Lagos a huge city with lot of outstanding markets and shopping centers, but The Alaba International Market stands on a level of it own. This market is a sure source for everything electrical appliances, electronics, phones and computer accessories and vehicle parts.

Trust me, we are committed to ensure you get the best in Lagos, just like our other post on how to Avoid Being Scammed In Computer Village Lagos, I will do justice to this article too and ensure you get the best shopping experience in Alaba International Market.

But first, let me describe Alaba market briefly so everyone will be on the same page.

Alaba Market in Lagos is one of the biggest electronics markets in Nigeria. You can find phones, TVs, laptops, electrical parts, vehicles parts and many other items there.

Infact many small start up businesses in Lagos rely on Alaba as a product sources, people also come from different parts of Nigeria to buy goods from this market.

But while the market is popular, it is also known for scammers and fake sellers who try to trick buyers. If you are not careful, you may lose your money or buy fake items.

Never worry, this bring us to the Koko of this blog post which is how to tackle those scammers in Alaba Market.

Tips To Stay Safe From Scammers in Alaba Market

These tips will help you protect your money and avoid problems.

1) Familiarize Yourself with The Market

Before you go to Alaba Market, try to know a bit about it. You can ask friends or people who have been there before. Watch videos or read online to understand how the market works. Alaba is big, and it can confuse first-time visitors. Some places inside the market sell only phones, others sell TVs, some deal with laptop parts, and so on.

If you don’t know your way, someone might take advantage of you. You might end up in the wrong section or follow the wrong person. So it is better to have a little knowledge before going.

Also, if possible, go with someone who has been there before or someone who knows the market well. This will reduce your chances of falling into the wrong hands.

2) Compare Prices

In Alaba Market, different shops can sell the same item at different prices. If one shop says a product is ₦150,000, another might say ₦120,000 for the same thing. That’s why it is smart to check prices in at least three or four shops before buying.

Don’t rush. Walk around. Take your time. Ask questions. Check if the price includes accessories like chargers, batteries, or warranty. Some sellers may give you a lower price but remove important things from the package.

When you compare prices, you will get an idea of the true value. This will help you avoid being cheated or buying at a high price.

3) Buy From Reputable Shops

Not every shop in Alaba is trustworthy. Some shops are well-known and have been there for many years. They have names, signboards, and even receipts with their company information. These shops are more reliable because they don’t want to spoil their name.

Ask around for trusted businesses in Alaba. You can also check online if the shop has good reviews. A reputable shop is more likely to sell original goods and give you a receipt.

Buying from trusted shops also gives you peace of mind. If there is a problem with what you bought, you know where to go back. Scammers usually don’t have permanent shops, so once they scam you, you may never find them again.

4) Avoid Street Guys

One big mistake many people make is talking to the street boys hanging around the market. These boys may walk up to you and say things like “Oga, wetin you wan buy?” or “We get better product for you!” They may sound friendly, but be very careful.

Many of these street guys are agents for scammers or they are scammers themselves. They may take you to hidden corners, pressure you to pay quickly, or even collect your money and disappear.

If you are new in the market, you may feel confused and want to follow them. But it is better to ignore them and walk straight. If you need help, ask a security man or a shop owner that looks serious and responsible.

The street guys mostly target people who look new or unsure. Try to walk with confidence and act like you know where you are going.

5) Don’t Fall For Too Cheap Prices

Everybody wants to buy cheap, but in Alaba, if something is too cheap, be careful. If someone tells you that a laptop worth ₦300,000 is just ₦100,000, something is wrong. It may be stolen, fake, or already damaged.

Some scammers use cheap prices to attract buyers. Once you pay, they might switch the item with a fake one or give you something that is not working. Others will collect your money and tell you to wait while they “go and bring the item.” You will wait and wait – the person will never come back.

Always remember: if the price is too good to be true, it is better to walk away.

6) Always Collect Receipts For Your Purchase

Once you buy something, ask for a receipt. A real shop will give you a receipt that shows the item you bought, the price, the shop’s name, and sometimes their contact.

This is very important. If the product stops working or is not as they described, you can go back and complain. Without a receipt, you don’t have any proof that you bought something from them.

Even if you buy a small item, try to collect a receipt. If the seller refuses to give you one, that is already a red flag.

Some shops may write the receipt by hand, and that’s fine. But it should have at least the shop’s name and what you bought.

7) Be Observant

When shopping at Alaba, open your eyes well. Watch everything happening around you. Check the item they are packing for you. Some scammers will show you one thing and pack another thing. Before you leave the shop, open the carton or nylon and look at what is inside.

Also, don’t carry too much cash or show it openly. Some people are watching. It is better to keep your money in different pockets or use a transfer when possible.

Be careful of pickpockets too. The market is always crowded. As you move around, keep your phone and wallet safe.

Look at people’s body language. If someone seems too pushy or starts acting funny, stay away from them.

Your eyes and your ears are your best friends in Alaba.

Final Thoughts

Alaba Market is a good place to buy electronics and other tech items, but you must be sharp. Scammers are always looking for people to trick. If you follow these seven tips, you will be safer and more confident when shopping there.

Thanks for reading and happy shopping!