By Elizabeth Adegbesan

Presently, the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as we know are not smiling at all.

The continued increase in the prices of goods is eating deep into their profits.

As if this was not enough, the menace has found itself in their capitals, leaving most MSMEs out of business.

Economy&Lifestyle findings revealed that some of these MSMEs now adopt phone calls , online mini shops to keep their customers while struggling to get capital to continue their businesses.

Explaining the process, Mrs. Bolanle Rasheed said, she had to write her phone number on the door of her shop instructing her customers to call whenever they need her services.

“I sell processed food items and provisions. I have spent all the profits and capital of the business on feeding and other expenses.

“Running a business in this era is difficult because things are getting more expensive daily. When you buy a carton of noodles for instance this week. The next week the price has increased.

“Some people advise you to keep track of prices in the market to know current prices. But how long do you do this coupled with increased expenses.

“I had to lock my shop when there were no goods left to sell. After some days, I was worried I would lose customers so I wrote down my number and instructed them to call me whenever they want to buy anything.

“When they send their order, I go and get it in other stores and send it to them without a fee because most of my customers reside in my area.

“The little gain I make is what I have been using to take care of my needs and that of my family. It is not an easy task though.”

Mrs. Marvin Godonou, a takeaway pack seller lamented the effect of the Lagos State Government ban on styrofoam cups and plates which made her switch to pure water and soft business.

She added: “Since I started this business there has been no sale at all because people now drink water from the borehole.

“Even soft drinks are a no go area for most people because of the cost.

“These factors made my business struggle and while I was struggling with business I was spending the profit and capital on feeding.

“I have a family of six including my husband who is a commercial motorcycle driver.

“The high cost of fuel is making him struggle to deliver his daily settlement agreement with the motorcycle owner. I had to lock my shop when there were no goods left for sale.

“Since I had phone numbers of most of my customers I added them online and persuaded them to order their goods online. I also introduced food items to them.

“When they make their orders, I deliver them to their homes.

“I also wrote my phone number on my shop door.

“It hasn’t been easy because I have to do a lot of convincing, especially on price. We all know the prices of things rise every day.

“I thank God I still have something to do till I will be able to raise capital to restock my shop.”
However, the same is not for Mrs. Obiageli Johnson who sells groundnut.

She said: “ I sell groundnut, tiger nut and corn. I started the business with N20,000.

“My children always request mummy food, mummy water, mummy soap to wash, mummy this, mummy that.

“Now the goods and money are finished and I am planning to sell the table, tray and pan I used to start a new business in front of my house.

“This life is not easy, especially as I am a single mother with no helper.”

For Mrs. Shikemi Oluyonlo, her restaurant business has died as a result of the increase in prices of food stuff.
“I run a restaurant business. It has not been easy because the business is not moving at all.

“I am the one eating my food, sometimes I give it out at the end of the day when there is no sale.

“Now, I am at home since I can’t afford to buy food stuff for cooking.

“I have decided to go and look for a job for the main time to raise capital to start a new business.

“Though I have informed some of my customers I do prepare food in bulk for. I am still in contact with them.

“Another thing I did was create a business page online where I advertise my services for bulk cooking.

“I added my customers and persuaded them to send comments. This I post on the page to convince my viewers and readers for patronage.”