Services & repairs

DON'T Start a Manufacturing Business Without Watching This!

Itu shares practical, honest advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start a manufacturing business in South Africa, focusing on key pitfalls to avoid based on her own experiences.

You must decide between importing directly from Alibaba (cheaper, but risky regarding repairs and training) or buying from local South African vendors (more expensive, but often includes warranties and easier support access)
Don't just budget for the machine. Factor in the total cost of all necessary components—like packaging, branding, chemicals, and shipping—to ensure you can actually produce the final product.
Thoroughly research your potential buyers before starting. If you plan to sell to large retailers, understand their pricing, volume expectations, and how often they restock. Remember that retail often relies on high volume with lower margins.
Define whether you will operate B2B (selling to retailers) or B2C (selling directly to customers). The speaker also highlights white labeling as a strategy where you manufacture products that other brands package as their own.

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