10 M-Pesa Tips for First-Time Craft Sellers in Kenya

10 M-Pesa Tips for First-Time Craft Sellers in Kenya.

10 M-Pesa Tips for First-Time Craft Sellers in Kenya

Starting your craft business is exciting—but managing money can be challenging if you don’t have the right tools. Luckily, M-Pesa offers a reliable and widely trusted way to accept payments, pay suppliers, and grow your small business in Kenya.

Here are ten essential M-Pesa tips to help first-time craft sellers get started on the right foot:

1. Start with a Personal M-Pesa Account (But Know Its Limits)

When you’re just starting out, using your personal M-Pesa account is okay for receiving payments. It’s quick and easy—just share your phone number with customers. However, this setup makes it hard to separate personal and business finances. Keep detailed records or consider creating a business-specific line early on.

✅ Tip: Use a small notebook or Google Sheet to manually track each sale and M-Pesa transaction.

2. Upgrade to a Business Till Number (Lipa na M-Pesa)

As your craft business grows, apply for a Buy Goods Till or Paybill number through Safaricom’s M-Pesa for Business platform. This gives you a professional image and allows you to:

• Separate business income from personal funds

• Accept payments without revealing your phone number

• Get access to transaction reports and loans

✅ Tip: Registration is free and can be done online or through a Safaricom agent.

3. Clearly Display Your Payment Details

Make it easy for your customers to pay. Whether you sell at a market stall, from home, or on social media, clearly display your M-Pesa Till/Paybill number on:

• Signage at your booth

• Your business cards

• Instagram/Facebook bios and posts

• Receipts or product packaging

✅ Tip: Use simple graphics or laminated cards with your number and payment instructions.

4. Always Confirm Payment Before Releasing Goods

Fraud can happen. Before handing over your product, confirm payment by:

• Checking your M-Pesa SMS for a confirmation message

• Using M-Pesa mini statement (*Dial 234# > M-PESA statement > Mini statement)

• Logging into MySafaricom App to verify the latest transactions

✅ Tip: Watch out for fake M-Pesa SMS messages—always verify with your own account.

5. Use a Payment Confirmation Message Template

After receiving payment, send the customer a thank-you message that includes their transaction code. This boosts your credibility and leaves a positive impression.

Example:

“Thank you for your purchase! We have received Ksh 1,000 via M-Pesa (Ref: QBN2S1QH). Your order will be processed shortly!”

✅ Tip: Save a standard message on WhatsApp or Notes app for quick use.

6. Use Hakikisha to Prevent Sending Money to the Wrong Person

When paying for supplies or transport via M-Pesa, always double-check the name that pops up using Hakikisha, Safaricom’s name-verification feature. This prevents costly mistakes.

✅ Tip: If the name shown doesn’t match your intended recipient, cancel the transaction immediately.

7. Monitor and Track Transactions Weekly

Good record-keeping will save you money, time, and stress. Use M-Pesa’s features to check how much you’re earning:

• Request monthly statements via SMS or MySafaricom App

• Export statements to Excel or Google Sheets

• Categorize transactions (sales, expenses, savings)

✅ Tip: Review your M-Pesa statement every week to track growth and adjust prices if needed.

8. Avoid Withdrawing Cash—Use M-Pesa to Pay Suppliers Directly

Whenever possible, avoid cash withdrawals, which come with transaction fees. Pay your raw material suppliers, transport, or delivery services directly via M-Pesa to save money and reduce theft risk.

✅ Tip: Encourage your suppliers to accept M-Pesa by explaining the convenience and safety.

9. Save Part of Your Earnings in M-Shwari or KCB M-Pesa

Set aside 10–20% of each sale as savings using M-Shwari or KCB M-Pesa. This helps you build capital for reinvesting in materials, equipment, or future stock.

✅ Tip: Automate savings with a set daily or weekly target, even if it’s just Ksh 50 a day.

10. Promote M-Pesa as Your Preferred Payment Option

Let your customers know that M-Pesa is your main payment method. It’s secure, easy, and traceable for both parties. When customers see that you’re organized, they’re more likely to trust and buy from you again.

✅ Tip: Use phrases like “We accept M-Pesa payments!” on your social media and in product captions.