Why You Must Verify Before You Export
Many African farmers and small exporters lose money every year to fake foreign buyers promising “big orders” but disappearing after shipment.
Before you send even one bag of garri, palm oil, or shea butter, make sure your buyer is real, traceable, and trustworthy.
This post go show you step-by-step how to verify foreign buyers — no matter where they are (US, UK, Canada, or Europe).
✅ Step 1: Check Their Company Online
Every genuine buyer will have some form of digital footprint.
Start with:
- 🌐 Google their company name (see if they have a website)
- 🔍 Check their business registration (in the UK: gov.uk/get-information-about-a-company; in the US: search their state business registry)
- 💼 Check if their email address matches their domain (avoid Gmail/Yahoo if it’s a big order)
💡 Tip: A serious importer will have an address, company number, and proper contact info listed online.
🕵️ Step 2: Use LinkedIn to Cross-Check
Go on LinkedIn.com and type their company name or personal name.
- See if they have employees listed.
- Look at their activity — real companies usually post updates or engage in trade groups.
- Message them directly to confirm their inquiry.
💬 If you see only one new account with zero connections, run away.
🌍 Step 3: Ask for a Business Document
Before any export discussion, request:
✅ Letter of Intent (LOI)
✅ Certificate of Incorporation
✅ Import License (for certain goods)
A real buyer will provide this quickly. Fake ones will start giving excuses.
If they refuse to send anything, that’s your red flag 🚩.
📧 Step 4: Check Their Email and Domain
Use free tools like:
These help you confirm how long their domain has existed and whether their email is active or spoofed.
💡 If the company’s domain is less than 3 months old, and they’re asking for big supply — verify twice.
💰 Step 5: Never Ship Without a Deposit
No matter how sweet the deal sounds —
Never ship before you get money.
Industry standard:
- 50% deposit before shipment
- 50% after proof of delivery (using Bill of Lading or Airway Bill)
If they refuse, that’s a scam alert 🚨.
📞 Step 6: Schedule a Video Call
Scammers don’t like video calls. Ask for a Zoom, Google Meet, or WhatsApp video meeting to confirm identity.
Observe:
- Do they have an office background or noisy coffee shop?
- Can they show their product samples, packaging, or business card?
A genuine buyer will not hide their face.
🧾 Step 7: Verify Through Trade Platforms
To avoid stress, use international verification portals like:
These platforms pre-verify importers before listing them.
💡 If your buyer is already listed and rated, that’s a good sign.
🏦 Step 8: Confirm Their Payment Method
Ask which payment method they’ll use — and cross-check if it’s traceable.
Recommended:
✅ PayPal Business
✅ Payoneer
✅ Wise
✅ Bank Telegraphic Transfer (T/T)
Avoid:
❌ Western Union (for big transactions)
❌ Crypto payments (unless you trust the person deeply)
💸 Need Quick Capital Before You Export?
If you already have a verified order but lack the funds to fulfill it —
you can access quick, safe loans from Caritas Multipurpose Cooperative.
👉 Visit: https://sites.google.com/view/caritasmultipurposecooperative/home/
They support small farmers, exporters, and agro-cooperatives with affordable capital to grow their business.
💼 Need a Professional Website to Impress Buyers?
A solid website gives you credibility when foreign buyers check your business.
If you want a clean, export-ready website for your farm or agro brand, I’m available anytime 👉 https://github.com/billsanthony
Your site can include:
✅ Product catalog
✅ Contact form
✅ Live chat for buyers
✅ Payment integration
Because when you look legit online, you attract legit buyers. 🌎
🐕 Bonus Tip: Secure Your Farm Business
Aside from exports, Npower Farmers Cooperative also supports members with:
✅ Farm produce sales
✅ Dog sales for farm security
✅ Loan and cooperative support
📲 Stay Connected
✅ Telegram: t.me/farmersupdates
✅ Facebook: facebook.com/NPFCS
✅ WhatsApp Channel: Join here
🌟 Moral of the Day
“Before you send one bag abroad, confirm who’s receiving it. The farmer who verifies every buyer never cries over lost goods.” 💼🌾