FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.
Everything International Buyers Want to Know About Working with KIWI Procurement Limited.
VERIFICATION PROCESS
Q: How do you actually verify suppliers? What's your process?
A: Our verification follows a 7-step process: (1) CAC registration document authentication through official government channels, (2) NEPC export license validation, (3) Physical facility inspection by our local team, (4) Financial stability assessment through banking references, (5) Production capacity verification, (6) Previous client reference checks
Q: What if a supplier refuses to cooperate with your verification process?
A: That’s actually a red flag itself. Legitimate suppliers welcome verification as it builds trust. If a supplier refuses, we mark them as “high risk” and provide alternative suppliers. In our experience, suppliers who refuse verification often have something to hide.
Q: How current is your supplier database?
A: We don’t work from a static database. For each client request, we actively source and verify suppliers in real-time, ensuring you get current market options with up-to-date pricing and availability. This means fresher contacts and more accurate information.
Q: Can you verify suppliers I found through Alibaba or other platforms?
A: Absolutely! This is one of our most popular services. Many Alibaba “Nigerian” suppliers are actually middlemen or fraudulent entities. Our $150 verification service can save you thousands by confirming legitimacy before you make any payments.
PRICING AND PAYMENT
Q: Why should I pay $300 when I can search for suppliers myself for free?
A: “Free” supplier searches often cost much more in the long run. Consider: weeks of your time researching (what’s your hourly rate?), risk of fraud (average loss: $15,000+), suboptimal pricing (we typically negotiate 5-15% better rates), and quality issues. Our $300 service often pays for itself through better negotiation alone.
Q: Do you take a commission from suppliers?
A: No. We work exclusively for buyers. Our fees come only from our clients, ensuring our recommendations are unbiased and in your best interest. This is why suppliers trust our verification process – they know we’re not trying to manipulate deals.
Q: What payment methods do you accept?
A: We accept international wire transfers, PayPal, and major credit cards through our secure payment processor- Paystack, a subsidiary of Stripe for payments processing in Africa. Payment is required before we begin verification work to ensure serious inquiries only.
Q: Do you offer refunds if I'm not satisfied?
A: Yes. If our verification report doesn’t meet our stated standards, we offer a full refund within 7 days of delivery.
INTERNATIONAL CLIENTS
Q: I'm based in [US/UK/India/UAE]. Can you still help me?
A: Absolutely! Most of our clients are international buyers. We’re experienced in cross-border trade requirements, documentation, and communication across time zones. We provide all reports in English and can accommodate video calls during your business hours.
Q: How do you handle time zone differences for communication?
A: Our team works flexible hours to accommodate international clients. We typically respond within 2 hours during Nigerian business hours (8 AM – 5 PM WAT) and within 24 hours outside these times. For urgent matters during your business hours, we can arrange dedicated support.
Q: Do you help with import documentation and regulations?
A: Yes, as part of our Trade Supervision service. We assist with export documentation from the Nigerian side and can provide guidance on import requirements for your country. However, you’ll need to handle import clearance with your local customs broker.
Q: What languages do you work in?
A: All our services are provided in English. Our team is fluent in English and local Nigerian languages, ensuring clear communication with both international clients and local suppliers.
COMMODITIES AND TRADE
Q: Do you handle all types of commodities or just agricultural products?
A: While we specialize in agricultural and food commodities (where fraud is most common), we can verify suppliers for virtually any Nigerian export product including industrial materials, textiles, and manufactured goods. Our verification process adapts to the specific industry requirements.
Q: What's the minimum order value you work with?
A: For verification services ($150-300), there’s no minimum order value. For our Trade Supervision service, we work with orders above $10,000 due to the intensive nature of the service. Smaller orders typically don’t justify the supervision costs.
Q: Can you help me get better prices than going direct to suppliers?
A: Yes, typically 5-15% better pricing through our established relationships and negotiation expertise. Suppliers often quote higher prices to unknown international buyers. Our local presence and bulk procurement leverage help secure better terms.
Q: What happens if the supplier delivers poor quality products?
