1688 Tip #2
The first supplier you find is rarely the best supplier.
Before placing an order, compare at least 3–5 suppliers selling the same product.
Don’t compare only the price.
Compare:
•Factory ratings
•Customer reviews
•Sales volume
•Response time
•Buyer photos
The cheapest supplier can become the most expensive mistake.
1688 Tip #3 tomorrow. Follow if you’re interested in importing smarter from China.
If you know eBay, there's a Chinese platform just like that.
Many "UK-used" iPhones, Samsung, or laptops sold in Computer Village actually didn't come from London.
Some of them came from this platform called Xianyu, also known as Goofish or Idle Fish: a used-goods marketplace under Alibaba.
Once you know how to navigate your way on this platform, you can get used iPhones, Samsungs, Google Pixels, cameras, laptops, and various gadgets at very low prices.
Each seller will indicate whether the gadget has issues or not, so you can decide what you want.
- Once you've picked the specific gadgets you want to buy, discuss with the sellers, and confirm what you're buying are in good condition. (Don't worry, some of them understand basic English.)
- After that, you'll need a shipping agent such as Superbuy and CSSBuy to help you secure the goods and send them to your country. (I'll drop the links in the comment section.)
- The agent can even help you inspect the goods, negotiate, and pay in yuan on your behalf.
- When the items land in the agent's warehouse in China, they'll ship it to Nigeria by air or sea, depending on the mode you want. (Air is faster but costlier; sea is slower but cheaper.)
Note that this platform is completely in Chinese, so you'll need to translate. They have a website and an app on the iOS App Store.
You can log in with Taobao, Alipay or Wepay.
.......
This is for information purposes only, though.
Use wisely and responsibly, and ensure to do your own further research.
Stay sharp! 🪒
For the ladies, here is how to shop for quality hairs on Temu.
I haven’t shopped on SHEIN so you can only try this when it comes to Temu.
I have gotten bad hairs, so trust me.
Will hold you hands so you don’t make mistakes
P.S : do not buy the wig highlighted below, remove if you’ve added it to your cart.
That’s why they end up with shiny, tangled wigs that look nothing like the pictures.
1. Bone Straight Wigs
Instead search:
• 100% Human Hair
• Virgin Human Hair
• HD Lace
• 13x4 Lace Front
• 13x6 Lace Front
• Pre-plucked Hairline
• Single Donor Hair (if available)
• Brazilian Straight
• Vietnamese Hair (usually silkier and thicker)
• Burmese Hair (fuller texture)
If it doesn’t clearly state 100% human hair, assume it’s blended or synthetic.
2. Curly Wigs
Search:
• Deep Wave
• Water Wave
• Jerry Curl
• Kinky Curly
• Afro Kinky Curly
• Loose Deep Wave
Look for customer videos.
Curly hair can look amazing in product photos but completely different after washing.
3. Bob Wigs
Search:
• Blunt Cut Bob
• HD Lace Bob
• Glueless Bob Wig
• 180 Density
• 200 Density
A high-density bob usually looks fuller and lasts longer.
4. Closure Wigs
Search:
• 5x5 HD Closure
• 6x6 HD Closure
• Glueless Closure Wig
These are beginner-friendly and easier to maintain than frontal wigs.
5. Frontal Wigs
Search:
• 13x4 Frontal
• 13x6 Frontal
• HD Lace
• Transparent Lace
• Bleached Knots
• Pre-plucked
More lace generally means more styling options.
6. Glueless Wigs
Search:
• Adjustable Elastic Band
• Wear and Go Wig
• Beginner Friendly
Perfect if you don’t want glue every morning.
7. Density
Search:
• 150% Density (natural everyday look)
• 180% Density (most popular)
• 200–250% Density (very full)
Higher density doesn’t always mean better.
Choose based on the look you want.
8. Lace
Search:
• HD Lace
• Swiss Lace
• Transparent Lace
Good lace melts into the skin better and looks more natural.
How I shop now:
• I read the hair material before I even look at the photos.
• If it doesn’t clearly say 100% human hair, I keep scrolling.
• I watch customer videos before I trust seller pictures.
• Videos don’t hide bad density or poor lace.
I read the lowest-rated reviews first.
That’s where people tell you if the wig sheds, tangles, or smells.
