How to Start a Motorcycle Spare Parts Business in Kenya
Due to the flexibility of motorcycle (boda boda) transport, Kenyans opt to use motorcycles for short errands. This has led to an increase in the number of boda bodas in the country. Consequently, these motorbikes need constant servicing and repair, hence the need for spare parts in most parts of the country. Venturing into motorcycle spare parts business is a great idea to fill the market gap. This is what you need to start a motorcycle spare parts business in Kenya.
Identify a Gap in the Market
It is essential first to identify a market gap before launching motorcycle spare parts business. Proper market analysis will help you identify your potential customers and how best you can help satisfy their needs. It will also help you analyze the level of competition and identify marketing strategies to employ to win the competition.
Write a Motorcycle Spare Parts Business Plan
A business plan is important to guide you through your business's growth. Motorcycle spare parts business plan should contain an overview of startup capital, revenue projections, licenses, market segmentation, and motorcycle spare parts in demand. It should also include business location, suppliers, pricing, expected profits, operational plans and market competition.
Read more: How to write a business plan.
Identify the Motorcycle Models
Once you have identified a market gap, you need to know the common motorcycle models. This is important because spare parts are tied to motorbike models and customers will come asking for spare parts specific to their motorcycle brands.
To serve your customers well, you need to know various boda boda models. Although some spare parts can work across all models (such as rims, tires and side mirrors) others are specific to certain models. Examples of motorcycle models include;
- Boxer Bajaj
- Jingchen
- TVS
- Hero
- Ranger
- Lion
- Star
Read more: How to start a tuk tuk business in Kenya.
Identify Motorcycle Spare Parts Suppliers
Proper market research will help you identify genuine and reliable motorbike spare parts suppliers. Get suppliers selling spare parts at wholesale prices. To identify genuine suppliers, ask people already in the business. Examples of popular motorcycle spare parts dealers in Kenya are;
- Shineray Motorcycle Co Ltd Dunga Rd, Nairobi
- Maxali Kenya Lamu Road, Malindi
- Royal Motor Dealer Ngara, Desai Road, Nairobi
- MotoADV Kenya Modern Reliance Industries GoDown, Mombasa Road, Nairobi
- Lifan Kenya Bamburi Road, Industrial Area, Nairobi
Wholesale Motorcycle Parts Distributors in Kenya
The following are some motorcycle spare parts distributors in Kenya.
- Honda Motorcycle Kenya
- Mark Holdings Limited
- Car and General Ltd
- Sohansons Limited
Related: Best bodaboda loans in Kenya.
Cost of Starting a Motorcycle Spare Parts Business in Kenya
The startup capital for a motorcycle spare parts business depends on business's size, the types of spare parts you want to sell, and business location. You can start a small motorbike spare parts business with Ksh 300,000 startup capital. You will need over Ksh 1 million to start a large business.
- Spare parts and accessories - Ksh 200,000
- Business branding - Ksh 10,000
- Rental costs - Ksh 15,000
- Business Licenses - Ksh 5,000
- Marketing - Ksh 5,000
Find a Suitable Business Location
It is best to set up your motorcycle spare parts business in a location where the boda boda business is popular. This can be either in the outskirts of major towns or in the heart of major towns. Additionally, your ideal business location should be near motorcycle garages and repair bases.
Once you have identified an excellent location, you need to rent business premises. It will depend on your business' size and location. A spacious room will cost around Ksh 10,000 every month.
Also read: How to start car repair business.
Brand your Motorcycle Spare Parts Business Premises
When you rent a business room, you will need to renovate to meet your needs. You need to install furniture like shelves and counters. It is best to brand your motorcycle spare parts shop. Tell people what your business is about through your branding. Branding and renovation may cost around Ksh 10,000.
Stock Fast Moving Motorcycle Spare Parts in Kenya
With proper market analysis, you can know some of the most popular motorbike models operating around your business premises. This will help you get the necessary stock for your business.
List of Motorcycle Spare Parts and Accessories in Kenya
It is important to stock various spare parts of different motorbike models. Go for spare parts that sell fast and are in demand. Go for quality and original spare parts. The basic motorcycle spare parts include:
- Tubes
- Brake pedals
- Brake rods
- Bulb holders
- Ball races
- Brake springs
- Acceleration pipes
- Batteries
- Side Mirrors
- Spark Plugs
- Tyres
- Gaskets
- Fuses
- Lights
- Return Springs
- Head Cases
- Rims
- Side mirrors
- Side Mirror Holder
Get Business Licenses and Permits
The Kenyan business law requires that all businesses get licenses and permits before they can start operating. You will need a single business permit which you can get from County Government offices. A single business permit for a motorcycle spare parts business goes for Ksh 5,000.
Read also: Motorcycle business ideas in Kenya.
Market your Motorcycle Spare Parts Business
When you meet the legal requirements, you can now launch your motorcycle spare parts business. You will need to drive sales by marketing your business.
You can use posters, brochures, pamphlets, and fliers. Social media marketing can help you reach many people. Use your convenient marketing strategy. Always remember that the best way to market a business is through exceptional customer service. Satisfied customers will refer other customers to your business.
Is the Motorcycle Spare Parts Business Profitable in Kenya?
Yes. If you are consistent with the types of spare parts you sell, a small shop with a steady flow of customers can give you between Ksh 5,000 and Ksh 7,000 per day. Consistency is essential in this business.
