A few years ago, only imported bags could be found in the Nigerian market. Today, however, locally made bags that meet international standards have taken over. School bags, lunch bags, totes bags, travel bags, purses, structured bags and the like are being produced daily by Nigerians from the comfort of their homes and shops/stores. This has gradually pushed out foreign or imported bags from the Nigerian market. The bag-making business is reasonably profitable. It requires little to start up and can use much profit if done right.

How to get started.

To get started you would need to first learn how to make these bags. Most of them are sewn using a sewing machine while some others can be made with just a needle and thread. The great thing about this business when it comes to acquiring the needed knowledge is that there are thousands of YouTube videos on how to get it done. If you devote your time to watching the available videos on YouTube you would become an expert at bag-making in no time. After having gotten the needed knowledge you would need to do the following to properly establish the business:

• First things first, draw up a business plan. To draw up a realistic and workable plan first carry out a feasibility study. What is the market like in your immediate environment? Would you need to market it beyond your immediate environments? Who are your potential customers? How much money do you have to start up? Would you need to take a loan? How far can your funds take you? These are some questions that need to be answered before you put your pen to paper and start drawing up a business plan. You should also include your business goals, marketing strategy and financial projections in your business plan. Look up how you can build an effective business plan https://smartsmssolutions.com/blog/121-sms-marketing/business-communication/1757-how-to-build-a-detailed-business-plan

• Choose a location for your business. Your business can be located within the confines of your home if you are unable to raise funds to rent a shop elsewhere. When it comes to renting a shop you are better off renting a shop in a place that is densely populated as your easiest marketing strategy would be to put your work on display for passersby to see.

• Set up your production process. Do this by purchasing all the needed equipment and tools to start. You would need a sewing machine, cutting table, scissors and materials such as fabrics, leather and other components which are necessary for bag production.

• Choose a business name and proceed to register your business with the corporate affairs commission. Here are some tips for coming up with business names. https://smartsmssolutions.com/blog/118-sms-marketing/small-business/1736-tips-and-tools-for-great-business-names

• Set up an online presence. Have social media pages across all possible platforms. If possible create a website or an online store where you should kiss your products and make it easy for customers to place orders. Here's a guide on using social media for marketing. https ://smartsmssolutions.com/blog/122-sms-marketing/sales-and-marketing/1771-when-to-use-social-media-to-market-your-business

Marketing strategy

One way to effortlessly market your products is to put them on display for those passing by to see and familiarize themselves with the kind of bags that you make.

A second way to market your business is to network with other businesses. Attend trade fairs to find new customers and suppliers.

You can also let your work speak for you. How can you do this? Create little labels that you can stitch to the inside of every finished bag. This label should contain the name of your company, your company's logo and a contact number so that even when people are far from you they can reach you to get more information on your business.

Do not forget to make good use of social media in advertising your business.

SmartSMSSolutions-how we come in

Do you want to know how you can double your business sales in under a week? Use SMS marketing for your business. To properly use SMS marketing you will need to have an SMS campaign. We can help you run this campaign through our bulk SMS, email and voice OTP services. These services also help you maintain proper communication between you and your customers.

We also have provided an easy-to-use platform for the purchase of airtime and data. Not only is it easy to use but it's very affordable as well. By your airtime and data here. You can also make some side income using our refer and earn program. See how it works!