• I compare density, not just length.
A 30-inch wig with 150% density can look thinner than a 24-inch wig with 180% density.
• If the seller won’t tell you the lace type, density, or hair source, that’s a red flag.
Customer photos > product photos.
A good wig isn’t just about the length.
It’s about the hair quality, density, lace, construction, and honest reviews.
Thank youu.
Good one but for Tshirt. I still believe if you live in Nigeria you shouldn’t be wearing 240-300 gsm. 140-200 is fine and perfect for our kind of weather
@TechnicalBben guide on direct shopping was elite, but let’s be honest. it was mostly for the guys.
Shopping on Temu as a woman who loves a high-end, luxury aesthetic is an entirely different sport. If you don't know what you’re typing into that search bar, you will end up with a box full of shiny, plastic-feeling polyester that looks nothing like the pictures.
I shop on Temu all the time, so let me save the day for the girls.
If you want your clothes to look expensive on a budget, stop searching for generic words and start using these exact quality keywords instead:
1. Office Trousers & Blazers
Avoid: Generic "office pants" (they will be thin and feel like plastic).
Search for: "High-waist terylene trousers", "viscose blend blazer", or "heavy drape wide-leg pants".
Terylene is the secret material that makes trousers fall heavily and look expensive all day.
2. Knitwear & Tight Tops
Avoid: Basic spandex or thin nylon.
Search for: "Ribbed modal top", "viscose-knit bodysuit", or "heavyweight cotton-elastane".
Modal is a game-changer. It feels like butter on your skin, doesn't fade easily, and hugs your body beautifully.
3. Silk & Satin (Dresses & Shirts)
Avoid: 100% polyester satin (it reflects light too brightly and feels hot).
Search for: "Mulberry silk blend shirt", "heavyweight satin slip dress", or "acetate satin".
Acetate and heavyweight satin have a soft, expensive glow that looks exactly like real silk.
4. Jewelry (The Non-Tarnish Secret)
Avoid: "Alloy" or "fashion jewelry" (it will turn green before the package even arrives in Nigeria).
Search for: "18K PVD gold plated stainless steel", "925 sterling silver geometric earrings", or "waterproof titanium steel". PVD plating is vacuum-sealed, meaning you can literally sweat and bathe in it without it fading.
5. Bags & Leather Items
Avoid: "PU leather" unless you check the details (it peels very fast).
Search for: "Split leather tote bag", "suede leather shoulder bag", or "microfiber leather". Microfiber leather is a high-grade material that actually feels like real leather and doesn't crack.
6. The Sizing Trap (Shoes & Clothes)
The Shoe Rule: Temu sizes can be confusing because they mix China, UK, and US metrics. If you are buying heels or slides and see words like "elastic," "stretch knit," or "elastic strap" in the description, go one size smaller.
Stretch materials loosen up quickly, and sizing down keeps them from slipping off your feet.
Measure, Don't Guess: Stop assuming your normal size will fit perfectly. Get a measuring tape, measure your foot length in centimeters, and match it directly to their specific centimeter size chart. It’s the only way to avoid buying shoes that look like canoes.
The Clothes Rule: If you’re buying items that need a tight fit (like trousers or corsets), look for words like "elastane" or "spandex." If it has 0% stretch, buy a size bigger. If it’s a "viscose-knit" or "modal blend," stay true to your size because the fabric naturally stretches.
My Personal Rules to Separate the Gems from the Junk:
Sort by "Most Orders" first: Let other people be the guinea pigs. Only look for items that thousands of people have already bought.
The Nigerian Review Rule: Scroll down and look for reviews from Nigerians. We do not hide our feelings. If the material is rubbish, a Nigerian buyer will say it plainly in the comments.
Check the Customer Photos: If there are no real pictures in the review section showing the actual fabric under normal lighting, do not add it to your cart.
Ignore the word "Luxury" in titles: The title is just a trick to get you to click. Scroll straight down to the "Specification" tab and read the actual fabric breakdown. Percentages don't lie.
You don't need a million bucks to look put together; you just need to know how to read the description tag.
One thing I’d add is that once you find something good on Temu, don’t stop there.
Most of those products exist on 1688 at much lower prices because that’s where many sellers source from.
