Madam Sarah James who hails from Anambra state is a thriving provision store business owner in Suleja, a community in Niger state, but very close to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), says provision business is unarguably a profitable one, though many people see it as a business for lazy people. ADEOLA TUKURU reports.
Over the years, people believe that selling of provisions such as tea, milk ,sugar, among others are mainly a business for lazy people . Madam Sarah, a thriving provision dealer can attest to the fact that it is not as people think as she recounts her gains.
Provision business is unarguably a profitable business, as many people who patronize them are either buying one thing or the other. More so, it also provides an avenue for meeting friends, establishing contacts, getting information and sealing business deals.
Aside her selling of provisions , the mother of Four, also sells snacks ,drinks ,recharge cards ,which she also uses to assist her family on daily basis.
When Business Starter visited her shop recently, Madam Sarah was at her very best; taking orders from her numerous customers, who demanded either for one thing or the other as her children were lending a helping hand where necessary.
How she started
According to her, She came to Abuja in 2002 after she finished her Secondary education in Lagos state on invitation from her elder sister .
While she was staying with her sister who also was into the provisions, she also got married in Abuja and her husband established her to complement his income whenever there was a slack in his place of work place.
She said she doesn’t depend on her husband for everything and buys whatever she needs for myself, children and as she also sends money to her siblings
“I undertake contract to provide toiletries in schools and at times some private homes. I ensure I meet up with the demands but I prefer to buy the materials myself to prevent buying fake products. If a client complains to me, I take my time to trace the fault and recommend a return of provision,” she said.
Challenges in the business
It is said that every business has its own peculiar challenge militating against its progress, so Madam Chika says hers is not an exception, especially as she has to combine with other wares.
According to her, if not for the helping hand from her husband ,she wouldn’t have managed to get by.
“Electricity is a challenge too, as we use a generator to operate, because of the power supply situation. Challenge of the power supply is not steady to chill drinks.
“There is also the challenge of not having enough money to buy as much wares as I would like. As a result, I run out of wares quickly. Some customers don’t patronize me, because they now believe that I don’t have a particular products, even when I have it.
“I also spend a lot of money on light bills and fuel. Just last month, I was given a bill of 10,000 for a light I didn’t use, because of epileptic power supply”.
Future ambition
Madam Sarah believes that human beings can attain any level they desire in society, if only they believe in their capabilities.
She says that she is very good at her business and hopes to get contracts from government, top businessmen and politicians, because she can handle just about anything thrown at her.
“Last month, I delievered over N100,000 toiletries in an hotel and just two weeks ago another school called me to supply them with provisions and toiletries.
“I Ihope to get connections to work for Ministers and anyone that has a structure and requires my services.
“No matter the time of the day or night, I am ready to answer to any delivery . I am really good at what I do. Hopefully, I will buy a land and own a house with this business.
Advise to the women
She advised women not to despise the day of small thing for you shall rejoice (Zec 4:10) adding that she started her business with just N5,000.
She further urged to them start something to take care of their children and their families no matter how little rather than wait for white collar job or depend on their husbands .
In her words “Identify a problem provide solution, then your success is guaranteed”
How to start a provision business
A provision store is a retail outlet where goods such as food items and other consumer goods are sold. It is one of the lucrative businesses you can engage in out there and make you some money. It involves the game of buying in bulk, that is at wholesale and sell at a retail price which is a bit higher compared to the wholesale price you bought the goods at.
What you need to start a successful provision store business is just a good location and customer relation and you will be successful. Follow the easy steps below to start your provision store here in Nigeria.
1. Do your research and plan
Research is very important in starting this business. You need to know how competitive it is to start this super-market business. You can’t open a provision store in an area where a lot of them exist except of course if you have your own unique way to attract customers. You also need to research and decide the goods you will sell and their wholesale price and associated retail price so you will know if you are ok with the profit margin.
After that, decide on how big you need your shop to be and the amount you will need. After all these and other research you have done, write out your business plan.
2. Getting the shop and equipment
The next step is getting a store. It should be in a populated area where you know people are interested in the goods you are interested in selling. After getting the store, get a carpenter to construct shelves, tables and chairs you will need. Made sure he uses a good wood to save you the problem of replacement.
3. Buying your goods
The success of your business depends on how much you buy your goods. You have to research well on the goods that will help make profit for the store and locate the market where you can get these goods as a relatively cheap price. Needless to say, you are buying in wholesale and not at a retail price and as such, you are assured of a profit if you had done your research well.
