For online shoppers in Nigeria, delivery cost and fees can sometimes feel like an unwelcome surprise, hindering the joy of getting that long-awaited package. But fear not! We've got your back with some brilliant tips and tricks to help you tackle high delivery costs head-on. Say goodbye to delivery fee woes and hello to smarter and more budget-friendly shipping!

Bundle Up and Save:
One of the best ways to deal with high delivery costs is to consolidate your orders. Whenever possible, bundle multiple items into one purchase from the same seller. This way, you can reduce the number of separate deliveries and save substantially on shipping fees.

Embrace Free Shipping Deals:
Keep an eagle eye out for online stores that offer free shipping promotions. Many retailers offer free delivery for orders above a certain amount. Take advantage of these deals by making larger purchases or collaborating with friends or family to meet the minimum threshold.

Explore Alternate Shipping Options:
Sometimes, the default shipping option may not be the most cost-effective. Reach out to the seller or customer support to inquire about cheaper shipping alternatives. Consider slower shipping methods or choose a pick-up option if available in your area.

Utilize Virtual Address Services:
If you're shopping from international websites, consider using virtual address services. These services provide you with a local address in the seller's country, allowing you to ship items at a lower domestic rate. Once received, they will forward the package to your Nigerian address, saving you money on international shipping fees.

Join Loyalty Programs:
Several ecommerce platforms and logistics companies offer loyalty programs that reward frequent customers with perks like discounted or even free shipping. Sign up for these programs to enjoy exclusive benefits and long-term savings on delivery costs. Some of them include Speedaf Express, GIG and Jumia.

Time Your Purchases Wisely:
Keep an eye on seasonal sales, holiday promotions, and special events when retailers are more likely to offer discounted or free shipping deals. Be patient and wait for the opportune moment to make your purchases, especially for non-urgent items.

Check for Third-Party Shipping Services:
Explore third-party shipping services that consolidate packages from multiple sellers and ship them to Nigeria in one shipment. These services can be more cost-effective, especially when purchasing from multiple international vendors.

High delivery costs and fees need not dampen your online shopping experience. By being proactive and strategic in your approach, you can slash shipping expenses and keep your budget intact. Bundle up your orders, seek out free shipping deals, and explore alternative shipping options to maximize your savings. With a bit of savvy shopping, you'll be on your way to enjoying the thrill of online shopping without the delivery cost worries. Happy shopping!

In Nigeria, Cash on Delivery has come to stay as one of the most preferred modes of payment, for [url]eCommerce[/url] shopping. As convenient as this method might be, we also have several Cash on Delivery payment challenges that could also pose a threat to the smooth flow of transactions in the same sector. In this article, we would be exploring the various challenges faced as an ecommerce vendor or seller, alongside simple solutions that could help salvage a typical cash on delivery payment issue.

Uncertain Address Location: Sometimes, when customers opt for the cash on the delivery option, this might be a disadvantage to the seller, as some addresses are hard to verify. Asides from that, there is also the issue of the inability to locate the customer, even at a verified address location. As a result, capital costs of fuel and logistics would have been wasted without direct compensation through the cash on delivery amount.

Solution- Confirm Contact Address: It is important to double-check and confirm the contact address provided by the customer before dispatching the order. This helps to ensure that the delivery is made to the correct location and reduces the chances of delivery errors or failed attempts

Lack of Trust: Another challenge facing ecommerce vendors in the option of cash on delivery is the issue of trust. Most times, buyers are only willing to part with their money, when they are convinced that the product and the seller really exist, and there is only one to confirm- Cash on Delivery.

Solution- Encourage Prepaid Payments: Encouraging customers to make prepaid payments instead of opting for cash on delivery can help streamline the payment process and minimize challenges. Prepaid payments can be made through various online payment methods, such as credit/debit cards, digital wallets, or bank transfers. By incentivizing and promoting prepaid options, you can reduce the reliance on cash transactions and simplify the overall payment process. This is another way to curb some of the cash on delivery payment challenges.

How to handle cash on delivery payment challenges
Delay in Retrieving Running Costs: One disadvantage of cash on delivery is a delay in retrieving running costs. Seeing that the cash flow is tied to collection from customers and also remittance from the delivery company, it might be hard to properly take stock and manage the finances needed to keep the business going.

Solution- Set Cash Limits: To mitigate risks associated with cash handling, it is advisable to set cash limits for cash on delivery orders. This means specifying a maximum amount of cash that can be accepted upon delivery. By setting cash limits, you can reduce the likelihood of carrying large sums of money during deliveries, which can attract unwanted attention or increase the risk of theft. It also helps to ensure that customers are aware of the cash limit in advance and can make necessary arrangements if their order exceeds the limit.

By implementing these measures as an ecommerce vendor, you can cut down on the cash on delivery payment challenges, and ensure that your business is not suffering as a result of providing this option.

AhmedChiz:


Please, how did you make your payment on AliExpress?

Yes, I used a chipper virtual card

I ordered a smart watch on Aliexpress and had it delivered to me in about 4 weeks. I received a call and message from Speedaf Express informing me about my package arrival. Who else knew about this?

