₦airaland Forum

theodavid: Please i want to ask which state in the northern part can one get more better goods like tomatoes,pepper, watermelon,onions,beans and please can u help me get sum1 who i can meet there 2 help me in buying them from the farm

this is a link i need myself, and i am yet to get it. i pray someone with info stumbles on this and assist or rather, if @kdodo is seeing this, whats your view about this question sir

Icocop101: @syllang,i must appreciate and recommend your efforts and expertise towards business management success & establishments,having carefully followed this thread.Pls,I need your help to ease my worries & fears over an already established block(building-block) production site located @ Onibudo-Akute over a purchased portion of land,with every materials & resources readily available to effect production.I have fears of uncertainty over getting this business started most especially in the area of it's running cost.Precisely,i spend a minimal of #700 transport fare daily to & fro my place of residence;and since this business demands my physical presence in it's day to day runnings,i'm wondering how to cope. Additionally,i intend to retail cement along side this block moulding bussiness. Pls acquaint me with every (A-Z) information i'll need towards achieving success in these businesses and also advice me on ways/alternative options to cope with the T-fare running cost stated above. Many thanks and God bless!

I found myself laughing about your fear- 'the fear to start'. You are not alone in this sir. Its something I also have whenever I'm about to start a new project and its natural. What I do to always overcome such fear is to draw out a plan for every step ahead before I start. So don't worry, you will get over it once you realise that Planning is the first step of success, hard work on plans seals it.

From my understanding sir,
This block industry is already established as in;
A. It has been in active operation before now or
B. It has just been set up afresh with functioning equipments ready for production.

Further explanation seems B is the case.

RUNNING COST – it is a good thing you have recognised this dreadful business killer at this early stage.(you may preview this topic in my blog. www.akinsolajegede./2013/07/01/reasons-for-business-failure/ )

So, to manage this cost, you have to plan for it;
1. Identify all the cost centre where you incure various cost to produce and deliver a block e.g sand, cement, water, wages, fuel, transport ( transport for delivering to site if you hire truck to do that and not the #700).
2. Identify the cost that directly has nothing to do with the production and delivery of blocks e,g advert, airtime,#700, salaries etc.
3. For now, there is little you can do list 1 than to buy from the best cheapest seller and for list 2, sir, those cost must remain as silent as possible for now-hints will come later.
4. Always plan for each production
I.e how much does it cost to produce AND deliver such amount and compare it with how much you are paid to supply such amount. Finally and most importantly, the more you produce and deliver (sell) per day, the more you are able to cover up and recoup your running cost and machine cost.

For this, I suggest that
For a newly established set up that produces a 'usual item'(something produced by numerous competing producers and demand for such product never cease), just like the block industry where the profit margin is fixed (production cost is usually the same and selling price is fixed in the industry), loss can arise if
1. You try to penetrate the market by reducing your selling price for all categories of block produced
2. If you produce without timely sales e.g produced today, sales next week.

Therefore you should try to;
1. As a starter, try to produce on order plus a certain small amount as reserve. If a customer informs you they will need 100 pieces of size 6 in 2 days time, get your deposit and produce 120 pieces. The extra 20 is reserved in your factory for those that might need urgently in future and this is a better way to build your stock base than producing without having a readymade buyer. And I also estimated that producing 120 pcs in a day gives you a cost advantage. I.e if it cost #1000 to produce 100pcs. It should cost less than #1200 to produce 120pcs.

2. Make friends and contact with Building contractor you lay your hands, eyes or ear on, let them know you supply quality blocks(something you should consider too because good name sells in this industry) and build a network of them to ensure they call you up to supply blocks.

This is your major concern and not everyday transport to factory. This transport fare should go for 'visiting nearby sites to inform them that you are there for them. Making calls to factory to instruct production etc.
In essence, I suggest that you make 'getting connections, jobs, links, contract' your duty

3. Manage your finances judiciously. (go through the blog and you will understand better.

With these, I think you can take the first step by making contacts and connection in a bid to getting jobs and building customer base as I assume you have worker who get paid per job they do and not getting paid for idle time.

