Are you a Nigerian or an aspiring entrepreneur in Nigeria and various parts of Africa interested in learning about how to import goods or products such as mini importation or dropshipping? Dubai, with its wide selection of high-quality goods, can be your ticket to success.

Why should I import from Dubai?

It is one of the thriving economic centres of the Middle East and has established itself as a key location for global trade and business prospects.

It has become highly sought-after for business owners and entrepreneurs wishing to import goods because of its advantageous location, cutting-edge infrastructure, and extensive selection of high-quality products.

We will lead you through every stage of how to import goods from Dubai in this in-depth guide, with helpful insights and advice to assist you in making wise choices. Prepare to seize profitable possibilities and develop your reputation as a prosperous importer!

What kind of Goods can I Import from Dubai?

Dubai is a city, emirate, capital and the most populous of the United Arab Emirates which are seven in number (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Fujairah, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman)

The city, which began as a modest fishing community in the 18th century, expanded quickly in the early 21st century with a concentration on tourism and luxury. It now has the second-most five-star hotels worldwide and the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, which is 828 meters (2,717 feet) tall.

Today, Importing goods from Dubai can be considered one of the most lucrative online businesses for Africans (especially Nigerians) because of the elegance, high quality and durability of its products

Some of the best product ideas you can import from Dubai are

• Original Gold and Diamond Jewellery such as earrings, necklaces, sets, handcrafted jewellery, pearl necklaces, and elegant beads.
• Men & Women’s Fashion and Accessories: Quality Shoes, Sandals, bags, suits, wristwatches etc.
• Textiles such as Voile Lace.
• Electronic gadgets and accessories: mixers and grinders, washing machines, laptops, phones, television, lights and lighting equipment
• Islamic fashion wares such as abayas, kaftans, jalamias etc.
• Home decorative items such as rugs, carpets, home ornaments, decorative candles, and leather for chairs.
• Cosmetics and health care products such as perfume oil, perfume, fragrance, and processed petroleum jelly
• Antiques

These products are among several others, but when the emphasis is placed on utmost quality. Imported goods from Dubai are rated top with USA & UK, Let’s delve into How to get started.

How to import from Dubai to Nigeria in 8 steps

1. Research and Identify Lucrative Products

The identification of profitable products is the first and most important step in importing goods from Dubai, and this can only be done effectively by rigorous market research which helps to identify products that are in line with your business objectives and target market.

Dubai is a country known for luxury goods, so what you can expect is high-quality products which require an appropriate analysis of factors including demand, competitiveness, profitability, and legal limitations.

Look for distinctive items that could succeed in Nigeria’s market, meet the needs of your target audience, and stand out from the competition.

2. Find Reliable Suppliers

Once you’ve identified the products you want to import, it’s essential to find reliable suppliers in Dubai. There are several ways to find reliable suppliers

Offline: you can get suppliers when you attend trade shows hosted in your country, exhibitions and networking events

Online: you can get suppliers leveraging various ecommerce websites, social media platforms and global B2B marketplace

Whatever medium you choose, it’s important you perform due diligence by checking their reputation, reviews, and certifications to ensure reliability and quality.

3. Manage Payments and Currency Exchange:

When importing from Dubai, you will need to manage international payments and navigate currency exchange. Since there are 2 countries involved, there is a disparity of currencies between the supplier and customer.

In Dubai, they spend dirhams whereas the globally accepted means of payment is US dollars($), the question you need to ask your supplier or alternatively check is which currency can you make payment.

Most of the time, you can make payment in dollars or dirhams

As a Nigerian spending naira or wherever you may belong, it’s important you convert your currency to USD or dirhams with the respective bureau de change( individuals/organizations tasked with the responsibility to change money)

In Nigeria, there are 2 rates. The official and black market rates (as of now in 2023, the naira mastercard cant be used to make payment) so the rate which you can use is the black market rate which fluctuates from time to time

Always Establish a secure and reliable payment system that safeguards your transactions, monitors currency exchange rates to optimize your costs and protects against currency fluctuations.

