Hello everyone please I need your advice and encouragement on this mini importation business because i am really facing problems on this importation biz.


What I found out now is that the things I import are always cheaper at lagos

Because my first order was 30 watches and after buying them I found out that they are even cheaper in lagos than importing them because I want to sell them on wholesale price.

My next order was tummy slimming waist trainer for women. When I received the samples I said let me go and look for buyers that will buy it on wholesale before importing them
When I got there I found out that my price is higher than lagos price.
Even the price I bought it is higher than lagos price not to talk of adding profit.

please how can one really make money from this mini importation biz?
I am buying from 1688
Please help me with a solution to this problem or is there anything I am thinking wrong?

The goods are always cheap in china but when you calculate the total cost price of the goods and shipping fee, you will found out that is very expensive when compared to the price of lagos.

Then you will start saying that buying from lagos is even cheaper than buying from china. So now, what is the big deal on importing from china or uk/us when we can even get it cheaper in lagos?

Info marketers will always show you the prices of the goods in china but they will not include the shipping fee.
Sometimes the shipping fee can even multiply the cost of the goods * 4 and above.

Please your contributions are highly welcomed.

find a cheaper supplier by asking these stores in Lagos where they get their goods from

Dear OP to the best knowledge of mine, importing frm china is not profitable. Most of those goods are cheaper in lagos. I have a friend that do import goods from china, the money he uses to clear those goods @ times is more than 2/3rd of the money he uses to buy the goods. As for me I get most of my goods from togo. I will prefer you check togo,though depending on what you are into. Cos @times cloths from lagos are cheaper most especially now that #100 is 435cefa. Depending on what you import anyway! Best of luck!

iamfroshsylver:
Dear OP to the best knowledge of mine, importing frm china is not profitable. Most of those goods are cheaper in lagos. I have a friend that do import goods from china, the money he uses to clear those goods @ times is more than 2/3rd of the money he uses to buy the goods. As for me I get most of my goods from togo. I will prefer you check togo,though depending on what you are into. Cos @times cloths from lagos are cheaper most especially now that #100 is 435cefa. Depending on what you import anyway! Best of luck!

if China good is indeed cheaper in Lagos then someone is making a profit by importing it from China (unless you think people in Lagos are selling at a loss?)....so, importing from China IS profitable, you just need to have the right connection.

the problem here is that:
A) there is different types of quality when you buy China goods. so an item could be made in 3 different quality and therefore have 3 different prices. in China there is the CHEAP version, the CHEAPEST version and the GREAT version of any product. so many people can receive a sample of the "great" version, and then be sent the "cheapest" version.

B) if you aint buying from the main factory directly then you will automatically be losing money. anyone who want to make great business in China needs to 1st speak Chinese and 2nd go to China to visit the factory and discuss prices. EVERY price in China needs to be bargained down directly with owners. YES!!! this is Chinese way of doing business, especially with "laowai" (foreigners). so if you are buying goods via some online brokers in Beijing (while the factory is deep within Guangdong province) then you will never make a great bargain because you will always pay middle men (only God knows how many).

C) if you only buy 10pieces of each products (each times) then you certainly wont get the best prices, you need to buy pieces by the thousands before the price can be at the bare minimum.

MRBrownJ:


if China good is indeed cheaper in Lagos then someone is making a profit by importing it from China (unless you think people in Lagos are selling at a loss?)....so, importing from China IS profitable, you just need to have the right connection.

the problem here is that:
A) there is different types of quality when you buy China goods. so an item could be made in 3 different quality and therefore have 3 different prices. in China there is the CHEAP version, the CHEAPEST version and the GREAT version of any product. so many people can receive a sample of the "great" version, and then be sent the "cheapest" version.

B) if you aint buying from the main factory directly then you will automatically be losing money. anyone who want to make great business in China needs to 1st speak Chinese and 2nd go to China to visit the factory and discuss prices. EVERY price in China needs to be bargained down directly with owners. YES!!! this is Chinese way of doing business, especially with "laowai" (foreigners). so if you are buying goods via some online brokers in Beijing (while the factory is deep within Guangdong province) then you will never make a great bargain because you will always pay middle men (only God knows how many).

