Starting a trendy sunglasses business in India can be a profitable venture, especially as more people look to stylish eyewear for fashion and protection. This guide will walk you through every step needed to start a sunglasses business from scratch in India, even if you’re on a tight budget. By focusing on high-demand products and effective online sales strategies, you can achieve good returns on investment (ROI).
Why Start a Trendy Sunglasses Business?
The demand for fashionable and affordable sunglasses is rising in India, driven by both fashion-conscious young adults and those looking to protect their eyes from the sun. Selling trendy sunglasses for men and women can attract a broad customer base, and you can achieve high-profit margins with the right products and marketing.
Step-by-Step Process to Start this Business
Step 1: Conduct Market Research
Before launching, it’s crucial to understand the trends and demands of the Indian sunglasses market.
Identify Target Audience: Decide if you want to target budget-conscious college students, working professionals, or premium buyers.
Analyze Competitors: Look at other popular sunglass brands and sellers on platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and Myntra. Observe their pricing, customer feedback, and best-selling styles.
Choose Popular Styles: Identify styles like aviators, wayfarers, round frames, and retro styles that have high demand.
Estimated Cost: Free (for basic online research)
Step 2: Create a Business Plan
A clear business plan helps outline your goals, strategies, budget, and ROI expectations. Your plan should include:
Budget and Initial Investment: Aim for an initial investment of ₹10,000–₹30,000 if you’re starting small.
Product Sourcing: Research suppliers who provide high-quality sunglasses at wholesale prices.
Sales Channels: Decide whether you’ll sell online (e.g., through an e-commerce platform, Instagram, or a website) or set up a small offline presence.
Estimated Cost: Free
Step 3: Register Your Business
To operate legally, you’ll need to register your business and comply with India’s business laws.
Choose a Business Structure: For a small-scale business, a Sole Proprietorship or One Person Company (OPC) can be affordable and straightforward.
Obtain a GST Number: Register for GST, as it’s mandatory for online sellers in India.
Estimated Cost: ₹500–₹2,500 (for GST registration and other fees)
Step 4: Find Reliable Suppliers
Sourcing quality sunglasses at competitive prices is key to keeping your budget low and profit margins high. Here are some options:
Wholesale Markets: Visit local markets like Delhi’s Sadar Bazaar or Mumbai’s Dharavi Market. These markets offer bulk sunglasses at low prices.
Online Wholesalers: Use online wholesale sites like IndiaMART, Alibaba, or Udaan to find suppliers and compare prices.
Negotiate Prices: Aim for an average unit cost of ₹50–₹200 per pair, depending on the quality and style.
Estimated Cost: ₹5,000–₹15,000 (for initial stock purchase)
Step 5: Set Up Your Online Store
For a tight budget, selling online is the best option, as it saves on rental and overhead costs.
Create an E-commerce Website: Use affordable platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce to create a simple, user-friendly website.
Sell on Marketplaces: Register as a seller on Amazon, Flipkart, or Meesho. These platforms give you access to millions of customers and are easy to set up.
Social Media Selling: Create a dedicated Instagram and Facebook page for your brand. Post trendy pictures of your sunglasses, run ads, and partner with influencers for wider reach.
Estimated Cost: ₹1,000–₹5,000 (for website hosting, domain, and social media ads)
Step 6: Develop a Brand Identity
Branding is crucial for standing out in a competitive market. Here’s how to build your brand on a budget:
Design a Logo: Use affordable graphic design platforms like Canva to create a sleek logo.
Packaging: Invest in eco-friendly, stylish packaging for added value. You can start with custom-printed pouches or simple branded boxes.
Brand Story: Create a compelling brand story that resonates with Indian customers, such as promoting sunglasses as stylish and essential protection for the Indian climate.
Estimated Cost: ₹2,000–₹3,000 (for logo design, packaging)
Step 7: Price Your Products Strategically
To stay competitive and ensure profitability, set your prices by considering these factors:
Cost Price: Include the unit cost, packaging, shipping, and any additional costs.
