“Looking to thrive in the dynamic realm of E-Commerce Business in Nigeria? Wondering how to maximize profits amidst the market’s evolution?
If yes is your answer, then this article is for you.
This guide unveils strategic insights and actionable tips tailored to navigating Nigeria’s e-commerce landscape. Dive in to discover the keys to smart and profitable online ventures.”
In this article, you’ll be exposed to the secret of a smart E-commerce business in Nigeria plus how you can start your own smart E-commerce business in Nigeria.
This information will be the best you have read in recent times because I want to share with you what will make you become a millionaire in a matter of months and a multi-millionaire in a matter of years.
Back in 2015, in my quest to secure an alternative source of income. I attended a business seminar. In one of the sessions, we were taught how to start a profitable E-commerce business in Nigeria.
After the program, we decided to implement what was taught. So, in this post, I will share with you everything you need to know to be successful in the smart E-commerce business in Nigeria. Including lessons learned in the process.
Therefore, I urge you to grab your favourite drink and focus on studying every single word in this post because it will help you a great deal!
Now you may be wondering or Probably you thought one needed millions of naira and connections to venture into the E-commerce business in Nigeria…
Or maybe you are imagining how time, energy, and money-consuming it will be?
I have packaged this article to take care of your fears, objections, and anomalies.
I will, first of all, say that you don’t have anything to worry about anymore, because the E-commerce business in Nigeria has been made easier than ever… anybody can start an E-commerce business in Nigeria.
You’ll be amazed that with as little as N50,000, you can start making 6 figures within a few months. All you need is the right information and proper education about this business in order to go about it the right way without being scammed in the process.
Also, you will learn how to make Jumia, Konga, Payporte, Deal Day, etc., work for you with little effort and make money in your sleep. It’s that simple.
I know a few persons who have raked in some 7 figures in pure profits within a few months and friends making hundreds of thousands monthly on this same business.
In the meantime, let’s get started with the basics.
You may ask, what exactly do I need to start this smart E-commerce business in Nigeria?
All you simply need to get started to include the following:
- Laptop/Desktop/Tablet or Mobile Phone
- Internet access
- ATM Card – Naira MasterCard or VISA card
- N10k or more depending on your choice of products.
- An email address
- A traceable physical location that will receive your products
No Custom Worries…
Also, you will learn the tricks scammers use and how to spot them when you come across them.
With the above-listed items, you can start your mini importation business in Nigeria and blossom in a matter of months. The good things about this business model are that everything you need to do can be done in the comfort of your home on your PC or mobile phone. So in a nutshell that is why it is called E-commerce or E-business.
For the records, kindly note that this article on the mini importation business is completely different from the mini importation business report that is flying around the internet without any valuable information.
This article comprises years of demonstrable and practical experience which reveals how small-scale businessmen/women and entrepreneurs in Nigeria and beyond can become part of the mini-importation business world with little capital investment. Which is why it is exceptional.
That said, my goal is to tailor this post on mini importation business specifically for people under the following categories:
People who want to know how to;
- Source for the product(s) on the international portals
- Spot hot in-demand products that will sell
- Start out as a newbie
- Avoid getting scammed
- Stand out from the competition
- Shipped their products to their doorstep without a headache
- Sell their products before it even arrives
With the knowledge contained in this article, you too can import products at low wholesale prices and sell them for a much higher profit.
Have you ever asked yourself how much Konga, Jumia, PayPorte, and other big online shopping stores in Nigeria make every month?
By the time you’re done reading this piece of information, you will be informed about everything you should know to become a mini-importer and international businessperson!
How does the E-commerce business in Nigeria really work…?
Before we start talking about the steps involved in the mini-importation business, it’s crucial that we first understand the nuts and bolts of buying and selling.
Mini importation business as the name implies is simply the art of importing items outside the shores of this country, bringing them into this country, and selling them to consumers.
Also note, that the name mini importation does not necessarily mean small importation. It all depends on the size of your pocket. There is no limit to the amount of money you can invest. Whatever the amount of money you invest to import goods, you will surely resell it to make over 200 % in pure profits. Trust me, there is serious money to be made and people already in it are enjoying this stuff.
How is money made in the E-commerce business in Nigeria?
You simply buy something (for example Mobile phones, shoes, accessories, etc) at a low price and sell them at a higher price to make a profit.
The profit you make in this business is exclusively dependent on the kinds of products you order and their price ranges.
To increase the size of the profit you can make, there are basically two options.
You can either find a way to buy your products at a lower price or look for customers who will buy them at a higher price.
Whatever happens, always ensure that you buy at a cheaper price and sell it at a higher price to make reasonable profits.