C) if you only buy 10pieces of each products (each times) then you certainly wont get the best prices, you need to buy pieces by the thousands before the price can be at the bare minimum.

This is exactly what I am talking about because this is the only way you can make money by importing from china.

The reason why lagos price is lower is because:

1 there are buying in a very large quantity

2 they have to travel to china meet the manufacturers and bargain price of production with them and the Chinese will sell it to them at a ridiculously cheap price and when the bring it to nigeria they will be selling it even cheaper than the amount we are spending to buy the same goods china.

So, when it comes to mini importation we are only buying in small quantities like 10, 20, 30. So you can't compare these quantity with the people that are buying in thousands or even millions in terms of prices and shipping cost they will get the goods.

So with this I don't think there is any big deal in mini importation because you can even get the goods cheaper in lagos-nigeria here.

I am talking generally on any goods or products any mini importer is importing.

Muhammed001, you have raised some salient points.

They also use sea to ship

ferhyntorlah:
Muhammed001, you have raised some salient points.

Really I really want our gurus to come and drop their own comments concerning this topic.

NOTE : I AM OPEN MINDED I WANT SOMEBODY TO PROVE ME WRONG WITH FACTS AND I AM READY TO SURRENDER

biggal:
They also use sea to ship

Of course they are using sea in shipping the goods from china to lagos which make it to be even more cheaper.

muhammed001:
Hello everyone please I need your advice and encouragement on this mini importation business because i am really facing problems on this importation biz.


What I found out now is that the things I import are always cheaper at lagos

Because my first order was 30 watches and after buying them I found out that they are even cheaper in lagos than importing them because I want to sell them on wholesale price.

My next order was tummy slimming waist trainer for women. When I received the samples I said let me go and look for buyers that will buy it on wholesale before importing them
When I got there I found out that my price is higher than lagos price.
Even the price I bought it is higher than lagos price not to talk of adding profit.

please how can one really make money from this mini importation biz?
I am buying from 1688
Please help me with a solution to this problem or is there anything I am thinking wrong?

The goods are always cheap in china but when you calculate the total cost price of the goods and shipping fee, you will found out that is very expensive when compared to the price of lagos.

Then you will start saying that buying from lagos is even cheaper than buying from china. So now, what is the big deal on importing from china or uk/us when we can even get it cheaper in lagos?

Info marketers will always show you the prices of the goods in china but they will not include the shipping fee.
Sometimes the shipping fee can even multiply the cost of the goods * 4 and above.

Please your contributions are highly welcomed.

What shipping mode do you always use?

abbeyforex:




What shipping mode do you always use?

Thank you for your comment sir.

I normally us 24 hours shipping to lagos.

....

Ok

infact this is the exact situation I'm in right now and as for me, i have come to a conclusion that if i wont be buying in pallets or a container worth of goods, then i better source for my goods locally cos cost of shipping coupled with the present dollar rate is not helping issues at all.
I also buy from 1688 but i think speaking directly with a wholesaler will still make more sense just that the MOQ they are willing to supply might not be considerate for a mini importer.
More opinions from the gurus. thanks

golddealer:
infact this is the exact situation I'm in right now and as for me, i have come to a conclusion that if i wont be buying in pallets or a container worth of goods, then i better source for my goods locally cos cost of shipping coupled with the present dollar rate is not helping issues at all.
I also buy from 1688 but i think speaking directly with a wholesaler will still make more sense just that the MOQ they are willing to supply might not be considerate for a mini importer.
More opinions from the gurus. thanks

Even if the dollar is high or low is still the same thing. Lagos price is cheaper, the only way is that if you want to have a good deal, travel to china and buy in large quantity period.

so in your own opinion, what's your conclusion cos as for me, am looking inwards until further notice

golddealer:
so in your own opinion, what's your conclusion cos as for me, am looking inwards until further notice

I have already resigned since, I just want the newbie to aware so that they will not just waste their time on this mini importation biz because it really! really!! really!!! Sucks and there is no big deal there at all.

Info marketers just need food on their table by all means.

May GOD help us in the hands of these info marketers.

yes I made the same mistake...

I bought female loafers for 7h and use 1300 to ship it. I later discovered that the shoes sell for N1800 wholesale price. I really cry because I need to sell off those shoes even below cost price.


but I just discover a trick......
buy a goods and use post office with free shipping , then u go enjoy importation.
post office accept only 20kg and very cheap but 40 days of patience

Dymaco:
yes I made the same mistake...

