B2B marketplaces like Faire, Ankorstore and Tundra give scarf brands instant access to thousands of boutique retailers worldwide. Here's the comparison.
Faire (US-centred, now global)
- Market: 100,000+ independent retailers, mostly US
- Commission: 15% of first order, 15% of reorders (first year)
- After year 1: 15% of first orders from new accounts, 0% from existing accounts' reorders
- Net 60 payment to retailers (platform fronts the cash)
- Approval: curated application process
- Best for: emerging brands building US retail distribution
Ankorstore (Europe-centred)
- Market: 300,000+ European retailers
- Commission: 20% of first order, lower on reorders
- Net 60 payment to retailers
- Approval: application-based
- Best for: European market entry
Tundra (US + UK/EU)
- Market: 10,000+ retailers
- Commission: 0% commission model (brands pay subscription)
- Direct brand-retailer transactions
- Lower marketing exposure vs Faire
- Best for: brands avoiding commission costs
Abound
- Market: ~10,000 US retailers
- Commission: ~25% including payment risk
- Full fulfillment service option
- Best for: brands preferring hands-off wholesale
Application Essentials
- Professional product photography (lifestyle + flat lay)
- MOQs per style (typically allowing 6-12 units per order)
- Wholesale pricing (keystone or 2.2x cost minimum)
- Brand story and credentials
- Fibre content and care information
- Country of origin documentation
Setup Essentials
- Line sheets (every SKU with image, price, dimensions)
- Order minimums for retailers ($100-300 typical)
- Shipping policy (free shipping on orders $200+ common)
- Return policy for retailers (usually no returns)
- Reorder incentives (free shipping on reorder)
Realistic Expectations
- Months 1-3: Low initial traction, 2-5 orders
- Months 4-6: Reorders starting, momentum building
- Months 7-12: Established accounts, 15-30 regular retailers
- Year 2+: Mature channel, 50-150+ retailers for growing brands
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard MOQ for scarf programmes from India?
For most scarf categories the practical MOQ is 200 pieces per colour per design. Cashmere and silk programmes often accept 100 pieces at premium pricing. Custom jacquard weaving typically requires 500 pieces minimum to amortise loom setup. Print-based programmes (digital, block-print) can go as low as 50 pieces for silk digital print due to zero setup cost per additional colour.
How long does it take from sample approval to bulk delivery?
Standard scarf production runs 30–45 days after PPS (pre-production sample) approval. Add 3–4 weeks for sample development (typically 2–3 sample rounds), and 18–35 days for sea freight depending on destination. Total order-to-delivery for a first-time programme: 12–16 weeks. Repeat orders without specification change compress to 6–8 weeks.
What certifications should I demand for scarves imported into the EU?
Mandatory: OEKO-TEX Standard 100 (Class I for skin contact). For organic-marketed products: GOTS Transaction Certificate per shipment. For recycled fibre claims: GRS or RCS certificate. For wool-origin claims: RWS chain-of-custody. Also request independent fibre composition test per lot — mis-declared fibre content is one of the most common commercial disputes.
Can you produce scarves in specific Pantone colours?
Yes — Pantone-matched dye programmes are standard. Custom colour development takes 10–14 days and typically requires a 300-metre or 200-piece minimum per colour. Colour matches to Pantone reference are approved via physical strike-off on the specified substrate before bulk production begins. Colour drift between substrates (silk vs cotton) is normal — approve per fabric.
Related Reading
- Scarf Trade Show Exhibitor Guide — India to Global — Trade shows remain primary B2B scarf sourcing channel. A guide to the top shows and exhibition strategy.
- Setting Up a Custom Scarf Design Programme: Complete Guide — A complete guide for brands and designers launching their first custom scarf programme with Indian manufacturers — from concept to...
- Setting Up a Scarf Subscription Box Programme — Scarf subscription boxes are a growing e-commerce category. A B2B guide to structuring and sourcing subscription programmes from I...
- Scarf Retail Pricing Strategy: B2B Buyer's Guide — How to price scarves at retail — from mass-market to luxury. A B2B guide covering markup norms, positioning and margin management.
About Blueridge Trade LLP
Blueridge Trade LLP is a direct textile manufacturer — we own our own scarf production. Cashmere from certified Ladakh sources, spun on our spindles, woven on our looms, dyed at our OEKO-TEX facility, hand-knotted and finished under our supervision. Send us a specification and we'll quote within 24 hours with MOQ, lead time and FOB India pricing.