Grow Your Brand in Nigeria and the UK
Connecting Nigerian SMEs to New Markets and Customers
Unlock New Markets & Expand Your Reach
Our UK-Nigeria SME Growth and Market Expansion Service is designed to empower Nigerian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in both the UK and Nigeria by offering a comprehensive suite of solutions to promote, expand, and sell their unique products across these two vibrant markets.
As a business owner, you understand the challenges of growing your brand and reaching new customers. Whether you’re based in the UK or Nigeria, our service is here to bridge the gap between these markets, giving your products the visibility and support they need to thrive internationally.
We provide tailored strategies that include market research, brand promotion, customer engagement, and sales support, ensuring that your business not only reaches its target audience but also builds lasting relationships with customers on both sides of the globe. From helping you navigate the complexities of cross-border trade to creating effective marketing campaigns, our goal is to see your business flourish.
Partner with us to expand your market presence, increase your sales, and grow your customer base in both the UK and Nigeria. Let’s take your business to new heights, together.
Requirements
Seller Requirements:
- Legal Business Entity: Must be a registered business in the UK or Nigeria, with valid business licenses and tax documentation.
- Product Quality Assurance: Sellers must guarantee the quality and authenticity of their products, ensuring that all items meet local and international standards.
- Product Availability: Sellers should maintain sufficient stock levels to meet customer demand, with clear communication on restocking timelines.
- Transparent Pricing:Â Pricing should be transparent, competitive, and inclusive of all potential costs (e.g., taxes, shipping fees). .
- Compliance: Adhere to all relevant laws and regulations, including product safety and labeling requirements.
- Compliance with Legal Standards:Â Products and business practices must comply with all relevant UK and Nigerian laws, including consumer rights, trade regulations, and safety standards.
- Reliable Delivery and Fulfillment: Must have a reliable delivery system in place, capable of fulfilling orders within the promised timeframe.
- Customer Service Commitment: Sellers must be committed to providing excellent customer service, responding to inquiries, and resolving issues.
- Clear Return and Refund Policies:Â Sellers must establish and communicate clear return, exchange, and refund policies in compliance with consumer protection laws in both the UK and Nigeria.
Product Requirements:
- Authenticity and Origin: Products must be authentic and accurately described, with a clear indication of their origin and manufacturing details.
- Safety and Compliance: Products must meet all safety standards and regulations in both the UK and Nigeria, including necessary certifications or approvals, and labeling requirements.
- Quality Standards: Items must meet high-quality standards, with no defects or substandard materials used in production.
- Proper Packaging: Products must be packaged securely to prevent damage during shipping, with appropriate labeling and instructions.
- No Prohibited Items: Products must not include items prohibited by law or by the shipping and procurement service (e.g., hazardous materials, illegal goods).
- Detailed Product Information: Sellers must provide comprehensive product details, including descriptions, specifications, images, and usage instructions.
- Eco-friendly Considerations: Where applicable, products should be environmentally friendly, using sustainable materials and practices.
- Ethical Sourcing: Products must be sourced ethically, ensuring fair labour practices and minimal environmental impact.
- “Made by Nigerians”: Products must meet the “Made by Nigerians” requirement, meaning they should be manufactured, designed, or produced by Nigerian individuals, businesses, or artisans, showcasing the quality and craftsmanship of Nigerian goods.
Service Options
We offer two distinct packages to help sellers reach their customers effectively.
Option 1: Order-Based Fulfillment
In this package, the seller’s product is listed on our website. When a customer places an order, the product is then shipped from Nigeria directly to the buyer. We collaborate with the seller to arrange shipment through our reliable shipping partner, ensuring timely and secure delivery to the customer’s location.
Option 1: How It Works
- Product Listing: Sellers create detailed product listings on our platform, showcasing their “Made in Nigeria” products.
- Customer Order: Customers browse and purchase products directly from the seller’s online store.
- Order Processing: We facilitate order processing and payment.
- Shipment Arrangement: We coordinate the shipment of the product from the seller in Nigeria to the customer’s location.
- Delivery: The product is delivered to the customer’s doorstep.
