How to create an online store in Nigeria (2026 guide)

1. 1

   Decide what you'll sell first

   Start with your 5–10 best-selling products — the ones customers already ask about in your DMs. You can add the rest later. Good photos matter more than a big catalogue: shoot in daylight, on a plain background, from your phone.

2. 2

   Choose a platform built for how you sell

   If most of your customers find you on Instagram and WhatsApp, pick a platform where orders can come back to WhatsApp, prices are in naira, and you don't need a developer. Shopper is free to start and built for exactly this; Shopify and Wix are powerful global options priced in dollars.

3. 3

   Create your store and add products

   On Shopper: sign up, name your store, then add each product with a photo, price and description. If a product comes in sizes or colours, add them as options and set stock for each one so you never sell what you don't have.

4. 4

   Set your delivery fees

   List the areas you deliver to with a fee for each — for example Lagos Island ₦3,000, Mainland ₦2,500, Abuja ₦5,000, Pickup free — and optionally free delivery above a certain order value. Customers choose at checkout and the total updates automatically.

5. 5

   Decide how customers will pay

   Bank transfer and cash on delivery are the easiest place to start. When you're ready, connect a Paystack account so customers can pay by card, bank or USSD at checkout and every payment is confirmed automatically.

6. 6

   Connect WhatsApp

   Add your WhatsApp number so customers can order through WhatsApp and you receive each order fully written out — items, delivery fee, total and address — instead of piecing it together from chats.

7. 7

   Share your store link everywhere

   Put the link in your Instagram and TikTok bio, WhatsApp status and business profile. Reply to "how much?" with your store link instead of a price list.

8. 8

   Get your first order — then grow

   Place a test order yourself, then share with your existing customers first. Once orders are flowing, add your own domain (e.g. www.yourbrand.com), run discount codes, and invite a team member to help.

Frequently asked questions