By 9jaDirectory Commerce Team | Updated: November 2025
Nigeria's e-commerce market is projected to reach $50B by 2026. Thousands of Nigerians are earning ₦500K-₦10M+ monthly selling online.
Phase 1: Planning (Week 1)
1. Choose Your Product
- Dropshipping: Lowest startup (₦0), margins 20-40%
- Handmade/Artisanal: ₦50K-₦500K startup, margins 100-300%
- Digital Products: ₦10K-50K startup, unlimited scalability
- Food & Beverages: ₦100K-₦1M startup, high demand
- Personal Care: ₦200K-₦2M startup, high repeat rate
Phase 2: Technical Setup
Platforms: Shopify (₦5K-₦15K/month, professional), Local platforms (₦2K-₦5K/month, cheaper), Instagram/TikTok (free but limited).
Phase 3: Getting First Sales
Marketing Budget (₦100K): 50% ads, 30% influencers, 20% content. Post quality photos, clear CTA, respond fast, offer first-time discount.
Phase 4: Scaling
Once ₦500K in sales: increase ad spend, partner with micro-influencers, move to Shopify, hire help, negotiate better supplier prices.
Real Income Example
Phone accessories: Product cost ₦2K, selling ₦5K, 60% margin. 20K clicks @ 2% conversion = 400 sales. Revenue ₦2M - COGS ₦800K - Ads ₦100K = ₦1.1M profit/month.
Your 7-Day Launch Plan
- Day 1-2: Pick product, research competition
- Day 3: Source inventory
- Day 4: Set up Instagram shop, take photos
- Day 5: Create 5 posts
- Day 6: Set up payment system
- Day 7: Launch first ad (₦10K test)
By Day 8, expect your first orders.
Payments: Don’t Lose Customers at Checkout
Nigerian customers will abandon your store if payment fails or looks suspicious. Choose a reliable payment flow early.
- Offer bank transfer + card payments where possible.
- Use trusted gateways and test before running ads.
- Read our comparison: Paystack vs Flutterwave vs Monnify.
Fulfillment & Delivery (The Silent Profit Killer)
Most online stores fail because delivery is slow, expensive, or unreliable. Decide your fulfillment model:
- Same-city delivery: partner with dispatch riders/logistics.
- Nationwide shipping: use courier partners and clear return policies.
- Cash-on-delivery: risky—reduce fraud with delivery fee deposits.
Find logistics partners in Transportation.
Build Trust (How New Stores Win)
- Use real photos/videos and show “delivery proof”.
- Display clear pricing and return policy.
- Collect reviews and repost customer feedback.
- Create a public profile page people can share: list your store on 9jaDirectory.
Platform Choice: What to Use (Fast Guide)
- Instagram/WhatsApp store: fastest to launch, good for early sales.
- Shopify/WooCommerce: best for long-term scale, payments, and automation.
- Marketplaces: easy traffic but higher competition and lower control.
Common Mistakes
- Selling “everything” instead of a niche.
- Ignoring delivery costs in pricing.
- Running ads without proof (reviews, testimonials, content).
- Slow replies (WhatsApp reply speed affects sales).
Product Research (Win Before You Build)
The easiest way to fail is to build a store around a product nobody wants. Do basic research first:
- Demand: are people already searching for it and buying it?
- Competition: who is selling it today and what do they do well?
- Margin: after delivery, ads, and refunds, can you still profit?
- Repeat rate: does it bring repeat customers (skincare, consumables) or one-time sales (gadgets)?
- Delivery risk: fragile items and bulky items can kill profit if logistics is weak.
Operations (The Boring Part That Makes Money)
Most Nigerian e-commerce brands don’t fail because of bad design. They fail because of slow replies, unclear delivery, and messy inventory.
- Inventory: track stock daily (even in a spreadsheet) so you don’t sell what you don’t have.
- Customer support: set WhatsApp quick replies for price, delivery timeline, and return policy.
- Returns: define what is returnable, return window, and who pays delivery.
- Packaging: pack like a professional (protect items, brand label, thank-you note).
Retention (Make Customers Buy Again)
Acquiring customers with ads is expensive. Retention is where profit lives:
- Ask for a review after delivery (and repost proof).
- Use broadcast lists for restocks, bundles, and seasonal offers.
- Create bundles that increase average order value (AOV).
- Offer free delivery above a threshold to encourage bigger carts.
FAQ
Do I need a website to start?
No. Many Nigerians start with Instagram + WhatsApp + a trusted payment flow. A website helps with scale, tracking, and professionalism, but it is not required on day one.
What is the fastest way to get first sales?
Sell to warm audiences first: friends, campus/community groups, referrals, and existing WhatsApp contacts. Use proof (videos, testimonials) and a clear delivery promise.
How do I avoid getting scammed?
Use verified payment channels, confirm transfers properly, avoid risky cash-on-delivery, and keep clear records of every order and delivery.
Common Mistakes (Avoid These)
- Running ads without proof (reviews, delivery proof, testimonials).
- Slow replies on WhatsApp (response time affects conversion).
- No clear delivery/return policy (customers fear scams).
- Pricing without considering delivery and refunds.
- Scaling too early without stable fulfillment.
Tracking (Simple Dashboard)
Track weekly: number of leads, conversion rate, average order value, refunds, and delivery time. Even a simple spreadsheet helps you see what is working and what is leaking profit.
Conclusion
E-commerce is not about a perfect website—it’s about product demand, trust, and consistent fulfillment. Start small, track every order, and improve weekly.
Next step: List your online business on 9jaDirectory so customers can find and verify you.
Return Policy (Build Trust)
Many shoppers fear scams. A simple return policy increases conversion. Define: return window, what is eligible, who pays delivery, and how refunds are processed. Keep it clear and visible.
30-Day Growth Plan
- Week 1: product photos/videos + WhatsApp templates + delivery partners.
- Week 2: collect 10 reviews/testimonials and post daily proof.
- Week 3: run small ads or influencer tests and track cost per lead.
- Week 4: improve best sellers and fix delivery/refund issues.