4. Arrange Shipping and Logistics with a Reputable Organization

Shipping and logistics play a pivotal role in a successful import venture. It’s important you partner with a reputable freight forwarder or shipping agent with experience in handling shipments from Dubai

There are always two different modes of shipping cost, such as the cost of shipping from the seller to the shipping company and from the shipping company to the respective country

There are 2 ways by which goods leave one country to another, either as air cargo or sea cargo. The first is best for small and lightweight goods while the other is for large and bulky goods, each having a different freight cost

There is quite a list of shipping companies you can use, select one that will assist you with essential tasks like documentation, customs clearance, insurance, and delivery to your desired location.

Air freights from Dubai to Nigeria are within 7-10 days (although they have a specific day for shipping)

5. Consider Quality Control and Inspection

Maintaining quality control is paramount when importing. Consider hiring a quality control agency or conducting inspections yourself to ensure that the products meet your specifications and quality standards.

This step can be conducted by the shipping company which helps prevent potential issues, such as receiving damaged or substandard goods, saving you from future complications.

6. Understand Customs and Import Procedures

Navigating the customs and import procedures is critical to a smooth importing process.

Ensure that you have a thorough understanding of customs regulations and import restrictions (evaluate and access what can be exported from Dubai and imported into your own country)

Another is the customs duties and taxes which can significantly impact the profitability of your import business. Properly calculate and include these costs in your pricing strategy to avoid surprises and ensure a healthy profit margin

7. Build Strong Business Relationships

Last but not least key to understanding how to import from Dubai is maintaining and building business relationships, It is one of the essential keys to a successful and profitable import business.

To do this, you need to maintain open lines of communication with your suppliers, freight forwarders, and other stakeholders involved in the process.

Nurture these relationships by being reliable, responsive, and fair, Give reviews about the relationship

8. Optimize Product listing and online presence

Creating a strong online presence is vital for marketing and selling products imported, this is quite a headache to quite a number of people.

To do this is relatively easy in 5 steps

Find a social media platform where your potential customers are always present

Create content around this product such as the unboxing video, testimonials, how to use it, what to use it for, statistics for the problem your product is solving, reviews

Find a listing ecommerce platform where you can sell the products such as Amazon, eBay, jumia, and jiji or leverage groups and communities such as Facebook Marketplace, Instagram Shop, google shopping etc

You can alternatively build an online store for your business

List and Optimize your store with eye-captivating images, well-descriptive illustrations, relevant keywords, compelling descriptions

Other forms of marketing to explore are Search Engine Optimization, Email marketing, content marketing and Social media marketing to drive traffic and build a reputation

9. Scale and Expanding your Business

Having followed through and engaging meticulously with the subsequent ways by which you can start importation from Dubai, Its time to scale and expand your business

And one way to do this is continuously analyzed market trends, diversify your product range, explore new marketing channels

Seek feedback from customers via surveys and questionnaires, networking and collaborating with complementary businesses in order to forge new partnerships and explore growth opportunities

For business owners desiring to import items from Dubai, it remains a substantial prospect. You can successfully handle the importation process and take advantage of the Dubai market’s potential by adhering to our thorough instructions.

But would you need help when importing goods, we are here to guide and mentor you through.

Always keep in mind to do extensive research, establish trustworthy supplier relationships, and stay current on legislation.

With this guide and confidence in you, start your importing journey in 2023 and open up new doors for success.

Kindly comment on what you have learnt so far, we are so keen to hear your feedback

When it comes to making money online as a beginner, it can be likened to a young boy or girl who wants to learn how to read and write. There is no shortcut other than understanding how to make money online and what area to make the money online from

Making money Online is quite a mirage for quite a lot of us due to the fact it was hardly taught at homes or schools.

Another is the disparity of times we are in, there is a clear-cut difference between the era where our forefathers lives and this present era (called the digital age)

This article outlines making money has fared over the last few years, likewise in the present and the future. Ensure that you follow through each sequence and comment below

How our forefathers made money in the past?

In the 18th century, people made money through various business transaction. From office work to casual, skilled and creative individuals.