E-Commerce has become one of the most lucrative methods of buying and selling, especially for the younger generation of internet users. It has also been placed at the fore of fast-paced business since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
E-Commerce vendors have been at an advantage since that period. According to Nasdaq, by the year 2040, 95% of purchases would be through e-Commerce. With these numbers, it is definitely inevitable to observe the growth of this industry and also key into the critical moment of its advancement. Logistics has also come to stay as another major aspect of this business, and it has also become an inseparable aspect of growth in e-Commerce.
In light of this, e-Merchants need to figure out the perfect way to leverage logistics to improve their business model and process. Here are three ways to go about this;

1. Choose the Best Package: Getting the right package for your product, would help to reduce the possibility of delay, as your logistics partner would have no issues sending your fragile items to the receiver. The right package for your product is important as well in preserving the trust built by your customer in your brand. As an e-Merchant, you can never go wrong with the right package.

2. Schedule Your Pick-Ups in Time: To ensure there is a smooth run in the delivery process, scheduling your pickups is definitely important. This would give you enough time to process your orders. For instance, Speedaf Express guarantees next-day delivery, which gives time to accurately process each request.

3. Take Control: There is also another role you have to play in terms of improving your e-commerce logistics and that is taking control of your orders when they have been marked for delivery. It is not enough to drop off your items, you need to also follow through and ensure that your last mile delivery has been completed. If your business has grown beyond the point of self-monitoring, there is room for delegating this particular duty to create room for growth.
With these three methods, you are on way towards improve your logistics process, and also creating more avenues for your business growth.

It is no gainsaying that E-Commerce and Logistics go hand in hand, especially with the birth of this new digital age. Most transactions are being carried out online and even in developing continents like Africa, this has been the status quo.
As a result of this, e-Commerce vendors are advised to carefully consider the choice of a logistics service provider just as much as they would other aspects of their business. In doing this, there are several things to be considered, which have been listed below;
1. The Service Provided: Before settling for a particular logistics service company, you should carry out research on the kind of service they offer and see if it fits into the goal of your company. Various logistics service companies have varying services which may or may not apply to your business. For instance, if you deal with perishables, there are certain logistics companies that don’t offer this option as part of their services. It would save a lot of stress knowing exactly what can be offered before jumping on the bandwagon.

2. Testimonials: The testimonials of a company is just as good as the service they offer, and finding out what other people have to say about a logistics service provider is one step in the right direction. This is important in your decision-making process. With the ease granted by social media, it isn’t hard to figure out what people have to say about a company. A quick swoop on the social media pages would serve as a perfect idea on this.

3. Premium Offers: As a business owner, you are constantly at the top of activities that present your business at an advantage. One example is subscriptions to premium services offered by logistics companies. Most logistics companies have special packages for business owners, however, you need to confirm that these premium packages are worth the while for your business. Remember, the goal is to find the perfect advantages for your business.
After factoring in the above listed, it would be easier to make the final decision on which logistics service provider serves as the right fit for your e-commerce business. It is almost as easy as it looks.

In Africa, e-Commerce and Social Commerce has come to stay as one thriving business that has unlocked the goodness of the continent’s financial powers.
This has been a major untapped sector across Africa, and with this rising increase, there has also been room for growth for logistics businesses that also deal with parcel delivery.

There are a million companies that fit into this category, but only a few have actually brought quality to the table, as such will be listed below.
1. DHL: DHL has been registered as one of the leading parcel delivery companies, currently leading a chain of successful outlets in Africa. The German-owned company has settled in many cities across Africa, providing services like Warehouse Solutions, Parcel delivery, and other logistics-related services.

2. UPS: UPS is also known as United Parcel Service, and they have been in existence since 1907, delivering parcels and packages to its customers, across the globe and also in Africa. They have become one of the most trusted parcel delivery companies with a presence in Africa.

3. Speedaf Express: Speedaf Express is located in various countries across Africa, and this includes; Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt and others. They have been able to establish a strong tie in these regions, with bespoke services such as Warehousing, Next Day Delivery, and Cash on Delivery for e-Merchants.

4. Sendy: Sendy is an African tech startup that began its operations on the soils of Kenya. So far, they have been able to set up their services in countries and cities like Cote D-viore, Uganda and Nigeria, asides from the mother home of the business.

5. Max.ng: Max began in 2015, by the founders, Adetato Bamiduor and Chinedu Azodoh. CEO. In the space of 7 years, they have been successful in changing the game of logistics in Nigeria and within Africa as a whole.

6. Gokada: Just like Max, Gokada completely dominated the ride-hailing service platform in its early launch. After a few changes in government policies, they migrated to a fully functional delivery service provider, catering to the needs of e-Commerce vendors and customers.

7. Kuchne + Nagel: Kuchne + Nagel is an international freight forwarding company that began its operations in Switzerland. Their presence in Africa has also created a bigger platform for the business, with expansion in countries like South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Egypt, Angola and Namibia. They have been providing services under the logistics and supply chain industry.

8. DSV: DSV is a global logistics and supply chain company that offers transport services by rail, sea, land and air. It has its headquarters in Denmark and has also expanded its operations across Africa, including South Africa and the Middle East.

