"SLC26-W2 | Street Business Diaries: Street Fruit, vegetable and fish sales."
Introduction
In my area, fish business—especially catfish—is one of the most active and consistent markets. Almost every home eats it, either fresh, smoked, or fried. I’ve had the chance to watch closely how this business works, especially from a woman who sells beside our shop. From how she attends to customers, to the way she manages her prices, I’ve learned a lot. In this post, I’ll share my experience, how we buy, the demand, and the role catfish plays in both business and health.
High demand in my area
When we talk about items that are in high demand in my area, especially around the fruits, vegetables, and fish market — I go with fish, and not just any fish o, I mean catfish.
Why? Because catfish is not just for eating at home. People buy it to use for business. Like smoking it for restaurants, bars, relaxation joints, even for hotel supplies. In fact, in my area, we have about 10+ different places you can buy catfish at affordable prices. Some sell using scale (KG), some just look at the size and call a price straight up.
My Experience Buying Catfish
Let me tell you my story.
I and my boss buy catfish every week. She's the type that doesn’t like small-small fish, so she always tells me, “Get me the biggest one they have!”
 | small size |
|---|
 | The big size |
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The last time I went to the market, I met one woman. Her fish wasn’t that jumbo size we usually buy, but it was something. She told me ₦9,000. I had to snap it and send it to my boss to confirm if we should go ahead. After serious pricing (I mean serious bargain battle 😂), we got it for ₦8,000 each and bought two for ₦16,000.
Apart from business and money, catfish is very good for the body.
It’s rich in protein, helps build the body. That’s why people love it. You fit grill am, fry am, or smoke am. The nutrition still dey intact.
Catfish is something almost every Lagosian eats, especially on weekends or festive period. And because it has no specific season, sellers are always in business. December period? Boom! Sales dey fly.
Business is not just about buying and selling. It's about what people need most
This is how pricing works:
- If they’re using scale, they’ll weigh the fish. Maybe it shows 5kg, and the unit price is ₦1,450/kg, then the total is ₦7,250. But if you price well, you can get it for ₦7,000 or less.
Scale used in weighing
- If it’s no scale, they just look at the size and call price: “This one is 9,000.” But you can still bring it down to 8,000 or even ₦7,000, it all about knowing the worth and standing your ground. That’s where talent comes in 😎.
Seller Strategy & What I Observed
Now let’s talk about the woman selling it.
First of all, she sabi talk. Her communication skill is top-notch. I was watching how she relates with customers. Even when someone complains or misbehaves, annoying, and quarrel she stays calm. That’s one thing I respect about her. Her sister na the opposite — always ready to vex 😂.
She knows how to market her fish, how to keep her customers, and how to talk to people respectfully. I’ve learned a lot just watching her.
One thing I’ve realized as a sales boy is that competition is not bad. When you see your customer buy from another person, it can pain you. But at the same time, it helps you level up. It gives you reason to improve. If no competition, you go just relax. But when others dey do better, you go sit up.
Why Catfish Business Is Important for Health & Nutrition
it’s about what people need most and how you can solve that problem in a smart way.
This catfish business might look simple, but if you look well, it teaches a lot about life — from customer relations, to pricing strategy, to consistency, and even emotional control (especially when some customers act anyhow 😅).
And for someone like me, who watches everything with detail, I’ve realized that even small businesses like this deserve respect. The woman didn’t go to business school, but she knows how to run her market, keep her customers, and make her daily profit without noise.
Let’s not forget health too. Many people think eating fish is just about enjoyment — true, but catfish especially is full of nutrients. Some doctors even advise replacing red meat with fish because it’s lighter and healthier for the body.
Catfish is not just sweet man like I said but because of the health benefit it has. It’s packed with protein, which helps building a strong muscles. Catfish also have Omega-3 fatty acids which in building the heart and brain. it’s low in fat compared to red meat and easy digestion.
The business is on high demand and preferable because it’s affordable and still gives your body the right nutrients without breaking the pocket. Anyhow you want to use it, either by grilling, smoking, or cooking it fresh, it still remains one of the best choices for a healthy meal.
Let me summarize it;
📌Source of protein
📌Contains Omega-3 acid
📌Low fat
📌Affordable
📌Any cooking method
So, in conclusion, catfish business is not just waka come, it’s a strong hustle that supports both the stomach and the pocket. From the seller who wakes early to clean and prepare fish, to customers like me and my boss who go to the market to get the best deals — everyone is playing a role.
And as a Lagos boy, I fit tell you say, when you dey come back from work and you perceive that smoke fish aroma for junction, you go pause small. Whether you get money or not, you go at least price 😂.
I only chose to talk about catfish
Cc;
@max-pro
Have a good day!
X Link
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