Delivery: The Make-or-Break of Online Selling
You can have the best products and the prettiest store, but if delivery is unreliable, your business will suffer. In Nigeria, logistics can be challenging — but it's absolutely manageable if you plan it right.
Option 1: Self-Delivery (Within Your Area)
For local orders, you or a trusted person can deliver directly. This is how most Nigerian sellers start:
- Pros: Cheapest option, you control the experience, instant customer feedback
- Cons: Doesn't scale, limited to your immediate area
- Best for: Food, perishables, high-value items
Option 2: Dispatch Riders / Bike Couriers
Services like Gokada Logistics, MAX, or local dispatch riders in your area. Many sellers use trusted dispatch riders they've built relationships with over time.
- Cost: ₦500-₦2,000 within city limits
- Speed: Same-day delivery possible
- Tip: Get 2-3 reliable riders on speed dial. When one is unavailable, you have backups.
Option 3: Interstate Logistics
For shipping across Nigeria, options include:
- GIG Logistics: Reliable nationwide coverage, good tracking
- DHL/FedEx: For premium/international shipments
- Park-to-park: Using transport companies (ABC Transport, Chisco) — cheaper but less trackable
- Waybill: Popular for fashion sellers — customer pays on collection
Setting Delivery Fees on UPshop
In your UPshop dashboard, you can configure delivery fees based on your model:
- Flat rate: Same fee for all orders (e.g., ₦1,500 nationwide)
- Free delivery: Build delivery cost into your product price
- Pickup: Customer collects from your location (₦0 delivery)
Pro Tips for Smooth Delivery
- Always confirm the delivery address before dispatching
- Take a photo of the packaged item before handing it to the rider
- Send the customer a tracking reference or rider's number
- Package items properly — damaged goods = refund requests