Altum Solutions is a new business in Lesotho. They offer all premium smoking products. The owner, Mr. Makhupane, shares his story of how he started the business and his experience with Loyverse. 

Can you briefly describe your business?

My name is Moreli Makhupane. I am from Lesotho. We started this business two years ago. But by then, we didn’t use this web-based POS. I learned about Loyverse recently because I was trying to use QuickBooks, and I asked them which is the best POS I can use for my business. We sell tobacco products. We also have other activities that we do, and I am testing Loyverse to see if I can implement it in these other stores as well. 

Why did you decide to go into the tobacco business?

To be fair, this business is very risky and very specialized because we don’t sell to everyone. Not everyone likes smoking, not everyone likes tobacco. But it is a good start, making more businesses for me because, in terms of cash flow, it is very good. 

Do you plan to open more branches of tobacco shops in the future?

I have other business plans in mind, like pharmacies and construction. I am trying to penetrate the market and try to find where to go in terms of investments, customers, and everything. This is only the start.

What is your philosophy in business?

Since I am new, I cannot say I have a philosophy yet. I am still learning a lot since I am meeting a lot of challenges. I have been working for so many private companies since I started working, and the owners would let me handle all the processes of the business. I learned in this way that I am capable of running a business. But I have not formed my philosophy yet; I am still working toward it. 

When did you start to use Loyverse?

I started using Loyverse a couple of months ago. I am still new at using it. 

Did using Loyverse change how your business operates, and which products are you using?

Initially, when I started testing Loyverse, I noticed that there are a lot of features and options that I could use. Since I am not always at the store, Loyverse has enabled me to access my files and reports from anywhere, as long as I am using a browser. I faced a challenge with the POS devices because I had bought a PC, and later I learned that Loyverse can be used only on Android and iOS devices. I did research and found out that some customers are using emulators to use Loyverse on a PC. I tested Remix, but it didn’t work well since I am using Mac. I tested Bluestacks, but I found out that it is not possible to connect printers and barcode scanners. This is causing me trouble printing receipts. I am using a workaround currently and sending the receipt to my email and printing it from there on a regular printer. I am going to buy tablets and new phones soon so that I can use the app to its full potential, as it was initially designed to be used. I am using all three add-ons of Loyverse: Employee Management, Advanced Inventory, and Unlimited Sales History. I have integrated my Loyverse account with my QuickBooks account. I like the access right restriction  possibility as it allows you to protect your sensitive information, like the cost and profit, which should not be visible to every employee. My employees need to have access only to the POS to make sales.

Have the Inventory Management features been useful for your business?

Inventory features were one of the reasons I love Loyverse and decided to implement it in my store. I have a lot of items that stock I need to track. I am still in the testing phase for Advanced Inventory. I haven’t tested all the features yet but I am very eager to check them out. 

What do you see Loyverse doing for your business in the future?

At the moment, I am training my employees. I currently have only one cashier, but I plan to add more employees in the future. I want to test how fast my employees will learn the system and how expert they can become in this system. 

Thank you for the interview. Do you have any final words/message for other entrepreneurs?

Everyone is different, we are born different, we are raised differently, and we have experienced different challenges so if you get the chance to open your own business, you going have to take this chance. You must not wait for someone else to tell you that this is the chance for you to have your own business. You can start small by selling things yourself, going door-to-door, and making yourself and your product known. Some people may complain that they lack the necessary funds or resources to start their businesses. I can suggest that these people work somewhere else to gather these funds, but don’t rest there. Don’t wait for people or cooperates to support you or give you hints on when it is the right time to start your business. Get your salary, save, and have your business idea ready to be implemented as soon as the resources are available. It is as simple as that.