Your supplier determines your quality, margins and reliability. Good sourcing is the foundation of a profitable online business.
Where to source
- Wholesale markets: such as Delhi’s Sadar Bazaar, Mumbai’s Crawford Market, Surat for textiles.
- Manufacturing clusters: Tiruppur for knitwear, Moradabad for brassware, Jaipur for block prints, Ludhiana for woollens.
- B2B platforms: online directories of manufacturers and wholesalers.
- Trade fairs: industry exhibitions.
- Artisans and cooperatives: for handmade products.
Evaluating suppliers
- Sample quality and consistency.
- Pricing and MOQs.
- Lead times and reliability.
- GST invoices.
- Communication and willingness to customise.
Check the numbers
Calculate markup with our markup calculator and full profit after fees with our profit calculator.
Reduce risk
- Start with small orders.
- Have backup suppliers.
- Agree quality standards in writing.
Read starting a private label brand.
Want the full picture? This article is part of Marketplace selling: the complete guide, our in-depth guide with everything in one place.