People made money doing their job or task very well, such as selling their skills, products and services etc

Jackie Chan, Genevive, and Bruce Lee etc were selling their skills as digital products in the form of home theatre films for us to get entertained

Farmers and marketmen/women in cocoa, cassava and groundnut etc were selling physical products in the market square as food to eat

In this case, people came with physical cash to give traders in advance for goods collected or ones they would collect. Before the introduction of physical cash, there was trade by barter ( meaning you exchange your product with another individual for what you want)

In a case, there’s no money or you don’t find what you want. There’s no business transaction ( no exchange) Which means each party hold on his money or product for exchange while the other part hold the product

Others are the likes of teachers and lecturers in our university selling their experiences in classes, they document this as handouts, notes for student to copy or buy

Sunny Okosun, Ebenezer Obey, Ayinla, Fela amongst several others sold their creative skills in the form of cassettes, music shows for us to get entertained in parties, funerals, concert etc

The likes of Ronaldinho, Cafu, and Zidane who played football for Brazil, France respectively in the early 1990 through early 2000 sold their creative skills while playing football in their respective clubs and countries.

Our rulers from kings, governors and presidents, military soldiers and police officials sold their experience as service from consultancy to offer security against loss in homes and properties

Making Money in this present era ( 2000-2023)

Ever since the 19th through the 21st century, skills has overtaken jobs and academic certification.

This era rewards competent skilled workers, it enlarges whatever the hand finds doing leveraging the internet (it enlarges microscopic things without microscopes). A small-scale business can hit various continents of the world in little or no time

It has reduces/minimizes the size of a large company to a small office, it encourages efficiency and effectiveness of marketing campaigns unlike the traditional billboards or radio

Messi was a footballer like other who has over the years built a name around the game called “soccer”. Starting at a club with From a country like Argentina to Spain and then to France.

While doing all this, different sorts of merchandise such as endorsements, campaigns, advertisements, etc come with the soccer game. This is why Messi was preferred as the new tourism brand ambassador by the Tourism Ministry of Saudi Arabia on May 12 2022,

The main goal was to promote Saudi Arabia to the outside world rather than just a religious centre, This is why he schedule his routine visit on one of the free days before the next football match after the PSG match at the weekend.

Whilst he was en route, he got a notification that there was a scheduled training. As this was impromptu, he could not meet up. On coming back, he was suspended

Having understood the background information of the suspension of Messi by Psg, here is how it should influence you’re making money online

As an individual, with a job or a work be it skilled or unskilled.

Here is what you have to know, that skill or business can yield more business depending on your mindset and insights

In Messi’s case as a footballer, merchandise such as being a brand ambassador, influencer etc. were extra ways to make money online

There are many other examples I can use such as Macaroni, kiekie, and portable amongst the rest are various Nigerian celebrities who make money not just by their skills

For you to increase your income, make money online, and have the financial security you wish to have. Its important you see beyond that skills and job

There is no restriction to you making money online irrespective of the skillset. A roadside hairdresser can augment her income through diverse means such as

a. selling products such as hair creams, hair wigs, extensions etc. (selling physical products-ecommerce)
b. reviewing different hair products (based on brands), discussing challenges in hair styling – (starting a vlog or podcast)
c. selling services such as hairdressing, hairstyling etc-
d. Training of prospective students
e. Consulting and
f. Selling your experience(what you know) as ebooks and videos. This is referred to as selling digital products

Doing this will not restrict your business within the four walls of a shop, it will enhance the scope of your business, and increase your income. From this, you can become an ambassador of one of the brands which can earn you royalties

Would you need further assistance on how to start, Feel free to comment below

Having understood what an online business is all about and you want to get started. There are a variety of tools you must have as a manager or business owner, these tools help to make work easier and more efficient.

Before the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, the internet began a revolution in the corporate and working business environment but it was still tolerable. At the apex of the pandemic when companies began to shut down and adopt the remote work environment(work from home), it dawned on the global population to embrace the use of the internet to start or scale their business online

Online Business Tools: What does this mean?

