Buying mtumba bales at Gikomba Market can be a great way to start a profitable business, but as a newbie, you need to be sharp to avoid being conned. Gikomba is a bustling hub for second-hand clothes in Nairobi, and while it offers great opportunities, it’s also a place where you can easily lose money if you’re not careful. Starting Leo, I will share a detailed guide on what you need to know to navigate Gikomba like a pro and avoid kucheza.
1. Understand the Market Dynamics na Lugha ya Gikomba
Gikomba has its own vibe and language. Sellers use specific terms to describe bales, and if you don’t know them, you might end up with the wrong stock. Here are key terms to master:
- Crème/Camera: These are top-quality, almost-new clothes that look like they just came from a store. They’re the most expensive and make up 10-30% of a bale.
- Grade A: High-quality, lightly used clothes, often with popular brands like Tommy Hilfiger or Ralph Lauren. These are great for retail.
- Grade B: More worn items, sometimes with minor defects. Cheaper, but still sellable to hawkers or low-income markets.
- Fagia: Low-quality items, often damaged or heavily worn. These are the pieces you want to avoid unless you’re targeting a very low-budget market.
- Kukula Camera: This means handpicking the best pieces from a bale, usually done by experienced traders who pay in advance to get first dibs.
Tip: Ask suppliers to clarify these terms before you buy. For example, if they say “camera bale,” confirm if it’s truly high-quality or just a marketing trick. Usikubali kupigwa story za jaba.
