By Chinyere Okeke | Updated: November 2025
You've seen them on Instagram: "Pre-order this bag for ₦15,000!" Meanwhile, you know that same bag costs ₦45,000 in Balogun market. The secret? Mini Importation.
Mini importation is the business of buying small quantities of goods directly from manufacturers in China (and other countries) and selling them in Nigeria for a massive profit. In 2025, you don't need a container or millions of Naira. You can start with as little as ₦50,000.
This guide will show you exactly how to source, pay, and ship goods from China to your doorstep in Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt.
Step 1: Sourcing - 1688 vs. Alibaba
The two biggest platforms for sourcing are owned by the same company (Alibaba Group), but they are very different.
Alibaba.com
- Language: English.
- Target: International buyers.
- Pros: Easy to use, suppliers speak English, you can pay with some Nigerian cards (or dollar cards).
- Cons: Prices are slightly higher than 1688.
1688.com
- Language: Chinese (Use Google Chrome Translate).
- Target: Chinese locals.
- Pros: The cheapest prices anywhere. This is where the suppliers on Alibaba often buy from!
- Cons: You need a procurement agent to pay (they only accept Alipay/WeChat Pay).
Pro Tip: For maximum profit, use 1688.com. The price difference is worth the hassle.
Step 2: Shipping to Nigeria
Chinese suppliers usually don't ship directly to Nigeria via DHL/FedEx because it's too expensive. Instead, you use Logistics Companies (Freight Forwarders).
How it works:
- You sign up with a shipping company (e.g., GIG Logistics, Skyjet, NBC Logistics).
- They give you their China Warehouse Address.
- You tell your supplier to send the goods to that address.
- The shipping company receives it and flies it to Nigeria.
- You pick it up in Lagos or pay for waybill to your state.
Recommended Shipping Companies (2025)
- GIG Logistics (GIGL): Reliable, good tracking app. Slightly expensive but safe.
- Skyjet: Very popular for "Groupage" (combining small items). Fast delivery (7-14 days).
- NBC Logistics: Great for gadgets and electronics.
Step 3: Hot Products to Sell in 2025
Don't just import anything. Sell what people need. Here are the trending niches:
- Smart Home Gadgets: Rechargeable fans (due to power issues), solar lights, smart bulbs.
- Beauty & Skincare: Korean skincare products, ring lights for content creators.
- Fashion: Quality men's sneakers, ladies' handbags (replicas or unbranded high quality).
- Kids' Items: Educational toys, affordable clothes.
Step 4: Marketing Your Goods
Importing is easy; selling is the work. Use Facebook Ads and TikTok.
Create a short video showing how the product works. Run an ad targeting people in Lagos and Abuja. Offer "Payment on Delivery" (POD) within Lagos to build trust, but always ask for a delivery fee upfront to filter out unserious buyers.
Conclusion
Mini importation is one of the few businesses you can start with ₦50,000 and flip to ₦200,000 in two months. The key is research. Don't rush to buy.
Step 5: Calculate Your Landed Cost (So You Don’t Lose Money)
“Cheap on 1688” is not the real cost. Always calculate landed cost:
- Product cost + local shipping (China) + international shipping + clearing/fees + inland delivery = landed cost
- Selling price = landed cost + profit margin
If you skip this, you’ll underprice and end up working for free.
Step 6: Avoid Scams (Supplier Vetting)
- Start with a small test order before bulk.
- Request real photos/videos of the exact item (not catalog pictures).
- Use a procurement agent or platform support for payments if you’re using 1688.
- Be careful with “too good to be true” deals and rushed payment pressure.
Step 7: Sell Faster (Distribution Strategy)
Importing is easy; selling is the work. Use multiple channels:
- WhatsApp: status + broadcast lists + catalogs.
- Instagram/TikTok: short videos showing the product in use.
- Resellers: sell cartons to smaller retailers for quick cashflow.
- Offline: small kiosks and campus markets (depending on product).
Landed Cost Calculator (Profit Starts Here)
Mini importation is profitable when you calculate landed cost correctly. Your landed cost is:
Product cost + China local delivery + international shipping + clearing/handling + inland delivery in Nigeria = landed cost.
Example: If you buy goods worth ₦100,000 and total shipping/handling is ₦40,000, your landed cost is ₦140,000. If you sell for ₦200,000 total, gross profit is ₦60,000 (before ads and local delivery).
Shipping Options: Air vs Sea (What Beginners Should Know)
- Air cargo: faster delivery, best for small/light items and quick turnaround.
- Sea freight (groupage): cheaper for bulky goods, but slower and needs better cashflow planning.
- Risk tip: start with air for your first 1–2 shipments until you understand timelines and demand.
Supplier Vetting & Scam Prevention
Most losses happen before shipping: wrong supplier, wrong product, or wrong quality. Reduce risk with a simple checklist:
- Order samples first for anything you plan to scale.
- Ask for real photos/videos of the exact product (not catalog images).
- Use suppliers with transaction history and verified ratings.
- Do not rush large payments because of “last stock” pressure.
FAQ
How much should I start with?
Start with a test budget you can afford to learn with (many beginners start from ₦50,000 to ₦200,000). Validate demand and your sales channel before scaling.
Is customs clearing included with shipping companies?
Some freight forwarders include clearing/handling in their pricing, others bill separately. Confirm this upfront and ask for the full landed cost estimate.
List Your Business (Build Trust)
Trust is the biggest barrier in Nigeria. Create a profile customers can verify and share:
List your business on 9jaDirectory (free). If your business is already listed, search for it and use the “Claim this Business” button.
Explore categories like Shopping & Retail and Transportation for suppliers and logistics partners.
