Due to the heavy reliance by Kenyans on motorbike taxis for transport to short destinations, there has been a tremendous increase in business opportunities for motor cycle dealers.
In the same length, there is a lot of market for motor cycle spares, especially since these cute machines are today located almost everywhere, in towns and in the suburbs alike.
If you are already in the business of motorcycle spare parts, you are probably enjoying and loving it all. However, for those who might be thinking of set up one – how can you get started and what is it all about this business in Kenya. Well, here are a few tips you can use to establish the venture.
Know the Bike Models / Your Target Market
It is highly recommended you start with a research. Your research should give you an answer to what exactly types of spares to offer to your Kenyan motorbike riders, motorcycle repair service providers and other clients.
Some of the most common Motorbike brands in Kenya include TVS, Boxer Bajaj, Ranger, Lion, Jingchen, hero, and star. Most of these are China manufactured and hence may share some of the parts such as tires, rims, headlights, side mirrors and the like.
Determine Where to Get Spares
There are various companies where you can get motorbike spares at wholesale prices, if you are setting up shop as a retailer. A good example is Car and General Ltd located some miles away from the city center in Nairobi. Alternatively, there are various business individuals and trading companies located in Nairobi’s industrial area, who import motorcycle spares directly from Asia and other countries where they are manufactured.
Do your research well so that you do not end up dealing with counterfeit products. It is better to work with highly reputable companies who’ve been certified and approved to conduct genuine business.
Starting the Business
Each and every business you begin demands a strategy look and planning; if at all success is your bottom line. The currently booming motorcycle spare business is no different. Depending on the amount of capital you have and based on your research about the competition, you can either decide to start small or start big altogether.
However, the most important thing is first to consider the location where you want to set up your shop. Some important questions to ask yourself would be;
– How much does the neighborhood rely on motorbike taxis for transport?
– Are the motorbike service garages in the surrounding areas sufficient?
– How is the terrain of the area?
These are some of the pointers that will help you evaluate the demand of the spares and make you decide if a particular area is suitable for this kind of business. In addition, remember to put into consideration the nearness of other shop selling motorcycle spares from where you want to set up your business.
Tips for Operating The Motorcycle Spare Business
Assuming that you’ve determined the bike brands common in your prospective market area, you have identified a source, and perhaps set up shop already. Here are a few more tips to make sure you get the best of your business;
Be strategic in your stocking. Instead of stocking the same number of different spare items, make those that move faster a priority in your stocking. For instance, tubes, lights, brake pads and side mirrors tend to move a lot faster than other spare parts.
The key thing here is to strategize in a way that you can make money fast within the shortest time. Identifying the fast moving items should be done within the first few weeks or a month of setting up your shop. If you can, advertise your business online on social media, influential blogs, and have your own website where customers can be able to see what you are offering.
If you are able to do all this, its only a matter of a few months before you can start making real money from motorcycle spare business in Kenya.
