Starting an Okrika business in Nigeria is one of the easiest ways to make money, but the cost of starting depends on your budget and business goals. While some people start small and grow gradually, others invest more money upfront to buy bales and open a shop.
So, how much do you really need to start? In this guide, I’ll break it down based on different levels of investment—small, medium, and large-scale startups. I’ll also explain other hidden costs you should prepare for.
1. Small-Scale Startup (₦30,000 – ₦70,000)
If you don’t have much capital but want to start selling Okrika, you can begin with around ₦30,000 to ₦70,000. Here’s how:
What You Can Buy
- Instead of buying a full bale, you can buy Okrika in pieces from big suppliers.
- Some suppliers allow you to pick first-grade clothes (handpicked selection) at ₦1,000 – ₦3,000 per piece.
- With ₦30,000 – ₦70,000, you can buy 20 to 50 pieces of quality Okrika clothes.
Where to Buy
- Lagos: Katangowa Market, Yaba Market
- Aba: Ahia Ohuru Market
- Onitsha: Main Market
- Kano: Kwankwashe Market
Other Costs to Consider
- Transport: ₦2,000 – ₦5,000 (if buying from a local market)
- Cleaning & Packaging: ₦1,500 – ₦3,000 (washing, ironing, and packaging)
- Marketing: Free (WhatsApp, Facebook, or Instagram)
Where to Sell?
📌 Online: Use WhatsApp status, Facebook groups, and Instagram.
📌 In Your Area: Tell friends, neighbors, and colleagues.
📌 Markets & Roadside Selling: Rent a small spot in busy areas for ₦500 – ₦1,500 per day.
Profit Expectation
- If you buy an Okrika gown at ₦1,500 and sell for ₦3,500, that’s ₦2,000 profit per item!
- Selling 50 pieces can give you around ₦100,000+ in revenue, depending on your pricing.
💡 Advice: Start with fast-selling items like ladies’ tops, jeans, or children’s clothes.
2. Medium-Scale Startup (₦80,000 – ₦200,000)
If you have more money, you can buy a mini-bale or a mix of different Okrika items.
What You Can Buy
✅ Mini-Bale (50kg – 70kg) – ₦80,000 – ₦150,000
✅ Handpicked Items (First Grade) – ₦100,000 for 50 to 100 pieces
Best Items to Sell at This Level
- First-grade T-shirts, polo shirts, and jeans
- Female tops, gowns, and skirts
- Children’s Okrika clothes (very profitable)
- Bags and shoes
Where to Sell?
- Online (WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook Marketplace)
- Markets & Busy Streets (Shop owners can buy from you in bulk)
- Small roadside stall (₦5,000 – ₦15,000 per month in some areas)
Other Costs to Prepare For
- Transport & Logistics: ₦5,000 – ₦10,000
- Bale Sorting & Cleaning: ₦3,000 – ₦7,000
- Marketing (Boosting Ads): ₦5,000 – ₦15,000
Profit Expectation
- If a mini-bale contains 200 pieces and you sell each at an average of ₦2,500, your revenue can be ₦500,000+ after selling everything.
- You can make at least ₦100,000 profit, depending on your pricing and sales speed.
💡 Advice: At this stage, it’s important to reinvest your profit into the business instead of spending it all.
3. Large-Scale Startup (₦250,000 – ₦1,000,000+)
If you want to go big, you can import bales from the UK, USA, or China, or buy full bales from Nigerian suppliers at wholesale prices.
What You Can Buy
🛍️ Full Bale (100kg – 120kg) – ₦150,000 – ₦300,000 per bale
🛍️ Multiple bales (different clothing types) – ₦500,000+
Best Items to Sell for Big Profits
- Office wear & corporate dresses – High resale value
- Designer thrift clothes (Cream Grade) – For high-paying customers
- Children’s wear (UK/USA used) – Fast-selling
- Shoes & Bags (Luxury & Sportswear) – Huge demand
Where to Sell?
✔️ Physical Shop (₦100,000 – ₦500,000 yearly rent in busy areas)
✔️ Wholesale to other sellers – Make bulk sales easily
✔️ Export to other African countries – Ghana, Cameroon, and Kenya also have a huge market for Okrika
Other Costs to Consider
- Customs Duty (if importing) – ₦50,000 – ₦200,000 depending on shipment
- Transport & Logistics – ₦10,000 – ₦30,000 for bulk orders
- Marketing & Branding – ₦20,000 – ₦50,000 (paid ads, influencers, or website setup)
Profit Expectation
- If a 100kg bale contains 400 pieces, selling each for ₦2,500 can bring ₦1,000,000 revenue.
- Even after expenses, you can make ₦200,000 – ₦500,000+ profit per bale.
💡 Advice: At this level, you can partner with big suppliers or start exporting to increase your earnings.
4. Summary of Start-Up Costs
Final Advice: How to Make Your Okrika Business Profitable
✅ Start with what you can afford – Don’t borrow too much at the beginning.
✅ Pick the right items – Sell what people buy often (ladies' wear & children’s clothes sell fast).
✅ Use social media – Many successful Okrika sellers make huge sales on WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook.
✅ Don’t spend all your profit – Always reinvest to grow your business.
✅ If possible, import directly – You’ll get cheaper and better-quality clothes.
Conclusion
Starting an Okrika business in Nigeria doesn’t require millions, but the more you invest, the bigger your profit potential. Whether you start with ₦30,000 or ₦500,000, the key is buying the right stock, selling fast, and reinvesting wisely.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments! And if you found this helpful, share it with someone looking to start an Okrika business. 🚀
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