Do you love movies and want to make money from your passion? If yes, then starting a movie shop business in Kenya might be a great idea for you.
A movie shop is a place where customers can rent or buy DVDs of the latest movies and TV shows.
It is a lucrative business because many Kenyans prefer entertaining themselves at home rather than going to the cinema.
However, starting a movie shop is not as easy as it sounds. You need to have a good location, the right equipment, the necessary licenses, and a solid marketing strategy.
In this article, we will guide you through the steps and tips on how to start a successful movie shop business in Kenya and how to attract and retain customers.
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How to Start a Movie Shop Business in Kenya
Location
The first thing you need to consider when starting a movie shop business is the location.
You want to choose a place that is close to your target market and where there is high demand for movies.
Some of the best locations for a movie shop are:
- Near a campus or school
- Next to a student’s hostel
- In town centers
- Near bus stations
- In shopping centers in your estate
One advantage of opening a movie shop is that you don’t need a lot of space.
However, the amount of rent depends on the location. A front stall in town can cost you between Ksh. 25,000 and Ksh. 60,000 per month, while renting a shop in your local estate can be much cheaper.
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Equipment
The next thing you need to invest in is the equipment for your movie shop. You will need the following items:
- A good quality computer
- An LED TV
- Woofers
- External hard drive
- A DVD duplicator
- Blank DVDs
- Felt pens
- Movie posters
A computer is essential for downloading and burning movies, as well as managing your inventory and sales. An LED TV and woofers are for displaying and playing movies for your customers.
An external hard drive acts like a special storage box for all your movies and shows. Keeps them safe and makes room on your computer. Prices start at 5,000 Kenyan Shillings.
A DVD duplicator is a device that can copy multiple DVDs at once, saving you time and money.
Blank DVDs are the discs that you will use to burn the movies. Felt pens are for writing the titles and prices of the movies on the DVDs.
Movie posters are for decorating your shop and attracting customers.
The approximate cost of the equipment is Ksh. 103,600, but you can find cheaper or second-hand options if you are on a budget.
Licenses
To legally operate a movie shop business, you need to have two licenses: a single business permit from your county government and a license from the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) and the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB).
Without these licenses, you risk having your equipment confiscated and facing legal action.
A single business permit allows you to run your business in your county. The cost of it depends on the size and location of your shop, and it can range from Ksh. 2,500 to Ksh. 15,000 per year.
A license from MCSK and KFCB gives you the right to distribute video and audio content in Kenya. You need to pay Ksh. 3,000 to MCSK and Ksh. 1,000 to KFCB, and you will receive a license to display in your shop.
Frequently Asked Questions on How to Start a Movie Shop Business in Kenya
Bottom Line
A movie shop business is a profitable and rewarding venture for anyone who loves movies and wants to serve their community. It is a low-cost and easy-to-start business that can generate a steady income and grow over time.
To start a movie shop business in Kenya, you need to follow the steps and tips outlined in this article, such as getting the necessary equipment and licenses, choosing a good location, sourcing and updating your movie collection, and promoting your business.
Remember a movie shop business is not just about selling movies, but also about creating a loyal customer base and a positive reputation.
You need to offer quality service, variety, and value to your customers, and make them feel welcome and satisfied.
You also need to keep up with the trends and preferences of your target market and adapt to the changing needs and demands of the industry.
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