How to Start a Cosmetics Business in Kenya

The cosmetics business in Kenya is a profitable venture you can start. With the increased demand for beauty products, you can make huge profits. It is because of high demand for beauty products since many people want to use products that provide care to their skin, hair and health. Besides, people want to look good and smart, making the beauty shop business a profitable venture. This is how you can start a cosmetics business in Kenya.

Tips on How to Start a Beauty Shop in Kenya

Starting a cosmetic shop in Kenya requires you to have a few tips that will set your cosmetics business apart from that of your competitors. For instance, you need to know what to stock in a cosmetic shop in Kenya. This is what you need:

Write a Cosmetics Business Plan

The first step when starting any business is writing a business plan. A good cosmetic shop business plan for cosmetics business should have:

Startup costs
List of cosmetic items for shop
Business location
Strengths and weaknesses
Risks, and ways to mitigate those risks

If you don't know how to write a business plan, you can hire a professional to write one on your behalf.

Understand How Cosmetics Business Works

To succeed in any business, you need to know how it works and how you can win the competition. You can start by researching online and talking to people buying beauty products. Understand what potential customers want and the figure out how best you can deliver.

Also, talk to those in those in the business, find out what they are selling and at what price. Also, you need to understand things like how to arrange a cosmetic shop and also understand the market gap. Then find ways you can address the challenges in the cosmetics industry. You can succeed in the cosmetics business if you know the tricks and risks involved. It becomes easy to navigate your way and grow your business.

Also read: How to start a cyber cafe business in Kenya.

Find a Suitable Cosmetics Business Location

Its location determines the success of any business. It is best to get a stall where you can display beauty products and has a high influx of people. Get a storefront where there is high foot traffic. You can also start your business inside a mall, plaza, or in a kiosk. Look what works best for you and ensure that your option is within your budget.

Essentially, look for a visible place from the street, has a parking area, easy to access, and has high on foot traffic.

Decide on Cosmetics Products to Sell

You need to figure out what to stock in a cosmetic shop in Kenya. It depends on your business model, what your passion is and what you are good at. Find out what is not in the market that you can offer. It will make your makeup business unique and customers will be willing to try your products.

Among the fast moving beauty products in Kenya include mirrors, makeup products, eyeliners, manicure and pedicure products. Also, have various hair products like weaves and different hair brands, perfumes, skincare products and facial products. Besides, there are products for men like beard and mustache products.

What to Stock in a Cosmetic Shop

The following are items to sell in a cosmetic shop in Kenya.

Make up products. You can stock products like nail polish, concealer, eye shadow, eye primer, mascara, eye liner, eyebrows, lip gloss, lipstick and brushes.
Hair care products. There is a wide variety of hair products you can stock like weaves, hair extensions, shampoo, conditioners, hair cream, spray gel, braids, hair relaxers and hair sprays.
Skin care products. You also need to stock skin care products like body toning, moisturizer, body lotion, age defying and exfoliation.
Toiletry. You can stock toiletry products like soap, toilet paper, deodorant, toilet soap, bar soap, and toothpaste and body perfume.

Find Cheap Cosmetics Suppliers

Every business looks for ways to minimize operational costs and maximize on profits. As such, you need to place to source your stock. Look for cheap suppliers for your products.

Where to Buy Cosmetics in Wholesale Nairobi

You can find cosmetic supplies in wholesale in Nairobi's downtown at lower prices. You will find many cheaper cosmetics wholesalers in Nairobi along Dubois Road, Munyu Road and River Road.

Hire The Right Team

You need to hire staff that is knowledgeable about beauty products. They need to know how to use most of the products, their downsides and upsides. It is because customers can ask questions related to products they have never used. Also, hire staff that believes in your business' goals and have the best interest of your customers. With the right team, it is easy to grow your cosmetics business.

Advertise Your Cosmetics Business

You need customers to make a profit from your cosmetics business. As such, you need to tell people that you are selling beauty products. There are several marketing strategies you can adopt. Among them, use of flyers, posters and customer referrals. You can also provide passersby with coupons and samples.

Also, you need to have a social media presence. It is probably the cheapest way to promote your business and reach more people. Tell people about beauty products you are selling why they should buy them.

How Much Do I Need to Start a Cosmetic Shop in Kenya?

The cost of starting a cosmetic shop in Kenya ranges between Ksh 100,000 to 500,000. The price depends on the size and location of your business. The following are the requirements for starting a cosmetic business in Kenya and their respective prices.

Beauty products inventory - Ksh 100,000
Furniture - Ksh 20,000
Rent and upfront rent - Ksh 30,000
Electricity expenses - Ksh 1,000
Salary for staff - Ksh 10,000
A computer and printer - Ksh 25,000
Advertising - Ksh 5,000
Licenses and permits - ksh 20,000

Is Cosmetic Business Profitable in Kenya?

Yes. The profits you can generate from your beauty business depends on the size of your business and its location. If you are aggressive enough, you can make between Ksh 3,000 and 5,000 in a day. On average, the profit margin is usually 40%. It implies that in a month, you can earn at least Ksh 50,000 in profit.

Summary of How to Start a Cosmetics Business in Kenya

Starting a beauty shop in Kenya is easy. The success of any business depends on the number of customers and advertising. If you can get a good place, it will give you value for your money. Also, focus on customer satisfaction and continually improve your services. With that, I hope you can now easily start a beauty shop business in Kenya.