Starting a thrift business (commonly called Okrika in West Africa) is a great way to earn income in Cameroon in 2025. With the right app...
Starting a thrift business (commonly called Okrika in West Africa) is a great way to earn income in Cameroon in 2025. With the right approach, you can turn secondhand clothes into a profitable business. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you succeed.
Step 1: Identify Your Target Market
Before sourcing clothes, you must identify who you’re selling to. Thrift stores cater to different niches:
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Male – shirts, trousers, suits, jackets
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Female – gowns, chiffons, trousers, tops, bras & panties, tights
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Children – school uniforms, casual clothes
Be specific. If you focus on women, for example, decide if you’ll sell gowns, chiffons, trousers, or tops. This will guide your sourcing decisions and make selling easier.
Step 2: Source High-Quality Okrika
Not all thrift clothes are the same. To succeed:
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Look for Grade A Okrika – clean, attractive, and well-maintained
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Avoid buying random bundles in a hurry
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If possible, get contacts of trusted sellers so you can pick items first when new stock arrives
Carefully inspect clothes for:
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Stains or tears
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Missing buttons or zips
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Fixable faults
Only purchase items that you can clean and present beautifully.
Step 3: Wash, Iron, and Fix
Once you bring the clothes home:
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Wash thoroughly – remove dirt and odors
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Iron neatly – presentation matters
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Fix any faults – replace buttons, sew small tears, or mend loose threads
Presentation is key. Cameroonian customers are more likely to pay for well-presented, clean clothes.
Step 4: Invest in Good Photography
High-quality photos attract buyers. Tips include:
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Use natural sunlight or a ring light
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Lay clothes on a clean, neutral surface (white fabric works best)
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Showcase multiple angles
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Use a mannequin or model for better presentation
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Watch YouTube tutorials on product photography for tips
Remember, people buy with their eyes first. Great photos increase sales.
Step 5: Price Your Clothes Fairly
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Factor in the purchase price, cleaning, fixing, and effort
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Avoid underpricing – your time and resources are valuable
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Set a reasonable price that reflects the quality
Fair pricing builds trust and encourages repeat customers in Cameroon.
Step 6: Advertise and Market Your Store
Even the best products won’t sell if nobody sees them. Use these channels:
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WhatsApp groups – share photos and videos of your clothes
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Facebook page – create a page for your store
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Instagram – use posts, reels, and stories to showcase new items
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Local marketplaces – consider posting in online Cameroonian communities
Advertising consistently is crucial. Show your products daily, engage with your audience, and encourage shares.
Step 7: Packaging Matters
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Don’t just give clothes in a simple black bag
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Use simple but attractive packaging, even if you’re on a budget
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Include a small thank-you note if possible
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Presentation leaves a lasting impression and can increase repeat sales
Step 8: Be Consistent
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Post daily – even if you don’t make sales immediately
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Consistency helps build trust and visibility
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Over time, your followers and customers will grow, increasing sales
Bonus Tips for Cameroonian Sellers
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Know your customer – male, female, or children
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Always prioritize quality – don’t sell torn or stained clothes
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Invest in photography – this is the key to online sales
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Advertise daily – social media presence drives sales
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Package carefully – presentation is part of your brand
Starting a thrift business in Cameroon is highly profitable if done correctly. Focus on quality, presentation, pricing, and marketing, and you can turn secondhand clothes into a successful income stream in 2025.
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