I bought female loafers for 7h and use 1300 to ship it. I later discovered that the shoes sell for N1800 wholesale price. I really cry because I need to sell off those shoes even below cost price.


but I just discover a trick......
buy a goods and use post office with free shipping , then u go enjoy importation.
post office accept only 20kg and very cheap but 40 days of patience

Most mini importers cannot afford 20kg goods. Do you know how much the goods will cost? Only GOD knows, and 40days patience, after 40 days patience will you use again to sell them out and make reasonable profit? Won't you eat and and take care of yourself? How many times will you import in a year? Will the little profits take care of you?

muhammed001:


Most mini importers cannot afford 20kg goods. Do you know how much the goods will cost? Only GOD knows, and 40days patience, after 40 days patience will you use again to sell them out and make reasonable profit? Won't you eat and and take care of yourself? How many times will you import in a year? Will the little profits take care of you?

for example shoe cost N700 per pair *30. = 21k and 20kg.
this shoe cost 1600 wholesale price
calculate
for a mini importer you must have up to 50k bro

Though I ship from US, but I believe I can still make a resourceful contribution.

For those of you who import from China, you will duff your hat,cap abi na beret you wear when you hear how much it costs us to import from US/Canada & Europe, if you are a mini-importer. In most cases, our selling prices are higher than those importing from China; but on a personal note, there is a way I go about it, which makes my prices be on the same level or even lower to that of China importers, and with added advantage of superior quality .

One thing is that I import high quality products ( Even those that were made in China meet US quality control standard) which gives me the confidence to add mark-up profit to my cost price and those who need the good won't resist it.

Secondly, I try as much as possible to import a lot of different goods at a time (even those things I need personally) to absorb the shipping fee. For instance if I buy footwear, watches, shirts; I may also buy radio,mini-speakers etc which have lesser weight and are lower in price. By the time the shipping fee is spread on all these items, the cost becomes lesser, which makes the unit prices of each good lesser to the local price or on a par.

Thirdly, I take my time to watch out for deal&offers on the websites I buy from. This gives me the advantage of buying quality products at a very good price. Bro, if no be dem shipping charges, customs duties and GTBank exchange rate, I for don acquire my own plot of land for Eko Atlantic City In this our importation biz.

But I bless Jah! We are doing fine. If I ain't doing fine, I won't get a local investor who has never met me face-to-face; and yet believed in my dream and invested in my business. This same importation business of course!

On a last note, I lay emphasis on the quality of the goods and the country of origin, which actually gives an edge.

phonesNgadgets:
Though I ship from US, but I believe I can still make a resourceful contribution.
For those of you who import from China, you will duff your hat,cap abi na beret you wear when you hear how much it costs us to import from US/Canada & Europe, if you are a mini-importer. In most cases, our selling prices are higher than those importing from China; but on a personal note, there is a way I go about it, which makes my prices be on the same level or even lower to that of China importers, and with added advantage of superior quality .
One thing is that I import high quality products ( Even those that were made in China meet US quality control standard) which gives me the confidence to add mark-up profit to my cost price and those who need the good won't resist it.
Secondly, I try as much as possible to import a lot of different goods at a time (even those things I need personally) to absorb the shipping fee. For instance if I buy footwear, watches, shirts; I may also buy radio,mini-speakers etc which have lesser weight and are lower in price. By the time the shipping fee is spread on all these items, the cost becomes lesser, which makes the unit prices of each good lesser to the local price or on a par.
Thirdly, I take my time to watch out for deal&offers on the websites I buy from. This gives me the advantage of buying quality products at a very good price. Bro, if no be dem shipping charges, customs duties and GTBank exchange rate, I for don acquire my own plot of land for Eko Atlantic City In this our importation biz.
But I bless Jah! We are doing fine. If I ain't doing fine, I won't get a local investor who has never met me face-to-face; and yet believed in my dream and invested in my business. This same importation business of course!
On a last note, I lay emphasis on the quality of the goods and the country of origin, which actually gives an edge.

