How To Sell On Amazon In Nigeria

Introduction.

Selling on Amazon can be a game-changer. If you’re in Nigeria and thinking about reaching millions of customers worldwide, Amazon is one of the best platforms to make that happen.

It’s not just about selling products; it’s about growing a business that operates even while you sleep. But how do you start? What steps should you follow? Let’s break it all down.

Why Amazon?

Amazon is one of the largest e-commerce platforms globally, with over 300 million active customer accounts and 1.9 million small businesses selling on the platform. For sellers, it offers a chance to tap into a massive audience that spans the globe.

Plus, with Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), you can focus on growing your business while Amazon handles the logistics—packing, shipping, and even customer service.

For Nigerians, Amazon can be a bridge to international markets. With the increasing accessibility of online tools, setting up your business on Amazon is easier than you might think.

Plus, with Nigeria’s growing entrepreneurial spirit and tech-savvy population, it’s a great time to jump in.

How Do I Start Selling on Amazon from Nigeria?

1. Understand What You Can Sell

Before anything else, you need to decide what products to sell. Amazon has strict guidelines on what can and cannot be sold.

Some product categories are open to all sellers, while others require approval. Items like books, electronics, fashion, and beauty products tend to perform well, but you’ll want to do some research to see what’s in demand.

2. Create an Amazon Seller Account

Here’s how to set up your seller account:

Visit Amazon Seller Central.
Choose between an Individual or Professional plan. The Individual plan charges a fee per item sold, while the Professional plan has a monthly subscription fee and is better for bulk sellers.
Fill in your details, including your business information, bank account, and tax information. For Nigerians, you’ll need an internationally accepted bank account (like Payoneer) to receive payments.

3. Source Your Products

Once your account is ready, the next step is finding products to sell. You can either:

Source locally: Look for suppliers or manufacturers in Nigeria who produce quality goods. This is great for unique items like handmade crafts or local foods.
Use global suppliers: Platforms like Alibaba or local import/export markets can connect you with manufacturers worldwide.

4. List Your Products

Creating an eye-catching product listing is essential. Your listing should include:

A clear, high-quality image of the product.
A detailed title and description with keywords people might search for.
Competitive pricing.

If your products are unique, focus on telling their story. Highlight why customers should choose your items over others.

5. Choose Fulfillment Options

You have two main options for shipping your products:

Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA): You send your products to Amazon’s warehouses, and they handle everything from storage to delivery. It’s convenient but comes with fees.
Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM): You store and ship the products yourself. This might be cheaper initially but requires more effort.

6. Promote Your Products

Amazon is competitive, so promotion is key. Use tools like:

Amazon Advertising: Paid ads can help your products stand out.
Social Media Marketing: Share your store and products on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to drive traffic.
Customer Reviews: Encourage satisfied buyers to leave reviews. Positive feedback boosts your product ranking.

7. Receive Payments

Amazon pays sellers every two weeks. For Nigerians, services like Payoneer or WorldFirst can help you receive payments directly into your local bank account.

Tips for Success

Focus on Quality: Good quality products lead to happy customers and better reviews.
Do Your Research: Understand what’s in demand. Tools like Jungle Scout and Helium 10 can help analyze market trends.
Stay Consistent: Selling on Amazon isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme. It takes time and effort, but consistency pays off.
Know the Fees: Amazon charges for listing, storage, shipping, and advertising. Make sure to factor these into your pricing strategy.

FAQs

1. Can Nigerians sell on Amazon?

Yes, Nigerians can sell on Amazon. You just need an internationally accepted payment method like Payoneer to receive funds.

2. How much does it cost to sell on Amazon?

It depends on the plan you choose. The Individual plan charges $0.99 per item sold, while the Professional plan costs $39.99 per month. There are additional fees for storage and shipping if you use FBA.

3. Do I need a registered business to sell on Amazon?

No, you can start as an individual seller. However, registering a business adds credibility and might be beneficial as you scale.

4. What are the best products to sell?

Items like fashion, beauty products, electronics, and books are popular. But it’s important to research market trends and identify products that align with your interests.

5. How do I handle returns and refunds?

If you use FBA, Amazon handles returns for you. For FBM, you’ll need to create your return policy and manage customer refunds directly.

Conclusion

Selling on Amazon in Nigeria is more than possible—it’s a fantastic opportunity to build a global business from the comfort of your home. By following the steps above and staying consistent, you can reach customers all over the world.

What’s your biggest challenge or question about selling on Amazon?