Customer Care in the Slums: What Small Shops Teach Big Brands
In the heart of Kampala’s slums, where roads are rough and systems are scarce, small shopkeepers are delivering something big brands often miss — truly human customer care. No apps, no call centers — just trust, relationships, and real-time service. At Tez ChildFund Africa, we believe these local entrepreneurs are not just surviving — they’re leading. With your support, we can help them grow.

In the vibrant, unpaved streets of Kampala’s slums, where formal business infrastructure is limited, something remarkable thrives — authentic customer care.

It’s not driven by apps, algorithms, or loyalty schemes. It’s powered by people.

More Than Just a Transaction

In these close-knit neighborhoods, shopkeepers often know their customers by name. They remember who likes which snack, what time someone usually stops by, and what a family typically buys for dinner. This kind of personal, consistent service is something many large corporations try — and struggle — to replicate with technology.

Trust Over Paperwork

In the absence of banks or formal credit systems, trust becomes the currency. A loyal customer can buy on credit — no forms to sign, just mutual understanding. This deep trust creates lifelong loyalty, something major brands spend millions trying to manufacture.

Feedback That Matters

When something goes wrong, customers speak up immediately. Face-to-face. Shopkeepers respond just as quickly. No call centers. No email threads. No delays. Just real conversations and rapid solutions — a feedback loop many companies only dream of.

A Lesson in Humanity

These small, informal businesses succeed because they treat people like people — not just transactions or data points. The heart of great customer care isn’t technology. It’s empathy, trust, and community.


Why It Matters to Us

At Tez ChildFund Africa, we see these entrepreneurs not just as survivors — but as innovators.

With the right training, mentorship, and access to resources, their small shops can grow into sustainable businesses. And with your support, we can help make that happen.

Want to be part of the transformation?

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