Option 2: Inventory-Based Fulfillment​
With this option, sellers ship their products in advance to either the UK or Nigeria, depending on their location. We then distribute the products to our network of retail partners in the UK and Nigeria, expanding the product’s reach. Additionally, the product will be listed on our website and other prominent eCommerce platforms in the UK and Nigeria, increasing visibility and sales potential.
Option 2: How It Works
- Product Shipment: You ship their products to our warehouses.
- Inventory Management: We store and manage your inventory.
- Product Distribution: We distribute your products to our retail partners in both the UK and Nigeria.
- Product Listing: We list your products on our platform.
- Order Fulfillment: We fulfill it from our inventory or our partners.
- Shipping: We ship the product to the customer.
- Customer Support: We provide customer support to customers.
This service offerings emphasise the promotion of authentic Nigerian products and provide sellers with opportunities to expand their customer base. In both options, products are prominently promoted as “Made in Nigeria” and/or “Made by Nigerians,” highlighting their authenticity and cultural significance.
Your Questions Answered
You can sign up to sell your products through our service by following these steps:
- Complete the Registration Form: Fill out the registration form with your business details, product information, and choose your preferred service package (On-Demand Shipping or Advance Stocking and Distribution).
- Submit Required Documentation: Provide any necessary documentation, such as proof of product authenticity, compliance with our “Made by Nigerians” or “Made in Nigeria” criteria, and any other required certifications.
- Review and Approval: Once you submit your application, our team will review it to ensure your products meet our standards. We will contact you if we need any additional information.
- Set Up Your Seller Account: After approval, you’ll receive instructions on how to set up your seller account, list your products, and start selling.
If you have any questions or need assistance during the process, our support team is here to help.
For detailed information on seller and product requirements, please refer to the dedicated requirements section above.
Typically, it takes 2-3 business days for your products to be listed on our platform after successful submission and approval. However, this timeframe may vary depending on the number of product listings and any required adjustments. We strive to expedite the process as much as possible to ensure your products are visible to customers promptly.Â
We focus on promoting products that are authentically Nigerian and crafted by Nigerian entrepreneurs. Eligible products include but are not limited to:
- Handmade Crafts and Art: Items such as sculptures, paintings, textiles, and other traditional or contemporary art.
- Fashion and Clothing: Nigerian-designed apparel, accessories, shoes, and jewellery.
- Beauty and Personal Care Products: Locally made skincare, haircare, and cosmetic products.
- Food and Beverages: Non-perishable Nigerian foods, snacks, spices, and beverages.
- Home Decor: Items such as furniture, decorative pieces, and home accessories.
- Books and Literature: Works by Nigerian authors or literature that celebrates Nigerian culture and heritage.
- Gifts and Souvenirs: Unique items that represent Nigerian culture and tradition.
Please note that all products must meet our “Made by Nigerians” or “Made in Nigeria” criteria, and comply with relevant regulations and quality standards. Certain products, such as those that do not adhere to safety or legal standards, may be ineligible. If you’re unsure about your product’s eligibility, please contact us for clarification.
To qualify as “Made by Nigerians,” the product must be designed, crafted, or manufactured by a Nigerian individual or business, regardless of where the production takes place. This label highlights the talent and creativity of Nigerian entrepreneurs.
To be classified as “Made in Nigeria,” the product must be fully or predominantly produced within Nigeria, using local materials, craftsmanship, and resources. This designation showcases the rich cultural heritage and quality of Nigerian-made goods.
Both labels aim to promote and celebrate Nigerian innovation and entrepreneurship, giving customers confidence in the authenticity and origin of the products they purchase.
We are committed to providing excellent customer service and ensuring that all issues are resolved promptly. When a customer initiates a return or has an inquiry, our dedicated customer service team handles the communication. We coordinate with you, the seller, to manage the return process or address the inquiry.
For returns, we will notify you immediately and provide instructions on how the item should be returned or replaced. Depending on the situation, the return may involve shipping the product back to you or managing the return through our local distribution partners.
We aim to resolve all customer issues quickly and efficiently while keeping you informed throughout the process. Any costs associated with returns due to product defects or other issues will be discussed on a case-by-case basis to ensure fairness to both parties.
If your product does not sell within the expected timeframe, there are several steps we will take to address the situation:
Review and Feedback:
- We will provide you with detailed feedback on why the product may not be selling. This could include insights into market demand, pricing, or product presentation.
