Crocs have gained widespread popularity across the country, known for their affordability and exceptional comfort, making them a staple in many households.
Catherine Njeri, a crocs seller with two years of experience, ventured into this business with a clear goal: to provide affordable, non-perishable products that required minimal startup capital and would not stretch her customers’ budgets.
She sources her crocs from the Kamukunji Trading Center, where she buys at wholesale prices and retails them in her shop. Catherine has structured her prices based on different sizes, ensuring that her rates are competitive and accessible.
The profit margins in the crocs business are attractive, with potential turnovers exceeding 100%. For instance, Catherine can buy a pair of crocs for Ksh.95 and sell it for between Ksh.150 and Ksh.200, which results in a substantial profit.
To stay ahead in the crocs business, Catherine focuses on offering lower prices than her competitors. By doing so, she is able to attract more customers and boost her sales volume.
She also recommends combining the crocs business with other ventures, such as a cosmetics shop, to generate additional income. The small size of crocs makes them easy to display in a shop, either in a laundry basket or outside when the weather is favorable. Regular cleaning is key to maintaining their visual appeal.
For better visibility, Catherine suggests using a laundry basket or displaying the crocs outside her shop to draw in potential buyers. Alternatively, creating a handmade display can be a creative way to showcase the products. She also advises attaching price tags to each pair to streamline the buying process and make it easier for customers to make quick decisions.
For those unable to manage the business full-time, Catherine suggests hiring a salesperson and offering them a commission. This allows for continuous sales while maintaining a hands-off approach. However, she stresses the importance of clear communication and keeping track of daily sales. Salespeople can send daily reports, allowing for remote monitoring.
For orders outside Nairobi, Catherine charges extra for delivery and requires a minimum order of 50 pairs. This helps to cover the delivery costs and ensures a profitable transaction.
According to Catherine, the crocs business has the potential to generate daily profits ranging between Ksh.1,000 and Ksh.2,000. With a starting capital of Ksh.4,000 to Ksh.4,500, one can stock over 20 pairs of crocs and embark on this profitable business opportunity.
