Selina Bebaako-Mensah, CEO of multi-award winning Ghanaian fashion brand, ‘Selina beb’ has advised entrepreneurs who wish for their craft to gain international recognition not to get thrilled about their products being on the international market.
According to her, if they allow such things get into their heads, it might end up affecting their business.
She told Eunice Tornyi on e.TV Ghana’s African Women’s Voices, “Don’t just go around and say you’re happy they’re selling your products abroad but rather put in more work”.
She admits getting international recognition for products are good and can help improve one’s business but then, “producers should make sure to at least have a written contract just for evidence and their survival”.
Using her business as an example, she made it known that apart from the advantages she has gained from going global, she has also faced a few challenges where some of her international buyers took advantage of her. “They managed to take possession of my products without making payment”.
Sharing her experience she said, “I got carried away by the opportunity to sell on the international market and did not see the need to sign a contract with my clients. Today there are stores in the UK and in other parts of the world who owe me money and have refused to pay”.
She stated that the whole point of selling is to make money so, “What’s the point if your products are being sold and you’re not getting any money. Make sure you get the money. Do not get carried away by the international market”.
She advised that it is better for producers to reduce the price of their products and get paid upfront rather than giving out the products to shops with the intention of them paying later without any proper evidence.
By: Gyamfuah Owusu-Ackom