Irrespective of the size of your business, there is no restriction on the number of tools to have. Because the larger the size, the higher the number of tools to get and vice versa. You can not always get all the tools as some perform dual functions, just make sure you go with tools that are of priority.

9 Essential Online Business Tools to Have in 2023

In this post, we’ll explore 10 essential tools for starting an online business that will help you save time, streamline your workflow, and grow your business.

1. Registration Tool

This tool helps to regulate and register online businesses on the internet for easy visibility. It cut across various search engines (like Google, and Bing)

• Domain Registrar: A domain name is the address of your website just as the address of a physical shop or office. It’s pivotal for prospective customers to search and get across you as it plays an essential part in your online presence. A domain registrar like GoDaddy or Namecheap can help you register your domain name and manage it easily. These services also offer domain name search tools to help you find the perfect domain for your business.
• Web Hosting: Once you have a domain name, you’ll need web hosting to store your website files and make your site accessible to visitors. There is a lot of web hostings service to explore which can provide you with reliable and secure hosting, as well as various features like automatic backups and SSL certificates.

2. Website Builder

One of the first things you’ll need to do when starting an online business is to create a website. A website builder like Wix, Squarespace, or Shopify can help you build a professional-looking website quickly and easily. These tools offer customizable templates, drag-and-drop interfaces, and various integrations to make the process of building a website simple and hassle-free.

3. Email Marketing Software

Email marketing is a powerful tool for building relationships with your customers and driving sales. An email marketing software like Mailchimp or Constant Contact can help you create and send email campaigns, manage your subscriber list, and track your performance.

4. Social Media Management Tool

Social media can help you reach a wider audience and build a community around your brand. A social media management tool like Hootsuite or Buffer can help you schedule posts, monitor your accounts, and analyze your performance across multiple social media platforms.

5. Project Management Tool

Starting an online business involves many moving parts, and it’s essential to stay organized and on track. A project management tool like Asana or Trello can help you manage your tasks, collaborate with team members, and keep your projects on schedule.

6. Accounting Software

Tracking your finances is crucial for the success of your online business. Accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero can help you manage your invoices, expenses, and taxes, as well as generate financial reports and insights.

7. Video Conferencing Tool

In today’s digital age, remote work is becoming more prevalent, and video conferencing has become a necessity. A video conferencing tool like Zoom or Google Meet can help you host virtual meetings, webinars, and conferences with ease.

8. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Tool

Building strong relationships with your customers is essential for the success of your online business. A CRM tool like Hubspot or Salesforce can help you manage your customer interactions, track your sales pipeline, and provide personalized customer experiences.

9. Analytics Tool

Analyzing your website traffic, performance, and customer behaviour is critical for improving your online business. An analytics tool like Google Analytics can help you track your website data, generate reports, and gain insights into your audience and online presence.

In conclusion, starting an online business requires a lot of work and careful planning, but with the right tools, you can streamline your workflow and achieve success. These 10 essential tools for starting an online business will help you build a professional-looking website, manage your finances, analyze your performance, and much more.

This question is not restricted to one age bracket or a particular gender, we all want to make money online especially seeing the astronomical earning of celebrities and icons such as Broda Shaggi, Kiekie, Toke Makinwa, Macaroni etc.

As much as they earn, you too can earn like them if you are ready to play by the rule of the internet or the digital world, it is full of numerous opportunities for people with or without skills, experiences and time. It is a world on its own where you can play, carry out tasks, and interpret what you know with little or no capital, either with your smartphone, tab or laptop.

The digital world is liberal with various devices (so far it can connect to the internet), and it has the power to attract and connect people from all corners of the world in real time (although this can be a disadvantage, as you are competing with several millions of people)

With a smartphone, you can start an online business without needing a physical store or significant startup capital. This article outlines some online business ideas that can be done with a smartphone and provides tips on how to start.

