Are you starting an export business and need buyers for your products? Whether you’re exporting from Nigeria, India, Kenya, or any developing country, this guide will show you how to get a buyers list for export—with tools, methods, and their pros and cons
🔍 1. Use B2B Websites to Find Buyers
Best B2B platforms:
✅ Pros:
- Easy to register and start
- Worldwide buyer reach
- Buyer inquiries come to your inbox
- Free plans available
❌ Cons:
- High competition
- Free accounts get fewer leads
- Many inquiries may not be serious
- Premium plans are expensive ($500–$2,000/year)
📈 2. Use Global Trade Data Platforms
These show real importer data by country, product, and company name using HS Codes
Best platforms:
✅ Pros:
- Real-time buyer/importer data
- Filter by product and country
- Ideal for B2B targeting
- Shows volume and frequency of imports
❌ Cons:
- Paid platforms can be costly ($99–$300+/month)
- Data may be limited for small countries
- Learning curve for beginners
🌍 3. Government Export Agencies
Government bodies offer free help to new exporters
Nigerian Example:
- NEPC (Nigerian Export Promotion Council)
👉 https://nepc.gov.ng
✅ Pros:
- Low or no cost
- Training, support, and export documents
- Market access and trade fair invitations
- Trustworthy buyer matching programs
❌ Cons:
- May take time to process
- Limited tech tools and automation
- Not always updated with latest buyer trends
💼 4. LinkedIn + Email Outreach
Search for people with titles like “Import Manager” or “Procurement Officer” and contact them directly
Tools you can use:
✅ Pros:
- Find real people in real companies
- Direct communication (build trust)
- Free tools available
- Personal connections bring long-term results
❌ Cons:
- Time-consuming
- Many contacts may not reply
- Requires follow-up and patience
- You must build a professional profile
📱 5. WhatsApp & Facebook Export Groups
These are informal but effective networks where exporters share buyer leads, advice, and opportunities
✅ Pros:
- Free and fast access to info
- Join multiple groups for more exposure
- Learn from experienced exporters
- Local networking (Nigeria, Ghana, India)
❌ Cons:
- Many scammers or fake buyers
- No buyer verification
- Hard to track or organize leads
- Too many messages can be distracting
🏢 6. Trade Fairs & Exhibitor Lists
Attend or explore international trade fairs. Even if you don’t travel, you can download buyer lists from the event websites
Famous fairs:
- Canton Fair (China)
- Anuga (Germany)
- SIAL (France)
- Lagos International Trade Fair
✅ Pros:
- Meet serious buyers face-to-face
- Trust-building through in-person events
- High-value deals possible
- Find niche buyers and agents
❌ Cons:
- Travel and booth costs can be expensive
- Must prepare marketing materials
- Follow-up after the event is crucial
- Not ideal for small beginners
🧾 7. Build Your Own Buyers List (DIY Method)
Keep records of every buyer you find using Google Sheets or Excel. Combine info from websites, trade shows, emails, and social media
✅ Pros
- Fully customized
- You control the list quality
- Helps build CRM for long-term use
- No cost other than time
❌ Cons:
- Takes time to collect
- Requires organization and consistency
- No automation unless you use CRM tools
🔑 Final Thoughts: Which One is Best?
| Method | Cost | Best For |
| B2B Websites | Medium | Beginners & small exporters |
| Trade Data Tools | High | Serious exporters |
| Government Support | Low/Free | Beginners, formal businesses |
| LinkedIn Outreach | Free | Personal sales, long-term leads |
| WhatsApp/Facebook Groups | Free | Fast leads, peer learning |
| Trade Shows | High | Scaling and serious business |
| DIY Buyers List | Free | Anyone who’s consistent |
📬 Want Help Starting?
Comment below or message me with
- Your export product
- Your target country
And I’ll help you with:
- Sample buyer leads
- Suggested HS Codes
- Free email script to contact buyers
