Let Your Customers Sell Your Goods for You

Back in 2019, I was traveling to Abuja with a driver I didn’t know too well. After hours on the road, he decided we should stop at a restaurant to eat and rest a bit. Me? I didn’t have money to buy food that day, and I didn’t understand how things worked because it was Cross Country Motor at the time.

So I went to the driver and asked, “Driver, is the food free?”

He just laughed and said, “No o, but go tell the people wey dey sell the food say I send you, you go chop my own.”

I was confused at first, but then I realized what was happening. The restaurant gave the driver free food because he brought customers to them. He didn’t pay for the meal, yet he got rewarded — simply for connecting people to the restaurant. That was a lightbulb moment for me.

I thought: if a restaurant could do that, why can’t I do the same thing with my own business?

Since then, I’ve noticed the simple truth: your best salespeople are the customers you already have. And just like the driver, they can bring more people to your shop if you make it worth their while.

Even small things can work. If someone buys from you and brings a friend, give them a little freebie, a small discount, or even just a thank-you that shows you appreciate them. Sometimes that’s enough to get them talking and bringing more people.

Another thing I learned is to ask about the friend or relative. When a customer comes, casually ask, “Ah, you come alone? Your brother, sister, or friend no dey come?” It makes them start thinking about who else might need what you sell. Next thing you know, those friends are coming to you too.

I’ve seen it work with all sorts of businesses: food sellers, clothes stalls, recharge shops. The person comes, they get a little reward for introducing someone, and suddenly your sales start growing without you shouting on the street or spending money on ads.

That day in Abuja taught me something simple but powerful: your customers can sell for you if you give them a reason to. It’s not about paying them big money, it’s about creating a little win-win — something that makes them feel good and brings value to both sides.

So, the next time a customer walks into your shop, remember the driver in that restaurant. Give them a reason to bring their friend, make it easy, and watch your business grow like magic.