The thing is before now importing from overseas was difficult because most of the manufacturers have what is called Minimum Order Quantity.
It is the minimum quantity of products a supplier will sell to you in order to make a worthwhile profit.
Which was why they preferred to sell their goods in large volumes. Since you can only afford a few hundred products, most of the big overseas suppliers won’t want to do business with you.
For example, a businessman who owns a small business venture but sells imported goods can not import goods directly from overseas because of the number of products he will order.
Because of this, the big guys with fat accounts can afford to act as the middlemen thereby buying at a very cheaper rate over there and coming to double the price for you which will make your profits so little.
I hope you get the jerk. Stay with me.
Even though you would like to enjoy these low wholesale prices too which will also increase your profit margin because you do not have the kind of investment capital the big importers have, it somewhat makes it difficult.
Even if you could buy directly from foreign product manufacturers, it would still be tough.
As a result of these hitches, you are stuck with the big importers. The profit you can make in your business is limited by whatever price they decide to fix on the imported goods.
But thank Goodness because things have changed.
The evolution of the internet has slid down the barriers that used to restrict access to manufacturers located thousands of kilometers away.
Advancement in the transportation and logistics system has now made it possible for small businesses with little capital to import smaller amounts of stock at low shipping costs straight from the manufacturers.
It is now on record that entrepreneurs and small businesses can relish the same low wholesale prices that the big importers have enjoyed for a very long time.
The pictorial illustration below shows the before and after analysis of what is in vogue and how this new business opportunity cuts out the middleman and allows you to buy directly from any manufacturers of your choice at lower prices that allow you to make a larger profit.
Things you should be aware of before we get started…
Our case study for this article will be on products manufactured in China because of reasons soon to be disclosed to you.
Although we shall also talk about products from the US and Europe, the tips in this article reveal more about buying products from Chinese manufacturers and suppliers.
The most likely question on your mind right now would be why China?
I’ll tell you why.
It is no longer news that 80% of the world’s products today are being manufactured in the Asian continent particularly China, Hong Kong, and Japan.
Ranging from Cars, Phones, Laptops, Toys, computers, home appliances, kitchen utensils, etc are made in China.
You can even verify this by taking an inventory of all the things around you right now. It will amaze you to see that consciously or unconsciously out of every 10 products or items in your house, 7 are made in China.
For example, sitting here while typing these lines…. My laptop is an HP Notebook made in China, and my mobile phone is made in China (originally, made for Chinese citizens so I had to remove the OS that came with it in order to be able to use it effectively here), my wristwatch is made in China and even my tablet is also made in China.
In this case, aside from my headset which is from Europe, every other thing is from China.
Apart from food products, China is the number one source of all the hot-selling and fast-moving consumer products you know.
China is one of the cheapest manufacturers in the world because of its low labor and production costs. As a result, many of the big brands that you know such as Apple, HP, Techno, Infinix, etc., make their products through factories and contractors based in China.
Countries like the US and various European countries ensure that products coming from China to these countries do not compromise in terms of quality because they set very strict standards to which the Chinese usually adhere.
Well, you may want to ask why I am telling you all this… it is on record that we Africans believe that China is the home for inferior or low-quality products.
While this may be true, I don’t think we should blame the Chinese. After all, China also produces many of the high-quality products in America and Europe.
If our governments could enforce strict quality and safety standards for products coming into Africa, the Chinese would comply as they do for their clients in the USA and Europe.
However, you don’t have to worry about importing low-quality products. In the later part of this article, I’ll share with you the secrets of finding high-quality products and suppliers that meet US and European standards.
What you don’t need to get started
- Be an internet or computer guru to get started.
- Have millions of naira to invest in the business
- Have a personal computer to get started.
- Have a shop or an office to get started.
- A visa to travel abroad to get started.
- Know any Custom officer because your products will be delivered to you anywhere in Nigeria
- License to import goods from abroad
What are the necessary tools needed for you to get started
For you to get started and join the league of other young entrepreneurs in the world of small business owners who can now import products at low wholesale prices directly from overseas suppliers and manufacturers,
you would need just the following:
- A computer or mobile phone
- Internet Access
- Valid email address
- An ATM card that can be used for online transactions
- A traceable physical home or office address where the items you order will be shipped to
- A working phone number
- You need a start-up capital: A little money in your bank account
- Ability to browse the internet and fill a form correctly
This means that you can shop for, order, and import all the products you want to sell from the comfort of your room, or while you are in transit via your mobile device or tablet.
Please note that a P.O. Box or PMB (Private Mail Bag) does not qualify as a valid and traceable address.