If you require the need of a good business card as you make connections, pls contact STP Prints. We shall brand you perfectly.

If there is anything you don't understand in my explanation above, you may call me 08060788184.

For the cement retail sales. I'm surprised I don't know much about this. But you may view this thread here on NL. www.nairaland.com/862042/cement-business-start-it-dangote/2 specifically post from “edibruk” just to enlighten you on how the producer-distributor – retailer chain looks like.


NB- there are a lots of thing associated to business management, and my above suggestion has only touched the part of running cost.
If you need more guide on how to manage the factory, you may need a Sit down chat to enlighten you more.
Nevertheless, you can always plan and take your very first step. It is always interesting as it goes on.

Kdodo: Hi
I reside in kaduna, kaduna state.
My wife is into the production of local seasoning of pepper and spices known as Yaji in the north. Because of growing competition, I wish to differenciate our product t by improving on the packaging. Presently most producers use common plastic containers which are obtainable in any common market. I want contacts of plastic manufacturers that would give me better design at competitive price.
I would also want to package the products into small satchets of 2g or 5g(just like Onga or maggi). I therefore need ur assistance on how to get the company that can design and produce the films and the apppropriate cealing machine.
Thank you.

This is not usual of me, but I am highly impressed with this strategy of yours.

As for plastic manufacturer, I shall link you up with a good and competent organisation in Lagos that specialise in that line. drop your contact and I will send you the contact (I strongly insist not to post it here to protect the organisation from spammers and scammmers who may stumble on this info, as I do not know thier capability of dealing with such things, please bear with me on this).
As for the satchets packaging, you need not go far, send to us (stpnigeria@gmail.com) your specification and we send you samples and quotations.

More Speedy reply awaits your further inquiries.

To all the Business Aspirant in the house.
Ideas don't make business - if you do not put them into use.
If your idea seems to be great, it can indeed become great by taking a determined step.

To all I am a full time worker and I want to start a business.
Running a business requires so much of the owner's time and effort that full time workers can rarely provide.
If doing business in this present state(employed full time) is very much desired?
1. Consider trading e.g buying and selling (opening a trading store/shop/mart) and employ store attendant to operate.
If you may reason with me here, having a trading store only require you to monitor your stock and sales frequently to cut the excesses of your attendant. This you can do at your irregular convenience. Other functions to improve your business, like advertisement, can be instructed with your wake up call to your attendant.
What about purchasing your stock? Funny you, I didn't say you won't put any effort at all but I assume you don't work 24/7/365days. So schedule part of your free time for getting new stock.

2. Consider investing in a growing businesses You may negotiate to provide the business with their operational machine in return for a periodic income. And other numerous ways you may think of that an investor may come into a business.

3. Finally, if your idea is so much desired and your time at work is a constraint, consider getting a front man that can attend to all operational concerns. I mean an operational manager but this is the craziest idea of all time because the risk of losing out is infinite especially if it is easy for your manager to break off.

In all, ideas become great when the output succeed. Take a step today.

Drop your question, contribution and addition. we shall reply in good speed.

For more info and as usual, contact us at STP Consult (Managing business, supervising projects) for your business solution.

Hello to all Business guru in the house and Happy new month.
Here is our token for the new month.
www.akinsolajegede./2013/09/01/a-sure-way-to-revive-low-sales-and-patronage/

This is another encouraging series from STP Consult to help drive your business to success.
For more info, drop your message and we shall reply you in goodspeed

Blaze124: Pls, i want to go into buying n supplying of plantain in my locality since the supply dont meet the demand. Pls where can i source plantain at a very cheaper price here in the east Or south south?

The best type of business is the one that has a ready made market just like your case, so do not lose your idea

As much as I know, there are plaintain plantations both in the east and south south but considering the price depends on who you buy from. So contact suppliers from both side and ask for their prices PLUS consider transport cost, if you decide to buy in south south.
Consider not only the price but also transportation cost.

cyrielo: cool is mysql working now?

Yes. Thanks a lot, @octavo @cyrielo @djtm @known pal. Et al. Thanks a lot. I wouldn't have gotten anything better elsewhere.