9. ACE: Ace logistics has gotten ahead with affordable delivery rates and an average presence across cities in Africa. In Nigeria, they have changed the game of logistics, especially in the aspect of parcel delivery.

10. Jumia: In Africa, Jumia remains one of the giants of logistics, as they have also conquered the aspect of e-Commerce in the continent. They have been in operation since 2012, having been founded by Jeremy Hodara, Sacha Poignonnec, Tunde Kehinde and Raphael Kofi Afaedor.

The Fintech industry in Nigeria has been quite a booming one since it gained more prominence a few years ago. Currently, in Nigeria, there are about 250 fintech companies, and with each passing year and season, the numbers keep rising.
With the emergence of fintech companies, there is also the need for added services such as debit cards, as is expected of any commercial financial institution. As a result, a number of delivery services have specialized in moving these assets based on request. Below are 5 logistics companies in Nigeria that deliver Fintech debit cards;
1. Jumia: Over the years, Jumia has proven to be a tech-savvy delivery company, starting off with the launch of the e-Commerce platform. With that move, they have successfully penetrated the tech market, giving room for collaboration with fintech companies to leverage and also partner for the delivery of cards to customers.
2. Speedaf Express: Another delivery company that has made life easier for fintech companies is Speedaf Express. The company has created a mark in the tech ecosystem, and one of the ways this has been done is through the delivery of fintech cards. Asides from this, they have also built a strong community of tech companies and maintained this with integrated tech systems.
3. Fez Delivery: One of the youngest in the industry, Fez has also gained prominence through collaboration in the tech space. With their presence in all states of the country, they have also created quite a mark with their services. They have onboarded quite a number of fintech clients, making it easy for customers to take delivery of their debit cards.
Overall, the fintech space has thrived in the last few years, and with the help of these delivery companies, the system has been made simple and easy.

The logistics business in Nigeria has been a force to reckon with, especially with the promotion of the e-Commerce business.
To simplify the delivery process, quite a huge number of delivery companies in Nigeria have developed a mobile app to aid their customers through the entire process. The top 5 delivery companies in Nigeria are mentioned below;
1. GigGo: GIG, also known as God is Good, is a major stakeholder in the business of logistics and delivery in Nigeria. Established in 2012, the company created an interactive mobile app that allows shipment creation from the comfort of homes and also initiates pick-up requests as opposed to the manual method which was formerly adopted.

2. Speedaf Express: Speedaf Express has positioned itself as a fast, safe, reliable logistics service beyond the shores of Nigeria. Recently, a mobile app was launched by the company to cater to the needs of customers in generating automated tracking codes, batch-sending shipments, requesting free pick-up, and dedicated customer service support.

3. Jumia: Jumia, has registered its presence among the top logistics service providers in Nigeria, with an e-Commerce store. The company has a dedicated delivery app, as well as one that caters solely to food delivery and perishables. It was also founded in 2012 and has so far expanded to other African countries.

4. Kwik: Kwik has proven to be a rising giant in the logistics and delivery service industry. As a result, the company has sought a better way to enhance the experience of customers with the addition of a mobile app for ease of delivery requests. It has widely become one of the most downloaded mobile apps in the country.

5. Konga: Konga is another major player in the world of delivery services in Nigeria. The company has expanded its frontiers starting from the ownership of an e-Commerce store where customers can ship items using their delivery services as well. The mobile is an all-encompassing experience, especially for trendy e-commerce customers.

The future of logistics and delivery in Nigeria is digital, and these top 5 delivery companies in Nigeria, have changed the game using mobile app.

The International Women’s day is celebrated every year on the 8th of March, and for this year, it was celebrated only yesterday. However, based on the magnitude of such a celebration, some brands decide to take it beyond a day’s celebration.

If you are an e-Commerce vendor, you are probably wondering, how do I take advantage of this period, and record more sales? You have the right answer in the tips given below;

1. Offer discounts: There is nothing more exciting for customers than having to get their favourite products at discount prices. Especially when executed properly, this goes a long way in increasing sales for your brand. You are also at an advantage if you tie the reason for the discount to the current women’s day celebration.

2. Run a giveaway: Giveaways are here to stay, especially if you operate an online business. It works like a magnet to your potential customers, and also increases the chances of making sales as a business owner. If you want to make it grander, emphasize on prioritising your female customers.

3. Partner with female-owned businesses: This is another way to make it come closer to home. If you can, partner with female-owned businesses to make it worthwhile for your female customers. It also drives home the message that you are constantly considering their needs as a huge part of your sales audience.

In conclusion, there are various ways to boost your sales during the International women’s day month. Firstly, you can tap into the power of social media by creating content that resonates with your female audience. Secondly, you can offer exclusive discounts and promotions to women in your customer base, as a way of showing appreciation for their loyalty. Finally, partnering with female-led businesses and organizations can help you expand your reach and tap into new markets. By implementing these strategies, you can make the most of this important occasion while celebrating and empowering women around the world. Remember to always stay authentic, respectful, and mindful of the true spirit of International Women’s day month.