Last updated on November 27th, 2023 at 10:43 am
This post will answer what I can sell in Nigeria to make money. Money is a scarce resource in Nigeria, and if you have some to spare, why not invest it.
In recent times, a lot of young entrepreneurs have made their millions through sales in Nigeria. And that is what we will be exploring here in this post.
The million naira question – What can I sell in Nigeria to make money?
Well, in a nutshell, anything that is of value and can be sold for more than what it costs.
You can sell practically anything if it is of value, people with experience in sales will understand the concept of value.
The best way to find out what to sell to make money is to look out for things that are cheaper to buy here than they are abroad.
Nigeria is a nice place to live. There’s never any shortage of things to do, people to meet, food to eat, tea to drink, or places to visit!
However, it is very important for you as an individual that you focus on your career and the business ventures that will make you money.
The question I get asked most often is “What can I sell in Nigeria?” but sometimes people also ask me “How Can I Make Money In Nigeria?”.
This article answers both questions:
1) What can I sell in Nigeria?
2) How can I make money in Nigeria?
Well before we dive into that, we need to get some insights about Nigeria.
Is Nigeria a good place to start a business?
There is no place like home and considering the fact that you are reading this article, I guess you agree with me.
But Nigeria has its challenges and we need to be aware of these before we sell out there because we may never go back to live here again.
After all, not every country would welcome us with open arms to sell their country’s goods or services just as they do at home.
Most importantly, if our business venture fails because we failed to understand the market conditions, then what next? It could be quite embarrassing going back where we came from.
Let’s face it; it is very difficult for a grown man to return to mummy and daddy asking them for support because his/her business venture failed in another country.
So the first question that might pop up is:
Why should I sell anything in Nigeria? What can I sell to make money?
The answer is simply because it is possible! There are tons of things you can sell and make a profit. The sky’s the limit and all you need to do is find what works for you and go with it. Talk less, do more.
Marketing your goods or services can be a bit difficult at times. We have strong competition from our neighboring countries who are also doing the same thing as us.
But once you get through with marketing your products or service, then there’s no looking back.
Well, let’s get to the meat of what you want to know. What do I sell? Where can I sell my products or services in Nigeria?
This is not an exhaustive list; it is however a start line for people who may want to sell their goods and services in Nigeria.
Figuring out the above will help you come up with a business idea. Also, you will be able to save time and other resources when starting up.
Can online business be profitable in Nigeria?
Yes, but if you are planning to sell on the internet then there are other things that should take priority even before you sell online.
The first question I would ask is… Do you know how much it costs to sell online? Don’t forget that the cost of starting an online business makes it expensive for people who may not have a lot of money.
So let’s say you are selling something online, what if your customer doesn’t have access to an internet-enabled device?
That will make you lose all potential sales plus your entire investment into setting up the website! I’m sure this has crossed your mind already because we must sell where our customers sell.
Selling in Nigeria or sell online?
We sell in Nigeria so that the cost of purchasing the goods is also low. Plus when we sell in Nigeria, we minimize the cost of delivery to our target market because it’s local.
That way, all you need to do is use your website to advertise your products and services while you sell them at a profit locally for cash on delivery.
The targeted audience can be anyone within Nigeria close enough to pick up the goods from your location.
Can I make money selling online?
Yes! But there are some considerations before doing so…
- Market Research – Find out who are the people who are online and sell stuff online.
- The time needed- You will need time to gain trust and sell your goods.
- Regulations- You will lose potential sales if you sell in Nigeria because of foreign exchange control.
- Domain Registration – Get a domain name for your website.
- Skills needed- What skills do I need to sell online in Nigeria? That will depend on what you sell. You can sell anything if you know how to sell it.
- Listing – List your products or services online, sell them, and get paid.
- Cost of registration – It doesn’t cost much to sell online in Nigeria, but you might need some money for the registration of your business with the domain name and hosting site.
- Marketing – Make sure you sell where your target audience is. You can sell online but most people sell in Nigeria because they sell where their customers sell which means their target audience is within Nigeria.
Plus if you sell in Nigeria, it’s easier to sell your products or services when you sell them with cash on delivery as a bonus.
You will sell more and make more money if you sell within Nigeria because the cost of buying the goods is cheaper.
What do I sell in Nigeria?
Sell anything you want as long as it is legal where you come from. You have the freedom to sell whatever you think will sell.
