How a bakkie business can change your life
Entrepreneur shares tips on how he turned his bakkie into a business.
The impact of Covid-19 on employment and livelihoods has been devastating for so many South Africans.
Statistics SA reported last month that the unemployment rate has reached an all-time high of 30,80 percent in the third quarter of 2020.
Many South Africans have given up looking for employment during the lockdown and are struggling. With job prospects looking dim, Cell C wanted to enable and provide South Africans with tips on how to start a successful side hustle or business.
No one can be in any doubt that 2020 has been one of the most trying times in South Africa’s history. Recognising this potential for new business creation and entrepreneurship, Cell C has decided to give away 20 bakkies as part of their Summer Campaign. This is just one of the ways Cell C hopes to inject joy back into South Africa,” said Simo Mkhize, Cell C’s Chief Commercial Officer.
To help kick-start your entrepreneurial journey, Cell C has reached out to successful bakkie and truck hire start-up, CEO Khatutshelo Mufamadi from Droppa (“Uber for bakkies”), who started using a bakkie while working as a computer programmer at a bank, to share four tips on how he turned his bakkie into a business.
According to Mufamadi, a bakkie symbolises so much more than just a vehicle.
Mufamadi said bakkie owners are often seen as heroes saving the day – from helping a friend move, to pulling stuck cars out of the mud. A bakkie is so versatile – it can also make you money. Think delivery or transport service, mobile beauty salon, a pop-up restaurant or a garden refuse business.
Mufamadi’s tips on how he turned his bakkie into a business:
• Put your bakkie where the money is
Make sure your bakkie is visible to potential customers. It doesn’t make sense to park it outside your house or in your garage. It won’t make you any money this way. If you choose to offer a delivery or transport service with your bakkie like he did, start by parking outside a retail or hardware store.
• Brand your bakkie
This tells customers you are open for business and what services you offer, whether you are parked or driving. Make sure the lettering and numbers are visible. The more professional this looks the more likely you are to get hired.
• Have a plan
While marketing is important, don’t even think to begin until you have a business to market. Work at getting your business model and pricing sorted out before you start getting customers.
• Get your finances in order
Your business won’t succeed without a healthy bank account. Get an accountant to assist you from day one. It will make a massive difference when investors come knocking on your door. The first thing they look at is your financial track record.
To enter, visit Cell C’s site for more information on the Summer Campaign.
