Bookshop business in Kenya flourishes well in towns and near education institutions. In this article, I will walk you through the steps that need to be taken to launch a successful bookshop business in Kenya.
There will always be a demand for stationery materials like textbooks, pens, and exercise books in Kenya. This proves that the bookshop business will remain valuable in the future.
Different educational institutions cater to students of varying ages, which has resulted in the emergence of a lucrative market for bookstores. Bookstores in Kenya facilitate education by disseminating reading materials.
To ensure that you have the appropriate learning resources in stock, you must first determine who your ideal customers are. Focusing on elementary schools means carrying reading material suitable for that age group.
Here is how to start a bookshop business in Kenya.
Starting a bookshop business in Kenya
1. Know your target market
Bookshop businesses have different categories of stationary for various age groups. Determining who it is you want to sell to is essential. Customers may range from pre-schoolers to high school seniors or even college students. Stocking books relevant to your target clients requires knowing who your customers are.
2. Business Location
Identify a suitable business location for your bookshop. The bookshop should be easily accessible and visible to everyone. Learn about the market and the competition in the areas. Setting up your bookshop business near learning institutions and in an area with less competition is advisable.
3. Get licenses and permits
The first step is registering your business name through the eCitizen portal. After registering, you will need the following licenses and permits.
- A Single Business Permit – Ksh 5,000.
- A Fire Clearance Certificate
4. Find reliable suppliers
You’ll need to track down some necessary supplies for your bookstore to run well. Book publishers and writers fall into this category. To purchase from publishers in Kenya, you must be a member of the Kenya Booksellers and Stationers Association.