Olayinka Oremade is a trained business coach with 20 years of life experience. She successfully runs physical products both offline and online. She also runs information marketing, teaching people about the businesses she has done. She started with egg business, and from there she also ventured into refill oil business, then Palm oil business, from Palm oil business she started the shoe and bag business, which she has done successfully.
With her experience, she knows what it entails to run a successful business in our economy of today. She has made her mistakes and corrections, and she is ready to take us weekly on different business ideas, how to start, run and what it entails to succeed. She has remained a life coach to lots of successful business owners today. This week, she will be sharing with us what it takes to run a refill oil business.
Conduct Market Research
Before you dive in, understand your environment:
- Is there demand? (Check local food vendors, caterers, market women, etc.)
- What’s the price range?
- Who are your competitors and suppliers?
Pro Tip: Focus on areas with high food activity but limited oil depots — schools, markets, busy junctions, or low-income communities.
Secure a Strategic Location
You need a small but accessible shop in a high-traffic area.
Requirements:
- Ventilation and cleanliness
- Water-resistant floor (to prevent oil slip hazards)
- Space for drums and a dispensing station
Get Suppliers & Buy in Bulk
Source your vegetable oil from trusted manufacturers or wholesale dealers.
Buy in:
- 25L gallons or drums
- The more you buy, the lower your cost price — and the higher your profit.
Pro Tip: You can partner with a manufacturer directly and become a mini-distributor.
Get Refill Tools & Setup
Set up your station:
- Buy a stainless steel oil pump or use a clean funnel system
- Get various refill bottles: 75cl, 1L, 2L, and 5L
- Use measuring tools, stickers for branding, and price tags
Important: Always maintain hygiene. Customers love clean, clear oil and a neat depot.
Start Selling & Offer Packages
Start selling with competitive prices and small-size options.
Target customers:
- Food vendors
- Caterers
- Housewives
- Low-income earners who can’t buy full gallons
Conclusion:
With a small shop, steady supply, and word of mouth, your refill depot can quickly grow into a full-scale oil distribution business.
Want to learn how to scale this?
Stay tuned for our next training or DM “OIL DEPOT” to join our starter package.
