Online shopping is increasingly becoming a trend in Nigeria. Essentially, many Nigerians now prefer to buy what they need online to make the shopping process as easy and stress-free as possible. Although there are prominent online stores in Nigeria, nothing beats buying products at cheaper prices from international online stores with seamless shipping. If you want to join the online shopping trend for personal use or business purposes, you have to start by learning about the online stores that ship to Nigeria and how you can make payments.
Bitmama virtual card offers the easiest means of payment and works across all major international shopping platforms. Now, let’s take a look at some of the best platforms to shop from and factors to consider before shopping.
What are the factors to consider when shopping intentionally?
Before you start buying items from online stores, there are certain things you must look out for. Listed below is a brief guide to the factors to consider when shopping internationally:
1. Shipping and return policy
Since you are dealing with an online shopping store, you should check their assurance on things like product returns and shipping of goods.
To qualify as trustworthy, online stores that ship to Nigeria must have a proper time which should not go below 30 days for customers to return orders that they are not satisfied with.
A reliable store must also be ready to send you another good order or completely refund your money. In general, you need to ensure that their shipping and return policy is favourable to customers
2. Site records
By learning about the previous records, reviews, and popularity of an online store, you can choose whether to use it or not. Hence, it is very important to take the reviews of past customers very seriously.
While some sites have unique tools to safeguard your information while shopping online, others do not have this special tool which will likely expose you to risk. You have to understand this basic thing before you start shopping on any site.
Ensure that you research the new site to know if there has been any past record of fraud or scams through shoppers’ reviews. Also, the security of the store and the credentials matter a lot. Ensure that they are legit.
3. Shipping rates & tracking
Another important factor you have to consider is the amount the store charges customers for shipping. Make sure that the shipping fee is not to burdensome for customers. Stores that offer customers free shipping for most items are the good ones.
Likewise, check to see if they have a functional tracking system. It is important for you to be able to track your goods once it’s on board. You need to select a store that has a solid record of tracking. The more a store charges a flat rate for items shipping, the more economical it is for you to ship.
4. Multiple payment options
Be cautious of online shopping stores that offer you the capacity to ship to Nigeria and do not have numerous payment options. Generally, stores that do this are most likely unreliable or unsafe.
Sites that are adequate for online shopping will typically have multiple payment alternatives such as virtual cards, PayPal, Visa cards, MasterCard, and many others.
The more payment options an online store has, the more reliable the online store site is likely to be. However, if the online store only shows off cryptocurrency as their only mode of payment, you’ve got to be extremely careful because it will be impossible to open a dispute to get a refund in case traders run away with your money.
5. PC security
Personally, securing your phone or computer when trying to access an online shopping site is extremely vital. A secured PC makes it hard for fraudsters and hackers to steal your information.
Hence, any online shopping site that cannot assure the safety of your personal information is not worth doing business with. As a precaution against these kinds of sites, always make sure that you have a very active antivirus operating on your PC.
6. Network privacy
Another crucial thing is to always ensure to deal with only sites that use SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption. Ensure that they have an SSL Certificate as this is what guarantees your safety. Having the SSL makes you see a tiny lock at the top part of your browser. Always look out for the tiny lock.
The SSL is a tool that helps to keep your privacy away from fraudsters. Any website without this lock, you are simply browsing it at your own risk.
Top 20 Online Stores that Ship to Nigeria
Although there are countless online shopping sites, just a handful of them are 100% reliable. Follow us as we show you the best online stores that can actually ship quality products to Nigeria.
1. AliExpress
Part of The Alibaba Group, this store was first launched in 2009 to assist small Chinese exporters, manufacturers, as well as Chinese entrepreneurs who want to sell their goods internationally.
AliExpress sees itself as a very big online platform that helps to connect sellers and consumers. Nonetheless, the store offers its customers a wide range of goods, from wholesale electronics to clothing and different supplies for both home and garden.
AliExpress is the first online store recommended for wholesale and drop shipping in Nigeria due to its incredibly cheap and very quality products.
Currently considered the best China online shopping that ships to Nigeria, this store has served Nigerians unfailingly for years without stress. With a dollar master or visa card, you can easily order practically anything and have it delivered to your home in Nigeria.
You’ll love this – How to pay for wholesale orders on AliExpress
2. Amazon.com
Amazon is undoubtedly one of the best eCommerce online stores in the world. Essentially, it is an online store that is based in the USA that can deliver products to Nigeria and other parts of the world at large.
Amazon is stocked with assortments of products including groceries and other edible stuff. As of today, this store has become the go-to online cheap retailer for almost anything, from toys, books, clothes, shoes and even jewellery to food, furniture, as well as other basic household items.
Amazon also offers its customers the best deals, discounts and coupons that can give them discounts on anything they purchase. Through Amazon, customers can easily order any item(s) and receive it at their doorstep here in Nigeria.
3. Walmart
Walmart has been considered one of the best retailers you can find in the world. Basically, it is an e-commerce and retail corporation that has served the world for more than 50 years. The product they sell consists of household items, office equipment, and household/office appliances.
