Are you new to the Mitumba (second-hand clothing) business? This guide is tailored for beginners in 2025 who want a practical, granular roadmap—from understanding bale types to sourcing, importing to Kenya, and selling successfully.
1. Understanding Mitumba Bales
1.1 What Is a Mitumba Bale?
- The word Mitumba originates from Swahili, meaning “bundles”. In the context of business, a Mitumba bale refers to a compressed package of second-hand clothing, typically weighing between 45–55 kg, though larger or smaller bales are also available.
Most Mitumba bales originate from developed countries like the UK, Canada, USA, Germany, Australia, South Korea, and China. These clothes come from donations, surplus, unsold store inventory, or lightly used personal wardrobes.
1.2 Why Mitumba?
Mitumba bales are a booming business across Africa, especially in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, and Ghana, thanks to these key advantages:
- Affordable fashion for budget-conscious shoppers.
- High turnover—popular styles and brands sell quickly in local markets.
- Low startup cost—you can begin with just 1 or 2 bales from local mitumba bales suppliers.
- Scalable business—expand from hawking to wholesale or even import/export.
- E-commerce friendly—perfect for reselling on social media and online platforms.
2. Types of Mitumba Bales
Mitumba bales are usually sorted by gender, age, product type, and seasonality. Here are the most common types:
2.1 Camera Mitumba Bales
These are Grade A or “first-grade” bales that include high-quality, lightly used, or brand-name used clothing. They’re called “camera” because you can literally open the bale and shoot product photos—they’re that clean.
- ✅ Mostly free of stains, holes, or damage.
- 👗 Popular brands like H&M, Levi’s, Nike, and Adidas.
- 💰 Higher prices but yield better resale value.
2.2 Grade B/C Bales
These are more affordable but may contain items that require cleaning, mending, or repurposing. Still profitable if you’re targeting very low-cost segments.
2.3 Specialized Bales
- Children Mitumba Bales: Include babywear, toddler clothes, school uniforms.
- Mitumba Handbags Bales: Sorted fashion bags and backpacks.
- Mitumba Bras Bales: Includes padded and sports bras.
- Men’s Shirts, Ladies’ Blouses, Denim Pants: Focused categories for niche selling.
2.4 Mitumba Bags Bales
Not clothing but accessories—travel bags, purses, sports bags, and backpacks. Highly profitable for street sellers and shops.
3. Mitumba Bale Sources: Best Countries
3.1 Top Source Countries
Some countries are known for better quality, trendy fashion, and reliable packaging. Here’s a comparison:
Country | Pros | Cons |
UK | High fashion, clean, modern styles | Pricier shipping |
Canada | Winter items, branded used clothes | Many warm-weather items |
USA | Mix of vintage, sportswear, and fast fashion | Unsorted shipments common |
Germany | Well-sorted, good-quality basics | Fewer trend pieces |
South Korea | Modern streetwear, young fashion | More petite sizing |
China | Surplus stock, nearly new items, brand name used clothing | Long shipping time |
Best Overall? Many sellers agree: China offers the best balance of quality and style for East African markets when you find a reliable second hand clothing supplier.
4. How to Source Mitumba Bales
4.1 Find Reliable Suppliers
- Export Companies:
Like Indetexx, Hissen Global, Kenyan-experts importers. - Search B2B platforms:
Alibaba, GlobalSources, TradeKey. - Trade fairs/expos:
Fashion sourcing events in Dubai or Guangzhou, China. - Referrals:
Connect with experienced Mitumba sellers for vetted contacts.
4.2 Evaluate Suppliers
- Ask for sample photos or videos of sorted bales.
- Request packing labels, grade breakdown, and expiry date (if relevant).
- Confirm bale weight, category names (“Children Winter”, “Men’s Jeans”).
- Go to the factory to inspect the second hand clothing supplier’s strength and the quality of the clothes sorted by the factory
4.3 Negotiation Tips
- Clarify unit weight, grade, source location, packing quality, payment terms, shipping INCOTERMS (FCA, FOB, CIF).
- Ask about LEAD TIMES: time from order to dispatch.
5. How to Sell Mitumba Bales
Selling Mitumba bales effectively requires a clear strategy based on your target customer—whether retail buyers, small-scale traders, or online consumers. Below are practical methods to maximize profit and ensure repeat business.
5.1 Retail Selling (Street or Market-Based)
Setup Locations:
Focus on high-traffic areas with known second-hand markets like:
- Gikomba or Toi Market in Nairobi
- Katwe Market in Kampala
- Kantamanto in Accra
- Local roadside kiosks or mobile stalls
Display Tips:
- Use mannequins, clothing racks, or walls to showcase your best Grade A items—especially branded jeans, dresses, or jackets.
- Keep a “Bargain Corner” or “Mix Bundle Table” for Grade B/C items.
- Example: “5 Men’s Shirts for KES 1,000” or “Children’s Mix – 3 for KES 500.”
- Example: “5 Men’s Shirts for KES 1,000” or “Children’s Mix – 3 for KES 500.”
