An Alibaba buying agent can help Nigerian buyers who want to source products from Chinese suppliers but need assistance with purchasing, supplier communication, warehouse handling or shipping to Nigeria.
This can be particularly useful when you are buying from several suppliers or are not familiar with the process of importing from China.
What an Alibaba Buying Agent Can Help With
Depending on the service, a buying agent may assist with:
- Communicating with Chinese suppliers
- Coordinating product purchases
- Sending orders to a China warehouse
- Receiving multiple packages
- Consolidating orders
- Arranging freight to Nigeria
- Coordinating final delivery
For example, a Lagos business purchasing clothing, shoes and accessories from different Alibaba sellers may need the orders received at one location before they are shipped together.
What to Check Before Using an Agent
Before paying an agent, confirm exactly what is included in the service. Ask about:
- Product purchasing fees
- Supplier-to-warehouse delivery
- Warehouse or handling charges
- Consolidation fees
- Freight costs
- Delivery arrangements in Nigeria
Don’t assume that the advertised product price represents the total cost of getting the goods to Nigeria.
How Travo.ng Can Help
Travo.ng can help Nigerian buyers coordinate the logistics involved in bringing purchases from China to Nigeria, including warehouse receiving, cargo consolidation, freight coordination and delivery arrangements where applicable.
If you are sourcing from multiple Alibaba suppliers, getting the logistics organised before placing your orders can make the process much easier to manage.
Plan Before You Place a Large Order
Before purchasing, know where your goods will be received in China, how they will be consolidated and how they will reach Nigeria.
This helps you calculate the real landed cost and avoid unexpected shipping expenses.