Myths About E-commerce Business in Nigeria
Before I get started by tell you how to source for products, pay for them, and get them shipped to your doorstep. Let’s quickly talk about the myth that has been painted otherwise.
You may have been told that you can start importing products with as low as N10,000 and makeover N300,000 in 30 days. The truth is your profit margin is dependent on the type of products and their unit cost.
However, you can start with that amount of money as your start-up capital based on the products I will reveal to you and make a lot of profit from it.
Secondly, the fact that you are been told that AliExpress and DH Gate are the best places to get cheap products from China is also a big fat lie.
Later on, I will reveal to you some of the best sites to get quality products that do not cost a ham and a leg.
Thirdly, they told you that you can beat Jumia and Konga or even the PayPorte competition overnight. meaning you will be successful almost immediately. Well, the truth is to succeed in any business be it online or offline.
You must have a formidable strategy. Your E-commerce business in Nigeria will blossom as a result of your strategy.
Lastly, Jumia, Konga, and even Payporte did not acquire their success overnight. If your brain serves you well you will remember that Payporte had to sponsor the Big Brother Naija show which sky-rocketed their business.
There is a secret behind the success of every business and most of this E-commerce businesses in Nigeria pundits have failed to reveal this secret to you or probably they do not even know it.
Now, let’s get started!
Guidelines For Starting Your E-commerce Business in Nigeria
Here are your step-by-step Guidelines for starting your E-commerce business in Nigeria:
- Locate your product source
- Source for Products
- Buy from a reliable supplier
- Pay for your products
- Have your Products delivered to you
- Market your Products and
- Sell your products and make money.
Before you get on your computer and start surfing the net to start shopping and ordering products for your new-found and exciting business.
I will walk you through the various steps listed above through some of the pressing questions of all times people tend to ask or you may refer to it as an E-commerce business in Nigeria frequently asked questions.
Let’s walk you through them and I know by the time you’re reading these, you will know the best and most trusted places to buy from, how to confirm the quality of products, the payment processes, and several more.
Now, without further ado, let’s dive in.
Question 1: Where should I buy my products from?
The following websites are the most sort after and affordable online marketplace that sell products at low wholesale prices:
- AliExpress
- DH gate
- Alibaba
- Amazon
- 1688
- eBay
- iPmart
- Ever Buying
- Dino Direct
- Cellular Country
- Made In China
- Martview
- DealExtreme
- And many more…
AliExpress is a China-based destination for small-scale importers that you can get to buy cheap Accessories, Mobile Phones, Computer Hardware and software, Electronics, Health, and beauty, Bags and cases, Watches and jewelry, and much more at wholesale prices.
It has more than 10 million exceptional consumer products and more than 20 major product categories. Its buyer base is in more than 220 countries around the world
The goods on this site are tagged with prices on them. But unlike some of the websites, AliExpress gives you the chance to chat with the sellers of the items you are interested in for further negotiation.
It has an express delivery with full tracking of the goods ordered. There is no need to worry about the delivery of the items ordered from this website.
AliExpress is one of the subsidiaries of the Alibaba Group which dominates internet-based commerce in China and was launched in 2010 as an online retail service made up of mostly small sellers offering products to online buyers.
This is a great online store that has to stand the test of time and you cannot afford to leave it behind when we are talking about the online shopping website. This is an American-based website that has been in operation since 1995.
It started as an online bookstore but now sells all kinds of goods ranging from electronic devices to home appliances, and fashion stuff. Amazon has the best products at affordable prices that one can order.
It allows users to submit reviews of each product by rating them from one to five stars. You can check the website to see it yourself.
Everbuying is a leading China wholesale online shopping portal specializing in electronics and contemporary fashion, including Android smartphones, android tablets, cell phone accessories, computer accessories, mobile power banks, gadgets, consumer electronics, home decorations, men’s clothing, and women’s fashion at cheap prices with free shipping.
With more than 250,000 cheap products for the global market encompassing the very latest in top-quality electronics and fashion. Their goal is to always provide worldwide customers with high-quality products at the lowest prices.
DHgate is a business-to-business e-commerce website that facilitates the sale of manufactured products from small and medium enterprises to buyers.
It also provides international payment services, logistics services, trust and safety, US-based product distribution warehouses, escrow protection services, and internet financing services
The website is a fast trading marketplace where users can order Chinese-manufactured products directly through the site. The company has been in business since 2004 and is backed by investors KPCB, JAFCO, and Warburg Pincus.
In 2015, DHgate.com launched DHport.com, a manufacturer-to-business platform that allows retailers to source products in bulk directly from factories. DHport features manufacturers who are required to be certified up to global standards, and customs clearance.
