The essential takeaway
From Chinese-language listings to supplier checks, RMB payments and warehouse delivery: a practical buying process for Nigerian importers.
Why Nigerian importers use 1688
1688 is a Chinese domestic wholesale marketplace operated by Alibaba Group. Many listings are priced in yuan for buyers in China, and some show quantity-based tiers. That can make it attractive to Nigerian resellers comparing wholesale stock, but a low listing price is not a delivered-to-Lagos price.
Do not assume every 1688 shop is a factory. Manufacturers, wholesalers and trading companies can all sell there. Your first decision should be which exact specification you need, what quantity makes commercial sense and how you will inspect and ship it. A verified repeatable supply chain is usually worth more than a one-off bargain.
Find the exact product, not the most attractive picture
Search with a Chinese product term, a translated keyword or product-photo search when supported. Start with a broad shortlist, then compare the same model, material, dimensions, packaging and quantity. For CCTV cameras, confirm resolution, power source, network bands and app compatibility. For solar products, ask for independently testable battery and panel specifications.
Treat a product's main photo as an advertisement. Read the selected variant details; the displayed price may be for a small accessory or high-volume tier. Save the product link and screenshots of the chosen options so the supplier and agent can quote the same configuration.
From product discovery to a reliable order
Compare sellers and request a written quotation
Shortlist at least three suitable suppliers. Ask each for a pro forma invoice specifying unit price, selected variant, minimum quantity, China domestic freight, dispatch date, carton weight and dimensions, warranty terms and payment beneficiary. Ask for live product photos or a short inspection video when the order matters.
A sample order is useful for testing build quality and packaging, but it does not prove a future batch will match. For a larger order, agree an inspection standard and consequences for shortfalls in writing before paying the balance.
Budget in Naira using the full landed cost
Create a simple worksheet with the RMB goods amount, domestic transport, sourcing/payment service fee, optional inspection, freight, import charges and final Nigerian delivery. Freight may be based on actual or volumetric weight, so product dimensions and cartons are important.
For example, 40 units at ¥55 cost ¥2,200. If you assume ₦210 per yuan, goods cost ₦462,000. A 5% procurement fee on goods would be ₦23,100. Add quoted transport, clearance and delivery before dividing by 40; this is not a live MY RMB AGENT rate or a shipping quote.
Compare suppliers on the same terms
Product
- Exact model and variant
- Materials and specifications
- Sample evidence
Commercial
- Minimum order quantity
- Quantity-based prices
- Carton size and lead time
Trust
- Registered supplier identity
- Matching payment recipient
- Inspection and defect terms
Pay through a suitable verified route
1688 checkout is designed primarily around Chinese-market payment methods. The precise options depend on the account, seller and current platform arrangements. WorldFirst also describes an official cross-border World Pay path for eligible 1688 buyers. Do not assume a personal wallet or Nigerian card can complete every type of order.
MY RMB AGENT handles supported RMB funding, supplier payments and China procurement requests. Send the item links, exact variants, quantities and preferred destination before funding. Ask for the payment route, recipient verification and receipt trail; keep communication and order evidence.
Arrange Chinese warehouse delivery before purchase
Your seller may only be offering delivery within mainland China. Confirm the receiving warehouse's complete Chinese address, recipient name, telephone number and any customer reference. If you have your own trusted freight forwarder, provide their address; alternatively request available shipping arrangements and quotations.
Ask whether consolidation, repacking, inspection and sensitive-goods handling are included. Air and sea quotes are not interchangeable, and batteries or liquids may face route restrictions. Review import regulations and carrier rules before purchasing.
Inspect, track and reorder thoughtfully
Compare arriving goods with the original product sheet and sample. Photograph outer cartons before opening, count units, test critical functions and record defects. Keep supplier invoices, payment records and the freight waybill together.
Do not immediately increase quantity because one small order arrived successfully. Review actual landed cost, resale speed, returns and quality. Then negotiate repeat-stock consistency and payment milestones. With MY RMB AGENT, start by submitting product links for a supported sourcing quotation.
Practical next step
Take the research into your next order.
MY RMB AGENT reviews supported China product sourcing requests, RMB supplier-payment options and shipping coordination. Share your exact links, variants and delivery preference for a quotation. The standard procurement service fee is 5%; third-party charges are quoted where applicable.
Sources & further reading
Official platforms, regulators and publicly available industry material are linked for independent verification. This article is original educational content, not a reproduction of another publisher's guide.
