Want to start a abaya business? Looking for a comprehensive guide?
You’re in the right place!
In this post, we’ll discuss the essential steps that you can follow to learn.
Growing demand for fashionable clothing makes abayas a profitable business, with low startup costs and numerous advantages.
By understanding the fundamentals of the abaya industry and the business model, you can easily set up your venture to be successful.
An Abaya is Islamic clothing. According to the fashion trend and industry growth of Islamic clothing, it opens a new opportunity for you.
By following our given steps, you can be confident in starting.
In this post, you’ll learn:
- Fundamentals of the abaya industry and business model
- The process of setting up the venture successfully
- How to take advantage of the growing Islamic clothing trend
What Is an Abaya Business?
The concept of an abaya business is designing, manufacturing, and selling abayas to customers.
Abaya businesses can be operated in different business models: retail, wholesale, manufacturing, and e-commerce, each with its profitability.
- Retail: Sell directly to consumers by opening a retail store (both physical or online).
- Wholesale: Selling large quantities of abayas to departmental stores, boutiques, and wholesale buyers for resale.
- Manufacturing: Making, designing, and selling abaya can be profitable but requires proper manufacturing resources.
- E-commerce: According to digital and online selling trends, you can directly sell your products to consumers (by creating an online store).
Process of starting the venture successfully, so let’s move forward to the next steps.
Is the Abaya Business Profitable?
This question remains in the mind of many enthusiasts: “Is starting an abaya business profitable or worth it? According to our research, the answer is yes; starting can be profitable.
First of all, understand why and how profitable it can be.
It depends on your location, target market, product trends, competition, customer needs, business model, profit margin, seasonal trend, etc.
The abaya business has the potential to be highly profitable.
- Growing market demand
- There is a high demand for abayas in many countries (USA, Dubai, India, etc.).
- Abayas are relatively inexpensive to produce
- You can improve your creativity and innovation in the market
- Also, you can start with a small investment
If you plan your setup properly, find the gap in the market, research your target customers, and plan to fill the gap by offering high-quality abaya.
With the right marketing strategy, proper research, and finding the right supplier, you can appropriately make your product line profitable and lucrative.
SkyQuest Share a Report: The Global Islamic clothing market is experiencing a growth rate of 5% CAGR. In 2021, the market was valued at 72.57 billion USD, and in 2022, it reached 76.19 billion USD, demonstrating noticeable growth in the industry.
Also, there is a huge demand for Islamic clothing, including abayas, burkinis, burqas, niqabs, etc.
How to Start a Abaya Business? Step By Step
A few basic steps you need to take: we’ll discuss these steps in detail, first look at the outline of our content, and follow the process to start from scratch.
Let’s discuss the whole process and how you can set it up.
- Explore your business ideas.
- Identify your target customer.
- Write a strategic business plan.
- Choose a business name and logo.
- Register your abaya business.
- Create a website for your business.
- Set up your online store.
- Get funding for your business.
- Start marketing and promotion.
Step 1. Explore your business ideas
Brainstorming your ideas to set up the venture is the first step. Here are some profitable abaya business ideas for online and offline selling opportunities.
Research, identify the opportunity, and choose the right business idea.
It depends on your passion, interest, need, resources, and planning.
The profitability varies from business model to model (profit margin, ROI, investment, requirements) are different for all.
- Manufacture Abaya
- Open an online store
- Setup a retail store
- Abaya rental business
- Abaya wholesale idea
There are three to five popular models to consider that you can start as a beginner (wholesale, retail, online, and manufacturing).
All business models are profitable, but the requirements, setup process, resources, target market, and selling methods can differ.
You might be confused about choosing a suitable business model!
Check out the difference between every business model and the process as well.
Manufacturing:
Manufacturing abayas requires more investment, workforce, setup cost, and skill.
However, it can be more profitable because you can create unique and personalized products according to the market demand.
Need good supplier connectivity, buy the right raw material, skills for making Abaya, and workforce.
Requirements: Equipment, material, workforce, and a suitable space for making.
Online store:
The online selling model is more profitable than offline retail stores; there is a chance to target a large customer base online.
Need to set up an online store, list products, describe your product info and pricing, market, fulfill the order, and make a profit.
You can sell the Abaya through your website, setting up an online store, and through the marketplace (Amazon, Shopify, eBay, etc.).
Direct sales model:
You can sell your abayas products directly to consumers through offline stores (Retail), at online marketplaces, on social media, and by creating your online store.
If you want to set up an offline or online store, buy the product wholesale and then sell it in the market, adding to your profit margin.
Rental Business:
The concept of the service model is that customers rent abayas for a specific period, and they pay for that (depending on time and rental terms).
