Increase inventory for clothing retail business

Carolyne

Ngarariga Town, Kenya

14% repaid

Entrepreneur

Name

Carolyne

Member since

October 2014

On-time repayments

108 installments  •  10%

About Me

I am a 21 year old born a family of 3 where I am the first born. Although I passed well in my form 4 exam, I couldn't progress with my education and I found myself doing manual jobs for a living. Last year I managed to open a small business in Kimende town where I sell second hand clothes, offer photocopying services and offer money transfer M-Pesa services from my savings. I reinvest most of my earnings in my business and the rest goes to paying fees for my two younger siblings. I intend to open a chain of shops, here in Kimende and neighboring towns to become a fully fledged business woman by the time I hit 30.

I am a choir member of Full Gospel of Kenya, Kimende and an active member of the local youth group where I am the Treasurer. During my spare time I do a lot of reading and I also like listening to music besides playing volleyball. I am currently attending piano classes and hope to graduates soon. Other than that, I am God fearing, born again christian.

My Business

Although I do small time farming, my main source of income is generated from selling clothes. I specifically deal with children clothes. My other earning are from the the photocopy and the M-pesa services. Here is a breakdown of how I earn on a monthly basis

Farming $ 100
Children Clothes $300
M-pesa and Photocopy services $ 200

Total monthly earnings $600

My expenses are as follows
Rent $50
Food and clothing $150
Miscellaneous $ 150

On a good month I am able to make $ 250 and over in profits. This is not bad considering the scale and the age of my business. All the services and goods I offer are in demand here because there less competition and have managed to offer my services and goods at rates save for the Mpesa where the rates applicable are beyond my control. I have managed to create a loyal customer base by offering personalized customer service. My customers know that when they come to my shop, they will not only meet a smiling face, but they will get good rates and a service they won't find anywhere else and thus make more referrals to keep my business growing.

Loan Proposal

The reason why I am applying this loan is to buy more clothes so that I can cash in on the festive season that is associated with extra spending. Bearing in mind that I already have a customer base, I can predict good sales volumes for the month of November and December. The proceeds will help me increase my M-pesa float as we head to January when again, my customer will be seeking to use the services to pay school fees. I will also increase the stock on photocopying paper in January when school opening children will need to photocopy their certificates when applying for college vacancies. In other words, this loan will mark the onset of business activities all geared to expanding my business.

With my current earnings, I will be in a position to pay the loan comfortably.

Feedback

None

None

None

Loan Info

Project Type

Classic Loan

Disbursed amount

$100.00

Date disbursed

Oct 20, 2014

Repayment status

Late

Projected term

25 months

Lenders

Michelle

Sydney, Australia

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  • Oscar    Sep 2, 2015

    Dear lenders Carolyne Phone is Unreachable but i will keep on Try to do follow up with her Contacts again
    Thank you

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  • Oscar    Jul 10, 2015

    Dear Lender, i did several follow up to some Contact Person who Know Carolyne personaly they promise to get in touch with Her by the End of the Week.
    Thank you
    Oscar Alochi

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  • Oscar    Jun 1, 2015

    Hi,Carolyne will upadate her Zidisha Loan by the end of the week she has some personaly issues that are making her situation to be difficult the moment she settle her issues she promised to repay her loan as soon as possible am counting on her to fulfill her promise
    Thank you.

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  • Oscar    Mar 7, 2015

    Great work Carolyne keep up the spirit dont give up you are making great effort you have my support all the best.

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  • Michelle    Jan 23, 2015

    Hi Carolyne,

    I hope that you're well and I'm sorry that I haven't sent you a message for some time. I understand that you have had some family issues recently. I hope everything is ok with your family now?

    I had a family issue as well - my sister had her first baby! He was sick for a few weeks but is healthy now and very cute!

    I'm pleased to see that you've been making regular payments again, even though they are smaller than you expected. Regular payments are important to keep a good reputation with Zidisha lenders.

