The pandemic has forced many companies to rethink and strategize for their existing business models. Many transactions have been done online using digital financial service platforms provided by innovators as Nigerians embrace a cashless society.

In light of this, e-commerce has become an alternative route for most businesses, especially SMEs, to bring their businesses online and increase their visibility.

According to Statista, Nigeria has a large digital audience and mobile devices are used more frequently to access the Internet than desktop devices. In 2019, over 70% of internet use was recorded on mobile devices, while this share was even higher when it came to visits to online marketplaces.

With this data, getting your business online is apparently the best way to thrive in a competitive market.

READ: Why SEC banned investment tech platforms from offering foreign stocks to Nigerians

Where can I sell online in Nigeria?

There are many ecommerce sites that allow sellers to access their platforms to sell. The advantage of using these platforms is that they bear the cost of advertising both online and offline, so you don’t have to spend a lot on marketing.

Ecommerce platforms work with online payment providers to ensure a secure payment process for people who use their platforms.

Here is a list of some ecommerce websites that you can use to start your online business.

READ: Unemployment: Technology can be used to reduce youth unemployment – BOI

Jumia

Jumia is an online marketplace for electronics and fashion, among others targeting several African countries. It is one of the most visited e-commerce sites in Nigeria. Becoming a Jumia Supplier is free and you can sell virtually any product on the platform. Jumia charges a commission based on the type of product you are selling. They also cover the delivery of your products.

How to start selling on Jumia

• Register as a merchant on the Jumia Marketplace website.
• Provide the necessary KYC details including your bank account for payments.
• Upload clear photos of your products.

READ: How fintech API startups are making financial data easier to access across Africa – CEO, Mono

Konga

Konga.com is another Nigerian e-commerce company, which was founded in July 2012. It offers a third-party online marketplace, as well as first-party direct retail covering various categories including consumer electronics, fashion, home appliances, books items, computers and accessories, phones and tablets, health care and personal care products. Konga charges commission fees as low as 3%, and you only pay when you successfully sell your product.

How to start selling on Konga

• Register as a Konga seller on Konga sellerHQ.
• Fill out the seller form.
• Upload clear photos of your products.
• Choose a convenient delivery method for paid orders.

READ: Meet Elochukwu Umeh, founder of the African digital powerhouse

Jiji

Jiji is a Nigerian online marketplace that provides a way for buyers and sellers to meet and exchange goods and services. Jiji provides a simple, hassle-free solution to buying and selling almost anything. Selling on jiji is free. The platform only charges when you use its premium services.

How to start selling on Jiji

• Sign up using your email and phone number.
• Take pictures of your items.
• Pick an appropriate category, upload your photos and start selling.

Payporte

PayPorte is an omnichannel retail company founded in 2014 by a team of young tech enthusiasts. The platform offers a wide range of products at the best prices, as well as customer loyalty and rewards, discounts, fraud and risk-free transactions.

PayPorte also partners with local businesses by presenting their products on its platform to a wider audience. These companies have access to customers, excellent logistics coverage and the opportunity to excel in business.

Kusnap

Kusnap is an easy-to-use platform that connects millions of buyers and sellers across the country for free. It uses a simple snap-to-sell and chat-to-buy approach with a fantastic user experience, thus transcending business boundaries.

Kusnap is committed to bringing individuals, retailers and wholesalers together for a common business purpose by bringing into the market a variety of features such as groups and the ability to list multiple products in different categories.

What this means for business owners

As a business owner, it is more economical to rely on successful e-commerce platforms than to build your own e-commerce department. For businesses that have not yet connected online, these platforms provide the ability to bring your business online at zero cost.