Are you considering a small, low-risk scarves business in India with limited capital ? If so, you are going to make a smart choice ! Scarves are popular in India because of various reasons like climate, fashion, religious considerations (Hijab) etc. The market is estimated to be US$ 1.3 billion at present – growing at a CAGR of 5.2%.
Growth of scarf market is influenced by various factors including seasonal demand fluctuations, cultural trends, and increasing consumer awareness regarding fashion. Key drivers are : urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and a growing middle class that is more inclined towards lifestyle and fashion products.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through buying scarves at wholesale prices and selling them for a good profit, either to retailers or directly to consumers via e-commerce platforms. Let’s get started!
Why Start a Scarves Business?
Scarves have a broad appeal and are versatile across seasons and styles. As a trading business, you don’t need to invest in manufacturing or production. Instead, you can buy at wholesale rates and sell at a markup, making it a perfect business model if you have limited capital and want to avoid the complexity of production.
Step 1: Sourcing Scarves from India’s Best Wholesale Markets
Below are some of the top wholesale markets for scarves in India. These markets specialize in different products, price ranges, and order quantities (MOQ), making them ideal for your business, no matter your budget.
1. Lajpat Nagar Wholesale Market, Delhi
- Specialty: Silk scarves and designer pieces
- Price Range: ₹80 – ₹500 per piece
- MOQ: 10-20 pieces
- Quality: High-quality silk with elegant patterns
- Location: Lajpat Nagar II, South Delhi
- Nearest Landmark: Lajpat Nagar Metro Station (Violet Line)
- Best Way to Reach: Metro (Violet Line), Auto, Taxi
- Market Timings: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
- Bargaining Tips: Start low but respectfully. Avoid early morning or peak hours when wholesalers are busy with bulk buyers.
2. Karol Bagh Wholesale Market, Delhi
- Specialty: Traditional to modern designs
- Price Range: ₹60 – ₹300 per piece
- MOQ: 20 pieces
- Quality: Moderate to high, depending on the vendor
- Location: Ajmal Khan Road, Karol Bagh, Central Delhi
- Nearest Landmark: Karol Bagh Metro Station (Blue Line)
- Best Way to Reach: Metro (Blue Line), Auto, Taxi
- Market Timings: 10:30 AM – 8:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
- Bargaining Tips: It’s best to visit during the weekdays. Begin with about 30-40% lower than the asking price.
3. Chandni Chowk Wholesale Market, Delhi
- Specialty: Silk, cotton, and woolen scarves
- Price Range: ₹50 – ₹400 per piece
- MOQ: 10-15 pieces
- Quality: Basic cotton to premium woolen and silk scarves
- Location: Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi
- Nearest Landmark: Chandni Chowk Metro Station (Yellow Line)
- Best Way to Reach: Metro (Yellow Line), Rickshaw, Auto
- Market Timings: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)
- Bargaining Tips: Aim for 25% below the asking price but don’t push too hard if the quality is excellent.
4. Surat Wholesale Market, Gujarat
- Specialty: Factory-priced scarves (chiffon, polyester)
- Price Range: ₹40 – ₹150 per piece
- MOQ: 50 pieces (bulk purchases ideal here)
- Quality: Good quality at factory prices
- Location: Ring Road Textile Market, Surat
- Nearest Landmark: Surat Railway Station
- Best Way to Reach: Train, Auto, Taxi
- Market Timings: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Open all days)
- Bargaining Tips: Prices are already competitive, so focus on volume-based discounts.
5. Jaipur Wholesale Market, Rajasthan
- Specialty: Vibrant, traditional printed scarves (Bandhani, Leheriya)
- Price Range: ₹100 – ₹400 per piece
- MOQ: 20 pieces
- Quality: Excellent craftsmanship, especially for ethnic designs
- Location: Johari Bazaar, Jaipur
- Nearest Landmark: Hawa Mahal
- Best Way to Reach: Auto, Taxi, Bus
- Market Timings: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM (Open all days)
- Bargaining Tips: Start with a low price if you’re buying in bulk, and use the cultural appeal as a selling point.
6. Kolkata Wholesale Market, West Bengal
- Specialty: Bengali traditional designs and modern patterns
- Price Range: ₹60 – ₹300 per piece
- MOQ: 15 pieces
- Quality: High-quality cotton and silk
- Location: Burrabazar, Kolkata
- Nearest Landmark: Howrah Bridge
- Best Way to Reach: Bus, Metro, Auto
- Market Timings: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)
- Bargaining Tips: Make offers around 20% below the asking price; sellers are usually open to negotiation.
7. Mumbai Wholesale Market, Maharashtra
- Specialty: Fashion scarves, perfect for urban customers
- Price Range: ₹100 – ₹500 per piece
- MOQ: 25 pieces
- Quality: High-quality, modern designs often found in stores
- Location: Crawford Market, South Mumbai
- Nearest Landmark: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT)
- Best Way to Reach: Train, Bus, Taxi
- Market Timings: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)
- Bargaining Tips: Prices can vary, so try to compare multiple vendors before making a purchase.
