As of August 2012 there were at least 70 E-commerce websites in Nigeria based on the list compiled by Techloy; one of Nigeria’s leading Technology blog (read here) It goes without saying that the Nigerian E-commerce industry has come a long way. These days there seems to be an E-commerce website for almost every item ranging from perfumes, sunglasses, food etc.

It is estimated that the E-commerce market in Nigeria will be worth about $5.6B in the next 5 years. (source). This means that the E-commerce market is very large and growing very fast too as more Nigerians become comfortable with buying online.

A major advantage of E-commerce is the opportunity for entrepreneurship and job-creation. A lot of E-commerce companies have an Affiliate program where everyone interested can make money either by using their website, blogs or word of mouth. Affiliates earn money each time they refer customers to the company’s webpage and a sale is completed. This I believe is a very good way to make money on the side. Apart from the money which can be made, some E-commerce firms have an exquisite Affiliate club with several benefits for every member.

One of the challenges customers face with E-commerce websites is lack of access to a wide variety of products. Customers want the option of being able to choose from a wide variety and at reasonable prices. Customers also want excellent service delivery, product authenticity and swift delivery.

Some of the problems plaguing the E-commerce industry in Nigeria include logistics, payment and infrastructure problems. Logistics is a difficult task due to the complexity of our road network and house numbering system. The other issue with logistics is the inefficiency of our transport system.

There are a lot of things that I believe will contribute to the success of E-commerce companies in Nigeria, however there is one I believe should take precedence above them all. This is excellent customer service delivery. This to me will be the sole factor that will separate the “men from the boys”. It will determine which company will lead the pack. Every E-commerce business should invest in offering excellent service delivery above every other thing not just with lip-service.

One thing is for sure, E-commerce is here to stay and the opportunities are endless. As the years go by, if E-commerce companies in Nigeria get it right in the area of service delivery then the sky will be the takeoff point and not the limit.

eobaoja: As of August 2012 there were at least 70 E-commerce websites in Nigeria based on the list compiled by Techloy; one of Nigeria’s leading Technology blog (read here) It goes without saying that the Nigerian E-commerce industry has come a long way. These days there seems to be an E-commerce website for almost every item ranging from perfumes, sunglasses, food etc.

It is estimated that the E-commerce market in Nigeria will be worth about $5.6B in the next 5 years. (source). This means that the E-commerce market is very large and growing very fast too as more Nigerians become comfortable with buying online.

A major advantage of E-commerce is the opportunity for entrepreneurship and job-creation. A lot of E-commerce companies have an Affiliate program where everyone interested can make money either by using their website, blogs or word of mouth. Affiliates earn money each time they refer customers to the company’s webpage and a sale is completed. This I believe is a very good way to make money on the side. Apart from the money which can be made, some E-commerce firms have an exquisite Affiliate club with several benefits for every member.

One of the challenges customers face with E-commerce websites is lack of access to a wide variety of products. Customers want the option of being able to choose from a wide variety and at reasonable prices. Customers also want excellent service delivery, product authenticity and swift delivery.

Some of the problems plaguing the E-commerce industry in Nigeria include logistics, payment and infrastructure problems. Logistics is a difficult task due to the complexity of our road network and house numbering system. The other issue with logistics is the inefficiency of our transport system.

There are a lot of things that I believe will contribute to the success of E-commerce companies in Nigeria, however there is one I believe should take precedence above them all. This is excellent customer service delivery. This to me will be the sole factor that will separate the “men from the boys”. It will determine which company will lead the pack. Every E-commerce business should invest in offering excellent service delivery above every other thing not just with lip-service.

One thing is for sure, E-commerce is here to stay and the opportunities are endless. As the years go by, if E-commerce companies in Nigeria get it right in the area of service delivery then the sky will be the takeoff point and not the limit.

Just as it concerns the hurdles of making and receiving payments online, what's the best substitute for liberty reserve now that it's no more?

Hello, just as it concerns the hurdles of making and receiving payments online, what's the best substitute for liberty reserve now that it's no more?

deanawah:

Hello, just as it concerns the hurdles of making and receiving payments online, what's the best substitute for liberty reserve now that it's no more?

Would have said paypal but as Nigerians are blacklisted it is a tricky question. There is always debit, credit and master cards