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📦 Sourcing Guide
Sourcing directly from India used to feel daunting for small and medium European boutiques. Language barriers, time zones, minimum order quantities, customs paperwork, shipping lead times, quality uncertainty — the list of concerns was long enough to keep most boutique owners buying from European wholesalers at a significant mark-up.
That has changed. Here is a step-by-step guide to sourcing garments directly from India — covering MOQ, sampling, shipping, customs, and what to look for in a reliable manufacturing partner.
The margin difference between a European wholesaler and a direct Indian manufacturer is typically 40–60%. A blouse that costs €18 from a Hamburg wholesaler might cost €8–10 FOB Jaipur from the manufacturer who made it. At boutique quantities of 300–500 pieces per season, that difference is real money.
Beyond margin, direct sourcing gives you:
India has two main garment supplier types: trading companies (they don't manufacture, just source and mark up) and direct manufacturers (they make the garments). Always aim for a direct manufacturer. Ask: "Do you own your production unit?" and "Can I visit your factory?" A genuine manufacturer will say yes to both.
Before any order, request physical samples. A reputable manufacturer will send samples at cost (typically €10–25 per piece) or free for orders above a certain value. Evaluate: fabric hand-feel, stitch quality, print sharpness, colour-fastness (rub a damp cloth on it), and measurements against EU sizing standards.
Typical MOQ from a quality Jaipur manufacturer: 30–50 pieces per style. Lead time from order confirmation to goods ready: 30–45 days. Payment terms: 30–50% deposit upfront, balance before shipment or against shipping documents. Avoid suppliers asking for 100% upfront.
For catalogue styles (ready designs), you simply confirm which styles, colours and quantities. For custom work, you need a tech pack: flat sketches, measurements, fabric specs, print artwork. Many small boutiques start with catalogue styles and move to custom after building the relationship.
For orders under 100kg: air freight (DHL Express or similar), €6–12/kg, 3–5 days. For orders over 100kg: air freight becomes expensive — consider sea freight via container, 25–35 days, but dramatically cheaper per unit. For your first order, air freight is usually safer even if more expensive — it lets you check quality before committing to sea volumes.
India-EU garment imports attract customs duty of 12% on the declared value (CIF). You'll also pay 19% German VAT on the total (value + duty). Factor this into your landed cost calculation. Use an EORI number (free to register with the German customs authority) and work with a customs broker for your first shipment — many freight forwarders offer this service.
Before paying the balance, request a pre-shipment inspection report — photos of packed goods, measurements, and stitch quality. For larger orders, consider hiring a third-party QC service (QIMA, Bureau Veritas) to inspect in Jaipur before shipment. This is worth the cost on any order above €5,000.
The best supplier relationships in India are personal ones. Visit Jaipur once a year if you can (flights from Frankfurt are around €400–600). See the factory, meet the artisans, walk the fabric markets. The relationships you build there are the ones that get your order prioritised when capacity is tight.
Most Indian garment suppliers require you to deal entirely across a 4.5-hour time difference, manage Indian shipping documentation yourself, and wait 6–8 weeks for sea freight.
Our Germany office in Friedberg changes this:
Not every Indian supplier is a good partner. Here are warning signs:
We're based in Jaipur and Friedberg, Germany. Samples available, MOQ from 30 pieces, EU-friendly documentation provided as standard.
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