List of Online Businesses with a Smartphone

1. Ecommerce
2. Content Creation
3. Online Services
4. Web/App Development

1. E-commerce

This is the buying and selling of goods online from the comfort of your home, whatever form of goods you can buy traditionally from nearby shops or supermarkets can be sold online via the internet

The goods are divided into

a. physical goods: these are goods that you can see, feel and touch, for example, generators, phones, laptops etc

b. digital goods: these goods are available in a variety of forms, they can’t be physically touched or felt. They are bought or sold as intellectual or commercial property, for example

• software for the installation of programmes, games etc
• templates for website development, graphics, and social media ads
• ebooks, video guides, practicals on one subject area or the other
• graphics etc

Under this e-commerce, several online business ideas which you can explore with your smartphone are

• Dropshipping
• Online Store
• Logistics /Courier services
• Preorder
• Importation and Exportation

Dropshipping

Dropshipping is an online business model that enables you to sell products without physically owning a physical shop where you can manage and store the inventory of goods. It’s a business model which includes you selling a product(s) on behalf of a supplier or manufacturer to the customer, the farther you move down from the primary supplier (the lower your profit margin)

This business model is easy, and profitable to start and scale using your smartphone, all you have got to do is ensure your smartphone has an excellent camera to shoot quality product photos because that’s like the first force of attraction from your customers. Once a customer places an order, the supplier can ship directly to you before you ship to the customer or he can ship it directly to the customer.

Online Store

An online store is another online business idea that can be done with a smartphone, it can be illustrated as having a physical shop on the Internet where you have your products or services listed for patronage by online customers. There are several ways to do this such as

a. free platforms to leverage such as Facebook marketplaces, jumia, jiji, Konga, eBay, amazon etc. These platforms have significant traffic from customers who visit them on a frequent basis, you can leverage this and sell your products. In this method, competition is high but it is highly advisable for beginners who want to start selling online

b. paid platforms such as creating a website with WordPress, Wix, and Shopify. This is like building a shop from the foundation of a piece of land, you are responsible for driving traffic to this store with little or no competition. This method is advisable for people who want to build a brand or name for themselves in little or no time

With your smartphone, you can manage your store, process orders, and communicate with customers.

Logistics/Courier Services

As a result of the movement of goods and services online in e-commerce, logistics remain a crucial factor. Logistics can be otherwise referred to as courier services, it is the movement of goods/services from one place to the other via different modes of transport such as air(aeroplane), land(bus, kekenapep, bike) or sea

With your smartphone, you can begin as a logistics or courier services expert because of the high volume of goods people want to move vis dropshipping or importation. All you have to do is understand what kind of logistics or courier services you want to do because it can be broken into two

• Local Logistics
• International Logistics

Local Logistics is the movement of goods from one place to the other within a country, this can be via air or land. Most of the movement of goods is majorly done via land within a particular state but if it exceeds or moves out of a particular state/region, air can be utilised

International Logistics is the movement of goods from one country to another, this is carried via air, sea or land for example the movement of goods from Nigeria to Ghana can be carried out via air or land. The various mode of business which explore this method are Importation or Exportation

To begin with this, you have got to find out existing and top logistics companies in your country/area which can easily be done via the help of a smartphone.

2. Content Creation

This business involves you curating, and creating content for a product or service, there are various types of content you can produce based on your experience, skill set etc. Examples of content vary from media to media such as articles, videos/vlogs, graphics, podcasts etc, doing this over time can make you an influencer or a go-to expert in a variety of topics.

Online businesses you can explore under content creation are

• blogging
• podcasting
• video creation
• Graphics

Blogging

Blogging is an online business idea which includes visual content such as writing articles based on your review, critique and understanding of a subject or topic, With a good smartphone, you can write a guide, share ideas or product reviews etc which can then be monetized through various means, such as affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, or advertising.

Podcasting

Podcasting is another content creation business idea similar to blogging which can be done with a smartphone, this business idea is all about an audio discussion via a phone microphone or a random smartphone speaker published and uploaded on various media to educate, entertain and inspire a set audience. This audio discussion is called a podcast which can be monetized through sponsorships or advertising.

Video Creation

Video creation is an online business idea that includes audio-visual content (content that people can see, watch and hear), this type of content is available in long and short formats such as Youtube videos, youtube shorts, training videos on udemy, Coursera, entertainment videos such as Facebook reels, TikTok, Instagram reels etc. It can be monetised through advertising or sponsorships.