If people buy, then that’s an indication that there’s a market for what you’re selling. Selling online makes it easier for people to sell their products or services.
It’s because they sell where their customers sell which means they sell within Nigeria or sell in Africa.
Some people sell in Nigeria because they sell where the target audience is. It has to be legal for you to sell online but selling locally makes it easier to sell your products or services with cash on delivery as a bonus.
Some people sell their products or services online because they sell where their customers sell which means sell where your target audience is.
Online business in Nigeria can be very profitable but the cost of buying the goods and getting them to sell online makes it expensive for people who may not have a lot of money.
You sell within Nigeria if you want to sell more because you sell where the targeted customers are. It’s cheaper to sell on location and use your website to advertise your products and services.
Sell locally with cash on delivery as a bonus if you want to sell more.
Here is a list of what to sell in Nigeria to make money:
1. Selling Books
You can sell books like novels, political/social sciences books, etc on Konga.com. They pay good money for these types of books.
You can also sell your music albums there too. Businesses that require physical presence like publishing houses usually sell published titles online and get paid through bank transfer or mobile money.
Books are expensive to buy which means selling the books with cash on delivery as a bonus will make it easier for you to sell books online.
2. Selling IT Stuff in Nigeria
You sell computers, laptops, mobiles phones, and other gadgets depending on which one gets you a better price.
Also, sell used phones from the UK and USA and make a quick buck online. You sell brand new ones too if you know how to import from abroad.
It’s good money selling old phones cause the demand is always high for gadgets in Nigeria. You sell old phones that are still in good condition.
IT stuff is always in demand, the more gadgets you sell the more money you make. Find the best deals you can get for your products.
3. Sell Fashion Clothes
You sell ladies’ clothes, clothes for men and children depending on which product gets a better price.
Fashion is always in demand for ladies, especially clothes. Selling fashion clothes may require you to find cheap deals which mean finding the best price that makes it profitable for you to sell online.
Sell fashionable clothes and make good pay. Earn from the profit margin of what you sell and the prices will be right.
You sell any type of clothes that you can get a good price for and people will buy from anywhere in Nigeria.
Good deals will make it easier for you to sell fashion clothes online.
4. Sell Handmade stuff like crafts, paintings…
You sell handcrafted items like wooden stuff, paintings made by artists, etc, and get fair deals for your products.
It’s good money selling this handmade stuff. You can sell in Nigeria or sell in Africa not everyone can do it but if you have the skill then sell away.
Utilize your hobby by selling your products better. You can also use the online market to advertise and sell your products.
We all need art. Sell art to make money. Sell handmade stuff, it’s all good for the money you want.
5. Car rental services
Cars are expensive to buy which is why car rental services are good business in Nigeria. You can rent out cars and earn good money at the end of the day.
You can buy cheap used cars and rent them out to people at a good price. Every day we need cars to drive so renting out cars wouldn’t be difficult.
Besides, it’s good money and affordable for the customer too. Car rental services have a good profit margin.
Get to know how to rent cars and make money in Nigeria.
6. Sell furniture
People usually buy new houses and renovate them by refurbishing. They buy all the things they need like furniture, a furniture shop is always welcome for people who would love to remodel their houses.
It’s good money selling this kind of stuff. You can also shop for your furniture online too depending on which product gets a better deal.
Not only do houses need furniture, schools, offices, companies, but hotels also need furniture too. Any public building needs furniture so selling this kind of stuff will guarantee some income.
7. Cars and car accessories
Cars are expensive to buy in Nigeria, you can import cars from abroad and sell them in Nigeria or anywhere else.
Selling these kinds of stuff needs good deals if you want a profitable market from it. You can also find used cars in Nigeria that run well then refurbish them again and sell them with a big markup.
It’s good money having a car business because people always need cars. Not only that, there are a lot of car accessories needed by most people like tires, oils, etc.
Invest in cars and accessories and sell them well, you can increase your profit margin by adding more car accessories to the deal.
8. Food and groceries
Foods are in demand in Nigeria so selling food items is one of the best online businesses you can do in Nigeria.
You can also sell foodstuff like noodles, chocolate, etc. Investing your money in food is good cause people always need them and most restaurants need this kind of stuff too.
Selling foodstuffs has a good profit margin. That’s why it’s profitable because people always need them.
These are just a few things to sell in Nigeria to make money. You can start selling online in Nigeria on Jiji.ng, where you can get cheap deals on products to sell and make money with them.