For the benefit of others lyk me.
XAMPP contains x(your operating system), Apache , Mysql, Php, perl.

So whenever you are thinking of downloading apache, mysql, php, perl and installing them ONE BY ONE. Just download XAMPP and follow the instruction on how to use it.
Better programmers know the advntgs n disadvntgs of this.

syllang: Yh. Same thing. Didn't work, Brought out
Error: Apache shutdown unexpectedly. This may be due to a blocked port, missing dependencies, improper privileges, a crash or shutdown by another method,
Error log: RSA certificate configured for www.example.com:443 does not include an ID which matches the server name.

NB, everytime I start my xampp control panel v3.2.1. A msg pops from my taskbar.
"Xampp-control.exe - Corrupt file.
the file or directory C:\$Mft is corrupt and unreadable. Please run the chkdsk utility"
Trust me I did but notin happnd

Thanks yall. Its now working after I uninstalled and re installed xampp,

Djtm: change apache's port to 81, 443. Then access localhost with http://localhost:81/whatever_folder

Yh. Same thing. Didn't work, Brought out
Error: Apache shutdown unexpectedly. This may be due to a blocked port, missing dependencies, improper privileges, a crash or shutdown by another method,
Error log: RSA certificate configured for www.example.com:443 does not include an ID which matches the server name.

NB, everytime I start my xampp control panel v3.2.1. A msg pops from my taskbar.
"Xampp-control.exe - Corrupt file.
the file or directory C:\$Mft is corrupt and unreadable. Please run the chkdsk utility"
Trust me I did but notin happnd

cyrielo: sorry was a wrong command syntax use "net stop wmsvc" then when it ask for <y/n> type y and enter in the command line window- or to use the UI mode "Click Start, and then click Control Panel Then click System and Security, and then click Administrative Tools. In the Administrative Tools window, double-click Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager then look for stop in the right pane.

Thanx alot for the direction. i didt find IIS in the list of my services
i later tried using CMD by inputing NET STOP wmsvc but returned "the specified service does not exist as an installed service". ( i hope my programming career wont stop here)

I hope my OS doesnt have anytin to do with this? i use Vista.

NB. MYSQL is now working

[quote author=Known_pal]Try and go to tutorialspoint.com to learn any language. For your php installation consider this site
www.tutorialspoint.com/php/php_installation_windows_iis.htm[/quote]Thanx for this link. i tried the method stated there but beliv me, i cant even find IIS in my Service list. (now i feel like crying).
i later tried using CMD by inputing NET STOP wmsvc but returned "the specified service does not exist as an installed service". ( i hope my programming career wont stop here)

NB. MYsql is now working

cyrielo: i use linux but If you're using windows all you need to do is stop IIS7 from running because for your Apache to work it needs to make use of port 80 which is what IIS7 is using so shut it down. easiest method is click start type cmd . and when the command prompt pops up type in this code. " net stop was" hit enter type "y" again hit enter and you're good to go. start your xampp. easy way to start xampp open any of your browser and type localhost hit enter . you should get a welcome message. note for mysql to work you need to start mysql service from xampp control panel. Hope this help

thank sir/ma
i tried it lyk dis.

net stop was --- (the specified service does not exist)
net stop_was --------(the syntax of this command is
ACCOUNT, SESSION, STOP
net stop ---------(the syntax of this command is:
NET STOP
service
y----------------- y is not recognised.......


and i tried so many other permutations too with ""too but didt work

OCTAVO: ^What's the error message you are getting?

