Are you looking to start a shawls business in India but worried about high investment and risks? Don’t worry! Setting up a profitable shawls trading business is easier than you think, especially when you start by buying shawls at wholesale prices and selling them through e-commerce platforms or to retailers. In this guide, we’ll take you step by step through the process of setting up a shawls business with minimal capital. We’ll explain the types of shawls, the best wholesale markets, logistics, and how to earn good profits. Let’s dive in!
Why Start a Shawls Business ?
Shawls are a great product to sell in India because they are versatile, stylish, and have year-round demand. From winter woolen shawls to light, decorative silk shawls for weddings, the variety is endless. Shawls are used by men, women, and even in religious ceremonies, giving them a broad market. The key is to buy shawls at wholesale prices and sell them at a profit.
Understanding Different Types of Shawls
Before you start, it’s important to understand the different types of shawls you can trade. This will help you decide which market to tap into based on your budget and target audience.
- Pashmina Shawls:
- Material: Made from the wool of Pashmina goats in Kashmir.
- Characteristics: Extremely soft, luxurious, and lightweight. They are often handwoven and embroidered with intricate designs.
- Price Range: ₹2,000 – ₹25,000 or more (depending on quality and craftsmanship).
- Cashmere Shawls:
- Material: Made from the fine undercoat fibers of Cashmere goats.
- Characteristics: Soft, warm, and lightweight. Cashmere shawls are known for their superior quality and warmth.
- Price Range: ₹1,500 – ₹15,000.
- Woolen Shawls:
- Material: Made from sheep wool.
- Characteristics: Ideal for winter, warm, thick, and affordable.
- Price Range: ₹300 – ₹3,000.
- Silk Shawls:
- Material: Made from pure silk or blended fabrics.
- Characteristics: Smooth, shiny, and luxurious. Perfect for weddings and festive occasions.
- Price Range: ₹500 – ₹5,000.
- Kashmiri Shawls:
- Material: Wool or Pashmina.
- Characteristics: Hand-embroidered, known for intricate needlework (like Sozni or Aari embroidery).
- Price Range: ₹1,000 – ₹30,000.
- Phulkari Shawls:
- Material: Cotton or wool, known for traditional Phulkari embroidery.
- Characteristics: Brightly colored and heavily embroidered, mostly popular in Punjab.
- Price Range: ₹500 – ₹3,500.
- Tibetan Shawls:
- Material: Wool, often blended with yak wool.
- Characteristics: Warm, heavy, and perfect for winter.
- Price Range: ₹700 – ₹4,000.
- Kullu Shawls:
- Material: Wool.
- Characteristics: Famous for their geometric patterns and colorful designs, woven by artisans in Himachal Pradesh.
- Price Range: ₹500 – ₹4,000.
Pashmoda Men Woollen Kanni Shawl, Authentic Kashmiri Luxury Pashmina Designs, Full Gents Lohi (Size 266×123 cms, Beige Color)
Re. 1860.00 (MRP Rs. 2895)
Top 10 Wholesale Markets for Shawls in India
Here’s a list of some of the best wholesale markets in India where you can buy shawls at wholesale rates. We’ll also cover what products they specialize in, the expected prices, minimum order quantity (MOQ), and how to get there.
1. Ludhiana Wholesale Market, Punjab
- Specialty: Woolen shawls
- Price Range: ₹300 – ₹1,500 per piece
- MOQ: 20 pieces
- Quality: Excellent for winter collections, especially for budget-conscious buyers.
- Location: Chaura Bazaar, Ludhiana
- Nearest Landmark: Ludhiana Railway Station
- Best Way to Reach: Train, auto, or taxi
- Market Timings: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)
- Bargaining Tips: Ludhiana is known for its wool industry. Ask for discounts on bulk orders and during off-season months.
2. Dharamshala Wholesale Market, Himachal Pradesh
- Specialty: Tibetan and woolen shawls
- Price Range: ₹700 – ₹4,000 per piece
- MOQ: 10 pieces
- Quality: High-quality wool and Tibetan designs.
- Location: Kotwali Bazaar, Dharamshala
- Nearest Landmark: Dharamshala Bus Stand
- Best Way to Reach: Bus or taxi
- Market Timings: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM (Open all days)
- Bargaining Tips: Aim for a 10-20% discount when purchasing in bulk.
3. Amritsar Wholesale Market, Punjab
- Specialty: Phulkari, woolen, and cotton shawls
- Price Range: ₹500 – ₹3,500 per piece
- MOQ: 15 pieces
- Quality: Best for traditional Phulkari shawls.
- Location: Hall Bazaar, Amritsar
- Nearest Landmark: Golden Temple
- Best Way to Reach: Auto, bus, or taxi
- Market Timings: 11:00 AM – 7:30 PM (Closed on Sundays)
- Bargaining Tips: Be polite but firm while negotiating. Phulkari shawls are unique, so prices are often high due to craftsmanship.
4. Jaipur Wholesale Market, Rajasthan
- Specialty: Silk shawls and traditional prints
- Price Range: ₹500 – ₹5,000 per piece
- MOQ: 20 pieces
- Quality: Vibrant designs, perfect for weddings and festive seasons.
