Cargo and Freights
No Responses January 15, 2026

What is a Small-Capital Importation Business?

A small-capital importation business involves buying products from international suppliers (usually in small

A small-capital importation business means starting an import business with minimal investment. It focuses on buying affordable, in-demand products internationally and selling them in Nigeria at a profit.

Popular product categories include:

  • Electronics and phone accessories

  • Fashion items (clothing, shoes, bags)

  • Beauty products and cosmetics

  • Fitness and lifestyle gadgets

  • Toys, stationery, and household items

The advantage in Nigeria is high demand for imported goods combined with the accessibility of online marketplaces like Instagram, Facebook, Jiji, Konga, and Shopify, allowing entrepreneurs to start without a physical store.

Steps to Start

 Identify Products to Import

Focus on products that are:

  • High in demand: Fashion accessories, phone gadgets, home appliances, beauty products, fitness items, etc.

  • Lightweight & cheap to ship: Minimizes shipping costs.

  • Unique or hard to find locally: Increases selling potential.

Tip: Use platforms like AliExpress, Alibaba, DHgate, or even eBay to research trending products.

 Research Suppliers

  • Find reliable suppliers with good reviews and low minimum order quantities (MOQ).

  • Communicate clearly about prices, shipping methods, and product quality.

  • Consider suppliers from China, Turkey, UAE, or India — popular sources for small-cap importers in Nigeria.

 

 Calculate Costs

You need to understand total landed cost, which includes:

  • Product cost

  • Shipping and logistics

  • Customs duties (check Nigerian Customs rates)

  • Miscellaneous fees (bank transfer charges, agent fees)

 Choose a Selling Platform

  • Online: Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, TikTok, Jiji, Konga, or Shopify

  • Offline: Local markets, pop-up stalls, or small retail shops

  • Hybrid: Build a presence online first, then expand offline

 Logistics & Delivery

Efficient delivery is crucial for customer satisfaction. This is where TD Travel & Logistics comes in:

  • Freight and Shipping: We help import goods from suppliers abroad at the most affordable rates, even for small shipments.

  • Customs Clearance: Avoid fines or delays — TD Travel & Logistics handles all paperwork and clearance for you.

  • Local Delivery: We ensure products reach your warehouse or customers safely and on time.

  • Tracking & Support: Real-time updates for your shipments so you can plan sales and marketing.

With TD Travel & Logistics, small-capital importers can focus on growing their business and marketing, while we handle the complexities of international shipping and customs.

 Marketing

  • Leverage social media: Instagram reels, TikTok videos, Facebook Ads

  • Offer promotions for first-time buyers

  • Use word-of-mouth marketing: Encourage referrals from satisfied customers

  • Highlight affordable price and quality

 Scale Gradually

  • Start with 1–3 products to test the market.

  • Reinvest profits into larger shipments or new products.

  • Expand to online stores, marketplaces, or wholesale distribution.

  • How TD Travel & Logistics Makes It Easier

    TD Travel & Logistics is not just a shipping company; we are a strategic partner for small-capital importers:

    1. Affordable International Shipping: Perfect for small shipments without huge costs.

    2. Customs and Clearance Assistance: Avoid delays and fines.

    3. Door-to-Door Delivery: From supplier to your doorstep or customers’ hands.

    4. Consultation: We guide you on what products are viable to import based on market demand.

    5. Hassle-Free Experience: You focus on sales; we handle logistics.

    This means even entrepreneurs with minimal capital can start, grow, and scale their import business confidently.

✅ In Summary:

Starting a small-capital importation business in Nigeria involves:

  1. Researching trending and affordable products

  2. Finding reliable international suppliers

  3. Calculating total costs carefully

  4. Choosing online/offline selling channels

  5. Marketing and selling strategically

  6. Scaling gradually

With TD Travel & Logistics, you can handle shipping, customs, and delivery efficiently, making your small-capital importation business much easier to start and grow