here is the error message

[Wed Aug 28 09:30:17.123422 2013] [ssl:warn] [pid 4112:tid 232] AH01909: RSA certificate configured for www.example.com:443 does NOT include an ID which matches the server name
[Wed Aug 28 09:30:18.507422 2013] [ssl:warn] [pid 4112:tid 232] AH01909: RSA certificate configured for www.example.com:443 does NOT include an ID which matches the server name
[Wed Aug 28 09:30:20.856422 2013] [mpm_winnt:notice] [pid 4112:tid 232] AH00455: Apache/2.4.4 (Win32) OpenSSL/0.9.8y PHP/5.4.16 configured -- resuming normal operations
[Wed Aug 28 09:30:20.895422 2013] [mpm_winnt:notice] [pid 4112:tid 232] AH00456: Server built: Feb 23 2013 13:07:34
[Wed Aug 28 09:30:20.895422 2013] [core:notice] [pid 4112:tid 232] AH00094: Command line: 'c:\\xampp\\apache\\bin\\httpd.exe -d C:/xampp/apache'
[Wed Aug 28 09:30:20.910422 2013] [mpm_winnt:notice] [pid 4112:tid 232] AH00418: Parent: Created child process 4052
[Wed Aug 28 09:30:23.371422 2013] [ssl:warn] [pid 4052:tid 248] AH01909: RSA certificate configured for www.example.com:443 does NOT include an ID which matches the server name
[Wed Aug 28 09:30:24.542422 2013] [ssl:warn] [pid 4052:tid 248] AH01909: RSA certificate configured for www.example.com:443 does NOT include an ID which matches the server name
[Wed Aug 28 09:30:24.742422 2013] [mpm_winnt:notice] [pid 4052:tid 248] AH00354: Child: Starting 150 worker threads.

OCTAVO: You have downloaded the wrong file! Download Xamp Here
Good luck!

Thanks OCTAVO. Finally, I downloaded from there n it installed sucessfully BUT
1. Apache refuses to start. Brings Error- apache shutdown unexpectdly,
2.Mysql always pop up Net Command instalation. Attenpts to start MySql but never did.

Pls put more spoon to my mouth. Thanx

OCTAVO: Open your xamp, run apache and Mysql before starting your php coding (using Notepad++ editor).

Programers. Pls Help me. How to I
1. Run xamp when it has no installation or setup.exe file, (what I downloaded was a zipd folder n after unziping, all I see is files n folder just like dat of php)
2. How do I Run apache (I saw some apache file in my xamp file n lauching it shows a black comand prompt windows that ask me to pres anykey to continue which I presd n d comand prompt exits)
3. The same tin goes for mysql.
I hope someone understands what's hapening with me here. Have I downloaded the wrong document or incomplete? Is that how it should work and I should just condt with my php coding?

OCTAVO: Open your xamp, run apache and Mysql before starting your php coding (using Notepad++ editor).

Thanks for your help, time n concern
Yet I won't reject Any other direction from anyone to expresly solve my problem if you understand what I need.

OCTAVO: You still need your normal Notepad++ editor, just download Xamp this will serve as your local host for Mysql. All these should be in the tutorial you are learning from.

Thanks. I have xamp installed already but all these I'm asking r not in my tutorial guide. If u have one that cal help me out, pls introduce it. JUST CAN'T GET MY PHP INSTALLED.

OCTAVO: Go and learn PHP and Mysql. You may now further advance to learning Python.

Thank you so much. In fact I'm presently on PHP n MySQL. I downloadd php n mysql(the php has no .exe. Everytin I saw wes scripting files n folder) but instaling it has been like (let me just keep quiet)
How do I go about instaling d php. Can I contact u or u send me a very helpful note plus d instalation guide,

I know u can help out after reading through your thread,

I started learning programing cos I needed to develop my website. So I learned html n css n javascrpt though my JS is weak.

My problem is dat. I want to develop a website that many users can sign up n manage their account n profile items and different accounts can interact with each other like through search n sending mesages d way facebook account relates.

What program can I use to do this?
N how do I go about it. Funny answers n great answers pls.

diegs: @ syllang. I reali wanna start a business tired of searching for jobs. I have 350k. I am interested in having a brand of my weavon. Do you know how I can source for that? Thanks

Sorry for this late reply.
If I understand you, you want to start manufacturing weavon.
In that wise, please make research on weavon manufacturing or we recommend that you get trained by someone who MANUFACTURES weavon and not someone who KNOWS how to manufacture weavon.