A very good smartphone with an excellent camera and good storage is a very good way to start and scale a business online

Graphics

This is the online business idea which includes visual or illustrative diagrams/patterns of content, they are used to convey/interpret information graphically to customers. This kind of content is used in social media, media and advertisements, they are also used as artworks which can be monetized through advertisements, sponsorships and affiliate marketing

3. Online Services

Freelancing

Freelancing is an online business idea which affords you to offer your services in exchange for money, it basically links a potential business owner or client with a specific task to be done with the recommended expert who can carry it out easily. There are several freelancing platforms (Terawork, Upwork, freelancer, fiver, Guru) which you can leverage easily with your phone today and earn massive income with your services as a freelancer, such as writing, graphic design, or web development.

Online Consulting

Online consulting is an alternative to Freelancing, here you utilise your experience/expertise to help another business in an area of need. With your smartphone, you can begin a consultation business on a variety of topics such as social media management, finance, inventory management

Virtual Assistance

Virtual assistance is an online business idea in which you can offer your services such as email management, social media management, pick/end calls, listing products or appointment scheduling tasks etc to businesses or individuals. With your smartphone and good internet, you can leverage working as a virtual assistant.

4. Web/App Development

Gaming Apps

Creating gaming apps is an online business idea you can use with app development tools to create games that are both entertaining and monetizable through in-app purchases, ads, or sponsorships.

Educational Apps

Educational apps are another development business idea you can create to help users learn new skills or knowledge. Educational apps can be monetized through in-app purchases, ads, or subscription models.

Utility Apps

Utility apps are also app development business ideas you can create to provide solutions to specific problems, such as language translation or photo editing. Utility apps can be monetized through in-app purchases, ads, or subscription models.

How to Start an Online Business with a Smartphone

Starting an online business with a smartphone requires planning, dedication, and effort. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Build a Strong Online Presence

Building a solid online presence is essential for any online business. You can use social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to promote your business and engage with your audience.

Identify Your Niche

Identifying your niche is crucial for the success of your online business. It would be best if you focused on a specific niche that you are passionate about, solves a problem and has a market demand.

Conduct Market Research

Conducting market research is necessary to understand your target audience and competitors. You should analyze the market trends, consumer behaviour, and competitors’ strategies to create a unique value proposition.

Use Social Media

Using social media is crucial for any online business for promoting its products or services, engage with its audience, and build brand awareness.

Invest in Your Skills

Investing in your skills is essential for the success of your online business. You should continuously learn new skills, such as digital marketing, content creation, or app development, to stay ahead of the competition.

Challenges of Online Business with a Smartphone

Starting an online business with a smartphone has its challenges. Here are some of the challenges you may encounter:

Limited Screen Size: The limited screen size of a smartphone can make it challenging to perform complex tasks. You may need to invest in a larger screen or use external peripherals to overcome this challenge.

Inadequate Storage: The limited storage capacity of a smartphone can restrict your ability to store large files or data. You may need to invest in external storage devices or use cloud storage

Limited Battery Life: The limited battery life of a smartphone can limit your productivity and disrupt your workflow. You may need to invest in a portable charger, or power bank or optimize your battery usage

Inability to Handle Complex Tasks: The inability of a smartphone to hang or respond slowly to some specific tasks can be frustrating, the solution is to get a powerful device with a very good RAM

Starting an online business with a smartphone is possible with the right mindset, tools, and strategies, irrespective of the challenges. You can use your smartphone to create a successful online business and achieve financial freedom.

Don’t be dismayed using your smartphone, Lasisi Elenu (a Nigerian comedian uses his phone to shoot his comedy skits and he gets a high number of views which makes him quite a fortune). All you have got to do is ensure you have a good smartphone with a good camera, internal storage and random access memory(ram)

What have you learnt from this article? Comment with the very business idea you will want to start/scale with. We are here to help you with whatever form of consultation/inquiry, feel free to contact us