A: With our Trade Supervision service, we conduct quality inspections before export, significantly reducing this risk. If quality issues arise despite our supervision, we facilitate resolution including replacement goods or partial refunds. For verification-only services, we provide detailed quality capability assessments to minimize this risk upfront.
FRAUD PREVENTION AND SECURITY
Q: How common is supplier fraud in Nigeria, really?
A: According to trade insurance data, approximately 15-20% of Nigerian supplier contacts found through general platforms are fraudulent or problematic. This includes fake companies, advance fee scams, and legitimate companies overstating their capabilities. Our verification eliminates these risks.
Q: What are the most common fraud tactics you've seen?
A: The “big three” are: (1) Fake CAC certificates and export licenses, (2) Advance payment scams where suppliers disappear after receiving deposits, (3) Bait-and-switch where quality samples don’t match bulk shipments. Our verification process specifically addresses all these tactics.
Q: What if I've been scammed by Nigerian suppliers before? Can you really prevent it from happening again?
A: We understand the frustration and financial losses from previous bad experiences. Our verification process was specifically designed to catch the red flags that most buyers miss. Our Trade Supervision service also helps to elimitate this possibility, we act as your representatives here in Nigeria and ensure that you get exactly what you paid for.
Q: What if a verified supplier still causes problems later?
A: While our verification significantly reduces risks, business situations can change. If issues arise with a supplier we verified within 90 days, we provide free mediation support and can source alternative suppliers at no additional cost.
TIMELINES AND LOGISTICS
Q: Why does verification take 3-5 days? Can it be faster?
A: Proper verification requires physical visits, document authentication through government channels, and reference checks – all of which take time. We can offer 24-hour “express verification” for an additional $100, but this includes only digital verification without physical facility inspection.
Q: Do you handle shipping and logistics?
A: We coordinate with suppliers and can recommend reliable freight forwarders and shipping companies. However, we don’t directly handle shipping. Our Trade Supervision service includes export documentation assistance and port clearance supervision.
Q: Can you store goods in Nigeria before export?
A: We can arrange temporary storage through our partner warehouses for consolidation or quality control purposes. Storage costs are additional and depend on product type, quantity, and duration.
Q: What if my shipment gets delayed or stuck in customs?
A: As part of our Trade Supervision service, we monitor shipments and can assist with Nigerian export clearance issues. For destination country customs issues, we can provide proper documentation and connect you with recommended customs brokers in your country.
PARTNERSHIP AND ONGOING RELATIONSHIPS
Q: Do you only work on one-time projects or ongoing partnerships?
A: Both! Many clients start with our verification service for a single purchase, then develop ongoing partnerships for regular procurement. We offer discounted rates for clients placing multiple orders per year.
Q: Can you become my exclusive representative in Nigeria?
A: Yes, we offer exclusive representation agreements for clients with significant ongoing procurement needs (typically $500K+ annually). This includes dedicated account management, priority access to suppliers, and customized reporting.
Q: Do you attend trade shows or arrange supplier meetings?
A: Yes, we can arrange supplier meetings, facility tours, and attend major Nigerian trade shows on your behalf. This is particularly valuable for high-value partnerships or when you’re considering visiting Nigeria yourself.
Q: How do you handle confidential product specifications or proprietary requirements?
A: We sign NDAs for all client engagements and maintain strict confidentiality. Our team is experienced in handling sensitive commercial information and proprietary product specifications.
GETTING STARTED
Q: What information do you need to start the verification process?
A: For supplier verification: Company name, contact person, product details, and any documentation you already have. For sourcing: Product specifications, quantity requirements, quality standards, and target timeline. The more details you provide, the better we can serve you.
Q: How quickly can we start working together?
A: Immediately! Once you submit your requirements and payment, we begin work within 2 business hours. Our streamlined process is designed for quick turnaround without compromising thoroughness.
Q: What if I need to speak with someone before committing?
A: We offer free 15-minute consultation calls to discuss your specific needs and determine the best service approach. Email us at info@procurewithkiwi.com or call +234 810 4670 502 to schedule.
Q: What if I have specific quality requirements or technical specifications that Nigerian suppliers need to meet?
Q: What if I have specific quality requirements or technical specifications that Nigerian suppliers need to meet?