7 Benefits of Using M-Pesa for Your Craft Side Hustle
7 Benefits of Using M-Pesa for Your Craft Side Hustle.
7 Benefits of Using M-Pesa for Your Craft Side Hustle
If you’re running a craft side hustle in Kenya—whether it’s beaded jewelry, custom t-shirts, or scented candles—M-Pesa is more than just a payment method. It’s a powerful business tool that can make your operations smoother, your finances easier to manage, and your customer experience more professional.
Whether you’re selling at a market, through Instagram, or via WhatsApp, here are 7 major benefits of using M-Pesa to power your craft side hustle.
1. Instant Payments from Anywhere in Kenya
With M-Pesa, your customers can pay you instantly, no matter where they are. Whether they’re across town or across the country, you can receive payment in seconds—no need for physical cash or bank trips.
✅ Perfect for:
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Online orders
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Deliveries via riders or courier
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Rural and urban customers alike
2. Builds Customer Trust and Credibility
Customers feel safer paying via M-Pesa because it’s widely accepted and secure. Offering M-Pesa shows you’re serious about your business, making you look more professional and trustworthy—even if you’re just starting out.
✅ Bonus tip:
Use a Lipa na M-Pesa Till or Pochi la Biashara instead of your personal number for added credibility.
3. Easy Record Keeping and Transaction Tracking
Every payment you receive via M-Pesa is automatically recorded. You can easily track sales, confirm payments, and download statements to review your business growth or file taxes.
✅ Tools you can use:
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M-Pesa mini-statements via *234#
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M-Pesa Business App for more detailed insights
4. No Need for a Bank Account
Starting a side hustle doesn’t require setting up a business bank account. All you need is your phone. You can collect, store, and even save or borrow money directly from M-Pesa.
✅ Great for:
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Hustlers without access to formal banking
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Fast-moving businesses that need cash flow flexibility
5. Access to Business-Friendly Products like Pochi la Biashara
If you’re not a registered business yet, you can still use Pochi la Biashara to separate your craft income from your personal wallet. It keeps your finances organized and gives you a more professional interface.
✅ Benefits of Pochi la Biashara:
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Receive payments using your own number
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Separate business funds
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Zero setup cost
6. Enables You to Offer Flexible Payment Options
You can accept deposits, full payments, or even installment payments via M-Pesa. This gives your customers more flexibility while ensuring you’re not left empty-handed.
✅ Use cases:
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Take 50% deposit before starting a custom order
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Allow “pay before delivery” for ready-made items
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Offer subscription craft boxes or weekly bundles
7. Connects You to Financing Tools
M-Pesa isn’t just for collecting money—it also connects you to tools like M-Shwari, KCB M-Pesa, and Fuliza, which can help you:
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Buy materials in bulk
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Restock during slow weeks
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Handle emergency orders
✅ These tools help smooth out your cash flow as you scale your hustle.
From its flexibility to its financial tools, M-Pesa offers everything a Kenyan crafter needs to run a successful side hustle. It simplifies how you get paid, helps you stay organized, and even opens doors to growth—without needing a storefront or big capital.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your craft hustle, M-Pesa is your best business partner.
