Stories help people believe what’s possible. Evelyn began her phone accessories hustle with just K2,000 and zero experience. Today, she earns between K10,000–K12,000 a month consistently. This case study breaks down her journey from start to finish — real numbers, real challenges, real profits. If you’re thinking about starting a small importing business in Zambia, Evelyn’s story will show you what works.
1. How Evelyn Started (The First Week)
Evelyn noticed that phone chargers were selling out frequently in her town, especially in areas with heavy foot traffic like bus stops and retail clusters. She validated demand simply by asking kiosk owners and checking Facebook Marketplace.
She discovered that genuine fast chargers were always in short supply — and this became her entry point.
2. Initial Purchase: K2,000 Breakdown
Evelyn didn’t jump in blindly. She contacted three suppliers and chose one recommended by a friend who imported from Dubai.
Here’s how she spent her starting K2,000:
- 100 chargers (unit landed cost ~K12) → K1,200
- Transport to Zambia → K150
- Packaging & branding stickers → K80
- Phone camera stand for taking product content → K50
- Miscellaneous transport & lunch → K70
- Buffer for small emergencies → K50
Balance left: K400 (for reinvestment after first 2 weeks)
“She used an HVGadgets testing guide to check for overheating, voltage stability and cable durability — which helped her avoid defective units.”
3. Selling Strategy: Where She Sold
Evelyn didn’t rely on just one place. She used a multi-channel approach:
Her channels:
- Facebook Marketplace
- WhatsApp broadcast list
- Bus station vendors
- Phone repair booths
- Local corner shops (consignment basis)
Her pricing:
- Selling price: K40 per charger
- Profit per unit after transport: ~K25
First batch sales:
- Sold 100 chargers in 14 days
- Revenue: K4,000
- Profit: ~K2,500
4. Scaling Up:Week 3 & Week 4
Evelyn used her profit to buy:
- Another 200 chargers (bulk discount reduced cost to K11 each)
- 50 data cables
- 30 fast-charging plugs
Her new sales funnel:
- Facebook ads (organic, no paid boost)
- Retailer resellers
- Groups on WhatsApp & TikTok comments
- Store-to-store walk-ins
Results:
- Every 100 chargers sold generated K2,500+ profit
- She averaged K10,000–K12,000 revenue each month
She reinvested 30–40% of profits monthly to maintain her stock level.
5. Mistakes She Made (And Lessons You Can Use)
Mistake 1 — Not testing before buying
Her first supplier sent 8 faulty chargers.
Lesson: Always test a sample or buy from trusted suppliers.(HVGadgets testing helps here.)
Mistake 2 — Delayed restocking
She ran out of stock during a peak demand weekend.
Lesson: Reinvest early and maintain inventory.
Mistake 3 — Not tracking expenses
She initially forgot transport/misc costs.
Lesson: Keep a notebook or spreadsheet.
6. Why This Worked in Zambia
- Phone usage is extremely high
- Accessories are affordable
- The market renews itself (cables, chargers break constantly)
- It works even without a shop
- Quick delivery = customers return
