A leading logistics firm, GIG Logistics, on Friday hosted a webinar and shared tips on how small business owners can break into international markets.
The chat, which was held at Twitter Spaces and attended by Ripples Nigeria, featured the firm’s representative in China, Eleanor Ezeanya, and US-based Lanre Olagunje.
More than 100 Twitter users tuned in to the conversation, which lasted about two hours.
Olagunje spoke about the challenges faced by businesses trying to explore international markets.
He said: “Doing business in a new country comes with its own challenges, especially in terms of regulations and knowing what the customs duties are, which is usually due to trade laws between the country of origin and the point of destination.
“Also, some markets do not ship certain goods. China, for example, is a very special market. The goods are mainly sent from two cities – Guangzhou and Hong Kong. Although you can’t ship anything electronic from Guangzhou, you can ship it from Hong Kong.
“So it takes a lot of research before opening up to another market. But for us at GIG Logistics, we help get your goods to or from that location as quickly as possible and at affordable prices. You can also track every step of your shipments, including door-to-door deliveries.”
He said the company was making international trade easier by giving Nigerian businesses the option of paying for goods in Naira through its platform, while the company takes on the challenge of shipping goods.
He also touched on the insurance for the goods sent.
Olagunje added: “Insurance is a default for every shipment we make. And since it is insured, it is very easy for you to make claims. All you have to do if something happens to your goods is contact us and we can handle any complaints.”
The supply chain expert allayed the fears of Nigerians about the spending limit imposed by banks on international transactions.
United Bank for Africa (UBA), Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), Zenith Bank, Union Bank and Sterling Bank had recently reduced the amount customers can spend abroad to $20 per month on Naira cards.
ALSO READ: GIG Logistics brings China closer to Nigeria with its launch on the Asian continent.
“Nigerians can use the last mile firm to buy products from foreign countries in Naira without worrying about their bank’s international spending limit,” he concluded.
Ezeanya, who has been doing business with Nigeria for over 22 years, dismissed the language barrier between Nigerian business owners and their Chinese suppliers.
About the possibility of personalizing the goods sent from China, she said: “Yes, it is possible. You must have a letter of attorney in this regard. Once we receive the letter, then you can ask us to do anything for your goods as you wish and we will manufacture and ship your goods to Nigeria or any other part of the world.”
“Helping to buy goods in China is easier and faster when you send links to the goods rather than just photos. It is better to send links where we can meet with suppliers and ship your products. With photos alone, it may take more time to determine the exact specifications you have in mind.”
By: Ben Ugbana and Lekan Fakoyejo
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