No good supplier, no margin: the business foundation

Live shopping works no miracle on an overpaid product. Your margin is decided before the live, when buying wholesale. Here is where to source in West Africa, how to test a wholesaler and how to compute your resale price.

Where to find reliable suppliers

  • Big markets: Adjamé (Abidjan), Sandaga and HLM (Dakar), Dantokpa (Cotonou), Madina (Conakry). Go early, compare 3 prices for the same reference, negotiate volume discounts.
  • Thrift bales: the most profitable way to start small. See selling thrift live.
  • Import (Turkey, China, Dubai): worth it from regular volume; compute freight + customs + lead time first.
  • Local artisans: shea, bogolan, jewelry: high margins and a story to tell live. See selling crafts live.

Test a wholesaler in 4 points

  1. Small test order: 10-20 pieces max, never your whole capital.
  2. Consistent quality: is the 2nd delivery identical to the 1st? If not, switch.
  3. Restock possible: your live best-seller must be reorderable within 7 days.
  4. Invoice and real contact: name, physical shop, reachable number. No ghost suppliers.

Compute your resale price

Simple formula: buy price + transport + payment fees + delivery + your margin (30-50%) = live price. Validate with our pricing strategy and keep stock updated to never sell what you lack.

FAQ: wholesalers and suppliers

Do I need big capital to start?

No: one thrift bale or 20 pieces from a local market covers your first 3 lives. Reinvest profits.

How to avoid counterfeits?

Buy from known market wholesalers, check labels and finishing, and never promise an authentic brand when it is inspired.

Can I sell another merchant's products live?

Yes, on consignment with a written agreement: you present, you earn per sale. Perfect to start without stock.