Product Adjustment:
- You may have the opportunity to adjust your product listing. This could involve updating product descriptions, images, or pricing to better align with market expectations.
Marketing and Promotion:
- We will explore additional marketing and promotional strategies to increase the visibility of your product. This might include targeted advertising or featuring your product in special promotions.
Product Return or Reallocation:
- For Option 2 (Advance Stocking and Distribution), if your product does not sell, you may need to decide on a course of action, such as having the unsold stock returned or reallocated to other distribution channels.
No Sales Penalty:
- There is no financial penalty for unsold products. However, it’s important to work closely with us to refine your approach and improve the chances of a successful sale.
Our goal is to support you in achieving the best possible results for your products. We will collaborate with you to understand the challenges and implement effective strategies to enhance product performance.
Our fee structure is designed to be transparent and competitive. We believe in building long-term partnerships with our sellers, and our fee model reflects that commitment.
There are two primary fee components:
- Platform Fee: A percentage-based fee is charged on each successful sale. This fee covers platform maintenance, marketing support, and customer service.
- Transaction Fee: A nominal fee is applied to each transaction to cover payment processing and other related costs.
- Shipping Costs: For the order-based fulfilment, the cost of shipping is calculated based on the weight and dimensions of the product, as well as the destination. This will be provided in the shipment quote. For the inventory-based fulfilment, the cost of shipping your products to our warehouse (either in the UK or Nigeria) is borne by the seller. We will provide shipping and handling quotes based on the shipment size and destination.
- Distribution Fees: We charge a distribution fee for handling and delivering your products to our retail partners and customers. This fee varies based on the product type and distribution requirements.
We offer competitive rates and transparent pricing to ensure that sellers maximize their profits. We also provide detailed breakdowns of fees in your seller dashboard for your convenience.
Note: Specific fee percentages and transaction fees may vary based on factors such as product category, sales volume, and chosen service option.
All fees are detailed in the initial quote we provide, ensuring transparency and no unexpected costs. For a precise estimate tailored to your specific needs, please contact us directly.
Option 1: Order-Based Fulfilment
Product Listing:
- Your product is listed on our website and available for purchase by customers outside of your country. The listing includes product details, images, and pricing.
Order Placement:
- When a customer places an order, we notify you immediately. You’ll need to prepare the product for shipping.
Shipping Arrangement:
- We coordinate with our trusted shipping partner to arrange the logistics for sending the product from Nigeria directly to the customer’s location. This includes handling all necessary documentation and ensuring compliance with international shipping regulations.
Delivery:
- The product is shipped via our reliable air freight service. We track the shipment and keep both you and the customer informed of its status.
Confirmation:
- Once the product reaches the customer, you will receive confirmation of delivery. Any issues or feedback from the customer will be communicated to you.
Option 2: Inventory-Based Fulfilment
Product Shipment:
- You send your products in advance to either the UK or Nigeria, depending on your location. We provide shipping guidelines and help coordinate the logistics to ensure timely delivery to our warehouse.
Stocking and Listing:
- Once received, your products are stocked in our warehouse. We then list them on our website and other major eCommerce platforms, making them available for purchase.
Distribution:
- We distribute your products to our network of retail partners in the UK and Nigeria. This includes managing the logistics and handling any necessary customs documentation.
Order Fulfillment:
- When customers purchase your products, we handle the order fulfillment process, including packaging and delivery. We use efficient and reliable logistics services to ensure timely delivery to customers.
Marketing and Sales:
- Your products are promoted as “Made by Nigerians” and/or “Made in Nigeria” across our platforms to enhance visibility and attract buyers.
Reporting:
- We provide regular reports on sales performance, customer feedback, and inventory status, helping you monitor the success of your products and make informed decisions.
In the rare event that a product is lost or damaged during shipping, we have a structured process to address these situations:
Immediate Notification: If you suspect that a product has been lost or damaged, please contact us immediately. Provide detailed information, including tracking numbers and photographs of any visible damage, to facilitate a swift resolution.
Investigation and Claims Process: We will initiate an investigation with our shipping partner to determine the cause of the issue. This includes reviewing shipping records and tracking information.