- Location: Johari Bazaar, Jaipur
- Nearest Landmark: Hawa Mahal
- Best Way to Reach: Auto, bus, or taxi
- Market Timings: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM (Open all days)
- Bargaining Tips: Start with a low offer and work your way up. Vendors appreciate bulk buyers.
5. Kullu Wholesale Market, Himachal Pradesh
- Specialty: Woolen Kullu shawls
- Price Range: ₹500 – ₹4,000 per piece
- MOQ: 15 pieces
- Quality: Best for winter and gift collections.
- Location: Akhara Bazaar, Kullu
- Nearest Landmark: Kullu Bus Stand
- Best Way to Reach: Bus or taxi
- Market Timings: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM (Closed on Sundays)
- Bargaining Tips: Artisans are open to negotiation but be respectful of their work.
6. Chandni Chowk Wholesale Market, Delhi
- Specialty: Woolen, silk, and cotton shawls
- Price Range: ₹300 – ₹4,500 per piece
- MOQ: 10 pieces
- Quality: Variety of materials, from budget-friendly to high-end.
- Location: Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi
- Nearest Landmark: Chandni Chowk Metro Station (Yellow Line)
- Best Way to Reach: Metro, rickshaw, or auto
- Market Timings: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)
- Bargaining Tips: Start with an offer 20-30% below the asking price. Compare prices from multiple vendors.
7. Karol Bagh Wholesale Market, Delhi
- Specialty: Woolen, silk, and mixed-material shawls
- Price Range: ₹500 – ₹2,500 per piece
- MOQ: 20 pieces
- Quality: Good for everyday and festive shawls.
- Location: Ajmal Khan Road, Karol Bagh
- Nearest Landmark: Karol Bagh Metro Station (Blue Line)
- Best Way to Reach: Metro, auto, or taxi
- Market Timings: 10:30 AM – 8:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
- Bargaining Tips: Visit during weekdays for better bargaining power.
8. Surat Wholesale Market, Gujarat
- Specialty: Factory-priced woolen and mixed-material shawls
- Price Range: ₹300 – ₹1,500 per piece
- MOQ: 50 pieces
- Quality: Best for bulk, factory-direct shawls.
- Location: Ring Road Textile Market, Surat
- Nearest Landmark: Surat Railway Station
- Best Way to Reach: Train, auto, or taxi
- Market Timings: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Open all days)
- Bargaining Tips: Bulk buyers can get great deals, especially on factory seconds.
**9. Kolkata Wholesale
Market, West Bengal**
- Specialty: Traditional Bengali designs and modern patterns
- Price Range: ₹500 – ₹3,500 per piece
- MOQ: 15 pieces
- Quality: High-quality cotton, woolen, and silk shawls.
- Location: Burrabazar, Kolkata
- Nearest Landmark: Howrah Bridge
- Best Way to Reach: Bus, metro, or auto
- Market Timings: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)
- Bargaining Tips: Always start 15-20% below the asking price. Inspect the quality closely before committing.
10. Srinagar Wholesale Market, Jammu & Kashmir
- Specialty: Kashmiri Pashmina and woolen shawls
- Price Range: ₹2,000 – ₹25,000 per piece
- MOQ: 10 pieces
- Quality: Authentic Kashmiri craftsmanship.
- Location: Lal Chowk, Srinagar
- Nearest Landmark: Dal Lake
- Best Way to Reach: Auto, taxi, or bus
- Market Timings: 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM (Closed on Fridays)
- Bargaining Tips: Be respectful of the craftsmanship, but still aim for a discount, especially for bulk orders.
Note: For detail description of various wholesale bazaars across India – visit b2b-bazaar.com
Logistics and Transportation
Once you’ve purchased your shawls, the next step is figuring out how to transport them to your location. Most wholesalers partner with logistics companies like DTDC, Blue Dart, and India Post for delivery across India.
- Shipping Costs: Expect to pay between ₹500 – ₹1,500 for smaller orders, and bulk orders may come with discounts.
- Tip: Consolidate shipments to reduce shipping costs, especially when ordering from multiple markets.
Selling Shawls for Profit
Once you’ve sourced your shawls, you can sell them through:
- E-commerce Platforms: Use platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, or even your own Shopify store.
- Profit Margin: Typically, you can sell shawls for 50%-200% more than your purchase price. For example, if you buy a woolen shawl for ₹300, you can sell it for ₹600 – ₹900 online.
Sub-niches to Focus On:
- Winter collections (woolen shawls)
- Festive collections (silk and Phulkari shawls)
- Luxury markets (Pashmina and Cashmere)
Tips for Success in the Shawls Business
- Start small: Buy low MOQ to test which shawls sell best.
- Focus on quality: Always choose high-quality shawls, even if they cost more. It will reduce returns and build trust with customers.
- Use social media: Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are perfect for showcasing your shawls and driving traffic to your e-commerce store.
By starting with small investments and focusing on niches, you can build a profitable shawls business that generates year-round income. Happy selling!
