Vuala: Customers look at my body and buy my mushrooms

Is it easy to find mushroom buyers?

Having been in the industry for several years now, I'd say if one is determined then they'll find market. The mushroom industry in generally unexplored.

What is the geographical scope of your customer base?

My customer base is in Kisumu. However, demand is throughout the country.

What do you think keep your customers always interested in your products?

The healing properties of the mushrooms I produce does it for me. Men who suffered from erectile dysfunction and got better can't afford not to come back. Plus, I am a professional body builder and I think how I look works to my advantage.

What are the stumbling blocks when selling?

There is lack of knowledge on the nutritional and medicinal values of the product.

How do you counter this challenge to keep you in business?

I am very articulate and eloquent. I explain to my clients the health benefits they stand to gain from consuming mushrooms. Many people don't know that mushrooms contain more protein than fish or chicken.

 Actually, mushrooms contain all vitamins except vitamin A and D, and minerals like Magnesium, Phosphorus, Zinc and Iron. It's also an immune booster; detoxifies the body and regulates blood pressure and increases male potency. When I articulate these facts they place orders.

What marketing techniques do you employ in finding new customers?

Normally I visit hotels, supermarkets and other retail stores with packed samples of my product.

Have you ever failed to sell a crop because there was no one to buy?

The demand already existed, so I simply had to present my product. Most of the hotels and supermarkets are on the lookout for suppliers and we don't have so many farmers to meet that demand. There are always clients who love mushrooms as a delicacy and clients who want to gain from the medicinal properties.

In the beginning ...

I began selling to individuals who suffer from illnesses which mushrooms assisted with healing process. I also supplied to one particular hotel that took about 10kgs every week.

Are returns satisfactory?

Remember in a small room of 5meters by 6meters a farmer can generate over 10kgs of oyster mushrooms per week. With that you can make over Sh32, 000 every month.

What, according to you, works best when selling?

One is labelling and packaging the product well. I indicate date of harvest and expiry as well. It is also good to indicate the nutritional and medicinal value of what I am offering.

Your best marketing skill?

Confidence! It works very well with a quality product that is well packaged and professionally labelled.