How to Start Okrika Business in Nigeria

Okrika business (selling second-hand clothes) is one of the easiest businesses to start in Nigeria.

People buy Okrika because it is cheaper than new clothes, and sometimes, you can even find high-quality items that look almost new. If you want to start this business, here’s a simple guide to help you.

1. Decide What You Want to Sell

Okrika has different categories. You can sell:

Children’s clothes
Men’s clothes
Women’s clothes
Shoes and bags
Underwear and nightwear
Jeans and trousers

You don’t have to sell everything at once. Start with what you can afford and expand later.

2. Find a Good Supplier

This is very important. Okrika clothes come in bales (big bags filled with clothes), and where you buy from will determine the quality. Some places to find suppliers in Nigeria include:

Lagos (Tejuosho Market, Yaba, or Katangowa Market, Abule Egba)
Kano (Kwankwashe Market)
Onitsha (Main Market)
Aba (Ahia Ohuru Market)

You can also find suppliers online, but be careful to avoid scammers. If possible, visit the market yourself.

3. Decide Your Budget

You don’t need millions to start this business. Some bales go for as low as ₦200,000 – ₦550,000, depending on the quality. You can also start small by buying clothes in pieces instead of a full bale or partnering with other sellers to buy bales and share among yourself.

4. Pick the Right Selling Method

There are different ways to sell Okrika:

Online Selling – You can post your items on WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Physical Selling – You can sell from home, get a small shop, or display at a busy roadside.
Hawking – Some people move from street to street selling. This works well for areas where people don’t go to markets often.

5. Sort and Clean the Clothes

When you buy a bale, not all the clothes inside will be perfect. Some may need washing or small repairs. Wash the good ones, iron them, and take nice pictures if you’re selling online.

6. Set Your Prices

Price your items based on their quality. First-grade Okrika (almost new) will cost more than second-grade. Also, check how much other sellers are charging so you don’t price too high or too low.

7. Advertise and Sell

If you’re selling online, take clear pictures and post them with simple captions like:
"Nice UK shirts, just ₦4,500 each. Send a DM to order!"

If you’re selling offline, tell family, friends, and neighbors. If your clothes are good, people will keep coming back.

8. Manage Your Profit Well

Don’t eat all your profit. After selling, remove your capital, keep some profit, and use the rest to buy more stock. This way, your business will grow.

9. Expand Gradually

Once you start making steady sales, you can add more items, open a shop, or even import directly from other countries.

Final Advice

Okrika business is profitable, but you need patience and consistency. Some days you will sell a lot, other days may be slow. Don’t give up! If you keep pushing, you will succeed.

That’s it, my friend! If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Good luck with your business!

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