According to its website, Walmart has more than 12,000 stores in more than 28 countries and eCommerce websites. With over 35 million listed products on this site, it’s difficult not to find anything you are looking for.
3. eBay
It is impossible to discuss the most popular shopping websites in the world without mentioning eBay. Essentially, this site allows individuals and businesses to purchase and sell new or used items. Generally, there are two major ways to buy from eBay:
- Through an auction where people can place bids and the highest bidder wins the auction
- Using the “buy it now” option where a price has already been set for the product you want to buy and you buy it just like you buy from any other online store.
Either way, you can still receive any of these items you purchase at your doorstep in Nigeria. However, you have to use an app like Shotomydoor.com to get the US address where the products you bought will be delivered.
Essentially, Shoptomydoor will help you deliver the product you purchase from the US address to your address here in Nigeria for just a small fee. To get started and start buying from eBay, you will need to register with Shoptomydoor first.
5. GearBest
Just as it advertises itself, GearBest is a store where you can purchase all types of cool gear, including a variety of smartphones and accessories, car electronics, tablet PCs and accessories, audio and video, lifestyle supplies, LED lights, men’s clothing, and many more.
The store holds more than 100 gadget categories and also offers you inspiration on how you can lead a cool and fashionable lifestyle with lovely gadgets.
One major attraction of this platform is its customer-friendly warranties and reasonable return and exchange policies.
If you received your purchase and are not satisfied with it, you can easily return it for a refund within the space of 45 days of obtaining the package. Also, you can easily send the product back to the store for a better exchange within 3 months of receipt. GearBest also provides free repair and lifetime technical support for you.
6. MadeinChina
MadeinChina is a prominent Chinese shopping website that ships to Nigeria. Although this site is similar to AliExpress, it is no doubt starting to gain solid ground in Nigeria
This site offers users a very intuitive interface from which they can easily shop for items that cut across numerous categories. Some examples of items on this site include computers, smartphones and accessories, consumer electronics, jewellery, clothing, and lots more.
7. Macy’s
Macy’s currently operate one of retail’s biggest e-commerce businesses incorporated with a nationwide footprint to give its users one of the easiest and most seamless shopping experience.
When it comes to online stores that can ship to Nigeria, Macy’s is one of the best but you have to use a delivery service to get the products you bought delivered to you.
This store sells everything from clothing of all sizes and for all genders to designer handbags, as well as accessories. There are also rewards and perks you can use to redeem discounts.
8. Banggood
It is impossible to talk about Chinese online shopping stores without speaking of Banggood. This platform doesn’t just allow you to shop but also allows you to partake in its affiliate or wholesale programs. Banggood easily ships goods to Nigeria, so you can receive your products conveniently.
You can never run out of options with Banggood because there are hosts of thousands of products in its unique categories. Shopping on this online store is very safe and convenient for Nigerians.
9. DealExtreme
DealExtreme is also among the best Chinese online shopping stores that can ship to Nigeria. Actually, this site ships to different countries worldwide and to different locations. It even ships most of the items purchased for free (if eligible). Popularly, DealExtreme is shortened to DX. There are so many things you can buy from DX and have them delivered to your doorstep in Nigeria or at the nearest post office.
Interestingly, Nigerians can easily shop for different car parts on this platform and use a virtual card to pay. You can get car parts at better rates from this platform.
10. DHgate
DHgate is a well-known Chinese cross-border e-commerce store that is capable of shipping to all countries and cities in the world, including Nigeria. It is a 100% secure, safe, and reliable online shop for users.
DHgate is home to millions of unique products from different manufacturers and even top brands from all around the world. Again, it offers you a buyer’s protection and enables you, the shopper to make your payment via several payment methods.
11. JollyChic
One of the best rationales to shop on JollyChic e-commerce platform is that it ships most of the items purchased for free to Nigeria as well as other locations in the world.
JollyChic is primarily a fashion e-store that offers you access to a variety of high-end clothes and other fashion wear. Nevertheless, this platform also sells other products such as mobile gadgets and home accessories, consumer electronics, computers and even smartphones, etc.
12. Lightake
This platform is a leading e-commerce site in China that retails top-quality products at competitive prices. Essentially, this platform hosts a wide array of products arranged into unique categories. One good thing about this platform is that all its products come with extra bonus packages. Also, it is rated as one of the best because it ensures that your payment card information remains private and secure.
Lightake ships not just to Nigeria but to other parts of the world. Different hot deals that can fetch you breathtaking discounts are also available on this platform.
13. GeekBuying
GeekBuying is a great place to shop for your home & garden gear, wearables, car accessories, bags & shoes, car accessories, computers, etc. The platform is extremely easy to navigate, simple, and very intuitive.
GeekBuying ships all items purchased directly to Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, as well as many other African countries, which makes it easier for Nigerians to shop at this store without any worries.
12. CNDirect
CNDirect is a top Chinese online website where you can easily purchase more than 20000 products at competitive prices. It also provides you with 24/7 customer support service through live chat or email contact.
CNDirect states that its online shopping platform is the best place for users to have a mind-blowing online shopping experience. Here, you can get a wide variety of goods, consumer electronic gadgets, wearable gadgets, toys, cosmetics, accessories, as well as beauty products.
