The thrift business, also known as "okrika" or second-hand clothing business, is one of the most profitable ventures in Nigeria.
Many people prefer thrift items because they are affordable, unique, and sometimes even branded. If done right, this business can bring in good profits with little startup capital.
This guide will show you step by step how to start and grow a successful thrift business in Nigeria.
Step 1: Understand the Thrift Business
Before you start, you need to know what the thrift business is all about.
Types of thrift items you can sell:
- Clothes (shirts, jeans, dresses, suits)
- Shoes (sneakers, sandals, office shoes)
- Bags (handbags, school bags, office bags)
- Accessories (belts, caps, scarves, jewelry)
- Household items (bedsheets, curtains, kitchenware)
Who are your target customers?
- Students
- Low-income earners
- Fashion lovers looking for unique or vintage pieces
- Parents shopping for kids' clothes
- Office workers looking for affordable outfits
How profitable is the business?
Thrift items are usually bought at very low prices, especially in bulk, and sold at higher prices. With the right marketing, you can make up to 200% profit.
Step 2: Do Market Research
Before you start selling, find out:
- Which thrift items sell fast in your area? Are people looking for kids' clothes, vintage shirts, or sneakers?
- Who are your competitors? What are they selling, and how do they price their items?
- Where do people buy thrift items? Do they prefer online stores (Instagram, WhatsApp, Jiji) or physical shops?
This will help you decide what to sell and how to sell it.
Step 3: Create a Business Plan
A good business plan will help you stay focused. Your plan should include:
✔ Startup cost – How much money do you need to start?
✔ Target audience – Who will buy your thrift items?
✔ Sourcing strategy – Where will you buy your thrift items?
✔ Marketing plan – How will you attract customers?
✔ Revenue projections – How much profit do you expect to make?
You don’t need a complicated business plan. Just write down your ideas and follow them.
Step 4: Where to Buy Quality Thrift Items
You need to find a good source for quality thrift items. Here are some options:
1. Wholesale Markets in Nigeria
- Katangua Market (Lagos) – One of the biggest thrift markets in Nigeria.
- Ariaria Market (Aba, Abia State) – Popular for clothes and shoes.
- Onitsha Main Market (Anambra State) – Large variety of thrift items.
2. Importing from Abroad
Some sellers import thrift items from China, the UK, or the USA. You can buy from wholesale suppliers on websites like:
- Alibaba
- eBay
- UK thrift suppliers
3. Buying from Local Suppliers
There are people who sell bales of thrift items. You can buy from them and sort out the best pieces to resell at a profit.
Step 5: Setting Up Your Business
Option 1: Sell Online
If you don’t have money for a physical shop, you can sell online!
- Create a business page on Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp Business.
- Use an online store – You can list your items on Jumia, Konga, or Shopify.
- Post clear pictures of your thrift items with good descriptions.
Option 2: Open a Physical Store
- Rent a small shop or sell from home.
- Arrange your items neatly on racks and mannequins.
- Make sure your shop is easy to find.
Both online and physical stores can work well. Some sellers do both!
Step 6: How to Price Your Thrift Items
When setting your prices, consider:
✔ Cost of buying the item
✔ Transportation and delivery costs
✔ Your profit margin
💡 Tip: Offer discounts for bulk purchases to attract more customers.
Step 7: How to Market Your Thrift Business
Marketing is the key to success! Here are some ways to attract buyers:
1. Use Social Media
Post pictures and videos on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Use hashtags like #AffordableThrift #OkrikaLagos #ThriftNigeria to reach more people.
2. Work with Influencers
Find small influencers (people with 5k–50k followers) to promote your thrift items.
3. Run Live Sales
Go live on Facebook and Instagram, show your items, and sell directly to viewers.
4. Offer Referral Bonuses
Give customers a small discount if they bring a new buyer.
Step 8: Manage Your Inventory
To keep track of your thrift items:
✅ Sort them into categories (vintage, premium, regular).
✅ Label and price each item clearly.
✅ Use inventory apps like Vend, Loyverse, or Excel to track your stock.
Step 9: Handling Delivery & Logistics
If you sell online, you need a way to deliver items to customers.
🚴♂️ Partner with reliable dispatch riders.
📦 Offer free delivery for bulk orders to encourage big purchases.
✅ Set clear delivery terms (e.g., “Delivery takes 2-3 days, and payment is before delivery”).
Step 10: How to Grow Your Thrift Business
As your business grows:
- Add more items (shoes, accessories, branded thrift items).
- Sell on more platforms like Jiji, Konga, and your own website.
- Hire staff to help you manage orders and customer service.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. How much do I need to start a thrift business in Nigeria?
You can start with as little as ₦50,000, depending on what you want to sell.
2. Where can I buy thrift items in bulk?
You can buy from major thrift markets like Katangua (Lagos), Ariaria (Aba), and Onitsha Main Market.
3. Is the thrift business profitable?
Yes! With a good strategy, you can make up to 200% profit on thrift items.
4. Can I run a thrift business online only?
Yes! Many sellers operate 100% online using Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp.
5. How do I attract customers?
Use high-quality pictures, competitive prices, social media ads, and influencer marketing to attract buyers.
Conclusion
Starting a thrift business in Nigeria is one of the easiest and most profitable ways to make money. Whether you sell online or in a shop, focus on quality items, good marketing, and excellent customer service.
Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to building a successful thrift business!
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