If you’re buying multiple items or shopping regularly, the price difference adds up quickly
Most people only know Temu and Shein.
But I know three platforms you can order from at very cheap prices.
They're platforms where Chinese people actually shop on, so things are way cheaper there because you're buying directly from the producers. Even Temu gets its goods from some of these platforms.
Likewise, a lot of "mini importers" in Nigeria use these websites. All those WhatsApp and Facebook vendors you see around, they get their goods from these websites at very low prices, then they inflate the prices when they want to resell.
I'll mention them below and share their links in the comments section.
1.▫️1688
Best for clothes, shoes, bags, phone accessories, electronics, home appliances, and just about anything in bulk.
They offer wholesale prices, but you may need to make bulk orders (10 to 100+ units). It's best for people who want to resell. The language on this website is Chinese, so you'll have to translate it. The video below explains how.
2.▫️Taobao
Best for fashion, jewelry, home decor, gadgets, and niche items you can't easily find elsewhere.
They sell single items easily, have a huge variety, and even better quality than what gets imported to Temu. It's good for both individuals and resellers.
3.▫️Pinduoduo
Best for everyday items, kitchenware, phone accessories, small gadgets, and household basics.
This is similar to Taobao, and often even cheaper. It's a great place for everyday buys.
NOTE, though:
Also, none of these websites ship internationally. You'll need a shipping agent to receive your order in China and forward it to you. It's also best to order in bulk.
Some of the agents include:
- Superbuy
- CSSBuy
To use a shipping agent:
1. Create an agent account on any of the agent website I'll share in the comments.
2. Paste the product link from 1688, Taobao, or PDD into their search bar.
2. The agent buys it and receives it at their warehouse.
3. You pay a service fee, then shipping once it arrives.
3. Agent ships to you, sometimes combining items to save cost.
Just make sure to always read the descriptions. Sort by best-selling, read reviews and check the photos shared by reviewers instead of relying on product pictures.
I'm sure you learnt something.
Stay sharp! 🪒
@TechnicalBben for those asking about Measurement
you can use a tape measure to measure your;
Bust - area around your chest
torso - waist to shoulder
waist - self explanatory
this is if you're buying tops, for bottoms you measure waist, waist to ankle and Thigh.
Extra: know your size in inches/cm. Forget about M or L or XL, go with the inches/centimetres indicated for each size selection. This is how you can avoid buying a size 44 shoe (your normal size) that ends up feeling like a 41 on your foot.
Also applies to clothing. Know your exact bust/waist/hip measurement in inches/centimetres. This information will help you avoid size errors.
For material/fabric, add "tweed" to your search as well. It's a very heavy fabric type, typically used in jackets and coats. I got a few of them. Highly premium feel.
Once you learn how to shop directly from China, E.g Temù or shien your wardrobe changes completely. Call me cheap I don't care I ain't rich, I don't do fraud.😭
It's knowing what to search for.
Here's my style after making plenty of mistakes.
1. T-shirts:
Skip 100% polyester unless you're buying gym wear.
Instead, search:
• 100% Cotton
• Combed Cotton
• Heavyweight Cotton
• 240-300 GSM Cotton
• Premium Cotton
• Mercerized Cotton
The heavier the GSM, the thicker and more premium the shirt usually feels.
2. Jeans:
Denim Jeans
Temu is surprisingly good for denim if you know what to search.
Search:
• Denim Jeans
• Cotton Denim
• Raw Denim
• Selvedge Denim (if available)
• 98% Cotton + 2% Elastane
• 99% Cotton
Avoid jeans with high polyester content. The more cotton, the better they'll age and feel.
3. Body-hug clothing:
Search:
• Ribbed Knit
• Modal
• Viscose Blend
• Cotton-Spandex Blend
They hold their shape much better than cheap polyester.
4. Hoodies
Search:
• 400 GSM
• French Terry
• Cotton Fleece
• Heavyweight Hoodie
5. Chains
Search:
• 316L Stainless Steel
• Titanium Steel
• PVD Gold Plated
• Vacuum Plated
These are far more resistant to fading than ordinary fashion jewelry.
