Delivery is one of the things that scares most Nigerian sellers away from going online. What logistics company should I use? How do I calculate shipping cost? What if an item gets damaged? Who handles the customer if delivery fails?

These are real concerns — and this guide addresses all of them.

If you're selling on Sellora, you don't need to figure this out from scratch. Sellora has logistics integration built in, which means delivery is handled directly from your dashboard.

How Delivery Works on Sellora

When a customer places an order on your Sellora store, they enter their delivery address at checkout. Sellora automatically calculates the shipping cost based on three things:

The shipping cost is added to the customer's order total at checkout, so you don't have to manually calculate or charge it yourself.

Once the order is placed and paid for, you process the shipment from your dashboard and the logistics partner picks up and delivers to your customer.

Sellora's Logistics Partners

Sellora connects you to over 10 delivery companies in Nigeria. These include:

Having multiple logistics options means you're not locked into one company. If one is too expensive for a particular delivery, you can compare and choose the best option available.

Automatic vs Manual Shipping Mode

Sellora gives you two ways to manage delivery:

Automatic Shipment Mode

In this mode, Sellora handles the logistics assignment for you. Based on the delivery address, product dimensions, and weight, the system selects the best available logistics partner and calculates the cost automatically.

This is the easier option — especially if you're just starting out or processing many orders. You don't have to contact any logistics company manually.

Manual Shipment Mode

In manual mode, you take control. After receiving an order, you decide which logistics company to use and arrange the pickup yourself. This is useful if you have a preferred courier, a negotiated rate with a specific company, or if you want more control over your delivery process.

You can switch between automatic and manual mode anytime from your shipping settings.

How to Set Up Shipping on Your Sellora Store

Here's how to configure your shipping settings:

  1. Log in to your Sellora dashboard
  2. Go to Settings > Shipping
  3. Enter your pickup address — this is where the logistics company will come to collect your orders
  4. Enter your product dimensions and weight accurately for each product listing (this is important for accurate shipping cost calculation)
  5. Choose your preferred shipment mode — automatic or manual
  6. Save your settings

That's it. Once your shipping is set up, customers will automatically see the delivery cost at checkout before they pay.

Why Product Weight and Dimensions Matter

When you add a product on Sellora, you'll be asked to enter the weight and dimensions. Don't skip this step or enter random numbers.

Here's why it matters:

Shipping cost in Nigeria is calculated based on weight and size. If you enter inaccurate details, the shipping cost shown to customers at checkout may be wrong — either too low (and you end up losing money on delivery) or too high (and customers abandon their cart because delivery seems too expensive).

Take a few minutes to measure and weigh your products accurately before adding them. This protects both you and your customers.

Who Pays for Delivery?

By default, delivery cost is added to the customer's order at checkout and paid by the customer. However, some vendors choose to offer free delivery to attract more buyers — especially for high-value products where the margin can absorb the cost.

If you want to offer free delivery, you can set this up in your shipping settings. Some vendors also offer free delivery above a certain order value (e.g. "free delivery on orders above ₦20,000") as a way to encourage customers to spend more.

What Happens After the Customer Pays?

Once a customer completes their order and payment:

  1. You receive an order notification on your dashboard
  2. You package the item securely
  3. You schedule a pickup (in automatic mode, the system does this for you; in manual mode, you contact the courier)
  4. The logistics company picks up the package from your location
  5. They deliver to the customer's address
  6. You can track the order status from your dashboard and update the customer

Tips for Smooth Deliveries

Package your products well. Use proper packaging — bubble wrap for fragile items, sealed bags for clothing, sturdy boxes for electronics. A damaged delivery is bad for your reputation and could lead to a refund request.

Include a packing slip or thank-you note. A simple printed order summary or handwritten note inside the package makes a good impression and encourages repeat orders.

Update order status promptly. Once you've handed the package to the courier, update the order status on your dashboard. Customers who see their order is "shipped" feel reassured and are less likely to send anxious messages.

Communicate proactively. If there's a delay for any reason — let your customer know before they have to ask. One message saying "your order is on its way, estimated delivery is tomorrow" can prevent a lot of complaints.

Use tracking information. Most of Sellora's logistics partners provide tracking numbers. Share the tracking number with your customer so they can monitor their delivery independently.

What If a Delivery Fails or Gets Lost?

Delivery issues happen occasionally — it's part of running an online business in Nigeria. Here's how to handle them:

If the customer is unreachable — Some failed deliveries happen because the customer wasn't available or their address was incomplete. In this case, the courier returns the item to you. Contact the customer, update their delivery details, and arrange a re-delivery.

If the item is lost or damaged — Contact your Sellora support team and the logistics company immediately. Keep records of all shipments, including tracking numbers and order details. Reputable logistics companies like GIG and DHL have claims processes for lost or damaged shipments.

Prevention is better than cure — Always double-check delivery addresses before shipping, ensure products are packaged securely, and use couriers with a good track record for the delivery zones you service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deliver nationwide from my Sellora store? Yes. Sellora's logistics partners have coverage across Nigeria, so you can sell to customers anywhere in the country.

What if I want to handle delivery myself for local customers? You can use manual shipment mode and arrange delivery yourself for nearby customers. This works well for sellers who operate within a specific city or area.

How do I know which logistics company will be assigned to my order? In automatic mode, Sellora assigns the best available partner based on the delivery details. In manual mode, you choose.

Can customers track their orders? Yes. Once a tracking number is available, you can share it with your customer. Some logistics partners also send tracking updates directly to the customer.

What if the delivery cost is too high for some customers? Consider offering flat-rate delivery or absorbing part of the shipping cost for orders above a certain value. This encourages more sales, especially from price-sensitive customers.

Do I need to be home when the courier comes for pickup? Someone needs to be available to hand over the package. If you can't be there personally, ensure someone else at your location can handle it.

Get Your Delivery Set Up Today

Don't let delivery logistics stop you from selling online. Sellora's built-in shipping tools make it easy to manage orders and get products to customers across Nigeria — without the stress of figuring everything out yourself.

Log in and set up your shipping →