03/07/2026
One mistake that can make a beginner give up on the mitumba business is opening their very first bale in an open-air market.
First of all, we all know how much some Kenyans fear competition. Unfortunately—not everyone, but some people—will deliberately discourage you the moment they realize you're new.
They'll tell you:
"Hiyo si Grade 1."
"Umegongwa."
"Hizo labda uuze 20 bob."
All this while they're busy calling their own customers to come buy from them.
Before you know it, your confidence is gone. You feel like crying because, in your heart, you start believing your bale is terrible. Your mindset changes immediately. You become frustrated, lose the energy to sell, and the first person you call is your supplier, complaining that they sold you a bad bale.
Yet if someone asked you exactly what's wrong with it, you probably wouldn't even know. You'll simply say, "Nguo sio camera," because that's what people at the market told you. You might even conclude it's not Grade 1 without understanding why.
Another common scenario involves the resellers—the famous "kunyaka" buyers.
These people are professionals. They've been in the business for years, know exactly what sells, already have customers waiting, and understand their pricing. Naturally, the cheaper they buy from you, the bigger their profit.
Trust me, they can spot a beginner from a mile away. Hata uvae gumboots na ufunge kitambaa kwa kichwa, they'll still know.
They'll approach you as a group, making you feel lucky:
"Leo umeangukia clients wa camera."
Then after opening the bale, the story changes.
"Imetoa vibaya."
"Hatupati kitu."
"Labda utufagilie na 30 bob."
If you fall into that trap, they'll buy the best pieces cheaply, go wash or iron them, and sell them at a healthy profit.
Of course, not everyone does this—but the majority know exactly how to negotiate with beginners.
Open-air markets require a strong heart and confidence. You must learn to trust your own judgment.
Another thing beginners should know is that there are some bales which, if you start with them, can make you hate the mitumba business completely.
Take cotton materials, for example. They crease like nobody's business. 🤣🤣
You open the bale and the clothes look like they were chewed by cows. Yet after washing and ironing, they're beautiful.
The same goes for some Grade 1 shoe bales. Before they're cleaned, they may look ordinary, but an experienced eye knows their value.
My advice?
If you're just starting, open your first few bales at home. Take your time. Sort every item, study the bale carefully, understand the quality, and price each piece without pressure.
Once you've understood what you have, then fagia and take the remaining stock to the open-air market.
That way, you'll build confidence, learn faster, and nobody will easily convince you that your bale is worthless.
Nawapenda. ❤️
— Wambere
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