The Chronicles of Mama Ngozi: Tunde The “Dropshipping” Plug

Today is a beautiful day, and Mama Ngozi’s fabric store is open for business as usual. Her favourite customer, Hajiya Sheifa, is haggling with Tunde, the store manager, over the cost of a new fabric. Mama Ngozi notices them from a distance and decides to intervene as they argue.

She resolves to find a middle ground for them while they bargain. Mama Ngozi then proceeds to give Hadija a lovely shoe, handbag and matching accessories that are a perfect match for the fabric. All at a reduced price. Hajiya Sheifa is overjoyed, and she purchases extra yards of fabric because she wants her best friend to sew “and co.” However, She couldn’t get the discounted shoes, accessories, and other items for her friend because they were part of a final batch.

During this process, Mama Ngozi has a eureka moment. What if she made it her full-time business to sell shoes, purses, and accessories? She thought about it for a while. These items are in high demand and will be excellent cross-sell for her fabric business.
One aspect of this concept, however, bothered her: the lack of initial capital. The most recent batch was delivered to her by a travelling acquaintance. Furthermore, how would she efficiently import these items at a low cost and deliver them to customers? She’d only recently renovated her shop, and there was no extra space for anything other than her textiles. Where would she store the items if she decided to stock up?

Tunde, her store manager, stepped in, as he always does. Mama Ngozi discussed the idea with Tunde after Hajiya Sheifa had completed her transactions leaving with a big smile. He advised her to consider drop-shipping as the best way to efficiently implement this business idea.

“Tunde Explains Dropshipping”

“Which one is dropping-shipping this time?” Tunde, you’ve come again. Mama Ngozi is curious.

“No na Ma, you know we have to know these things to maintain a competitive business advantage,” Tunde responds with a smile. Because our competition isn’t going away, we need to shine brightly.”

He then tells her about drop-shipping, a business model in which companies like theirs act as a middleman between product manufacturers and buyers. EH! “Tell me more Tunde but abeg use small-small English so that I can understand,” Mama Ngozi says. You know all this, you people school me, I did not go.”

Okay, Ma. As a business, we’ve received a product request, just like Hadija Sheifa did with the clothes and accessories a few seconds ago. After receiving her request, we will now order directly from manufacturers. They will then deliver directly to our store or to Hajiya Sheifa.

“Oh, you don’t mean it, Oya nau Tunde, let’s do it. How much money are we going to need to get started?”

“Not so much, ma,” Tunde responds. “The best part is that we will benefit even more as a result of this because”:

• Shipping issues are eliminated
• less capital is required to get started
• Orders are placed based on demand, eliminating the need to keep large quantities on hand.

“So How Do We Start?” She asked”

First, select a product line that is in demand and aligns with the goals of your business. Then look for a supplier.
As a rule, it is preferable to look for products on sale. Because the more cost-effective the product, the closer it comes to your clients’ spending power. This mechanism works in two ways. To generate demand, you could be proactive by scouting fantastic offers and sharing them with clients, or you could request based on a customer’s prior need.

That isn’t everything. Ma, “Let me give you the final plug that will help us with our new business venture,” Tunde continues. “Did you know? GIG Logistics facilitates drop shipping for e-commerce companies with Nigerian customers. We can export products directly to Nigeria from manufacturers and other large-scale wholesale/retail enterprises in the United Kingdom and the United States.”

Inukwa, are you serious? But how do we go about it? Mama Ngozi asks, intrigued. “We will ship the items directly from the source using any of GIGL’s local or international shipping addresses. The best part is that they will even deliver the goods to our Nigerian customers’ homes. You see, there will be no tension with them, and business will go on as usual.” Tunde responds.

Mama Ngozi eventually expanded her business and devised a discount package that included fabrics to-go with a set of accessories, handbags, and shoes. Isn’t she a savvy businesswoman?

You can start, too, because GIGL has made logistics for your business easier, safer, faster, and less expensive.

“Tunde, Tunde, my able Mr Plug & Mr Fix it.” Mama Ngozi turns to salute her manager before saying, “My people Abeg be like me o, Follow who know road.”