Mostly demand in (special occasions, weddings, parties, etc.); select this model if there is demand in the market.
Note: If there is no demand for rental opportunities, don’t start; do your research first.
Wholesale model:
You can sell abayas in bulk by either manufacturing your products or buying abayas from other manufacturers at a wholesale price and selling them at a custom price.
Requirements: Good connection with manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers.
Step 2. Identify your target customer
The market research process analyzes the industry (competition, demand, growth potential, local trends, market fluctuations, etc.).
You can get industry-based information and customer insights, interest, demand, and ideas about product trends through research.
Identifying the right target customer for selling abaya.
Your potential target customer can be:
- Muslim women
- Women in Islamic countries
- Women seeking modesty
- Fashion-conscious women
- Online shoppers
- Designers and Boutiques
- Tourists
- Gift shoppers
- Bridal market
Knowing your ideal customer’s needs will help you create a product or service that meets their demands.
Before you jump on the abaya business:
- Gather essential information about your buyers.
- Find out the potential competitors.
- Analyze the existing market.
Analyze through online research and explore social media and other resources.
As we know, the abaya is a clothing product that Muslim women mostly buy; also, many people wear those clothes for fashion purposes, personal preferences, and other reasons.
Abaya are long, loose-fitting garments made with different fabrics (cotton, silk, polyester, etc) also available in different sizes, quality, and colors. Consider the material also.
To target the right customers, analyze factors such as (demographics, demand, trends, designs, sizes, quality, material type, and color).
You can identify your target customer by understanding their demographics:
- Age, gender
- Personality
- Location
- Buying intent
- Buying habits
- Culture
- Income
- Jobs
- Marital status
Prepare a well-researched product plan to make great products focusing on all types of customers.
Next, research the competition, your target market, and market potential in the industry you are entering. Analyze the growth rate and past growth to forecast your future.
For finding industry-relevant information related to the abaya business, including (the latest trends, developments, industrial changes, growth, etc.), you can visit the given sources.
Here are some popular sources:
- Industry publications
- Online communities: Facebook Group, Muslim Fashion Forum, and Social Media
- For industry reports: Grand View Research, Technavio, Statista
Step 3. Write a strategic business plan
After researching the market, analyzing the profit potential, and identifying the target market, we should learn how to create a business plan.
Why is a plan important? How can you create and write a planning draft?
Writing a strategic plan is a precious step for determining the business’s success.
An abaya business plan should include an overview of the company, its goals and objectives, target market and competition, marketing strategy, and financial planning.
- Executive summary: Write briefly about your product, business, goal, and strategy.
- Business Description: Focus on USP (unique selling proposition) to differentiate your products.
- Industrial research: Demand, trends, competition, competitive advantage, growth, etc.
- Target market: Identify your target market, demographics, and needs.
- Products: Abaya details, materials, types, design, and pricing model.
- Marketing: Outline your free and paid marketing strategies, social media marketing, advertising, influencer marketing, etc.
- Financial planning: Estimate your startup budget, funding Plan, expenses, ongoing expenses, etc.
- A team building plan: Plan for hiring staff to produce or manufacture abayas (manufacturing model), packaging, selling, and marketing.
By keeping all these aspects in mind, any business can ensure that it has a solid foundation to build on and can achieve success in the long run.
Writing a solid business plan requires a good understanding, as well as relevant information about the product, target market, and competitive landscape.
Step 4. Gather supplies for making abaya
Mostly, the equipment, supplies, tools, and machinery required for the abaya production.
But, when you plan to start with other business models (wholesale, retail, and online), you may need other requirements, such as inventory setup, opening a retail store, online store, etc.
Producing high-quality abayas is vital for getting more customers to your products.
With the right tools and supplies, you can create beautiful or high-quality abayas to sell.
Production equipment, tools, and supplies:
- Sewing machine
- Iron
- Cutting table
- Fabric shears
- Measuring tape
- Pins
- Thread
- Needles
- Buttons
- Zippers
- Sewing patterns
- Fabric
- Trims
- Beads
- Sequins
Sewing Machine
Iron
Step 5. Choose a business name and logo
Personal branding is essential for building a successful business and customer trust.
Your brand name, logo, and slogan can provide a brand identity for your Business.
Choose a good name and create a professional logo according to your product.
Your branding, just not your logo and name (high-quality products, affordable pricing, packaging, design, and focus on customer needs are also important).
Remember all those things and create the best product for your target customers.
Importance of a business name:
- Your unique identity
- Create a memorable
- Credibility and trust
- Help in marketing
- Protect your brand (can register trademark)
Select a business name related to Abaya, and make sure the name is (short, unique, non-copyrighted, web-friendly, easy to remember, and ensure a domain should be available on this name).
Consider those tips when selecting a name for your Business.
