can do better than that.

Painting your shop helps in beautifying it and therefore needs a bit of creativity or a professional touch to make it look absolutely wonderful. You can get a good decorator to help you out with this in other to get the best possible result if you have the cash.

2. Furnish your shop
To furnish – is to make sure all the necessary furniture’s like shelves, chairs and other necessary equipments are available in your shop. Make sure to properly arrange or place necessary equipments not to the detriment of other needed spaces.

Having served as a trainee at a top notch barbing salon, you should be able to furnish and arrange your salon similarly or better with possible adjustment where necessary; based on your experience.

Lastly, Make sure you have a printed list of prices you charge for a haircut and other related services; based on the sex of the individual, Age, style etc.

Post the price list boldly on the wall where customers can easily see.

EQUIPMENTS NEEDED TO Start a barbershop (barbing salon)

BARBING SALON EQUIPMENTS

(Below are some of the necessary equipments and their uses needed in a barbing salon)

  • Clipper

(A machine used to shave, shape, trim or cut hairs into different styles).

You must have tried different clippers during your training to enable you know the very best to go for. example; Phillips etc.

  • Mirror (a glass use to see one’s self)

The mirrors should be of very decent size and of high quality. The mirrors are to be  positioned well for customers to be able to have a clear view of the side and back of the head. This positioning enables customers suggest possible adjustment /make suggestions on the outcome of their preferred hair style.

  • Sterilizers

Your salon shouldn’t be a place where diseases such as dandruff, barber itch, ringworm etc are passed from one customer to another. To make sure it’s not, you do need to get sterilizers and make your barbing instruments (clippers, blades etc) and environment germs free.

  • Chairs / benches (used for sitting)

Its no news you’ll need chairs for your customers to sit while you work on them. You should also get a few benches or chairs (which ever you desire) for other customers who will need something to sit on while awaiting your service.

  • Carpet /tiles

You’ll need to get carpets or tiles depending on your financial capability to cover the floor of your barbing salon shop. You might or may be lucky enough to meet tiles in good condition there sometimes, having been left by the former occupant(s) of the shop or by the owners.

  • Signboard/banner

Before you actually start a barbershop , make sure you get a good signboard or banner. Because it’s a means of advert.

It helps individuals (passers by) know a barbing salon is around that area.

Your signboard should contain information or details on how customers can locate and contact you.

It should entail the following details at the very least

* Business name (boldly written)
* Shop or location address (The address should include the street name of your barbershop and the shop number)

* Contact number /Tel number (It should be your primary phone number aka hotline)

* Motto (Can be a sentence or phrase with meaning in relation to salon business)

* You can also ask for a photo of someone having a haircut / someone with a decent haircut to be included.

Example:

Yours should be better.

Facial Powders

We all know the basic home use of powders.

But in a barbershop, powders can play a little more important roles in shaping. clippers are used for shaping, no doubt. But powders can be used to trace or draw the style needed by the customer before applying the use of a clipper to avoid mistakes.

The white traces on face of the customer in the image above are powders.

Other equipments are needed in a barbing salon:-

Chairs, towel warmer, Basins, aprons, Entertainment gadgets (television etc), standby generator, Fans and or Air conditioners, Barbing wallpapers etc

COST NEEDED TO START A BARBERSHOP BUSINESS.

The cost of starting the barbing salon  business in Nigeria actually depends on things like shop rent and how you intend to start up.
In terms of shot rent/location… The prices varies based on the location or area of the shop which will determine it exposure. The more exposed a shop or location is the more it’s likely to cost.

You can’t get a shop in Ibadan at a particular price and expect to get a shop in Lagos for the same price. The one at Lagos is likely to cost more.

In terms of Start up… Do you want to start your salon business in a big way or in a small way? Whatever you answer is, the cost of starting the business won’t be the same.

However to startup a medium size barbershop business in Nigeria should cost around #350,000 which could include a shop rent for a year.

HOW TO MAKE EXTRA INCOME WHEN YOU START A BARBERSHOP.
  • You can engage in a pedicure and manicure services for interested customers.
  • Sell recommend hair treatment creams, clippers, brush, dyes etc.
  • Apply hair dyes for interested customers.

BENEFITS OF A BARBING SALON BUSINESS

It’s easy to do.

It’s profitable.

It reduces unemployment.

It can serve as an alternative source of income.

CHALLENGES OF A BARBING SALON BUSINESS

* Lack of finance to start up.

You can always contact your family members  for start up capital or the bank for loans to get the business up and running; but in most cases, it’s not always easy to gather the needed capital. And this is due to the fact that all fingers are not equal.

* inability to satisfy customers.

No one is above mistakes. And no matter what you do or how good you are, not all customers will leave your shop 100% satisfied with your service.

* Lack of power supply.

* competition

Every business has a competition and the barbershop business  appears to also be a competitive one. However, that doesn’t you can’t make 6 figures monthly, just make sure you are very good at what you do and make use of various strategies to promote your business.

* Long-term business growth

The barbershop business takes time to fully take off and that signifies the need for patience. You can’t possibly start getting around 40 – 50 customers daily as you’re just starting out. This is because some people are the laggard type In the consumer adoption process. And this type individuals (laggards) tend to depend on reviews before trying a new product or service.

* Expenses (monthly or weekly)

These are money you need to pay perhaps for tax or to sharpen your clippers and the likes. Other include money spent on oil, powders, fuel, dry cleaning, transportation fare, spray, clipper maintenance, generator servicing, salaries and wages etc.

* lack of  good, reliable, and competent workers.

The only person that can take very good care of your business is you. Getting someone else that’s ready to treat your business is getting more difficult in the 21st century. This is because most employees care more about their bonuses, salaries or wages.

For example; Money spent on oil, powders, fuel, dry cleaning, transportation fare, spray, clipper maintenance, generator servicing, salaries and wages etc

I hope you got all the necessary information needed on how to start a barbershop reading this article. Got questions? Ask them via the comment section this blog.

Note:Good barbing skill and location are key success factors to start a barbing salon business. Make you search for a good location and do the needful to start and succeed. Good luck.