I believe what you said still boils down to the particular point which is the shipping charges, custom duties and exchange rate.. But i can assure you that your mode of operation is no longer mini importation cos you cant compare the cost of buying from china to America, the difference is clear, so a newbie might not be able to follow your suit.
I ve bought from U.S before but you cant sell cheaply like from china markets cos you ll want to use "quality" to convince your buyers.

To make things easier, buy from US and ship directly to Nigeria. No need to buy on Amazon, Ebay, etc. which do not ship most items to naija. I have discovered a website in the US where u can buy virtually anything and have them delivered right here in Nigeria. CBN policies does not affect your purchase, because they accept Bitcoin - meaning that you can buy any item regardless of price. Go here: www.overstock.com. Very cheap and competitive. Thank me later.

smartdebiz:
To make things easier, buy from US and ship directly to Nigeria. No need to buy on Amazon, Ebay, etc. which do not ship most items to naija. I have discovered a website in the US where u can buy virtually anything and have them delivered right here in Nigeria. CBN policies does not affect your purchase, because they accept Bitcoin - meaning that you can buy any item regardless of price. Go here: www.overstock.com. Very cheap and competitive. Thank me later.

Dunno they ship to Nigeria o

smartdebiz:
To make things easier, buy from US and ship directly to Nigeria. No need to buy on Amazon, Ebay, etc. which do not ship most items to naija. I have discovered a website in the US where u can buy virtually anything and have them delivered right here in Nigeria. CBN policies does not affect your purchase, because they accept Bitcoin - meaning that you can buy any item regardless of price. Go here: www.overstock.com. Very cheap and competitive. Thank me later.

Their prices are not cheap at all, if compared to Amazon, ebay et al.

Dymaco:


for example shoe cost N700 per pair *30. = 21k and 20kg.
this shoe cost 1600 wholesale price
calculate
for a mini importer you must have up to 50k bro

Well, is not every mini importer that can raise this kind of money in the first place and I bet you you will find that same type of shoe at a very cheaper price in lagos.

smartdebiz:
To make things easier, buy from US and ship directly to Nigeria. No need to buy on Amazon, Ebay, etc. which do not ship most items to naija. I have discovered a website in the US where u can buy virtually anything and have them delivered right here in Nigeria. CBN policies does not affect your purchase, because they accept Bitcoin - meaning that you can buy any item regardless of price. Go here: www.overstock.com. Very cheap and competitive. Thank me later.

Their goods are limited

phonesNgadgets:

Their prices are not cheap at all, if compared to Amazon, ebay et al.

Really? have you checked it?

As for me I don't pay for shipping and my goods come in thru dhl

I ensure I buy an amount that qualifies for free express shipping by seller

The reason I don't buy in Lagos is because all their items are common due to mass production. When u buy from china, buy what isn't common that when u bring in to sell u can add more money since people will see Ur things being different and unique.

skentelelady:
As for me I don't pay for shipping and my goods come in thru dhl

I ensure I buy an amount that qualifies for free express shipping by seller

The reason I don't buy in Lagos is because all their items are common due to mass production. When u buy from china, buy what isn't common that when u bring in to sell u can add more money since people will see Ur things being different and unique.

Which site are you buying from?

What is their MOQ that will qualify free shipping?

How much will a mini importer invest in order to meet that target?

And importing goods that are not common in nigeria requires marketing from the importer, if the importer can successfully carry out the marketing and the goods are accepted in the market that is a good deal for the importer, the importer will make a lot of money in no time. But if the goods are not accepted then the otherwise will happen.

But please tell me the good the goods you are importing that are not available or cheaper in lagos.

Regards

muhammed001:


Which site are you buying from?

What is their MOQ that will qualify free shipping?

How much will a mini importer invest in order to meet that target?

And importing goods that are not common in nigeria requires marketing from the importer, if the importer can successfully carry out the marketing and the goods are accepted in the market that is a good deal for the importer, the importer will make a lot of money in no time. But if the goods are not accepted then the otherwise will happen.

But please tell me the good the goods you are importing that are not available or cheaper in lagos.

Regards

Are you looking fr the way to make profit or looking fr the way to antagonise all solutions because I can see u go against all alternatives here?

I don't think I need to b here

Good day

skentelelady:


Are you looking fr the way to make profit or looking fr the way to antagonise all solutions because I can see u go against all alternatives here?

