By Ofili Nonso
“My greatest challenge is getting customers because this phone and tech business is oversaturated.” Those were the words of Adedapo Kolapo, owner of Koda Tech, a subsidiary under C.O.S Computers, both Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
After 2 years of establishing the business, (It was established in 2020, just before the pandemic), he attributes his successes to the help of God.
Situated at no 4, Pepple Street beside Zenith Bank, Computer Village, C.O.S is a store where laptops, phones, gaming products and accessories are sold. The company deals in Apple, HP and Samsung products. It also purchases, sells and swaps devices.
Kolapo started the business as a final year student of Human Resource Management at the University of Lagos(UNILAG).
Expectedly, most businesses have their trying moments. Koda Tech tasted the bitter pill in 2020 when the pandemic disrupted its plans.However, it scaled through and commenced operations in 2021.
For the founder, balancing school activities with the new business was demanding. School and work, work and school. That was how his cycle ran.
“To get customers, you have to think outside the box,” he said.
According to him, attracting customers requires thinking outside the box, and better advertisement in the oversaturated industry.
When asked how often people patronize the brand, he noted that the business is going well.
“If don’t say everyday, I’ll say every week. People come in to buy, and those who don’t come physically, they pay and we deliver to them,” he said.
He added that Koda Tech delivers anywhere in the country.
The entrepreneurs explained causes of change in prices of products. After import duties, he noted that currency was a major determinant for phones and other devices.
His words: “It depends on how much dollar is at a particular time; that determines the price of any gadget. If dollar is high, the price of goods will obviously increase.”
Kolapo’s dream is for his firm to gain ground.
“Koda Tech is not a short term venture. It’s going to be around for a very long time,” he said.
Nice job well done
Nice article
Great job man! As a fan of tech in general, this was a pretty nice read 🚀✨.
Its a good job ikejabird is doing, exposing SMEs to limelight. Good job to the writer too.
I admire Kola’s tenacity and diligence despite the hurdles he has to face in a volatile high competition market. Of course Nigeria’s part to play here is our unstable currency which could either lead to profit or severe loss for Kola. Hopefully our country becomes more stable so as to encourage SME’S in the country.