Saree Reselling Business: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Description

Want to start your own business but don’t know where to begin? A saree reselling business could be the perfect fit for you! With the saree business in India booming both in India and international markets, the opportunities are endless, given its cultural significance and the surge in online sales. From bridal collections to contemporary designs, sarees are making fashion enthusiasts fall in love.

This guide will walk you through the process of starting your own saree reselling business from market research to scaling up. Whether you want to start an online saree business without investment or build a sustainable supply chain, we’ve got you covered.

The Saree Reselling Buzz

What is saree reselling?

Saree reselling involves buying sarees – either wholesale or directly from weavers – and selling them to customers, often with added value like curated collections or personal advice. You don’t need a physical store to start; many resellers operate entirely online, using platforms like Instagram, Facebook and e-commerce websites to set up their online saree store.

Why is the saree market growing?

The demand for sarees in the saree industry is sky-rocketing, not just in India but globally. They are worn for weddings, festivals and even as trendy casual wear. The push towards sustainable and artisanal fashion has also created demand for sarees made by skilled weavers using traditional techniques. Markets like US, UK and Australia are seeing an increase in interest for ethnic clothing, making this a great opportunity.

Why saree reselling is perfect for beginners?

• Low Startup Costs – Unlike other businesses, starting a saree business, especially a saree reselling business requires minimal upfront investment. You can even start without a physical shop.
• Flexibility & Independence – You work on your own schedule, making it ideal for women entrepreneurs, students or anyone looking for a part-time source of income.
• High Demand – The demand for sarees spans across all demographics – from brides looking for bespoke designs to professionals opting for elegant office-wear sarees.

Now that you know the market potential, let’s dive into building a strong foundation for your business.

Step 1: Saree Business Market Research and Niche Selection

The first and most important step is to identify your niche. This will determine the kind of customers you will target and the products you will sell.

Who is your target audience? Brides looking for luxurious sarees like Banarasi or Kanjivaram.

• Women who want stylish, casual or contemporary sarees for daily wear.
• Festive shoppers looking for ethnic wear during Diwali, Durga Puja or Eid.

What are the trends?

Stay updated with current fashion trends in saree designs and fabrics. Explore popular choices like:

• Handloom sarees (cotton, silk)
• Sustainable fabrics (bamboo silk, organic cotton)
• Designer sarees with modern patterns

Competitive pricing

Research the market to understand pricing strategies. Factors like material, artistry and scarcity can influence the price. Strike a balance between affordability and profitability.

Use this groundwork to decide what kind of sarees you will sell and how to price them.

Step 2: Choose Your Business Model

Choosing the right business model is key to your online saree business success. There are several business models to consider, each with its pros and cons.

Saree reselling business models

1. Wholesale Saree Business: This model involves buying sarees in bulk from manufacturers or wholesalers and selling them to customers at a markup. While it requires a big initial investment, it can be highly profitable if you have a good customer base. The key is to negotiate good deals with suppliers and manage your inventory well.
2. Retail Saree Business: In this model, you sell sarees directly to customers through an online platform or a physical store. It requires a smaller initial investment compared to wholesale but may have lower profit margins. The advantage is the direct interaction with customers which can help you build a loyal customer base and get immediate feedback.
3. Etail Saree Business: This involves selling sarees through an e-commerce website or online marketplace. It requires a strong online presence and a robust marketing strategy but can reach a wider audience. The competition is high, so differentiating your brand through unique collections or exceptional customer service is crucial.
4. Home Run Store: This model involves selling sarees from a physical store at home. It requires minimal investment and is flexible. However, the customer reach is limited and marketing opportunities are fewer compared to online models.

Pros and cons of each model Business:

Model Pros Cons Wholesale Saree Business – High profit margins, bulk purchasing discounts High initial investment, inventory management challenges.

Retail Saree Business – Lower initial investment, direct customer interaction Lower profit margins, limited customer reach.

Etail Saree Business – Wide customer reach, flexible marketing strategiesHigh competition, requires strong online presence.

Home Run Store – Minimal investment, flexible operations Limited customer reach, limited marketing opportunities.

Choose the business model that suits your resources, goals and market conditions. Evaluate each option carefully to decide which one aligns best with your vision for your online saree business.

Step 2: Sourcing Sarees

Where you source your sarees can make or break your business. Your goal should be to find high quality products at wholesale prices while maintaining authenticity.

Directly from weavers

Sourcing directly from weavers supports artisans and ensures unique handcrafted pieces that appeal to niche customers. Platforms like Gaatha connect resellers directly to weavers.

