03/10/2024
In 2020, we got a students bed size for my son at the price of 18000 naira.
I could remember how I screamed and told him he had been scammed when my husband informed me of the price.
I went on to persuade him to return the bed if he could because I got that same bed for less than 10,000 naira in 2019 before I gave it out.
Fast forward to January 2021, we needed to change my son's school to nearby one to avoid the constant bike drama.
On getting to the new school, I saw about 15pieces of student bed sizes mattress stack at one corner all new.
and the "aproko" spirit in me went on to gist about the beds with other parents around.
I was told them how costly it is now and went as far as mentioning the price I got my son own when the lady attending to us interrupted and said I am lucky I got it that price.
She said they purchased each of that bed for #25,500 naira and added they got it that price because they bought in bulk. 😲😲
I was astonished at the drastic change in price in less than six month after my husband got our son's own.
The homemaker in me started thinking about how to increase my bed longevity as buying a new bed is already a capital project.
So, I started mapping out possible ways to achieve this. I thought of different things but they seems not to materialize.
So one-day, I told my neighbor at shop about the problem regarding cost of new bed and maintaining the one we have.
I asked her to please help search Ogunpa market(a market in Ibadan) if she could help me get a mackintosh bed spread I can wear for bed especially my kid own as I needed to save the bed from constant liquid from bed wetting.
A day before market runs she informed me she will be going to market and reminded me of our discussion.
I gave her money to get the needed cover and provide her with description of what I need.
Thinking Ogunpa is a big market I am overjoyed that I will get it but my joy was cut short when she returned and told me she couldn't find anything of such.
After the market runs I still couldn't give up on my search so I searched on e-commerce websites and social media.
It was difficult searching as I don't even know the name of what I am searching for. 😫
I kept putting different words my mind could translate it to
And alas,I found a producer !
I reached out and told her what I wanted and my expectations of the products.
She responded in the affirmative and told me to be rest assured that I am covered. 💃🏽
She walked me through the fittings for each bed sizes and gave me price for the size I chose.
I was so happy to make the purchase until I heard the delivery fee and pick up stress it would cost me to get what I needed. Delivery cost was x3 of the products prices.
I told her I need time to think about it because all of this almost equate to a price of new bed.😂😂
I put on my thinking cap and I realize that I could start it as a sides hustle because I noticed few people I shared the products information with were also interested.
I told myself this was a golden opportunity.
I reached out to the producer and made my intention of being a reseller know.
Her answer was in positive as there was no reseller of her product in Ibadan yet.
She sent the requirements to be a reseller(wholesaler and distributor).
I opted for distributorship because I wanted to raise more financial independent women through that business .
In as much as I am eager to be a distributor I didn't have enough fund to finance the process.
After thorough thinking I decided to take out of my then business money to embark on this project.
After a week of making payments,my dreams of having a bedspread that protect my bed from liquid,moist and all form of debris came alive.
I received my goods and started telling friends and neighbors about it.
Many of the people I told love it but most couldn't afford it .
Then I knew I need to target a new audience.
I started running whatsapp ads and it was bringing me customer then logistic problem set in.
Delivery costs was always half of or more than the products price.🥱🥱
I had to devise a means to make the buying process easier for my customers.
So, I started using hubby office as pick up point and also introduce bulk delivery.
Today,we have grown beyond selling only bed protector to selling quality bedspread,duvet,scents and sleep wear.
In few years to come,we hope to build a brand that will be every Queen go-to store for all they need to cater for their inner space.
If you read our journey to this point kindly see how you can help us reach our goal.
Your pur-chase and referrals would do a lot to help this business reach the desired goals.