8. Bangalore Wholesale Market, Karnataka
- Specialty: Silk and cotton scarves
- Price Range: ₹80 – ₹350 per piece
- MOQ: 15-20 pieces
- Quality: Excellent silk and moderate cotton options
- Location: Chickpet Market, Bangalore
- Nearest Landmark: KR Market Metro Station
- Best Way to Reach: Metro, Auto, Taxi
- Market Timings: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)
- Bargaining Tips: Try to visit early in the day for fresh stock and better negotiation chances.
9. Hyderabad Wholesale Market, Telangana
- Specialty: Ikat and Pochampalli traditional scarves
- Price Range: ₹120 – ₹400 per piece
- MOQ: 15-20 pieces
- Quality: Exceptional handcrafted quality
- Location: Laad Bazaar, Hyderabad
- Nearest Landmark: Charminar
- Best Way to Reach: Bus, Auto, Taxi
- Market Timings: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)
- Bargaining Tips: Sellers may lower prices if you appreciate the craftsmanship and ask politely.
10. Ludhiana Wholesale Market, Punjab
- Specialty: Woolen and cotton scarves, ideal for winter
- Price Range: ₹50 – ₹200 per piece
- MOQ: 30 pieces
- Quality: Ideal for colder climates; high-quality wool
- Location: Chaura Bazaar, Ludhiana
- Nearest Landmark: Ludhiana Railway Station
- Best Way to Reach: Train, Auto, Taxi
- Market Timings: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)
- Bargaining Tips: Bulk orders can lead to substantial discounts, especially in off-season months.
Note: Visit B2B-Bazaar for detail description of various wholesale markets in India –
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Step 2: Logistics and Transportation In Scarves Business
Once you’ve purchased your scarves, the next task is logistics. Since scarves are lightweight, transportation is generally affordable. Courier services such as DTDC, Blue Dart, and India Post are widely available and offer reliable options for delivery across India.
- Cost of Shipping: For smaller orders (10-50 pieces), shipping costs range from ₹500 to ₹1500 depending on the distance. Larger bulk orders can get discounted rates.
- Tip: Try to consolidate your orders to lower the shipping cost and increase profit margins.
Step 3: Selling Scarves Online and Maximizing Profits
Once you’ve sourced your scarves, the next step is selling them at a profit. E-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, and even your own Shopify store are ideal for reaching a wide audience.
- Profit Margin: Depending on your niche and target audience, you can sell scarves at a markup of 50% to 200%. For instance, if you buy a scarf for ₹100, you can sell it for ₹200-₹300.
- Sub-niches to Focus On: You could specialize in woolen scarves for winter collections, ethnic designs for festive seasons, or eco-friendly, organic cotton scarves for environmentally conscious buyers.
Step 4: Barriers and How to Overcome Them
- Capital Constraints: To minimize risks, start small by purchasing low MOQ from markets like Chandni Chowk and Karol Bagh.
- Competition: Niche down. Offer unique scarves like traditional Ikat or organic cotton designs that set you apart.
- Bargaining: Always negotiate with wholesalers to secure the best price.
Which Scarf Material To Chose
In India, the popularity of scarf materials varies based on climate, cultural significance, and fashion trends. The most common materials used for scarves include:
Popular Scarf Materials in India
- Cotton
- Characteristics: Lightweight, breathable, and comfortable.
- Usage: Ideal for summer wear and casual outfits, making it a favorite among consumers in warmer climates
- Silk
- Characteristics: Luxurious, soft, and elegant with a beautiful drape.
- Usage: Often associated with high-end fashion and special occasions, appealing to those seeking sophistication[1][2][3].
- Wool
- Characteristics: Warm and insulating, suitable for colder weather.
- Usage: Favored in regions with harsh winters; wool scarves are popular during the winter months[1][3].
- Polyester
- Characteristics: Durable, affordable, and easy to care for.
- Usage: Commonly used for everyday wear and sports scarves due to its resilience and low maintenance[1][2].
- Cashmere and Pashmina
- Characteristics: Soft, warm, and luxurious; cashmere is known for its fineness while pashmina offers a lighter feel.
- Usage: Highly sought after for their quality and warmth, especially in colder seasons[2][3].
- Viscose
- Characteristics: Semi-synthetic fabric that is smooth and breathable.
- Usage: Often used for fashion scarves that require a flowy finish at a more affordable price point[2][3].
- Acrylic
- Characteristics: A popular alternative to wool that provides warmth without the weight.
- Usage: Commonly used in winter scarves as a cost-effective option[2][3].
Trends Influencing Material Choice
- The choice of materials is heavily influenced by seasonal demands, fashion trends, and cultural practices. For example, cotton is preferred in summer while wool and cashmere are sought after in winter. Additionally, the rise of sustainable fashion has increased interest in eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and recycled fibers[1][4].
Overall, the diversity of materials reflects not only the climatic conditions across different regions of India but also the evolving fashion landscape that caters to various consumer preferences.
Final Tips for Success
- Research Demand: Before buying, research which designs or materials are trending to ensure you stock items that will sell quickly.
- Quality Control: Choose scarves with good craftsmanship to avoid returns and refunds, which can eat into your profits.
- Start Small: Test different designs and fabrics in small batches to see what sells best.
By carefully sourcing your products and focusing on niche markets, you can build a profitable scarves business with minimal capital. Start small, learn as you go, and grow steadily. Good luck, and happy selling!
