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Supplier credit means taking stock now and paying later, usually within a week or a month. For a small shop it can be better than a bank loan: no interest, no collateral and no paperwork. But distributors don’t hand credit to strangers. You earn it.

Why suppliers say no to new shops

From the distributor’s side, every credit order is a risk. They don’t know if your shop will last, if you’ll pay on time, or if you’ll disappear with their stock. Your job is to remove that doubt.

6 steps to earn supplier credit

1. Pay cash for the first few months. Buy regularly, even in small quantities. Consistency matters more than size.
2. Always pay through MoMo or bank. It builds a record of your reliability on both sides.
3. Stick to one or two main suppliers. Spreading small orders across many suppliers means none of them knows you well.
4. Be easy to work with. Clear orders in writing, no disputes over small things, and honesty when something goes wrong.
5. Show them your shop is real. Invite them to visit, or share photos of your shop, registration and stock.
6. Ask for a small credit first. For example, a portion of your usual order, paid within one or two weeks. Pay early, then ask for more over time.

How to ask

Keep it simple and specific. For example:

“I’ve bought from you every two weeks for four months and always paid on time. Could you give me this week’s order with payment in 14 days? I’ll pay by MoMo on or before [date].”

Use credit carefully

• Only take credit for fast-moving stock you’re confident will sell before payment is due.
• Write down every credit order with the amount and due date.
• Never miss a payment. One late payment can undo months of trust.
• Don’t stack credit from several suppliers. It feels like free stock until all the bills land in the same week.

Choosing the right supplier comes first. See 12 questions to ask a phone wholesaler before you pay.

Build a shop suppliers want to trust

How to Start a Phone & Accessories Business in Ghana shows you how to choose suppliers, manage stock and keep the records that make you look like the reliable customer every distributor wants.

Launch price: GHC 69 (regular GHC 150). Instant PDF download.

Want help building supplier relationships from day one? Sourcing and payment terms are month 2 of the Phone Shop Launchpad 1-on-1 mentorship.