From Kenyan baskets to Swiss markets: How Kyondo grew with the right payment solutions

21 / 01 / 2025

When Sarah and Notarmon visited Kenya in 2021, they did not anticipate their family trip would ignite a thriving business. Inspired by the beauty and craftsmanship of Kenyan baskets, the couple brought a small collection back to Switzerland, unaware of the remarkable journey ahead. Today, Kyondo is a flourishing business with an online shop, a physical store in Graubünden, and a presence at markets and festivals across Switzerland. At the heart of their growth lies their commitment to excellence, supported by the seamless payment solutions provided by the Link/2500 and Saturn 1000F2 payment terminals.

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The beginning of Kyondo: A dream takes root

Sarah, originally from Kenya, saw an opportunity to share her heritage with the Swiss market. She and her partner Notarmon, a software developer, started by selling traditional Kenyan baskets at local markets. What began as a small endeavour quickly gained traction thanks to the quality of their products and the vibrant stories behind them.

In their first year, they attended three markets. By the second year, they expanded to 15, and in the third year, they were showcasing their products at 35 markets and festivals. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and sales skyrocketed.

Recognising the potential of their venture, Notarmon leveraged his technical expertise to create an online shop, making their products accessible beyond market days. However, as demand grew, the couple faced new challenges—one of which was finding a reliable, portable, and feature-rich payment terminal to support their operations.

Notamon and Sarah from Kyondo

Overcoming payment challenges with the Link/2500

From the beginning, Sarah and Notarmon knew they needed a wireless payment terminal that could handle various payment methods without hidden fees. As market vendors often deal with dynamic environments, portability and reliability were essential. Additionally, they wanted a solution that included popular Swiss payment options like TWINT and PostFinance, ensuring convenience for their customers.

After researching several options, they discovered the Link/2500 through an online promotion. It was the perfect fit for their needs as it checked all the right boxes:

  • Wireless capability allowed them to accept payments seamlessly, whether at bustling festivals or remote markets in the Swiss lowlands.
  • Support for all payment methods, including TWINT, PostFinance, debit, and credit cards, ensured no sale was missed.
  • Transparent pricing with no hidden fees gave them peace of mind, enabling better financial planning.

With the Link/2500, Kyondo was able to offer their customers a hassle-free shopping experience. 

Why the Link/2500 is ideal for market vendors

For market vendors in Switzerland, the Link/2500 is a standout choice. Its wireless functionality, support for all major payment methods, and compact design make it perfect for dynamic, on-the-go businesses. Whether you're selling handcrafted goods at a local fair or running a food stall at a festival, this device ensures you never miss a sale.

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«The ease of use and reliability of the Link/2500 played a big role in our success at markets. It allowed us to focus on our customers and products instead of worrying about payment logistics.»

Scaling to new heights: Opening a physical store

In 2024, Kyondo took a significant step forward by opening a physical store in Graubünden, a region known for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant community. The decision to establish a permanent shop stemmed from the increasing demand for their products and the desire to build a closer connection with their customers.

«The Saturn 1000F2 was a natural choice for our store. Its receipt printing feature adds a professional touch, and the ability to accept all payment methods makes life easier for our customers and us.»

The role of payment terminals in small business success

For small businesses like Kyondo, having the right tools can make all the difference. Payment terminals are more than just devices—they're enablers of growth, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency. Here’s why the Link/2500 and Saturn 1000F2 have been game-changers for Kyondo

The future of Kyondo: Continuing the journey

Kyondo’s story is a testament to the power of passion, hard work, and the right tools. From humble beginnings selling Kenyan baskets at markets to running an online shop and a physical store, Sarah and Notarmon have built a brand that celebrates culture, craftsmanship, and community.

Discover the possibilities with Worldline

Ready to take your business to the next level? Explore the Link/2500 and Saturn 1000F2 today and experience the difference they can make.