If you need us at STP Consult to make research for yor you. Pls contact us.
For anyother assistance, please feel free to reply

omonjerry: Hello I want to set up photo printing and business centre together in lag I need advice from u aboout the biz.thanks

If you are going to incure any of the following cost,
1. Renting a Space
2. Paying Workers e.g salary
3. Electricity or generator fueling
then it is important you establish your business in the HEART of the Market e.g government agencies that deals in form submision, schools e.g higher institutions.
Those are time to time expenses you can't minimize, so you need a busy market.

If you won't be incuring ANYONE of those 3 expenses, then you must work hard on your advertisement to get jobs and with time, you will recoup your capital and start earning profit.

Your feedback is welcomed if you need any other assistance.

median: gudmorning syllang. am an auto dealer and av been in this Business for abt three years now and its been good though it has low and high times too. but i want to diversify into taxi or cab services as i have some idle cars which i can use for this purpose, i have no prior experience in dis taxi business whatsoever . i plan to operate and manage it myself but i need some guidelines on how to start and driver management. i will be so glad if u or anybody on this thread can put me through.tnx in anticipation.

Diversification in business, is a recognised system of keeping the heart and soul of any business investment together and

Starting a taxi or cab business is like the normal transportation business(in terms of management) except that they have different Mode of operation(cab is on hire or charter) which you should consider when you are designing your operational plan as I recommend you to write out your plan to describe
1. Your mode of operation
2. Your target market e.g road side passenger that just call *T a x i* or companies and businesses who may need cab service or small families
3. Your needed materials or asset e.g the vehicle
4. How you will incure cost or how you will handle your fueling expenses and repairs( plan more on increasing cost of repair from 2nd or 3rd year)
5. how you will bill your customers
6. And how you will reach out to prospestive customers
7. Sumarise these plans in financial terms e.g budget for the first and second year of operation
With this you can easily know how the business would turn out to be.

On Management
1. If you are going to be driving the cab yourself, then you may put your management skills to use.
2. If you are hiring a driver, I suggest you go into contractual agreement with him that will make him responsible for minor repairs and expenses plus you must see your cab everyday or weekly (if your mode of operation is for the driver to search for customers with the cab).
In short. Designing your management structure is important when you are designing your mode of operation.

Finally, you may take a cue on this.
' 1. Advertise to attract attention of prospective customers e.g by use of business cards. Approved and decent posters and stickers, bulk sms or email (but avoid spamming) indicating your contact address and any other advert means you can use to get to your prospective customers.
2. Get a driver or you
3. When you receive a call from a customer, finalise your negotiation immediately, and set to work
4. Save part of the income for vehicle replacement.

NB. You may need a brand name for your cab service and also make sure you include all legal issues in your plan e.g licenses and car safety materials to prevent disappointing your customers and ensure safe driving too

With this, you can start by putting together YOUR PLAN and if you need assistance in putting up one for you, pls feel free to contact STP Consult.
For partnership, contact STP Consult.
For any other issue, post or send to my mail.

amtheone: Ok. Well we don't know the quantity involved and price index but whatever it is, I believe there is a way forward. He may need to reduce price like u rightly pointed out.

He may also has to go elsewhere still in the same Onitsha about from the conventional market where he can market the watch like schools(higher institutions etc).

There is a lot that goes into any successful endeavour.

Syllang I will soon communicate with u regarding our deal.

I really have waited for your communication sir. Hope no problem at all sir. Lets not wait for too long again sir, Send the sample as discussed and lets set to work. thanks

Buchika: thanks for the link sir, I really appreciate your effort, I have already downloaded the pdf file and watched the video footage, I will do some research on those machine, I will get back to you soon. Thanks once again.

how far have you gone in your research sir? Hope the link was of good use to you?

theodavid: tanks for your advice but i want ask how can someone buy and import tintomatoes into nigeria are there so do and dont or anytin wrong with it

I am very sorry for the unavoidably late reply.
I really dont think there is any restriction on importation of tin tomatoes into nigeria but eye brows are being raised about the amount nigeria spend on tin tomatoe importation. I really do not know much on this issue, you may like to do more research on this before considering it sir.