- Rotate items weekly to keep your stall looking fresh and seasonal.
5.2 Wholesale Distribution
If you aim to supply smaller retailers or market vendors:
- Sell Unopened Bales: Many resellers prefer to buy sealed bales labeled by category (e.g., “Ladies Denim – 45kg”). This saves them time and gives the impression of fairness.
- Offer Tiered Pricing:
- Grade A: Premium price
- Grade B: Discounted rate for bulk purchases
- Grade A: Premium price
- Target markets in peri-urban areas or smaller towns where resale demand is growing.
5.3 Online Selling Strategies
Digital platforms offer excellent reach with low overhead:
Platforms to Use:
- Facebook Marketplace: Post daily with clear photos and local delivery offers
- Instagram Shops: Showcase camera bales or fashion-focused items like dresses or tops
- WhatsApp Groups: Create customer groups or join reseller communities
- Jumia/Kilimall (for Kenya/Nigeria): List items individually or as bundles
Content Tips:
- Always use high-resolution photos with natural lighting
- Add descriptions such as:
“Camera Bale – Ladies Branded T-Shirts – Grade A – Sizes S to XL” - Include clear pricing, pickup/delivery options, and a contact number
5.4 Sorting & Grading for Maximum Profit
Once mitumba bales arrive, open them carefully and sort immediately:
- Label by Category & Grade: Use markers and tags like:
- “Children Winter – Grade A”
- “Men’s Shorts – Grade B – 5 for $8”
- “Children Winter – Grade A”
- Sell by Pieces or Small Bundles:
- Example: 10 premium branded shirts individually at $3–$5 each
- Lower-grade clothing in 3–5 piece bundles for fast movement
- Example: 10 premium branded shirts individually at $3–$5 each
Profit Tip: Selling individually after sorting can yield 2–4x more profit than selling per bale.
5.5 Customer Engagement & Local Marketing
- Demonstrate at the Stall:
- Wear and showcase high-quality pieces live.
- Use mirrors or allow customers to try clothes (if local rules permit).
- Wear and showcase high-quality pieces live.
- Signage Works:
- Post boards like: “Grade A – No Holes, Original Brands”
- Use terms like “UK Sorted,” “Camera Quality,” or “Top Picks.”
- Post boards like: “Grade A – No Holes, Original Brands”
- Use Seasonal Promotions:
- Back to School: Push kids’ wear from December to January
- Rainy Season: Promote jackets and warm wear
- Holidays: Offer bundles as gift sets
- Back to School: Push kids’ wear from December to January
6. Mistakes Beginners Should Avoid
- ❌ Buying containers of unsorted, unverified bales
- ❌ Not requesting photos or videos before shipping order
- ❌ Forgetting required import paperwork → demurrage fees
- ❌ Label mix-up causing customs issues
- ❌ Ignoring market preferences (e.g. summer vs winter clothes)
- ❌ Skipping sorting & grading—leading to customer dissatisfaction
✅ Always start small, test your market, verify supplier and ensure documentation compliance.
7. Pro Tips for Scaling
- Build long-term relationships: repurchasing volume may unlock discounts.
- Use market feedback to influence the next order (e.g. “Blue Denim” sells faster).
- Invest in a small warehouse & sorting table—makes grading easier and raises retail value.
- Consider private labeling or packaging—differentiates you in the market.
- Diversify categories: add handbags, shoes, school uniforms depending on demand.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I import Mitumba as an individual?
Yes. Individuals can import second-hand clothing if they have a valid Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) PIN and complete the Import Declaration Form (IDF) prior to shipping.
Q2: Do I need a KEBS (Kenya Bureau of Standards) inspection for used clothing?
Possibly. Some used clothing shipments are exempt, but regulations can vary. It’s best to consult your clearing agent or customs broker before shipment to confirm if inspection or certification is required.
Q3: How many bales fit in a 20-foot container?
A standard 20ft Full Container Load (FCL) typically holds about 260 to 280 bales, depending on bale size and packing density.
Q4: What kind of profit margins can I expect?
- Camera bales (Grade A) generally yield a 200–300% markup when sold as sorted individual pieces.
- Grade B/C bales usually provide a 50–100% markup, often sold in bulk bundles or wholesale.
Q5: How quickly can I scale my Mitumba business?
After completing 2 to 3 successful trial orders with proven quality and market acceptance, scaling to full container loads of second hand clothing and larger volumes becomes feasible and less risky.
9. Final Word
Starting a Mitumba business in 2025 means leveraging global supply with local insights. By sourcing Camera bales from China, the USA, and the UK, Kids clothes from Canada, and following clear import protocols, you can build a thriving resale operation.
Your next steps:
- Contact 2–3 trusted second hand clothing suppliers and request trial samples.
- Register your business and set up your import process.
- Plan your marketing strategy—focus on your area’s demand.
- Begin selling—learning, adapting, and scaling as you go.
Mitumba bales are more than used clothes—they’re an entrepreneurial opportunity. Start smart, stay organized, and your first few bales could be the foundation of a profitable fashion resale business.