How a Lagos Shoemaker Cut Losses from Material Delays and Wrong Sizes

On the Surface, Business Was Fine

A shoemaker in Lagos runs a small but steady business — taking custom orders weekly.

• Orders are coming in
• Customers are paying
• Production is ongoing

But behind the scenes, money is leaking.

• Materials (leather, soles) are not always available at the market
• Urgent market runs delay production and increase costs
• Customers often request the wrong size
• Adjustments cost about ₦2,000 per pair and waste materials

At the end of the month, profit is lower than expected — but it's not clear why.

Three Issues Draining the Business

A Simple Dashboard Built on Real Data

I built a simple dashboard that uses everyday business data to show what's really happening. The shoemaker only needed to track:

• Sales — shoe type, size requested, final fit, complaints
• Materials used
• Market trips and delays

No complex setup. Just structured records.

After Analysing 300 Sales

• High adjustment frequency on specific sizes (e.g. EU 41–42)
• Certain materials running out consistently before others

For the first time, the shoemaker could see exactly where the money was going.

Decisions Based on Evidence

• Stocked more of high-demand sizes (EU 41)
• Reduced production of sizes with frequent errors
• Adjusted buying patterns for materials that run out quickly
• Introduced a simple size guide for customers

Real, Measurable Outcomes

• ↓ 25% reduction in adjustment costs
• ✓ Fewer urgent market trips
• ✓ Faster order completion
• ✓ More "perfect fit" deliveries — no complaints
• ↑ Improved customer satisfaction and repeat business

Any Business Dealing with Custom Orders