    You expected to get a lot of photocopying business in January as people started school. How has the business been going?

    I look forward to hearing from you.

    Michelle

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    • Carolyne    Jan 24, 2015

      Hello Michelle,

      Yes I have been through a lot some of which I can't post here. I had to start from scratch again but I thank God for the progress so far.

      I will keep making the payments and hopefully I can apply for a bigger loan soon.

      Thank you for your patience and understanding. I promise to keep you posted on everything.

      Thanks
      Carol

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  • Carolyne    Dec 31, 2014

    I have been through a lot of issues since taking this loan. Mainly, family issues that have left me depressed to a point of closing my business. However, I am planning to start a fruit selling business from some little savings I have. In other words, I'm starting from scratch again. My intention is to pay every coin I owe. I promise to reschedule the loan upwards again when my business picks up. I have made a payment of Kes 150 and promise to continue doing so from now on. Thanks and be Blessed

    Carol

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  • Oscar    Dec 30, 2014

    I have not recieved any updates from her till today.

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    • Carolyne    Dec 31, 2014

      Hi oscar, i'm back although the going has been tough. Will make more payments next week. Thanks and be blessed.

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  • Oscar    Nov 23, 2014

    Carolyne has some family issues but she promise to make her payments the moment she resolve her family issues.

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  • Oscar    Nov 22, 2014

    Carolyne so far she has not communicate back,i will call her again and give you feedback today.

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  • Oscar    Nov 18, 2014

    Carolyne is everything ok,kindly contact me.

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  • Oscar    Nov 15, 2014

    Hi,welcome back Carolyne i hope everything is alright,communication is the only way to keep in touch,i wish you all the best in your business .

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  • Carolyne    Nov 12, 2014

    Hi Michelle,
    I'm really sorry for the late payments. I had a small family issue but it is sorted now. I made a payment today and I'm sure it will reflect in a couple of days. I will make more bigger payments starting Tuesday next week.

    I remain committed to repaying the loan in full. Thanks again

    Carol

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  • Oscar    Nov 8, 2014

    Hi,Carolyne how are doing you and your family,how is the Business i hope everything is ok today i hope you will be able to make your Second loan payment, i wish you all the best,if you need any assistance please get in touch with any time you call or send a text sms.
    Thank you

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  • Oscar    Nov 8, 2014

    I have tried to call Carolyne for the past two weeks but her phone and that of the community leader are both switched off.

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  • Oscar    Nov 6, 2014

    Hi,Carolyne i tried to call your number but the phone is switched off please kindly call me back.

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  • Oscar    Nov 1, 2014

    Hi,Carolyne today you are supposed to make your first payment am looking forward to hear from you.

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  • Oscar    Oct 21, 2014

    Keep up carolyne nice work.

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  • Carolyne    Oct 20, 2014

    Just received the loan some few minutes ago. I will put the money into good use just like promised. Thank you once again Michelle.

    Carolyne

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    • Michelle    Oct 21, 2014

      Hi Carolyne,
      Im so glad to hear that you got the loan! This is my first time lending on Zidisha. I chose your business because you seem like a smart business woman who knows your customers and what services they need at different times of the year. Best wishes and please let me know how you go!
      Kind regards,
      Michelle

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      • Carolyne    Oct 21, 2014

        Thank you for the best wishes Michelle. Today I want to go to Nairobi (Kenya's Capital City) and purchase the clothes. I'm just waiting for the rain to stop and I will be on my way. It's been raining all night. I will definitely keep you posted on how it goes. Thank you once again.

        Carolyne

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  • Michelle    Oct 18, 2014

    Hi Carolyne,
    I am very happy to fund your loan and I wish you all the best with your business during the festive season!
    Best wishes,
    Michelle

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    • Carolyne    Oct 19, 2014

      Thank you so much Michelle. God Bless you so so so much. I promise to pay back the money

      Carolyne

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  • Carolyne    Oct 16, 2014

    Dear Lenders.it's me once again asking you to kindly fund my loan

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