Secondhand Bags and Backpacks Business in Kenya

How to Start a Secondhand Bags and Backpacks Business in Kenya

ByTujulishane

Introduction

The secondhand bags and backpacks business in Kenya is a profitable hustle that taps into the affordable fashion and practicality market. From students and professionals to travelers and casual users, everyone needs durable bags. New branded bags can be expensive, but mitumba (secondhand) bags are affordable while still offering quality. By selling secondhand bags and backpacks, you can start with little capital and enjoy steady demand throughout the year.

Startup Costs 💰

This business is affordable to start and can be scaled gradually.

  • Capital Needed: KES 8,000 – 18,000
  • Key Expenses:
    • Bale of secondhand bags/backpacks — KES 7,000 – 15,000 (depending on grade).
    • Sorting and cleaning materials — KES 500 – 1,000.
    • Display table/kibanda — KES 1,000 – 2,000.
    • Branding and signage — KES 500 – 1,000.

💡 Tip: Grade A mitumba bales bring higher-quality bags that sell quickly at better prices.

Why This Business Works ✅

  1. Daily Demand: Students, workers, and travelers need bags regularly.
  2. Affordable Fashion: Mitumba bags are cheaper than new ones.
  3. High Profit Margins: Bags bought at KES 200 can sell at KES 500 – 1,000.
  4. Repeat Market: Students replace bags every year, and offices need laptop bags.
  5. Scalable: Start with a bale and grow into a full mitumba shop.

Step-by-Step Setup 🛠️

1. Source Quality Bales

  • Buy from mitumba wholesalers in Gikomba (Nairobi), Kongowea (Mombasa), or local towns.
  • Choose “original camera” bales for better-quality bags.

2. Sort & Clean

  • Wash bags to make them look new.
  • Separate into categories: school bags, laptop bags, travel backpacks, handbags.
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3. Choose a Selling Spot

  • Near schools and colleges.
  • Outside estates or busy stages.
  • At markets during market days.

4. Set Pricing

  • Small school bags: KES 300 – 500.
  • Laptop bags: KES 800 – 1,500.
  • Travel backpacks: KES 1,000 – 2,500.

5. Market Your Business

  • Use estate and school WhatsApp groups.
  • Post photos on Facebook Marketplace or TikTok.
  • Offer promotions like “Buy 2, Get 1 at Discount.”

Profit Breakdown 📊

Example:

  • Buy a bale of 50 bags at KES 10,000.
  • Average selling price = KES 600 per bag.
  • Revenue = KES 30,000.
  • Profit = KES 20,000 per bale.

👉 Selling 2 bales monthly = KES 40,000+ profit.
👉 With scaling, monthly profits can reach KES 70,000 – 100,000.

Challenges & How to Overcome Them ⚠️

  1. Uncertain Bale Quality: Some bales may have damaged items.
    • Solution: Buy from trusted suppliers only.
  2. High Competition: Many mitumba sellers target the same market.
    • Solution: Differentiate with neat cleaning, branding, and delivery options.
  3. Storage Needs: Bags take space when unsold.
    • Solution: Rotate stock with regular market days and online sales.
  4. Changing Trends: Fashion preferences shift.
    • Solution: Mix functional bags (school/laptop) with stylish handbags.

Tips to Grow 🚀

  • Specialize in school backpacks before January (back-to-school season).
  • Stock laptop bags for offices and professionals.
  • Expand into handbags, wallets, and fashion accessories.
  • Brand your business with a catchy name like “BagZone Kenya” or “Mitumba Packs & Backpacks.”
  • Offer home delivery for online customers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ❓

Q: How much capital do I need to start a secondhand bag business in Kenya?
A: With KES 8,000 – 18,000, you can buy a bale, clean, and display stock for sale.

Q: How profitable is this business?
A: Profit margins are 100–200% per bag, with monthly earnings of KES 40,000 – 100,000 possible.

Q: Where can I buy mitumba bales?
A: Gikomba (Nairobi), Kongowea (Mombasa), and major town mitumba wholesalers.

Q: Do I need a permanent shop?
A: Not necessarily — you can start with a table, stall, or even online sales.

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Conclusion

The secondhand bags and backpacks business in Kenya is a profitable, low-capital hustle with a wide market among students, workers, and travelers. With KES 8,000 – 18,000, you can buy a bale, clean and sort the bags, and sell at a good markup. By choosing quality stock, marketing through both physical stalls and online platforms, and building a loyal customer base, you can scale this hustle into a thriving mitumba brand.

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