Now…
Irrespective of the websites you settle to start shopping and placing your orders. The first thing you must do is to sign up and become a registered member. And this process is an easy ride.
All you have to do is to click on the sign-up or register button depending on the website which is always located at the top right or left corner of the home page.
You will be sent the registration form which requires that you complete some basic information about yourself. Most of these websites require that you sign up using either your Facebook, Twitter, or Google account.
As soon as your registration is complete, you can start shopping and adding items to your cart. When you’re ready to order, you will be led to the Payment page.
Question 2: What are the various means or ways of paying for products?
Before now, making payments for your goods was one of the reasons why it was nearly impossible for small businesses to import directly from manufacturers and suppliers in the USA, China, Hong Kong, etc.
The thing is as of then, Banks had to issue a Letter of Credit or Bank Guarantee which often involved a long and complex process that was complicated and frustrating. Thereby making things unbearable.
Today, with the adventure of the Internet of Things. Payment has been made easy through online payment gateways, all the websites we mentioned above accept payment through a wide range of channels.
You can do a bank transfer or pay with a credit/debit card. Yes, the same card you use at the ATM machine can be used to make purchases on these websites.
Just make sure your bank account is sufficiently funded so you can make payments. Fast and easy! No banks or long processes are involved!
Question 3: What can I do not to get scammed?
Well, from the invention of internet-based or online business transactions. The word Scams and fraud have been iconic and this posed a serious issue in the e-Commerce industry for a very long time.
Some of the budging questions in this E-commerce business in Nigeria include:
- What if the goods I receive are not as stated on the websites
- What if I received fake products?
- What if after payment, my goods were never shipped or delivered?
- How do I know fake manufacturers or suppliers?
- What should be done to ensure you are not scammed and you get the exact products you requested for?
Now understand that every website on our recommendation list has some form of buyer protection mechanism built into their payment system to avoid fraud.
Secondly, we do advise that you use Escrow Services while transacting. This service is specifically designed with the customers in mind. It ensures that the buyer is never scammed and will get whatever they pay for.
The service ensures that your payment is withheld until you receive your products, inspect them, and are satisfied before your payment is released to the supplier or seller.
The websites also offer reimbursement and return policies in case you are not satisfied with the products you received. The processes are put in place to reduce fear and risk of losing money by customers.
Question 4: Where can I get high-quality products and reliable sellers?
The fact that we classify products from China as low-end products which have remained the biggest concern of people in Nigeria and Africa is a serious misfit.
Unlike our counterparts from the US and Europe with strict quality and safety standards that protect buyers in those regions.
It is noted that Africans and Nigerians, in particular, are susceptible to low-quality products.
So how then will you be sure that you’re buying good quality products from a reliable seller?
The simple answer to using Customer Feedback Ratings and product reviews.
A Customer Feedback Rating is used to measure the seller’s reputation. After every completed transaction, a buyer will leave feedback either positive or negative based on their experience with that seller. This rating adds up to affect the overall rating of that seller and the product.
If the seller always delivers as promised, he/she will often get more positive feedback from satisfied customers. On the flip side, if the seller’s service is bad, unhappy customers will be happy to give such a person negative feedback which will bring down the seller’s rating.
However, this rule is not absolute. You should take the time to read the actual comments and feedback from previous buyers. From reading these, you will get some vital insights and pieces of information about the quality of the seller’s product on early or late deliveries and so on.
It is strongly advised that you always read the product description and specifications to enable you to have a piece of first-hand information about the product.
Also, enhance yourself with the seller guarantees and shipping conditions which are usually stated or outlined at the bottom corner of every product page.
You need to confirm that the product you’re buying has the features you’re looking for. Remember, what you pay for is what you get.
Question 5: How will the products be delivered to you?
There are several ways for product delivery. You may decide to use the free shipping options or delivery services companies. Which are either through the sea or air.
Also, note that some of the products on these websites have free shipping options to many countries around the world just that the delivery time is always longer.
Free shipping is often delivered through China Mail Air Post or Hong Kong Mail services. Delivery companies include DHL, EMS, FedEx, Chrisvicmall, SAF Marine, China Shipping, Cosco, Nonikings, Happy Times Express Cargo, etc.
Shipping methods will depend on the volume of the goods from the suppliers. International freight companies always assist in choosing the best shipping method in consideration of cost and time of delivery.
Airfreight forwarding is best when the importer can afford the cost and the time for delivery will be fast. Sea cargo shipping cost is based on the per cubic meters of goods though.
Whether you decide to use a free shipping option or a faster delivery service for your order, we advise that you include your mobile phone number in the shipping address you provide.
