Shipping vs. Buying Locally: The Pros and Cons for the Togo Market

A few years ago, I found myself debating a decision that many Togolese buyers face: should I import a car from Europe, the U.S., or even neighboring Ghana, or just buy locally? I was eyeing a used Toyota Corolla from Germany. The price seemed attractive, even after shipping and clearing costs, but a local dealer had a similar model for slightly more. On paper, the math seemed simple. In practice, it was anything but.

This experience is shared by countless buyers in Togo, whether it’s cars, electronics, or machinery. The decision isn’t just financial—it touches on convenience, risk, and even a little psychology. Let’s explore the pros and cons of importing versus buying locally, with insights grounded in real-life experiences, market observations, and a few lessons I’ve picked up from friends and acquaintances navigating this process.

Why People Consider Shipping

Shipping goods—especially cars—into Togo can be tempting. For one, imported vehicles often come in better condition than what’s available locally. Europe, for example, has stricter vehicle maintenance rules, meaning a used car from Germany might be well cared for, with full service records.

I once helped a friend import a 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class from Belgium. On arrival in Lomé, the car looked almost brand new, even though it was nearly ten years old. Buying locally, we realized, would have meant compromising on mileage, condition, or even color.

Other reasons people consider shipping include:

Price advantages: Despite shipping and customs, imported cars sometimes cost less than local equivalents, particularly for mid-range vehicles.

Variety: Togo’s local market is limited; shipping opens access to makes, models, and trims not commonly available in Lomé.

Customization options: Buyers can select cars with features that might be rare locally, like sunroofs, leather interiors, or automatic transmissions.

Yet, shipping isn’t risk-free. Costs fluctuate with shipping fees, currency rates, and customs duties. Timing is unpredictable, and you’ll likely need a clearing agent to navigate the paperwork—a step that can be intimidating for first-timers.

The Hidden Costs of Importing

Many buyers focus on the shipping cost alone, but the true cost often surprises them. When I helped a friend calculate total import costs for a Honda CR-V from France, the initial shipping fee of $1,200 ballooned to nearly $3,000 once customs duty, VAT, clearing agent fees, port charges, and inland transport were added.

Customs duty alone can be substantial. Togo applies a percentage of the vehicle’s value plus shipping cost. VAT is then added on top. Currency fluctuations make matters worse. If the euro or dollar strengthens against the CFA franc during transit, the final bill can rise without warning.

Delays are another factor. A container ship might arrive on schedule, but customs clearance can take days or even weeks. During that time, storage fees can accumulate. I recall a friend grumbling after his car sat at the port for nearly ten days, costing him more than he had expected.

Benefits of Buying Locally

Buying locally in Togo offers immediate convenience. Walk into a dealership in Lomé or Kara, inspect the vehicle, run a quick test drive, and drive it home the same day. No shipping delays, no customs paperwork, no foreign currency worries.

Local purchases also reduce exposure to fraud. While international shipping is generally safe when done through reputable agents, scams exist. Vehicles can be misrepresented, documentation forged, or sellers disappear after payment. Buying locally mitigates these risks because you can see the car and the dealer in person.

Another subtle advantage is maintenance and support. Local dealers often provide warranties or after-sales services. If something goes wrong, a mechanic familiar with locally sold models can fix the car easily. Imported vehicles, especially those from Europe or the U.S., might require parts that are hard to source, increasing maintenance costs over time.

Costs of Buying Locally

Of course, local purchases are rarely perfect. Vehicles may be more expensive, sometimes significantly so, particularly for newer models. Availability is also limited; certain trims or colors may not be stocked.

A friend searching for a 2018 Toyota Hilux quickly realized that he’d either pay a premium at a local dealership or compromise on mileage, model year, or condition. Some buyers also encounter hidden costs, like dealer markups or registration fees, which can erode the perceived convenience advantage.

Timing and Flexibility

Shipping requires planning and patience. You need to account for:

Shipping schedules, which may be infrequent

Transit time, which can range from two to six weeks depending on origin and shipping method

Customs processing, which may add days or weeks

Local buying, in contrast, offers instant gratification. For businesses needing vehicles immediately, or individuals relying on a car for work, buying locally often makes more sense.

Personal Experience: A Hybrid Approach

I’ve seen buyers who combine both strategies. One friend imports higher-value or specialty vehicles from Europe while purchasing standard sedans locally for everyday use. This approach allows them to enjoy the benefits of international selection while avoiding unnecessary risk for lower-cost vehicles.

Another friend considered shipping a Nissan X-Trail from Japan. After calculating all fees, he realized a locally sourced 2018 model, though slightly more expensive upfront, would cost less in the end and come with easier warranty coverage. The import seemed appealing initially, but when you factor in uncertainty and hidden fees, the local option became more practical.

Market Considerations in Togo

The Togo market is unique. Importers face several constraints:

Limited dealerships: Fewer options mean local prices can be inflated due to reduced competition.

Import regulations: Customs duties, VAT, and environmental levies make imports more costly.

Currency risk: International payments are sensitive to fluctuations in the CFA franc against the euro, U.S. dollar, or Japanese yen.

Infrastructure: Roads and service centers influence the practicality of certain vehicles. For instance, a high-end European car may be less suited for rural routes than a locally available Toyota Hilux or Nissan Navara.

Considering these factors is crucial. A car that’s perfect in Europe might not be the best choice for driving around Lomé or along Togo’s highways.

Risk Management

Shipping carries inherent risks. Vehicles can be damaged during transit, paperwork can be lost or delayed, and import rules can change without much notice. Working with a reputable freight forwarder and clearing agent is almost essential.

Buying locally, while generally safer, isn’t immune to risks. Some used vehicles may have hidden defects or past accidents. Checking vehicle history and, if possible, hiring an independent mechanic for inspection is recommended.

Anecdotes from the Market

I remember speaking to a businessman in Lomé who had shipped a BMW X5 from Germany. He spent weeks tracking the container, paying customs, and coordinating with his clearing agent. Once it arrived, minor scratches were discovered, sparking disputes with the agent. While the car was in excellent mechanical condition, the experience left him wary of future imports.

Conversely, a family buying a Toyota Corolla locally found a slightly higher price than an imported equivalent, but the car came with a warranty and could be registered and insured in a single day. They appreciated the speed, convenience, and lower stress, even if it cost a little more.

These stories illustrate the trade-offs: cost versus convenience, control versus risk, and patience versus immediacy.

Strategic Considerations

When deciding between shipping and buying locally, consider:

Vehicle value: High-value or specialty cars may justify shipping costs.

Urgency: Need the car immediately? Local purchase wins.

Long-term maintenance: Imported cars may have higher maintenance costs if parts aren’t readily available.

Budget: Factor in hidden fees, currency risk, and agent charges.

I often advise friends to run a full total cost calculation, including all taxes, duties, and contingencies, before committing. The cheapest sticker price rarely reflects the real expense of shipping.

Final Thoughts

Shipping versus buying locally in Togo is rarely straightforward. Imported vehicles can offer better condition, variety, and value in certain cases—but they carry delays, hidden costs, and risk. Local purchases provide convenience, support, and immediacy, but may come at a premium and with limited options.

My personal takeaway from years of helping friends navigate this process? Always calculate total cost, account for risk, and consider how the car will be used locally. Sometimes the imported option is worth every cent; other times, the local dealer provides peace of mind that money can’t buy.

At the end of the day, the choice isn’t just about numbers—it’s about priorities, patience, and the story you want your car to have once it hits the roads of Togo.

Published on: Sep 07, 2025

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