Kenyan businesswoman and content creator Amira has opened up about a costly lesson she learned the hard way, telling fellow traders to never assume shipping charges are always correct.
According to Amira, one of the biggest mistakes business owners make is trusting the figures they are given without double-checking when their goods arrive.
She says taking just a few minutes to measure your cargo upon arrival can save you from unnecessary expenses and protect your hard-earned profits.
"Always re-measure your cargo when it arrives and compare it with the CBM you were charged for," Amira advised.
She explained that this is especially important for traders who use consolidation shipping services instead of filling an entire container. In those cases, charges are calculated based on how much space your goods take up, so even a small difference in measurements can affect what you pay.
Amira said business owners should make it a habit to verify every detail instead of assuming everything is correct. She noted that small errors can add up quickly and eat into profit margins.
"A few minutes with a tape measure can save you a lot of money," she said.
The pressure behind every shipment
But Amira did not stop at the practical side of things. She also spoke honestly about the emotional weight that comes with running a business.
She said every time that "Cargo Has Arrived" message pops up, it brings a mix of excitement and anxiety. Behind every shipment, she explained, is a business owner hoping everything goes according to plan.
"No one talks about the mini heart attack you get when that 'Cargo Has Arrived' message comes in," Amira shared.
Once the goods arrive, the pressure shifts to clearing them, unpacking, marketing, and making sales. The goal is always to move products fast and keep the business profitable.
"Every shilling counts in business," she said.
Her message to other traders was simple: do not assume the figures are always correct. Verify, calculate, and protect your profit margins.
"Don't assume the figures are always correct. Verify, calculate, and protect your profit margins," Amira said.
She encouraged women in particular to ignore society's opinions and choose happiness, but on the business front, her advice was clear: trust but verify, especially when it comes to your cargo.
0 Comments