Resolution Options:
- For Damaged Products: If the product is damaged upon arrival, we will collaborate with you and the buyer to evaluate the damage. We may offer a replacement or refund based on our policy and the extent of the damage.
- For Lost Products: If the product is confirmed as lost, we will file a claim with our shipping partner. We aim to provide a resolution, which may include a replacement or refund, depending on the claim’s outcome.
Insurance and Liability: We recommend insuring all products to cover potential losses or damages. While we strive to ensure safe delivery, insurance provides extra protection for valuable items.
Packaging and Shipping Best Practices: While sellers are responsible for packaging their products, we provide guidance on best practices to ensure items are well-protected during transit. Additionally, our shipping partner reinforces packaging to add an extra layer of security, minimizing the risk of damage.
Our objective is to deliver a smooth and efficient resolution process for any issues that arise, ensuring satisfaction for both sellers and buyers. For further assistance or clarification, please contact our customer service team.
Yes, our service is available to anyone whose products meet the “Made in Nigeria” or “Made by Nigerians” criteria. If you are located outside the UK or Nigeria, please contact us directly for further details and to discuss how we can accommodate your needs.
Additionally, we are enthusiastic about collaborating with individuals or entities based outside the UK and Nigeria who can help us expand our marketing partners and network. Our objective is to support and elevate Nigerian-owned businesses globally, and we welcome opportunities to work with those who share our commitment to helping Nigerian businesses excel on an international scale.
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Payments for your sales are processed as follows:
Payment Collection:
- Payments from customers are collected through our secure payment processing system. Once a transaction is completed, the amount, minus any applicable fees, will be recorded in our system.
Settlement Schedule:
- Payments are settled on a regular basis, typically on a [bi-weekly/monthly] schedule. This ensures that you receive your earnings in a timely manner.
Payment Methods:
- Payments are made via bank transfer to your designated account. We will require your bank account details for this purpose. Ensure that your bank account information is accurate to avoid any delays.
Transaction Fees:
- Please note that transaction fees, as specified in our agreement, will be deducted from the total amount before payment is made to you. This covers the costs associated with processing transactions and handling logistics.
Payment Notifications:
- You will receive a detailed payment statement via email or through our online portal, outlining the transactions, fees, and net amount being transferred to your account.
Inquiries and Issues:
- If you have any questions or issues regarding payments, please contact our finance team at finance@britnaija.com or through the contact form on our website. We are here to assist you with any payment-related concerns.
Yes, you can switch between the two service options or use both, depending on your needs. If you initially choose one option and later decide to switch to the other, please inform us, and we will assist you with the transition.
Option 1: Order-Based Fulfilment is suitable for sellers who want to list products on our website and have them shipped directly from Nigeria to customers.
Option 2: Inventory-Based Fulfilment is ideal for sellers who prefer to send their products in advance to either the UK or Nigeria for distribution through our retail partners.
If you wish to use both options simultaneously, please contact us to discuss how we can accommodate your requirements and ensure a smooth operation for each service. Our team is here to help you optimize your product distribution strategy.
Role of Retail Partners: Our retail partners play a crucial role in expanding the reach of your products. They are responsible for displaying and selling your products in physical stores or online platforms within their respective regions. By collaborating with our trusted retail partners, your products gain access to established customer bases and prominent sales channels, enhancing visibility and boosting sales potential.
Selection Process: We carefully select our retail partners based on several criteria to ensure they align with our standards and your business goals. Our selection process includes:
- Reputation and Experience: We choose partners with a proven track record and a strong reputation in their market, ensuring they have the experience and credibility to represent your products effectively.
- Market Reach: Partners are selected for their ability to reach target customer demographics and their presence in key markets, both locally and online.
- Business Practices: We assess partners’ business practices, including their commitment to customer service, ethical standards, and operational efficiency.
- Compatibility: We ensure that the retail partners’ product offerings and store environment align with your brand’s image and values.
This meticulous selection process helps us maintain high standards and ensures that your products are well-represented and effectively marketed through our retail network.
Expression of Interest Form
You may email us at smegrowth@britnaija.com, or alternatively, use the form below to submit your expression of interest. Please use the ‘Goods Description’ section in the form to provide details about your business and products. If you have a website or social media platforms where your products are listed, kindly include those as well. Once we receive your request, a member of our team will reach out to you promptly.