If I wanted to start a boutique in KSA ,what are the things I should consider?
Re: Starting a boutique
your target consumer, your competitor, your available resources
reliable darzi, and kaam wala
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camera
model/dummy model
you may also check local laws for home based business
Re: Starting a boutique
LP, you should ask Prototype, she has alot of experience!
Re: Starting a boutique
You need to be prepared to hear, "But it only costs XXX in Karachi!"
You have to consider these expenses and more when calculating your suit prices: shipping fees, customs duties, (annual) commercial registration fees, exhibition fees (if done publically), and also consider if your prices can be competitice with the selection available locally.
Re: Starting a boutique
Sorry I was busy all day
LP, what type of consumers/community do you want to target ? will it be a commercial boutique ?
I am working with someone who does exhibitions in Jeddah. She is a Pakistani herself but she sells formal/semiformal maxi dresses for Arab ladies so no shalwar/churidar suits for her.
You will need to have a tailor with you for last moment alterations/sizing/sleeves issues plus some connections here in pakistan or india for kaam/embroidery.
Re: Starting a boutique
what proto said.
your market should not be desis. it wont work out. pakistan is so close to arabia that even a chokidaar can make an yearly trip. no one will pay you enough to keep your business going (ie no profit for you.. actually not even break even), cuz they can get what they want how they want it .. in pakistan
your market should be the arabs. im doing this currently with someone in jeddah ( was slef born and raised there :) ).
oh and the arabs like bollywood.. anything bollywood... they dont have a clue whats indian and whats paki.
so dont think islamically ... think... lots of backless.. lots of bare shoulders... razzle dazzle.. and BIG.. everything has to be big! etc etc... cuz thats what these women wanna wear this stuff to.. pvt segregated parties. anything goes :)
love working with em!
Re: Starting a boutique
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Re: Starting a boutique
what proto said.
your market should not be desis. it wont work out. pakistan is so close to arabia that even a chokidaar can make an yearly trip. no one will pay you enough to keep your business going (ie no profit for you.. actually not even break even), cuz they can get what they want how they want it .. in pakistan
your market should be the arabs. :)
You should target a diverse segment. Realize that desis ALONE will not sustain your business. I am doing very well, mashah'Allah, marketing to EVERYONE...Desis, Americans, British, Africans, Arabs, Asians, etc. Pakistani designs are VERY popular and can be made in so many different styles. One Malaysian lady ordered 3 suits to make the "Baju Kurung" traditional dress there.
You also have to think of where/how you will sell youe excess inventory at the end of the season. If it hasn't sold locally, you'd need tor educe prices (below cost), or find a way to sell it overseas (through the internet).
Re: Starting a boutique
very good advices keep them coming 
Re: Starting a boutique
Sorry I was busy all day
LP, what type of consumers/community do you want to target ? will it be a commercial boutique ?
I am working with someone who does exhibitions in Jeddah. She is a Pakistani herself but she sells formal/semiformal maxi dresses for Arab ladies so no shalwar/churidar suits for her.
You will need to have a tailor with you for last moment alterations/sizing/sleeves issues plus some connections here in pakistan or india for kaam/embroidery.
Can you send me picks of the types of dresses as well as the price & exactly how you do the transactions with the lady in Jeddah please.
what proto said.
your market should not be desis. it wont work out. pakistan is so close to arabia that even a chokidaar can make an yearly trip. no one will pay you enough to keep your business going (ie no profit for you.. actually not even break even), cuz they can get what they want how they want it .. in pakistan
your market should be the arabs. im doing this currently with someone in jeddah ( was slef born and raised there :) ).
oh and the arabs like bollywood.. anything bollywood... they dont have a clue whats indian and whats paki. so dont think islamically ... think... lots of backless.. lots of bare shoulders... razzle dazzle.. and BIG.. everything has to be big! etc etc... cuz thats what these women wanna wear this stuff to.. pvt segregated parties. anything goes :)
love working with em!
Can you too send me picks of the types of dresses as well as the price & exactly how you do the transactions with the lady in Jeddah please.
You should target a diverse segment. Realize that desis ALONE will not sustain your business. I am doing very well, mashah'Allah, marketing to EVERYONE...Desis, Americans, British, Africans, Arabs, Asians, etc. Pakistani designs are VERY popular and can be made in so many different styles. One Malaysian lady ordered 3 suits to make the "Baju Kurung" traditional dress there.
You also have to think of where/how you will sell youe excess inventory at the end of the season. If it hasn't sold locally, you'd need tor educe prices (below cost), or find a way to sell it overseas (through the internet).
So you sell Pakistani dresses to Arabs ,Americans ,Arabs etc?