The use of wood in building construction is as important as the the need to construct the building itself, and that is why STP Consult has brought to you an opportunity to discuss the best type of wood for your construction projects and for the supply of whatever type of wood you need for your Project.

We advice you on the best type of wood to use for your project work and we also supply you (Instant delivery to your site) with the best type of wood for your construction (be it residential, industrial or commercial construction;be it Decking,Frame,Roofing,Pannelling,lintel with different types of woods ranging from mahogany,iroko,ogbeche etc.

Post your inquiries here or email for all matters concerning your choice of wood materials and to the supply and Instant delivery of those materials to your site

I really love to meet with a good programmer in ibadan to help me broaden my programming knowledge,

Buchika: thanks for the link sir, I really appreciate your effort, I have already downloaded the pdf file and watched the video footage, I will do some research on those machine, I will get back to you soon. Thanks once again.

Ok sir, the research is very necessary. I shall expect you back too. Thanks.

Jprime: Tanks @ op

You are always welcome.

amtheone: Ok. Well we don't know the quantity involved and price index but whatever it is, I believe there is a way forward. He may need to reduce price like u rightly pointed out.

He may also has to go elsewhere still in the same Onitsha about from the conventional market where he can market the watch like schools(higher institutions etc).

There is a lot that goes into any successful endeavour.

Syllang I will soon communicate with u regarding our deal.

Ok sir, i long for it

Jprime: Pls op i av 20k, will it be enough to start a weavon nd attachment business. Tanks

Hello Jprime.
This is a normal trading business as i presume that you just buy and sell it.
For 20k to be enough, please consider the type you want to be selling.
1. The purchase Cost (I believe we have various types at diferent prices, some below 1k some above 100k)
2. The usual selling cost
3. The maket for it (your customers)

I must also say that this type of trading business work prety well for people that own a beaty saloon. if you dont have one, consider attaching to someone that has but doesnt sell weavon and attachment.
i must also remind you to consider how frequent people buy new weavin and attachment( i believe they are re-useable items)
Considering other factors too, you might want to consider investing your 20k in other business too - wire work is another option, although, they are re-usable, but customers cant just be satisfied with just one deisgn and you can easily attach the business to your existing day to day life activity. check the page (0) for other business you can do gainfully with 20k but also, if you have a ready made market(buyer) the weavon and attachment, pls buy, sell, keep your gain and look for other buyers before you buy again.

If you require any other thing, pls feel free to post or mail.

ajibaby 2: Pls, i need your opinion on dry cleaning biz. I want to start up one in my locality. How much do i need and what do i need to consider for a start.

Hello
What you need, to start up a dry cleaning busness in your lacality depends on how you want to run your business(Manual Based or Machine Based) but how ever you choose to run it, consider the provision for the following
1. A laundry space (backyard of your house would save you cost to acquire a laudry space outside your house but if your home is STRICTLY residential, You have to get a laundry space somewhere else).
2. Washing Machine ( if you are considering Machine Based )
3. Electricty (think PHCN, think backup till our dream nigeria arrives).
4. Ironning Materials.
5. A cloth line ( to dry the cloths but if you use machine, you still need this)
6. Steady water supply
Other day to day cost include
0. Labour cost ( if you set up a machine base, you need labour too) PLUS Washing Equipments
1. Various types of soap and detergent, starch etc
2. Transport( consider this in constructing your mode of operation i.e should you go collecting cloths or sit back for clients to bring it to you)
3. Advertisement Cost ( this should not cost you much with latest modern technology and your personal effort except you plan to establish a Nation Wide dry cleaning service)
4. Packaging cost.
Basically, you should consider your location as this is Very, Very and Very Important to determine the type of cleaning service you will be rendering (FULL option or just wash, dry, iron and deliver).
But before you start at all, draw out your plan and make your market survey to know what type of dry cleaning service is needed in your locality.

Pleas open the page(0) of this thread and be familiar with a bit of other things you need to consider in dry cleaning business. open the blog link too and read more on dry cleaning.
You may contact me if you need to draw out a Business Plan.