Dropshipping in Nigeria: How to Start with Zero Capital (2025)

By 9jaDirectory E-commerce Team | Updated: November 2025

Dropshipping is a simple business model: you market and sell a product, then a supplier fulfills the order. You don’t buy inventory upfront, so you can start lean—even as a student or full-time worker.

What Dropshipping Is (and What It Isn’t)

• It is: marketing + taking orders + coordinating fulfillment.
• It isn’t: a way to avoid customer service. Customers will still call you when delivery is late.
• It isn’t: a “no capital” business forever. You’ll need data, ads, and sometimes a small buffer for logistics.

How It Works (Simple Example)

1. You find a supplier selling a shoe for ₦5,000.
2. You list it on WhatsApp/Instagram for ₦8,000.
3. A customer pays you ₦8,000 (or pays a deposit + delivery fee).
4. You pay the supplier ₦5,000.
5. The supplier ships it (or hands it to a dispatch rider).
6. You keep the margin (₦3,000) minus delivery/ads.

Step-by-Step: Start Dropshipping in 7 Days

1) Pick a niche you can win

Don’t sell “everything”. Choose a niche where you can post daily and build trust:

• Phones & accessories, skincare, sneakers, kids items, hair products, kitchen gadgets.
• Start with 1–2 categories, then expand after you understand demand.

For inspiration, browse businesses in Shopping & Retail and Technology.

2) Find reliable suppliers (local first)

Your supplier is your “warehouse”. Aim for suppliers in your city/state so delivery is faster and returns are easier.

• Ask for real pictures/videos and verify stock before you take payment.
• Negotiate a consistent price and agree on delivery timelines.
• Prefer suppliers that can do same-day or next-day within Lagos or FCT.

3) Set up your storefront (WhatsApp + Instagram)

• WhatsApp Business: catalog, quick replies, labels (New Order / Paid / Delivered).
• Instagram/TikTok: daily videos, customer reviews, delivery proof.
• Optional marketplaces: Jumia/Konga seller accounts can help you get early traffic, but margins may be tighter.

4) Define your order & delivery workflow

Make fulfillment predictable. A simple workflow:

1. Customer orders → confirm size/color/address.
2. Confirm stock with supplier → reserve item.
3. Collect payment (or delivery fee + deposit) → send receipt.
4. Book dispatch → share tracking/call rider.
5. After delivery → request review + referral.

Fulfillment & Logistics (Nigeria)

Most dropshipping failures happen at delivery. Use trusted dispatch and set expectations:

• Charge delivery upfront to reduce fake orders (especially for cash-on-delivery).
• Use riders/logistics companies from Transportation for same-day delivery.
• Have a clear return policy (e.g., returns within 24–48 hours if unused).

Pricing & Profit (Simple Formula)

Use this formula to avoid “selling at a loss”:

• Selling price = supplier price + delivery + packaging + ad cost + profit margin.
• Target 20%–40% margin for fast-moving products, higher for unique products.

Marketing That Works in 2025

• Short videos: unboxing, “before/after”, customer testimonials.
• WhatsApp broadcast: weekly deals + restocks.
• Micro-influencers: partner with creators in your niche.
• Local SEO: get found when people search “{product} near me”.

To build trust, create a public profile people can share: list your business on 9jaDirectory (free). If your business is already listed, search for it and use the “Claim this Business” button on the listing page.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Posting supplier photos without proof—customers want real videos.
• Taking full payment before confirming stock.
• Undercharging and forgetting delivery/ads.
• Ignoring customer service and follow-up.

FAQs

Do I need CAC to start?

You can start small without CAC, but once you’re consistent, registration helps with trust, business accounts, and payment integrations.

Is cash-on-delivery safe?

It can work, but reduce risk by collecting delivery fees upfront and confirming phone numbers before dispatch.

Where do I find suppliers?

Start with local wholesalers and distributors, then expand. Browse Shopping & Retail and Manufacturing listings.

Supplier Vetting (Quality Control Without Holding Stock)

Dropshipping lives and dies by supplier reliability. Before you scale ads, test suppliers like a professional:

• Order a sample to your own address and check quality, packaging, and delivery speed.
• Confirm return/replacement process for damaged items.
• Keep 2 suppliers for your top product so you can switch if one fails.

Returns, Refunds & Delivery Policy (This Builds Trust)

Most Nigerian customers hesitate because of scams. A clear policy increases conversion:

• State delivery timelines by city and who pays delivery.
• Offer a simple replacement policy for wrong/damaged items (with photo evidence within 24 hours).
• Do not promise what your supplier cannot deliver; under-promise and over-deliver.

Scaling to 100 Orders/Month (Simple System)

1. Week 1: pick 1 winning product and create 10–15 short videos showing it in use.
2. Week 2: run small tests and track cost per WhatsApp inquiry.
3. Week 3: improve your offer (bundle, free delivery threshold, bonus item) and add testimonials.
4. Week 4: scale only what works, and build repeat buyers with broadcast lists and after-sales follow-up.

FAQ

Do I need CAC registration to start dropshipping?

You can start informally, but registration helps when you want business bank accounts, payment gateways, and bigger partnerships. If you plan to scale, register early.

Should I do cash on delivery?

It can work, but protect yourself: collect delivery fees upfront, confirm orders by call, and prioritize repeat customers over first-time COD orders.

Conclusion

Dropshipping is one of the fastest ways to start selling online in Nigeria without holding inventory. Treat it like a real business: pick a niche, build trust, deliver fast, and improve weekly.

Next step: List your business for free on 9jaDirectory so customers can find and verify you.