Importing Indian/pakistani clothes to uk

[Windmark]

Hello there,

I'm thinking of setting up an Indian/Pakistani clothes importing business and selling to uk customers via an outlet.

I'm thinking of starting out very small to reduce costs, I'm not sure the best way of how to proceed with this or if anyone has any good reputable contacts for both Indian and Pakistani wholesalers that I could perhaps approach or any other advice that may be useful.

I'd really appreciate any kind help you may be able to provide.

Many thanks.

 

[Windmark]

Any ideas?

 

[Clinton]

Where's your outlet going to be? It'll have to be in areas of Asian concentration to stand any chance. And you will need to be able to speak Hindi/Urdu at least if not Punjabi and Gujarati.

As someone who has numerous female relatives who wear these outfits ... I'll say you really need to know your fashion and your clothes. You need to know what the Bollywood stars are wearing, you need to know what jewellery goes with what outfit and what the current trends in jewellery are.

The major problem I notice with the stuff my wife, her sisters, my nieces etc., buy is that even the expensive outfits are so fiddly that various shiny bits and "decoration" keep falling off. At functions the younger kids have great fun running around finding "diamonds" all over the floor. Expect people to use your outfits and then return them for a refund when bits have fallen off after first use.

Another problem is the dry-cleaning. You can't put any of these outfits in the washing machine and dry cleaners charge a bomb because these outfits are so delicate. You could get outfits back for a refund because they didn't survive dry cleaning.

The third problem is skin irritation. Many of those outfits are horrible to wear, especially for kids. You could get complaints if the material causes a kid some damage.

Sorry to be negative, but just wanted to warn you about some of the issues you need to be aware about.

 

[Windmark]

Thanks for your input Clinton, I'm already aware of most of the issues you raise.

I'm thinking of opening in Bradford, plus my other half is Indian and will therefore be able to help on the language/fashion style front.

I'm thinking of supplying pre tailored designer Asian clothing not just bridal stuff with the finicky bits that fall off, I don't think anyone would have too much issue regarding returns with this.

I'm looking for a decent model on how to do this with reputable sources abroad as such I'd appreciate help.

Thanks,
Windmark

 

[Clinton]

There's no shortage of suppliers - numerous places where you can get lists including the Indian High Commission. Better if you go down and meet suppliers in person. Tie delivery schedules to penalties and don't rely on promises to get a regular supply! You might want to also consider some hedging against currency fluctuations.

 

[Windmark]

Thanks for that Clinton, where would be the best places to get those lists from?

There are certain designer brands that I think are the "in" thing at the minute, I'm just wondering what legitimate routes may be open to securing at least a few samples to sell in the first instance, I'm not sure if going direct to the label/manufacturer is the best/only option as it may tie me in to a large initial order that I can't sell off.

I know I'll ultimately have to go over in person and see the suppliers/manufacturers, I'm a bit weary as a friend of mine who went abroad to India and Pakistan was actually kidnapped and held for ransom, so am twice shy and need reputable people to deal with.

 

[Clinton]

The High Com, tradeindia.com, india.alibaba.com, various Indian directories, UKTI, Free Trade Zones ....

I lived in India for 25 years and nobody kidnapped me. If you're not as naturally ugly as I am ... go get some plastic surgery.

 

[Windmark]

Mate, trust me I'd give any scifi monster a run for its money!

Thanks for the info by the way, also would you know of sources of info in Pakistan?

 

[Clinton]

Nah, I'm not going to promote Pakistian! Stay with Indian.

 

[Windmark]

Thanks for the info anyhow!

 

[Rose Departure]

Hello, Windmark

I am not that familiar with Indian/Pakistan contacts for clothes, but very familiar with China for clothes...with 10 years professional clothes experience in China, excellent clothes resource for stock wholesale and OEM production, price various, quantity various(small quantity definitely workable), while quality and service steady...

If you also interest in getting know some info. of similar products in China, pls feel free PM me for details.

Many thanks!