More often than not, you will receive a telephone call from the local DHL/FedEx office to come to pick up your items. Including a phone number may mean the difference between a delivered package and a lost one.
Question 6: how do I Compare Price and Quality
You will always find many sellers who are retailing the same products but at different prices. Some of them have free shipping options while others will lessen the transportation fee for you after negotiations. Ensure you engage a merchant that has a high rating of up to 97% or look for the one with 5 stars.
When you identify a product of interest click on it scroll down and read other people’s reviews about the product, buyers always return to comment about the product they bought if you see many complaints or negative feedback just check another merchant.
Ensure to chat with the seller, before embarking on a purchase. you can start by messaging them about your interest in a certain product then ask if the product is still available, the quality, and delivery duration.
If you opt to use the free shipping option, then select the free shipping to Nigeria option at the top of the page when doing the search. The issue with free shipping is the duration; it might take up to 30 days to arrive
Question 7: What are the hot-selling products?
Although the websites we revealed to you earlier have most of the most popular and hot-selling products you can think of.
Some of these products are Fashion for both men and women; Electronics like cameras and gadgets of all sorts; Sports accessories; Health and beauty; Kids & babies; Home and garden; and Automotive. Foody Mine 12Pcs PVC 3D Wonderful Art Butterfly Design Wall Stickers Decals Home Decor Poster and mobile phones and accessories like headphones, chargers, batteries, etc.
Another hottest product out there is hair extensions of all types. They are in hot demand by a growing number of young women, many of whom live in cities and are in the middle and working class.
For you to know the best-selling products per time. You must look out for trends in your local market. You need to have an eye for the kind of products that are in high demand in your locality.
The general rule is to import a sample product first to showcase and see how many of your friends and relatives including neighbors will be interested in it.
Look out for products that already exist in your market that you can import and sell for at cheaper prices.
This business has a lot of prospects if you can find the right products for your customers at the right prices.
Question 8: How will I Sell my Imported Products?
It is advisable that you import a small quantity of the product for a start, show and sell them around your neighborhood, to your friends, and colleagues, and also display them on social media handles such as Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, etc. As more people become interested in your products then you can increase the quantity of your subsequent purchase.
You can also sell them wholesale, but first, know the market price of other retailers and ensure your price is lower. By so doing you will seize the opportunity and sell more and quickly. Thereby making more profit.
Advertise your products in online stores such as Jumia, Konga, Payporte, etc. This is another amazing avenue for you to sell large quantities in a short time as you will be exposed to a greater percentage of the audience who may be interested in your products.
Question 9: How much capital do I need to start?
You don’t need to break the bank to start this business. I will advise that you start with something small and grow with it.
Also, you may have noticed that on the websites. most of the product’s sales at a very cheap rate. Not all of them, but many of them sell at very low prices. In fact, the more units of a product you buy, the lower the price you pay; that’s the benefit of buying wholesale.
And don’t forget, the lower the price you pay, the higher the profits you can make.
Ensure you start with products that cost very little but are very high in demand in your locality. You can use it to test the viability of this business idea and grow your confidence.
For most of the products you import, you can make over 50 to 100% profit margins if you can find the right buyers to sell to.
As you make some money in your new mini importation business, you can start to try out other products that cost a little more.
Never let the excitement of your new-found business get the better of you. You must avoid the temptation of investing heavily at first unless you already have ready buyers for your products.
Start small and then grow gradually. This strategy may take a little more time but it’s less risky and helps to build your experience and confidence.
Question 10: How Long Does It Take for My Goods to Arrive
This will depend on the number of days you choose and paid for. If you want to express that is a day’s shipping it is possible but you will pay more.
There the three days’ payment, is a bit lower than the express, followed by that of a week, and the cheapest is the one that runs into months and is mostly carried through the ship.
For free shipping as stated above it takes time but there are items that can be transported free from some courier companies, an example is DHL.
To get free shipping from DHL, go to the category of the products you want to purchase at the top of the page select the free shipping option and choose DHL as the shipping method.
A list of so many other products that can go through the company will come out, and you then select the ones you want.
Now that you have this information about mini importation at your disposal. When will you start?
if you are interested in starting a smart eCommerce business, in addition to this article. I want you to watch this Special Free Video Training that will work you through everything we have discussed here and more.
Watch it here: FREE VIDEO TRAINING TO START YOUR E-COMMERCE BUSINESS
Conclusion
The mini importation business is a goldmine that most Nigerians have yet to take advantage of. Even those who are already into it still lack some basic skills and knowledge on how to run the business successfully.
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To your success!
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