13. Tmart
Shopping on the Tmart platform from Nigeria is totally enjoyable. Besides its user-friendly interface, this platform is a place where you can buy a variety of products including consumer electronics gadgets, health/beauty/fashion products, home decor, lighting gears, smartphones & accessories, etc. The best part is you can receive free gifts on all orders above $50.
You’ll have all the items you purchase from Tmart shipped directly to your doorstep via any courier service.
14. Zapals
Zapals is a great place for Nigerians to get exquisite deals. The platform is a reputable global online shopping store that’s managed and operated by the Zapals Corporation LTD. company.
Zapals seeks to be the most innovative and resourceful online shopping website in the world. You can easily do your shopping on this site via the Zapals mobile app as there are lots of categories to select from.
15. Modlily
A little less known than others we’ve discussed so far, Modlily is a top online shopping website that retails its products to different customers from all parts of the world. It has its headquarters situated in Shanghai, China.
It is primarily a platform, where you can shop for a variety of design and fashion clothing items, largely for women. Modily ships its products to Nigeria and other locations worldwide.
16. NewFrog
NewFrog is a prominent online retail platform based in China. The periodic crazy clearance sales of this platform will interest every Nigerian seeking to buy products at affordable prices. So it is something to watch out for. This online store also offers free worldwide shipping and is a host of products from popular top brands, which are retailed at low prices.
Items like smartphones, toys, 5D Diamond painting cards, bags, automobile gear, mobile accessories, etc. are sold at affordable prices on this platform.
17. TomTo
TomTop is an online wholesale and retail store that is based in China, where you can shop for all types of products. It is a safe, reliable, and very secure Chinese online shopping website for Nigerians and other Africans to buy from. This online store offers its customers flash sales, deals, coupons, as well as other forms of breathtaking discounts on its items.
18. Tinydeal
This is another good Chinese online shopping website that gives customers 100% free shipping on some selected products. This platform is ideal for Nigerians to shop and have their items delivered at their doorstep due to its fast and affordable shipping rate.
Some of the products available on the TinyDeal platform include – Smartphones, wearable Gadgets, Consumer Electronics, Car Accessories, Toys, Gaming Gadgets, Gifts, etc.
19. BuyInCoins
Essentially, this platform is a top Chinese online shopping website that is based in Shanghai, China. Everything you’ll ever think of buying online is available on BuyInCoins.
Also, BuyInCoins offers users its affiliate program, which makes it easy for you to join and make a lot of money from sales. This website is user-friendly, extremely easy to navigate, and has all products arranged into different categories.
20. FocalPrice
FocalPrice is a top Chinese online shopping website where you can shop for your numerous electronic gadgets, consumer electronics/home appliances, phone accessories, and much more at competitive prices.
The prices of items on this platform are sometimes 70% lower than the actual prices of the same product on other online shopping websites. This makes FocalPrice one of the most budget-friendly platforms. They generally use DHL courier services to deliver the items right to your doorpost in Nigeria.
Paying for goods in international online stores from Nigeria
Before shopping at any international online store in Nigeria, you need to know how to pay for your items to make the process easier and more convenient for you. The best way to do this is by using a dollar virtual card. This card allows you to pay directly in dollars and usually works for most international platforms.
Bitmama offers one of the best dollar virtual cards and it works for over 80% of international stores. All you need to do is create a virtual card, fund it and you are good to go. We talked more about this in the latter part of this article.
Bitmama Virtual Card – The easiest way to pay for goods in international online stores from Nigeria
Your spending is not limited with Bitmama virtual card, allowing you to fund and spend up to $20,000 on international payments. Here’s how to create a Bitmama virtual card and pay for your international shopping:
Step 1: Download the Bitmama app, register and log into your account, then click on ”Cards” and navigate to the Cards page, a pop-up box will display showing that you need to verify your account to level (3) three to create virtual cards.
Step 2: Navigate to the verification page in your ”Account” section. Click on the verification button to submit the necessary documents for your verification up to level 3.
Step 3: Return to the home page after completing level 3 verification. Click on get ”Cards” to see available Bitmama crypto cards in different colours.
Step 4: Select your preferred card with its transaction limit per month. Then, navigate to the next step to make payment for the card issuance, choose your payment wallet and enter your 6-digit PIN to complete your payment.
Step 5: Once your payment is successful. Click on ”Continue” to proceed to your cards page. That’s it! You will see your new crypto virtual card.
Step 6: Proceed to supply the virtual card details and pin as your payment option on the international shopping platform of your choice. Payment with the Bitmama card is swift and will be confirmed in no time by the vendor, who will then proceed to ship it down to your preferred location.
We’ve discussed the online stores that ship to Nigeria. On these platforms, you can easily buy products (at affordable prices) and just have them shipped to your home address in Nigeria. As for the method of payment, all the platforms listed above support virtual cards with Bitmama virtual card being the best for the job. To start, download the app from your Google Play Store or the App Store, select your desired items, add them to your cart, pay for them with your virtual card, and wait for them to be delivered to your Nigerian address.
