15/04/2024
Yonela, from Delft, has some great tips for growing your trading business.
"I have been trading for a while now, buying and selling for a living. Before, I was a housewife, not doing any work for payment. Through unfortunate circumstances, I was left with nothing. I had only R500 and I needed to take care of myself. Trading helped me. I heard about The Clothing Bank and recently joined – I am learning more and more about buying and selling now."
**Here are my tips for other traders**
-Buy local and save money on couriers (be careful when you order stock from someone in another part of the country – you must know you can trust them or they run away with your money).
-Separate your personal money from your business money. Never use business money for personal expenses because your business will die.
-Plan ahead. I have a weekly plan and stock up before the weekend when I sell at a market. During the week I sell from home
-Keep track of all your stock, what’s sold, and what’s left
-Only buy needs, not wants, for yourself.
-I pay myself once a month and ensure my business still has enough money for stock
-Use WhatsApp broadcast messages and Facebook Marketplace to promote and sell your items.
-I offer a delivery service (I charge for deliveries when I have transport costs)