Profit Margin: Aim for a margin of at least 50–100% per pair. If you buy sunglasses for ₹100, selling them for ₹200–₹300 would be a good range.
Customer Segment: For budget customers, keep prices lower; for premium customers, you can mark up prices based on style and quality.
Estimated Cost: Free
Step 8: Market Your Sunglasses Business
To maximize sales and reach your target audience, use effective and budget-friendly marketing techniques.
Social Media Marketing: Run ads on Instagram and Facebook targeting fashion-conscious men and women aged 18–35.
Influencer Collaborations: Partner with micro-influencers to review or wear your sunglasses and promote them to their followers.
Content Marketing: Start a blog or YouTube channel sharing fashion tips, eye health information, and the latest trends in sunglasses.
Discounts and Promotions: Offer first-time buyer discounts or bundle deals to increase sales.
Estimated Cost: ₹2,000–₹7,000 (for initial social media ads and influencer fees)
Step 9: Manage Shipping and Logistics
Efficient shipping is crucial for an online business to ensure customer satisfaction.
Courier Services: Partner with a reliable courier like Delhivery, Blue Dart, or India Post for nationwide delivery.
Packaging and Shipping Costs: Keep your packaging lightweight to reduce costs, and offer free shipping over a certain order amount to encourage larger purchases.
Estimated Cost: ₹1,000–₹3,000 (monthly for courier charges)
Step 10: Track Your Sales and Scale the Business
Finally, keep an eye on your sales performance and reinvest profits into growth.
Inventory Management: Use a simple tool like Google Sheets to track inventory, orders, and restocking needs.
Customer Feedback: Gather feedback to improve your product quality and identify any issues with shipping or delivery.
Reinvest and Scale: Once you’ve gained traction, reinvest profits in expanding your product range, improving your website, or increasing your ad budget.
Estimated Cost: Free (basic tracking software)
Estimated Budget Breakdown for Starting a Sunglasses Business in India
Expense Estimated Cost (INR)
Market Research Free
Business Registration ₹500–₹2,500
Product Sourcing (Initial Inventory) ₹5,000–₹15,000
Online Store Setup ₹1,000–₹5,000
Branding and Packaging ₹2,000–₹3,000
Marketing ₹2,000–₹7,000
Shipping and Logistics ₹1,000–₹3,000
Total Estimated Budget ₹11,500–₹35,500
Key Tips for Success
Stay Updated on Trends: Sunglasses trends evolve rapidly, so keep an eye on fashion magazines and social media.
Customer Service: Provide a hassle-free return and exchange policy to build trust.
Use High-Quality Images: Showcase your sunglasses with clear, high-quality images to attract online customers.
Conclusion
With careful planning and strategic marketing, starting a sunglasses business in India is achievable on a tight budget. By following this guide on how to start a sunglasses business and focusing on quality, affordability, and style, you can build a profitable venture that meets the needs of fashion-savvy customers across the country. Start small, learn along the way, and watch your business grow!
Are you ready to hustle?
Get started with minimum investment and grow your business today! Don’t worry if you have no idea where to begin, our expert team at Ideas Galaxy will guide you every step of the way from ideation to commercialization. Whether you have an idea in mind or need help generating one. With our collaborative innovation, prototyping, and market entry strategy, we can help you launch a successful business at a low cost. Whether you’re a housewife, unemployed, job seeker, entrepreneur, business professional, business owner, or investor. We have something for everyone.
Let’s connect now to unlock the opportunities waiting for you in the Indian market and receive a free business consulting session. Don’t miss this opportunity to start your own business. Here’s your chance to begin your entrepreneurial journey today!
Looking for more new business ideas ?
Explore Galaxy of Ideas – A world of many perspectives & the cosmos of innovative thinking.
Got Any Idea That’s Missing?
Share It with Us and Let’s Fill the Gap Together.
Your feedback and suggestions are valuable to Ideas Galaxy. If you have any questions or need additional information about the topic, please feel free to comment below. We are here to help and provide you with the best possible guidance. Your comments will also help us improve our content and better serve our audience. So, don’t hesitate to share your thoughts with us. We appreciate your input and look forward to hearing from you!
