QUESTION FROM PHOENIX, USA

Dear Sir,

I am a grad student with the University of Phoenix in San Diego, CA. My project is to start a manufacturing company and import a product, solar powered lanterns, to Kenya.. This is my first attempt at such a Huge project and would appreciate any guidance and direction you can provide. Thank you for Your time,

ANSWER

Hello,

that's a real big request. I cannot do the job at your place! Nevertheless here is some guidance:

1- first of all you have to make some "mock" market analysis and compare the selling price of the product you are going to produce with the competition - mostly petroleum lantern in rural areas in Kenya.. Knowing the selling price and operational price (fuel cost) of competitive product may give you an idea about the validity of your production. As far as I know, there is a company producing solar lantern; you may visit the following link and have an idea of the selling price of such product: http://www.worldwater.com

Based on my knowledge of the African consuming market I can tell you that the selling price of their solar lantern is not affordable by most of African consumers...and cannot compete with petroleum lantern...

2- After establishing the validity of your project, you need a good business plan; and that you know certainly how to write one. There are good software available which might help: http://www.palo-alto.com or http://www.b-plan.com

The last link features a good interactive guide to Business planning

All the best.

More Questions and Answers

COUNTRIES BRIEFS
OFFERS ON TROPICAL COMMODITIES

CLICK for HOW FINANCING BROKERAGE WORKS
INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYMENT CENTRE
VIP MEMBERS LOUNGE
Africabiz Newsletter