With the world becoming a global village, there is hardly any place of business, one will not see an IT system, an IT hardware vendor in Lagos, Mr. Tony Odiaka said.
For example, data from Statista revealed that in 2018, revenue in the desktop personal computer market was expected to be $780.7 million. The desktop computer market is also expected to grow to around $891.9 million by 2021, according to data from Statista.
Odiaka said that the personal computer is used practically everywhere, from school, office, home to churches, and over time the computer may develop faults, which would require an expert. repair it or replace the defective parts.
“That’s where we come in. Since the computer is very expensive, people tend to repair it rather than buying a new one. This is where we come in. For me, I sell computer parts like memory chips, hard drives, flash memory cards, external storage devices, monitors, cables, input devices, keyboard, mouse, printers (including toner), projectors, speakers, webcam, monitor and other computer accessories,” Odiaka added.
He revealed that the IT industry is very competitive, in the sense that, “almost in every state in Nigeria, there is a dedicated place for the sale of electronic devices, including computers. In Lagos, it’s called the IT village. However, selling and repairing computer equipment is also lucrative, Odiaka added.
Terms
Although it is not necessary to go to school before you can learn the trade, Odiaka sai, like all other businesses, knowledge of the trade is essential, adding that “you have to learn from someone to grasp what is necessary.”
The next step is funding, Odiaka said: “The fund is very important. Without funds, there is no business. You should therefore collect a reasonable amount of money when venturing into the business. You need funds to buy computer accessories. Also, you need to know where to get good quality computer accessories at the lowest possible price.
“The next step is to rent a store in a busy place. You need to consider your location and where your target customers are, whether they are corporate or individual buyers. Renting a store is very crucial because people can easily locate you.
“In addition, you have to choose a business name. Please choose a business name that stands out to you. After choosing a business name, you must register the name with the Corporate Affairs Commissions (CAC).
“The next step is that you should use social media to sell your products. You can post your items on Jumia, Konga and Jiji etc. Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp statuses have proven to be very effective in advertising my products You can also use them.
Apart from selling computer hardware and software, Odiaka said one can learn how to repair them or repair a computer, adding that this will be an added benefit.
Challenges
Funding is a challenge for any business, Odiaka said. He added that; “Most banks’ interest rates in Nigeria are frustrating. You cannot borrow money from the bank, because you will not be able to pay the interest rate. Having enough funds for the business is therefore a huge challenge for start-ups.
“Another challenge is competitiveness, which is a major issue in the company. In most cases, this has forced sellers to lower their prices to prevent their customers from being taken by another seller or seller.
Profitability
Selling and repairing computer hardware and software is a very lucrative business, Odiaka said, adding that “it is the business of the future and as such it is expected to grow. develop further.
Insofar as IT remains essential, the prospect of additional growth is there.
Tips
For sustainability, Odiaka said, what is needed is knowledge of whatever one wants to do or sell. In the case of the sale and repair of computer equipment and software, he indicated that it was necessary to have the necessary knowledge. “Learn the trade. Also learn how to repair hardware and software. You have to learn from someone in order to grasp what is needed.
“Having the money; concentrate; know when to adjust your prices up or down, be sincere and careful. Try to create a relationship where your customers can trust you. As the Chinese say, whoever wants to make friends should have a smiling face,” he advised.
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