If you’ve ever wondered how people start businesses importing goods from China and making serious profits in Nigeria, you’re in the right place. You see, one thing about Nigeria is that everybody is looking for ways to make more money—and one of the smartest ways is through mini importation. Buying cheap in bulk from China and selling at a great margin locally is one of the easiest ways to break into business with little capital and high returns. But how do you do it? Where do you buy from? How do you avoid scams? Let’s dive deep into it.

Why Importing from China is a Goldmine

China is the manufacturing capital of the world. Almost everything you use—phones, clothes, electronics, accessories, wigs, even packaging materials—probably has a Made in China tag on it. The secret is china produces at a much lower cost, meaning you can buy things in bulk at unbelievably cheap prices and flip them for serious profit in Nigeria. Imagine getting high-quality phone accessories for as low as $1 per unit and selling them here for ₦5,000 each! Or buying a pack of 100 fashion sunglasses for $2 per piece and selling them for ₦10,000 each in Nigeria. That’s exactly how smart importers are cashing out daily.

But to get into this business successfully, you need to know the right places to buy, how to avoid getting scammed, and how to ship your goods safely to Nigeria without unnecessary delays.

Where to Buy Cheap Wholesale Goods in China

1. 1688.com – This is the best platform for buying at rock-bottom prices because it is strictly for the Chinese market. Unlike Alibaba and AliExpress, which cater to international buyers, 1688 is where Chinese locals buy their goods. The only catch? It’s entirely in Chinese, so you’ll need Google Translate or an agent to help you navigate it.

2. Alibaba.com – The go-to platform for wholesale buying if you’re looking for international suppliers with flexible Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs). You can communicate with suppliers in English and even negotiate prices.

3. AliExpress.com – If you’re not ready to buy in large quantities yet, AliExpress allows you to buy in smaller quantities at still-affordable prices.

4. Taobao.com – Another great Chinese platform similar to 1688 but with even more product varieties.

5. WeChat & WhatsApp Suppliers – Many suppliers now operate through WeChat or WhatsApp, where you can negotiate directly and get even better deals.

What to Import for the Highest Profit

Now, not all products will give you huge profits. The key is to import what people really need and are willing to buy without hesitation. Here are some hot-selling products:

• Fashion items – Bags, shoes, sunglasses, wristwatches, unisex T-shirts, and hoodies.

• Beauty products – Human hair, wigs, press-on nails, lash extensions.

• Phone accessories – Chargers, power banks, AirPods, phone holders, and screen protectors.

• Smart gadgets – Smartwatches, wireless speakers, Bluetooth devices.

• Home and kitchen appliances – Blenders, air fryers, rechargeable fans.

How to Avoid Scams and Bad Suppliers

One of the biggest fears new importers have is getting scammed. But if you follow these steps, you’ll minimize your risks:

• Read reviews – Before paying any supplier, check their ratings and customer reviews.

• Negotiate directly – Don’t just accept the listed price; negotiate. You’ll be surprised how much you can save.

• Request samples – Before making a large order, always order samples to confirm the quality.

• Use escrow services – Platforms like Alibaba have buyer protection to ensure you get your goods or your money back.

• Avoid deals that sound too good to be true – If a supplier is offering something way below the usual market price, be careful—it could be a scam or low-quality goods.

How to Ship from China to Nigeria

There are two main ways to get your goods from China to Nigeria: Air freight and Sea freight.

• Air freight is faster (5-10 days) but more expensive.

• Sea freight is cheaper for bulk goods but takes longer (30-45 days).

If you’re importing small quantities, air cargo is best. But if you’re bringing in large stock, sea shipping will save you a lot of money.

Some trusted shipping companies include:

• Sino Shipping

• E-Cargo Logistics

• Sky Logistics

• Chrisvic Mall (for 1688 agents)

Selling in Nigeria – The Smartest Way to Make Profit

Once your goods arrive, how do you sell fast and make good money?

1. Sell on Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook – The fastest way to start selling is through social media marketing. Create a business page, post high-quality pictures and videos, and start running ads.

2. List on Jumia and Konga – Nigeria’s biggest online marketplaces allow you to reach a larger audience.

3. Create a simple website or use a landing page – If you’re serious about selling, having a website builds credibility and helps you process orders seamlessly.

4. Sell to retailers and physical stores – You can distribute your goods in bulk to boutiques, gadget shops, and supermarkets.

How Much Capital Do You Need to Start?

This depends on what you’re importing. You can start with as little as ₦50,000 - ₦100,000 for small items like phone accessories or fashion items. If you want to go big, investing ₦500,000 - ₦1,000,000 will allow you to import larger quantities and maximize profit.

Finally…

Importing from China and selling in Nigeria is one of the most lucrative businesses right now. With the right knowledge, a good supplier, and smart marketing, you can build a highly profitable business. So if you’ve been thinking of starting, this is your sign to take action! Start small, learn along the way, and scale up as you grow.

Ready to start your importation business? 

Do your research, find the right products, and most importantly—take action today!