Nigerian ecommerce is growing because people are looking for different things to buy from shops they trust without stepping out of their houses.
That’s all for now about profitable online business ideas in Nigeria.
Easy food to sell to make money in Nigeria
There are many easy food items to sell in Nigeria that can help you make money. Some popular options include:
- Nigerian Cake: You can learn how to bake and decorate cakes, which can be sold for a high price.
- Plantain Chips: This is a popular snack sold in Nigerian traffic, and can also be supplied to supermarkets and shops.
- Jollof Rice, Fried Rice, Ofada Rice: Preparing Nigerian soups for other people for money is still a great money maker, as not everyone has the time or skill to prepare these dishes themselves.
- Akara: This is a type of bean cake that is a popular breakfast food in Nigeria.
- Moi Moi: This is a steamed bean pudding that is also a popular breakfast food.
These are just a few examples, and there are many other food items that can be sold for profit in Nigeria. It’s important to research the local market demand and regulations before starting your business.
Hidden business opportunities in Nigeria
Nigeria offers various hidden business opportunities across different sectors. Some of the specific industries or sectors you are interested in include technology, agriculture, manufacturing, real estate, and tourism. Here are some opportunities within these sectors:
#1. Technology:
- Freelance writing
- Graphic design
- Social media management
- Online tutoring
- Solar energy installation and services
- Digital marketing
#2. Agriculture:
- Farming as a business
- Agribusiness
- Aquaculture
- Food processing
- Agricultural potential in Africa
#3. Manufacturing:
- Food and beverage processing
- Textile and garment manufacturing
- Building materials production
- Automobile assembly and parts
- Chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing
- Personal care and cosmetics production
- Plastics and packaging production
- Furniture manufacturing
- Paper and stationery production
- Metals and steel fabrication
#4. Real Estate:
- Real estate brokerage business
- Property management business
- Vacation rentals
- Residential and commercial properties
- Real estate investment and development
#5. Tourism:
- Hospitality and tourism services
- Travel agencies and tour operators
- Attraction sites and cultural festivals
- Event planning and organization
These opportunities cater to various interests and skill sets, allowing entrepreneurs to explore and capitalize on the growing Nigerian market.
How to sell to Nigerians
Selling to Nigerians effectively involves understanding their cultural nuances, preferences, and buying behaviors. Here are some key insights to consider:
1. Understand the Nigerian Market:
- Nigerians are price-sensitive and value good deals.
- They are social buyers and influenced by word-of-mouth recommendations.
- They prefer personalized and interactive marketing approaches.
- Mobile marketing is highly effective due to high smartphone penetration.
- Build trust and credibility, as Nigerians are cautious about new brands.
2. Tailor Your Product and Marketing:
- Ensure your product or service is relevant to the Nigerian market and addresses their needs.
- Localize your marketing materials, including language, images, and cultural references.
- Utilize social media platforms popular in Nigeria, such as Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp.
- Engage with influencers and local celebrities to reach a wider audience.
3. Provide Excellent Customer Service:
- Nigerians prioritize customer service and appreciate prompt and helpful responses.
- Offer multiple customer support channels, including phone, email, and social media.
- Address customer concerns promptly and transparently.
- Build a strong online reputation through positive reviews and testimonials.
4. Adapt to Local Payment Methods:
- Nigerians prefer cash-on-delivery (COD) and mobile money payments.
- Partner with popular e-commerce platforms and payment gateways.
- Offer flexible payment options, such as installment plans.
- Ensure secure and transparent payment processing.
5. Comply with Local Regulations:
- Understand and adhere to Nigerian business regulations and licensing requirements.
- Obtain necessary permits and certifications for your products or services.
- Practice ethical and transparent business practices.
- Respect local customs and cultural sensitivities.
By understanding and adapting to the Nigerian market, businesses can effectively reach and engage Nigerian consumers, building a loyal customer base and achieving success in this dynamic market.
About businesslist.com.ng
Businesslist.com.ng is a Nigeria-based business directory that lists companies operating in Nigeria.
The website allows businesses to create a profile that includes their contact information, description, products, photo gallery, and location on the map.
Users can browse the directory by location or category, such as restaurants, automotive, doctors, shopping, legal, real estate, contractors, and employment.
The website also offers job listings and real estate listings.
According to SimilarWeb, businesslist.com.ng’s top competitors in September 2023 were finelib.com, directory.org.ng, infoisinfo.ng, and lagosdirectoryonline.com.
