How to become a mini importer in Nigeria
Have you been having an interest in starting a mini importation business recently? Have you been thinking of how to become a mini importer in Nigeria? Importation is the soul of business among nations.
A nation cannot be self-sufficient without selling its goods and service to the outside world.
The Gross Domestic Product of any country depends on importing such a country, either goods or services.
Importation is bilateral trade, and in the real sense, it is usually regarded as a ‘Big boys’ business due to the huge amount of money as capital and the long processes it involves.
However, an individual can become a mini importer by starting the business on a small scale.
The processes involved in the importation business may serve as limiting factors, but the following steps can be taken to become a mini importer.
How to become a mini importer in Nigeria
1. .. HAVING THE BUSINESS MINDSET
To go into the mini importation business, you must develop a mindset for it, which is boldness.
Venturing into the business is a risk, which must be overcome by the determination to succeed.
Therefore, for you to become a mini importer, you must be business-oriented and be focused.
You must have a flair for a business, not going into it for fun.
Business requires time and energy, which must be given to maximise profit.
Are you ready to become a mini-importer? Get ready to give your best for it to yield its best.
2…LEARNING AND MENTOR-SHIP
Before going into the mini importation business, you need to learn the nitty-gritty of the company to minimise your failure rate.
Becoming an importer at a small scale requires learning.
Whoever fails to learn has already failed.
Google is the largest search engine that can be the tutor to learn and prepare to become a mini-importer.
Yet, the area of mentoring cannot be undermined.
You are to learn from reputable mini-importers who have been in the business.
Attend their seminars, buy their e-books that teach on the subject matter, and have their after-sale support in which you can get help when there is a need.
Knowledge is relevant in the world of business.
Therefore, gather all information required and avoid falls.
This is the main basic you need on how to become a mini importer in Nigeria.
3…GET THE TOOLS
From the learning and mentoring process, it would be revealed to you the tools required of you to start and continue the business.
In this era of Information Technology, mini-importer needs the following tools;·
Laptop/ Desktop Computers
The computer system is the number one tool. It serves as an interface between the importer and the rest world. The computer can be personal or making use of a cyber café.
Yet, it is advisable to use a personal computer for the safe transaction by the credit card and other information.·
Debit Card
Visa or MasterCard credit card is highly recommended for the importation trade. It can be a dollar or Naira dominated.
The fund to use is credited to the card that would be later used for the transaction online.
Protect your information on the card to avoid hacking by fraudsters.
Likewise, change your password on the card frequently and a robust antivirus and internet security on your computer system.·
Genuine Website
There are thousands of websites today that claim to be genuine for importation but are not.
Buying from websites that are secured is only advisable.
How can you identify a secured website to trade? A secured website suitable for importation must start with HTTPS:// and a locked padlock.
Likewise, the website must employ an escrow service in which a third party would hold the money.
The third party would only release the fund to the seller after the buyer has satisfactorily received the goods bought in good conditions.
If the website to buy from as an importer is not offering such service, run. lol
Some of the most trusted websites I would recommend patronising are Aliexpress, Alibaba, 1688, and Amazon.
Traceable Address
A traceable address is necessary for any intending mini importer.
The courier service would be required to bring imported goods.
Therefore, if the address is not traceable, the goods can be lost. P.O.Box address can also be used, but you would go to Post Office in your area to collect the goods after you have been notified from the Post office.·
Target Market
Any business aims to profit, and there would not be a profit if there is no target market.
The market for the intending goods to be imported must have been identified before venturing into such importation.
Identify your target market.
Are they men or women? Old or young people? The rich or the middle class? Go for the products for the target market, and profit will roll in faster than having a product for the general market.
START NOW
After gathering all information needed and the tools, then start.
Procrastination is a thief of time. Do not delay.
Practice whatever you have learned and let the profit keeps rolling in.
Avoid substandard goods and meet the need of your customers.
Satisfied customers give referrals and a network of customers.
Advertise your products using the necessary media to reach out to the targeted market.
Now you know how to become a mini importer in Nigeria, the next you need to do now is find fasting moving products to import and market to the local market.
To your success
I wish you all the best!