The aim of every business is τ̲̅ȍ maximise profit and cotonu is believed τ̲̅ȍ be one of the trade destinations where goods can be bought at dead cheap rates. But the big obstacle is How do one navigate his/her way down τ̲̅ȍ this trade hub from Nigeria. Experienced travellers with years of successful trade voyage can help intending travellers like my self and others out there with useful information on the trip ahead. Issues such as customs, yellow paper,border crossing, currency, language can be discuSsed. ⌣»̶·̵̭̌·̵̭̌✽̤̈̊Ŧђɑ̤̥̈̊п̥̥̲̣̣̣kƨ̣̣̣̇̇̇̇✽̤̈̊·̵̭̌·̵̭̌«̶⌣ F̶̲̅Õ̳͡я̅ your Time as you contribute. .

jefy: The aim of every business is τ̲̅ȍ maximise profit and cotonu is believed τ̲̅ȍ be one of the trade destinations where goods can be bought at dead cheap rates. But the big obstacle is How do one navigate his/her way down τ̲̅ȍ this trade hub from Nigeria. Experienced travellers with years of successful trade voyage can help intending travellers like my self and others out there with useful information on the trip ahead. Issues such as customs, yellow paper,border crossing, currency, language can be discuSsed. ⌣»̶·̵̭̌·̵̭̌✽̤̈̊Ŧђɑ̤̥̈̊п̥̥̲̣̣̣kƨ̣̣̣̇̇̇̇✽̤̈̊·̵̭̌·̵̭̌«̶⌣ F̶̲̅Õ̳͡я̅ your Time as you contribute. .

I returned from a trip to Cotonu yesterday, you can start by learning from my little experience on the thread below

https://www.nairaland.com/312262/value-cfa-naira-today

You can also add the following to what you have ;
You can get a straight ride from mile 2 or Agege to Cotonou if you get there earlier than say 6pm
But a lot of trading also get done at Seme, depending on the items you trade in
I went through Seme, which is shorter, but was informed its safer through Idi-Iroko
I understand if you are caught without correct papers, you may have to pay through your nose
So I went with my International Passport but could not locate my old Yellow paper
At the boader I had to part with N2k to get the latest version of Yellow paper
Even when you have everything correct, border officials 'insist' on tips which are rated
If you have never passed through that particular point, its about thrice higher than a third timer
A second timer pays just about twice a third timer
A fourth timer pays nothing, same for subsequent visits, by when you are deemed to have been well sucked
The tips range fom N500 at actual registration point to N200 at two other check points
Generally the tips are charged higher on the Naija side, than the other
Both sides collect in Naira
You can be ferried acrross without paying a dime in that case your Okada charge a little more, N1k as compared to N700
If you have your papers & you don't get them stamped, its just as bad as not having them
Travelling by ABC saves you all this hassle, as they do all the immigration stuff for you, but their transport rates is usually about double the usual
ABC is also more comfortable, but they only load once a day at 7am
Most Law enforcement officials in Cotonu hear English, but pretend not to, so that you can play into their hands
At Cotonu, you are likely to be dropped at Topa, in the heart of the market
In some markets, particularly if you are buying vehicles, you will notice an unsolicited escort following you around (what yorubas call alarobo)
No amount of protest from you can scare them, I hear they are also protected by the Police
You may have to part with some tip to your escort which may be as much as ten thousand if you are buying a vehicle, & even if he does nothing!
If you are buying a lot, you may have to channel them through Specialised Cargo Transporters, who may deliver a few days later & take care of tarrifs
Ensure you are familiar with what is prohibited, to avoid seizure
Also endeavour to know the excise tariffs in your bizness line

I also hope to be there again & again for biz, if u remain in contact we can continue to share experience, I also often get notes from a neighbour who has been in it for years

The Land is Green

Oduz, am truly greatful. Your post is more than a million dollar. may G♡̷̬̩̃̊D̶̲̥̅̊ bless you and continually make your land green. I would be glad τ̲̅ȍ know what you deal on τ̲̅ȍ ascertain if we have similar business interest. I intend dealing on uni sex fashion accessories, singlets, female wallets and anything profitable. I hope τ̲̅ȍ stay in touch. Will be glad if you can email me your contacts, phone,pin etc on dajefsimperial@yahoo.com. ⌣»̶·̵̭̌·̵̭̌✽̤̈̊Ŧђɑ̤̥̈̊п̥̥̲̣̣̣kƨ̣̣̣̇̇̇̇✽̤̈̊·̵̭̌·̵̭̌«̶⌣

jefy: Oduz, am truly greatful. Your post is more than a million dollar. may G♡̷̬̩̃̊D̶̲̥̅̊ bless you and continually make your land green. I would be glad τ̲̅ȍ know what you deal on τ̲̅ȍ ascertain if we have similar business interest. I intend dealing on uni sex fashion accessories, singlets, female wallets and anything profitable. I hope τ̲̅ȍ stay in touch. Will be glad if you can email me your contacts, phone,pin etc on dajefsimperial@yahoo.com. ⌣»̶·̵̭̌·̵̭̌✽̤̈̊Ŧђɑ̤̥̈̊п̥̥̲̣̣̣kƨ̣̣̣̇̇̇̇✽̤̈̊·̵̭̌·̵̭̌«̶⌣

I have sent you a mail

ok Man thanks, i just replied

Sorry! May I knw why we are buying from cotonue when we have all what u want in balogun market

Are you a seller in Balogun market?