Step 6. Register your abaya business
If you have decided to start, consider legal fulfillment (license, registration, and permits).
Let’s discuss what you need.
All the process of legal needs depends on your state, location, and local regulations.
However, the common legal needs are:
Business registration: Depending on government authorities, register your Business and consider a legal structure (sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation).
Business licenses and permits: Obtain general licenses, sales tax permits, zoning permits, and other industry-specific licenses.
Trademarks and copyrights: It is needed for your brand name, product Ideas, product designs, logos, and website content.
Apply for an EIN: An EIN is necessary for running a business in the United States; it is an Employer Identification Number necessary for everyone (used for tax purposes). You can apply for an EIN online; the process is free and takes about 5 minutes.
If you want more information, visit government websites, consult with legal professionals, and get assistance from a business consultant.
Here are sources for legal information:
Saudi Arabia:
- Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA)
United Arab Emirates:
- Ministry of Economy
- Department of Economic Development, Dubai
Legal Requirements can be different depending on the country or region.
Consult a legal adviser, attorney, or experienced person to fulfill the legal needs.
Step 7. Get startup funding
Another important step is arranging funds for your startup.
Determine your business model and size of business operation, and calculate the startup budget.
So, carefully consider all factors (business model, legalities, requirements, Inventory, rental cost, marketing, workforce, operational cost, etc.) to prepare your initial budget.
Source for raising funds:
- Use your savings
- Bank loan and SBA loan,
- Ask friends and family
- Crowdfunding
To get funds from different sources, prepare a strong business plan that outlines your growth strategies and demonstrates profit potential.
Step 8. Setup your online store
Selling abaya online can be a great way to reach a wider audience and increase your sales.
To sell your product online, you can set up a website or start with popular online marketplaces such as (amazon, eBay, and industry-specific online stores).
You can focus on selling your abaya at industry-relevant online marketplaces; some popular marketplaces are (Modanisa, By Baano, Abaya Zone, Islamic Shop, etc).
Advantages of selling at marketplaces:
- A large customer base
- Wide customer reach
- Easy to set up and management
- Many features available
- Easy shipping and payment
Selling abaya online is the best way to grow your business in the competitive market, and it is the proven way to reach more and more customers.
Some steps you need to follow:
Choose a good platform for selling on (Amazon, eBay, or Islamic clothing marketplaces).
Create a professional-looking store:
- Customize your store with proper functionality.
- Be user-friendly.
- Add high-quality photos.
- Add pricing and description.
Set competitive prices: Strategically pricing the abaya is crucial, and analyzing the market pricing and setting an average price is important.
Promote your store: After setting up the store, promote your store (through social media marketing, email, SEO, advertising, and content marketing).
Step 9. Market and promote your abaya
Marketing and selling the product in the right market requires a good understanding of the target market. Also, it requires proper skill to promote and sell the product by finding the right marketplace.
Best marketing strategy:
- Social media marketing
- Paid advertising Idea
- Search engine optimization
- Email marketing
- Content marketing
- Influencer marketing
Learn some basic marketing skills to promote your business initially in the right way; free marketing methods include social media marketing, content marketing, word-of-mouth marketing, etc.
If you have funds to invest in marketing and promotion, you can try Google AdWords to promote your product through online advertising, which can help you reach more customers in less time.
Also, other advertising platforms include Facebook ads, Instagram Ads, and LinkedIn ads.
Still, every marketing strategy or method needs a good understanding and knowledge; before investing in paid marketing, first research and learn the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an abaya?
In short, an abaya is a loose-fitting, full-length clothing product or gown worn by some Muslim women as modest and religious attire.
Is there a demand for abayas in the market?
Yes, demand for abayas is growing globally, driven by Muslim population increases, fashion trends, and rising disposable income. The clothing is a part of their Islamic clothing culture.
How much capital do you need to start an abaya business?
To start an abaya business, you must arrange funds to buy raw materials, machinery, and products for inventory and other investments.
Do you need any specific skills or knowledge to start an abaya business?
A few basic skills are needed: Business skills, design and tailoring skills, e-commerce skills, and knowledge of the abaya market. It doesn’t matter if you are skilled or new; it depends on your research, learning, planning, and other factors that make you successful.
How can you differentiate your abaya business from competitors in the market?
By focusing on customer interest, unique designs, and quality materials, you can create high-quality abayas that will differentiate your business from your competitors.
Final thought
Hopefully, you have learned much from this guide and enjoyed it.
Just starting the abaya business is not enough; you must research the product, material, and quality and follow a proper marketing strategy to sell the cloth item.
If you have found our written blog post helpful, don’t forget to share it with your friends; still, If you have other doubts related to business ideas, then comment to me.
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