The business of importation has been booming for a while. Thanks to China’s capacity to manufacture and ship affordable products in bulk, it is now possible for a lot of people to become business owners and entrepreneurs. The importation business can either be on a small or large scale depending on your preference, budget, and plans for the business.

A lot of business owners around the world buy from China, simply because China has become a hub of products. In fact, China produces 28.7% of the world’s products. Although China produces and exports literally any kind of consumable product, not all products can be freely shipped because of some laws surrounding them. For instance, you can’t import ammunition, drugs, etc from China without specific authorization.

If you want to start an importation business or you want to expand your already-established business by importing products, below are some of the products you can buy from China.
1. Electronics
2. Automobiles
3. Gadgets
4. Fashion accessories
5. Interior decoration items
6. Agrochemicals
7. Machinery and equipment
8. Furniture
9. Canned Food etc.

Whatever product you choose, make sure it is a product you are passionate about and have
good knowledge of so you can invest emotionally into the product by marketing it passionately and authentically.

Methods of Importation

One of the reasons why it is very easy to import from China is that you don’t even need to be physically present in China to buy from verified suppliers. You can import from China in one of two ways.

1. DIY Process:

This is the process where you contact the suppliers of your products directly, meet with them (over the internet), discuss your orders and pay them directly. This process is usually a very long one as it involves a lot of procedures. If you are a first-timer, you are likely to get frustrated through this process or fall victim to fake Chinese suppliers parading all over the internet.

You can contact suppliers via China’s eCommerce websites or via other random platforms on the internet.

2. Assisted Process:

This is the process where you rely on the expertise of verified and trusted importers and freight forwarders to help you source for your products, contact suppliers, place your orders, and even ship your products down for you. If you are a newbie, this process is way easier than the DIY process as it saves you time, energy and money. In fact, you may not have to do anything else except sending and confirming your orders, and tracking your shipment.

Relying on trusted procurement agents like Naiyuan Mart helps make your importation process smooth because Naiyuan Mart is domiciled in both China and Nigeria. They can help you ship your products down without you doing all the hard work. Simply put, they take the stress off you.

Whichever method of product sourcing you decide to follow, make sure that you get it at a cheaper rate so that you can get a good profit margin and recover your cost-effectively.

Things to Consider Before Starting Your Importation Business

There are a few things to consider before starting your importation business, these are:

1. Your Capital:

Capital is the resources you use to start a business. It is not only money. This includes both tangible or intangible resources. Most often, money is usually the most recognized and quantifiable factor. In this case, you need to be prepared mentally, financially, and emotionally to start your importation business. Are you ready for the business? Do you have enough cash to start and keep the business running? These and many more are the questions you need to answer before starting an importation business.

2. Your Market Size:

In order to make a profit, you need to be sure that you have a dependable market size for your product. Is the market big enough for you to make a profit and have a dependable customer base?

3. Who are your target audience?:

You need to be sure that you have identified your customers. It is always advisable to test your products with a few identified customers before buying products in large quantities to avoid wastage or loss of money.

4. How and where will you sell:

These days, it is important to showcase your products and make sure you are visible enough for your customers to find you. Will you rent a shop, sell at home or on social media? How will your customers place orders? These and many more questions are what you should answer before going into the importation business.

5. Branding Your Product:

Many people don’t consider this but it is equally important. In a world where competition is tough now, it is advisable to brand your own business and make sure you stand out from the crowd. This includes designing your brand identity and making sure it is consistent enough for your customers to know you and resonate with your brand.

Among other things, you also need to consider Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) that your supplier can sell, you need to consider landing cost, profit margin, etc.

Calculating your landing cost, with Naiyuan Mart, is simple as ABC where:
A= Total price of the goods bought from the Chinese store
B= Cost of local shipping to our warehouse in China
C= Total shipping fee + Clearing fee+ sourcing charges (if any)
D= Cost of waybill from our warehouse in China to your doorstep.

For a more detailed guide on how to import from China, download our FREE Guidebook below:

It is important to note that all of these can be done for you if you let Naiyuan Mart help you. We are China’s No 1 procurement and shipping company. When it comes to your logistics and shipping, everything can be sorted out for you.

You can either choose the Air Freight or Ocean/Sea Freight. Depending on the type of product and how soon you want it. Airfreight is the fastest of the two while ocean freight takes longer. Sometimes delays happen and it may not always be the fault of the freight forwarder. This is why it is important to partner with trusted freight forwarders like Naiyuan Mart because they will keep you updated about your goods and make sure you get them on schedule. All the papers you need for the clearance will also be processed for you as well.

In summary, the importation business is very easy and interesting because, with just your laptop or mobile phone, you can import your desired products from China and run your business smoothly. All you have to do is engage the expertise of procurement companies like Naiyuan Mart and you will start and run your business smoothly without any hassle.

Are you ready to import your first merchandise?

Chat up one of our Procurement Agents to get started.