Spare Parts Business in Nigeria on a Budget – Ultimate Guide

Every day, Nigeria experiences damage to different cars due to poor road conditions and other factors. This has resulted in many drivers becoming stranded on the road. Sometimes, they may not even leave the house because the car has refused to function well. The pressing need to replace damaged vehicle parts led to the need to start a car spare parts business in Nigeria.

It can be fascinating starting a spare parts business in Nigeria because it is another opportunity to become self-employed, make some money and contribute to the economic progress of Nigeria.

Interestingly, as long as there is a need for auto parts replacement in the country, this business will never go into extinction.

To know more about the spare parts business in Nigeria, we will look at various factors such as how to start the spare parts business, the cost of starting the business, business strategies to remain in business, and many more.

Places to start Spare Parts Business in Nigeria

Dealing in auto spare parts in Nigeria can become a great avenue toward becoming financially independent. There is a high demand for business all over the country. Hence, you can cite your business anywhere in Nigeria and still make a profit.

You may decide to pitch your tent in urban or semi-urban areas. However, if you choose to operate in the city, you need to find a good shop close to the road to make your business more visible.

You may also decide to locate your spare parts business in the city’s outskirts, especially along the highways. However, although anywhere is suitable for this business, the major booming cities include Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Kano.

What are the Gains of selling Auto Spare Parts in Nigeria?

Starting a spare parts business is a lucrative idea. Many dealers of these goods have recorded tremendous success in different areas of their lives due to the success they experienced in the business. If you are on a budget and want to know if you can venture into the industry, the following points will be helpful.

#1. It is a money-spinning business.

The market for this business is significant, and as long as people are buying cars daily, there will be a need for spare parts for those cars in the future. Ensure to cite your business at a good location and make as many contacts as possible for more visibility and referrals.

#2. It assures job steadiness.

Being a spare parts dealer in Nigeria offers financial security. You will have constant customers who will keep greasing the business wheel. It is also transferrable to generations. Hence, your children can take over from you at your demise. In this period of lack of jobs, you can create family wealth through spare parts business in Nigeria.

#3. There is a high demand for spare parts in the country.

Since the industry is extensive and people always need to change their vehicle spare parts, you will always be in business. That means you will never need to lack customers as long as you are up and doing.

Also See: Top Business ideas in Nigeria to Start With Low Capital

How to start an Auto Spare Parts Business in Nigeria

Although people on a budget can start a spare parts business, it requires much funding. You can begin moderately depending on your capital. In this case, you may have to collaborate with an extensive spare parts dealer and expand from there. With time, you can become one of the major spare parts importers if you are consistent in your commitment.

Here are the significant steps to enable you to start this lucrative business anywhere in Nigeria:

#1. Training

You cannot enter this business without adequate knowledge of the intricacies. Therefore, regardless of your starting level, you need some training to guide your business activities. It would be best if you equally researched to understand how to effectively and efficiently run the business. In addition, you may undergo some months’ training under an expert in the spare parts business in Nigeria to know more about it.

#2. Capital

Every profitable business requires funds to start. You cannot carry out specific tasks without adequate funds, especially importing your goods. Besides, if you are on a budget, you may need to find out what is available for the range of money with you. Additionally, the capital you inject into it will help determine how fast it will grow.

#4. Business plan

Once you have your capital, you will need a business plan to help you know what it will cost you to run the business, the right strategies to implement, the most suitable place to run the business, and how to manage the funds. In addition, the business plan will help you to understand the kind of administrative structure to adopt for the company. For example, do you need an extra hand to help run the business, or can you do it alone? How will you attract customers to the business?

#5. Warehouse or shop

You will need a shop to store the spare parts you are dealing in. moreover, it requires ample space to accommodate the goods. If you are into a large-scale business, you will need a warehouse to accommodate the products. But if on a low budget, you may get a shop in a good location and start your business.

#6. Social media account

It would be ideal if you had an active social media profile to enable you to market your business in the online space. With the emergence of technology, business experts have realized the benefits of social media. It has helped many of them to market their goods to people far and wide and deliver to them efficiently.

Also See: How To Make Money Doing Online Jobs In Nigeria

Licensing and Registration of Your Spare Parts Business

After you have understood the basic requirements of starting a spare parts business in Nigeria, you must obtain a license to run your business. But, first, you must register the business with the appropriate bodies to enable you freely operate in the state or area you choose to locate the business. The Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers Association (ASPMDA) are the two standard bodies that oversee the activities of spare parts dealers in Nigeria.

Once you register and obtain the operating license, you can start running the business.

How much does it require to start a Spare Parts Business in Nigeria?

Ladipo and other popular markets are the prominent places to cite a lucrative spare parts business in Lagos state. First, you will need a warehouse or container of around 40 feet. Then, you can buy the goods and stock for sale.

Starting the business will cost between ₦5 million and ₦20 million. But, if you are on a budget, you should have around ₦500 thousand. But in this case, you should contact an importer who can help you purchase and deliver your goods. That way, it will be cheaper for you.

What are the Business Strategies to help you remain afloat in Business?

As a spare parts dealer, you must devise some means to remain in business, regardless of economic condition. You must stay ahead of the industry and technological advancement. It is a way to overcome obsoleteness as a businessperson. Hence, the following will guide your decision to become an expert spare parts dealer in Nigeria:

Have adequate knowledge of the business before launching out. It is a way to avoid falling victims to scammers or encountering a crisis at the business’s beginning. In addition, you must have a good knowledge of cars in general. If your customer needs information on their vehicle, you can step in and direct them better.
If you are striking an online deal, you can snap the product and show your potential customer. This will help in convincing them to make payments.
Develop customer relationships by consciously reaching out to them and enquiring about their wellbeing. Then, always ensure to deliver the exact goods they ordered in good condition.
Make sure you have company policies, and they must protect customer interest. If your customers are satisfied, they will not only come again but bring more customers. Remember, the customers are the root of the business. If they constantly get referrals, ensure to compensate them for that. A happy customer makes a loyal customer.
You need management skills to remain in business. It would be ideal if you planned for the possibilities of business risks. Be ready for any challenge. Understand that there will be a time to make gains, and there will be a time when business slows down. In everything, ensure you have more opportunities for profits than loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best country to import spare parts?

Most spare parts are imported from the United States of America and European countries like the Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium, and Germany. The reason is that most of the spare parts coming from these locations are in good condition.

What are the popular car models to import their spare parts?

The prominent car models in Nigeria include Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Mercedes Benz, BMWs, Nissan, and other luxury cars.

What are the components of a car that are in high demand?

All components of cars are in high demand. However, the most popular include brake pads, filters, side mirrors, bumpers, tires, air conditioning units, rims, engines, and other accessories.

Conclusion

Starting spare parts business in Nigeria is profitable. However, it would be ideal if you were committed to the business and offered only premium-quality products. In addition, ensure to treat your customers well and be on top of trends in the industry. You will succeed if you plan to; that requires adequate business knowledge and leadership skills to keep you going.