6. Earrings
Search:
• 925 Sterling Silver
• 316L Stainless Steel
• Hypoallergenic
• Moissanite (if you're buying stones)
7. Scarves
Search:
• Mulberry Silk
• Silk Blend
• Cashmere Blend
• Wool Blend
• Viscose
Avoid the shiny, thin polyester scarves if you're after a premium look.
8. Loafers
Search:
• Genuine Leather
• Cow Leather
• Full Grain Leather (rare but worth looking for)
• Rubber Outsole
9. Sneakers
Search:
• Rubber Outsole
• EVA Midsole
• Breathable Mesh
• Leather Upper
• Stitched Sole
Pictures lie a lot
The description usually tells the truth.
Here's how I shop:
1. Read the material composition before anything else.
2. Sort by Most Orders or Best Selling, not cheapest.
3. Only buy products with lots of reviews or pictures or even better when a Nigerian has purchased it before they always tell the truth.
4. Read the 1-star reviews first. They'll tell you what the seller won't.
5. Look at customer photos, not the product photos.
6. Check the weight of the product. Better quality clothing is often heavier.
7. Read the size chart. Don't assume your Nigerian size matches.
8. If the title has words like "luxury," "premium," or "designer" but the material is 100% polyester, not everything but still move on.
Your best friend isn't the product picture.
It's the material, the reviews, and the customer photos.
That's how you separate the gems from the junk.
I hope this help.
Things are to expensive for a country this poor.
Since you all are interested
I import using
- 1688
- Pinduodo
- Taobao
But I mainly focus on 1688
The app have started introducing English unlike before when you’d have to translate..
They’ve also started shipping directly to your door step, tried it with a very small item
But to be safe as well as cost effective, you’d need a shipping company where your goods can be sent to in China then they will ship it to Nigeria..
That’s how I bring in my goods…
Before, you’d need to have an Alipay account for payment but now, the app now accept bank transfers or pay directly with your card..
I use Alipay
Onesie of thumb I do when ordering
- I pay attention to the years of the merchant ( if they are certified)
- I am not interested in the e cheapest but I go for the middle
- Reviews, very important, most times I prioritize reviews, other times, I try my luck
- 1688 is way cheaper than even TEMU
I have gotten a lot of items from this app since 2024 that I have been shopping..
I did not pay anyone to teach me or buy on my behalf, all these information I needed even down to choosing the shipping combo have been using since 2024 has been online, just took my time to research
Lastly, once you start, there’s no going back cause they are a whole lot of items, I mean a WHOle lot
Lastly, if you are looking to starting a business and you need items, this is the best place..
You can buy from 1 - thousands on this app
There are sellers that have MOq while a lot don’t, even if it’s 1, you’d get it.
Even our dining table was gotten from this app, and atm, I have gotten a couple of dining tables and chairs for few friends and family..
Hope this helps.
Dividends are one of the most underrated forms of income in Nigeria.
Guaranty Trust Holding Company, Zenith Bank, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Dangote Cement, and MTN Nigeria have consistently rewarded shareholders with dividends over the years. Hold enough shares across 4 to 5 quality dividend-paying companies in banking, cement, consumer goods, and telecoms, and you’ve built yourself a second income stream.
That income is built on ownership. You didn’t work extra hours for it. You didn’t trade more of your time for money. You simply owned a piece of great businesses and stayed invested.
Dividend investing isn’t flashy. But quiet, compounding dividend income is one of the most reliable ways to build long-term wealth in Nigeria and anywhere else.
With N5 Million and current dividend yield, I will choose GTCO over DANGCEM
DANGCEM
₦5,000,000 buys about 5,000 shares.
Annual dividend ≈ ₦225,000 (4.5% yield).
GTCO
₦5,000,000 buys about 40,650 shares.
Annual dividend ≈ ₦518,700 (about 10.4% yield).
For an income-focused investor, GTCO stands out. It offers:
✔ More than double the dividend yield.
✔ Strong earnings and consistent dividend history.
✔ Better potential for total return if earnings continue to grow.
DANGCEM remains an excellent company but at the stated price and dividend, its dividend yield is significantly lower. It may appeal more if you expect substantial capital appreciation.
If I had ₦5 million and could choose only one based on today's numbers, I'd pick GTCO.
If diversification is an option, consider allocating 60–70% to GTCO and the balance to DANGCEM to combine higher income with exposure to Nigeria's leading cement company.