I don't think I need to b here

Good day

I am only asking you questions not antagonising all solutions.

Well, I am still waiting for your reply.

muhammed001:


Which site are you buying from?

What is their MOQ that will qualify free shipping?

How much will a mini importer invest in order to meet that target?

And importing goods that are not common in nigeria requires marketing from the importer, if the importer can successfully carry out the marketing and the goods are accepted in the market that is a good deal for the importer, the importer will make a lot of money in no time. But if the goods are not accepted then the otherwise will happen.

But please tell me the good the goods you are importing that are not available or cheaper in lagos.

Regards

You need to study any business very well before you ventured into it. Have a practical experience in mini importation for about 6 months then you will be able to know what, when and how to import items as well as bargaining with Chinese sellers, middlmen and manufacturers alike.
My personal experience
At the beginning of the business I ordered for one sample of water bottle before importing it for sale but, later discovered that the price was so high than what we have in our market so I gave it to my son in other to take it to school.
Behold every one loves it but they were avoiding it for the price. My wife later told me that she saw the same water bottle at the market for a lesser price but, I insisted it can't be because from time she had been complaining about the price that's what she sells anyway.
But she later bought the one she saw in the market and see for herself that there is alot of difference:
1. Mine was made of rubber hers was made of plastic
2. Mine is bigger than hers among others.
Information marketers you are here again......
That is why many mini importer will not give you all the secrets on NL.

muhammed001:
Hello everyone please I need your advice and encouragement on this mini importation business because i am really facing problems on this importation biz.


What I found out now is that the things I import are always cheaper at lagos

Because my first order was 30 watches and after buying them I found out that they are even cheaper in lagos than importing them because I want to sell them on wholesale price.

My next order was tummy slimming waist trainer for women. When I received the samples I said let me go and look for buyers that will buy it on wholesale before importing them
When I got there I found out that my price is higher than lagos price.
Even the price I bought it is higher than lagos price not to talk of adding profit.

please how can one really make money from this mini importation biz?
I am buying from 1688
Please help me with a solution to this problem or is there anything I am thinking wrong?

The goods are always cheap in china but when you calculate the total cost price of the goods and shipping fee, you will found out that is very expensive when compared to the price of lagos.

Then you will start saying that buying from lagos is even cheaper than buying from china. So now, what is the big deal on importing from china or uk/us when we can even get it cheaper in lagos?

Info marketers will always show you the prices of the goods in china but they will not include the shipping fee.
Sometimes the shipping fee can even multiply the cost of the goods * 4 and above.

Please your contributions are highly welcomed.

You have raised a valid point but my challenges with most people especially those who start importation business after buying ebooks from someone who never practice the business they preach is lack of basic understanding of the business.

I do not claim to be an expert but surely am not a complete idiot and I do think you can learn one or two things from my foolishness if you are willingly to learn:

1. In importation business, you don't make money when you sell you do when you buy
2. It is obvious you don't do your due diligence before buying stuff from china because if you do, you will not end up buying stuff from china at a price more expensive than Lagos.
3. You basically from your post buy on impulse which is VERY BAD for any business especially when you are into importation business. Your consumer are suppose to buy from you on impulse not the other way round.
4. Stop buying generic goods at expensive price from china.
5. The infact that someone brainwashed you into believing that goods are cheap on 1688.com and Taobao doesn't mean the person is 100% accurate. Believe me when I say you can get some stuff cheaper on Aliexpress than 1688.com
6. Sir, except you are a contractor who buy stuffs for other to resell, you should NEVER EVER use EXPRESS shipping for goods you intend to resell. As a good business person, your aim should always be to reduce your cost of doing business not increase it.
7. If you do your homework very well cheaper doesn't necessary mean better quality in China. Except you import sub-standard goods from china you need not worry about the Lagos price if you have a product with superior quality. Before you say anything, I have sold hundreds of selfie stick nationwide at 7.5k each when other people selling at 1.2k are yet to sell 50 pcs. Quality beat price anyday anytime.
8. Before you buy anything from china please go to your source market in Lagos first thereby saving yourself unnecessary headache. If it is cheaper in Lagos with the same quality like the one you are buying from china, please do yourself a favour, Buy it in Lagos.


Thanks