Local wholesale trade in Nigeria: compare the full stock cost

Compare the same goods before comparing the price

Two wholesale quotes are not comparable just because both say one carton. Check the number of units, size, grade, brand or material, and whether the stock is new, damaged or close to expiry. For a retailer sourcing within Nigeria, a clear product description is more useful than a large headline discount.

Ask what is included in the quoted amount: collection, delivery, loading, packaging and any documented charges. Record when the quote expires and whether the supplier will reserve the stock. A verbal price without an agreed quantity can change before you collect.

Calculate cost per usable unit

Illustration only: a batch costs ₦240,000 and delivery is ₦20,000. If you receive 100 usable units, the stock-and-delivery cost is ₦2,600 per unit. If only 95 units can be sold, the same ₦260,000 becomes about ₦2,736.84 per usable unit. These are invented arithmetic inputs, not market prices.

Record shortages or damage rather than assuming the ordered quantity arrived intact. The calculation excludes overheads, taxes and other costs you have not entered. Your selling margin must be evaluated using your actual business records, not a suggested markup from this example.

Check the delivery and returns agreement

Agree how you will inspect the delivery, report a shortage and request a replacement or credit. Ask who pays return transport and how long a dispute can remain open. A low price can be difficult to compare with another offer if one supplier accepts returns and the other does not.

For locally manufactured goods, SON's MANCAP product certification is a relevant standards resource. Product-specific requirements may also involve another regulator. Check the actual product and evidence directly; a wholesaler's statement or a familiar brand name is not proof of compliance.

• Written product description and quantity
• Delivery address, date and included charges
• Inspection, shortages and damaged-stock procedure
• Returns, replacement and credit conditions
• Invoice, payment evidence and relevant product documentation

Look at the cash cycle as well as the margin

A batch may appear profitable while tying up money for longer than expected. Note when the supplier must be paid, when stock should arrive and when your customers are likely to pay. Separate confirmed orders from hoped-for sales.

If the supplier links its naira quote to a foreign-currency input, ask for the price validity and the agreed adjustment method. Use the converter only to check the arithmetic of that stated quote. LagosXchange does not verify wholesalers or recommend where to buy.