Wholesale markets

Visit cities like Surat, Varanasi, Kolkata or Jaipur to access large collections of sarees at wholesale prices. Some prominent wholesale markets are:

• Surat Textile Market (Gujarat)
• Barabazar Market (West Bengal)
• MG Road in Bengaluru (Karnataka)

Online B2B marketplaces

Websites like Udaan, IndiaMART and TradeIndia are must for anyone who wants to succeed in online saree industry as they offer variety of sarees for wholesale. These platforms allow you to buy stock without traveling.

Quality checks

Before buying, inspect the fabric, stitching and colour contrast. Authenticity and durability are key to customer trust.

Step 4: Funding Options

Funding your online saree business is crucial for its success. There are several funding options to consider, including self-funding, loans and investors.

Self-funding

Self-funding involves using your own savings or revenue to fund your business. This option gives you control and ownership of your business but may limit your growth.

Pros of self-funding:

• Maintains control and ownership
• No debt or interest payments
• Flexibility in decision making

Cons of self-funding:

• Limited growth
• Personal financial risk
• Limited access to resources and expertiseWhen self-funding, make sure to create a detailed business plan and budget to ensure you have sufficient funds to cover startup costs and ongoing expenses. This way you can start small and scale up gradually, reinvesting profits back into the business.

Step 3: Setting Up Your Online Store

You don’t need a big budget to sell sarees online and create an appealing storefront. A professional looking website or social media presence is enough to reach your audience.

Choose an e-commerce platform

Platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce and Etsy are beginner friendly and offer tools to create seamless shopping experiences.

Optimise product listings

• Take high quality pictures of each saree.
• Write engaging descriptions including fabric, design and speciality.
• Mention delivery timelines, return/exchange policies and care instructions.

Design your website

Make your website user friendly with clear navigation and categorisation (e.g. Bridal Sarees, Party Wear, Casual Sarees).

Pro tip: For smaller budgets, start by selling on Instagram or Facebook Marketplace before investing in a full-fledged website.

Step 4: Marketing and Branding Strategies

Marketing is the key to success in saree business. Building your brand and establishing credibility will go a long way.

Leverage social media

Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook are perfect for showcasing saree collections. Post high quality photos, behind the scenes videos and styling tips.

Content marketing

Use engaging blogs or reels to build authority. Examples:

• “5 Ways to Style a Banarasi Saree for Modern Occasions”
• “Why Handloom Sarees Make the Perfect Gift”

Collaborate with influencers

Partner with fashion influencers or bloggers to review your sarees and spread the word.

Community engagement

Become active in online saree communities and forums. Answer queries and provide value to establish your expertise.

Pro tip: Run social media contests with hashtags like #WinASaree to drive engagement.

Step 5: Inventory and Logistics

Proper inventory management ensures seamless online business operations.

Inventory tracking

Use tools like Zoho Inventory or QuickBooks to stay organised.

Packaging and shipping

Invest in eco friendly and secure packaging to impress your customers. Partner with reliable couriers like Blue Dart or DTDC for timely delivery.

Returns Have clear return and exchange policies. Build customer trust by resolving issues quickly and professionally.

Step 6: Scale Your Saree Reselling Business

Once your business is up and running and you have customers, you can scale to grow.

• Expand your product range. Explore lehengas or dupattas.
• Global shipping to international markets.
• Automate your processes using e-commerce tools and outsource tasks like marketing or order fulfilment.

The ultimate goal is to have a business that runs itself while you focus on strategy and growth.

Start Today!

Selling sarees at home is a viable and profitable business. With low investment and growing demand for traditional and designer sarees, now is the time to get into the market.

Get the right knowledge, source authentic sarees and create a brand that resonates with your audience. With dedication and creativity you can turn your saree business into a profitable venture.

Why Buy an Ebook on Saree Reselling Business

Investing in an ebook on saree reselling business can be a game changer for entrepreneurs. Here are some benefits:

1. Comprehensive Information: An ebook has in-depth information on how to start and run a saree reselling business, covering everything from market research to scaling operations.
2. Step by Step Guidance: It has a structured approach to help you understand each step of the business, from sourcing high quality sarees to marketing strategies.
3. Cost Effective Learning: Ebooks are generally more affordable than traditional courses or seminars, making them accessible to a wider audience.
4. Convenience and Flexibility: You can read and learn at your own pace, anytime and anywhere which is perfect for busy people or those with multiple commitments.
5. Updated Information: Ebooks can be easily updated with latest trends and strategies in saree market, so you have current information.
6. Bilingual: This ebook is available in Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Telugu and English, so language is not a barrier to get valuable business insights.

By buying this ebook you will get the knowledge and confidence to start and grow your saree reselling business, whether you are targeting local or international markets.