Bags and footwear wholesale markets in India
- Agra, Uttar Pradesh: a major footwear manufacturing centre; Hing Ki Mandi is a well-known footwear wholesale market
- Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh: known for leather and leather products, including footwear, belts and bags
- Delhi Ballimaran (near Chandni Chowk): a busy footwear wholesale area with many styles for men, women and kids
- Delhi Karol Bagh and Sadar Bazar: Karol Bagh has many footwear sellers, and Sadar Bazar is known for budget bags, backpacks and accessories
- Mumbai Dharavi: known for leather goods such as bags, wallets and belts made in small workshops
- Chennai and nearby Tamil Nadu leather towns such as Ambur and Vaniyambadi: known for leather footwear and goods
- Kolhapur, Maharashtra, and Jaipur, Rajasthan: for traditional Kolhapuri chappals and juttis or mojaris
- Kolkata, West Bengal: a good source for jute bags and eco-friendly totes
Buying small quantities when you cannot meet MOQ
Footwear wholesalers often sell by the carton or by a set of sizes per design, and bag makers may want a dozen pieces per design. If that is too much for you:
- Share a lot with another seller in a different area and split designs or colours
- Ask for one sample piece or one size set first, even if you pay a slightly higher rate
- Check online B2B options such as IndiaMART or Udaan, where some suppliers accept small orders; read reviews and compare yourself
- Ask for mixed colours within one design to cover more tastes with fewer pieces
- Start with a local wholesaler in your city to learn what moves before travelling to a hub
Check quality, material and sizing
For bags, check the zips first, since a bad zip is the most common complaint. Pull the handles firmly, look at the stitching where straps join the body and check the inside lining. Smell the bag: a strong chemical smell in synthetic bags can put buyers off.
Know your materials. Genuine leather, PU leather, PVC, canvas and jute all look and age differently. Always describe the material honestly in your listing.
For footwear, check that both shoes in a pair are the same size and colour, that soles are glued well at the toe and heel, and that straps do not cut into the skin. Size labels differ between makers, so measure the inside foot length for each size and share it with buyers.
Avoid scams and negotiate
- Ask for a live video call showing the actual stock and the packing
- Do not pay the full amount upfront to a new supplier; start small
- Check the GSTIN, address and reviews where available, and ask other sellers
- Be wary of 'original branded' stock at very low prices, which is often fake or stolen and can land you in trouble
- Confirm the price per piece, sizes per set, transport cost and damage policy in writing on WhatsApp
Negotiating and managing stock
Once you buy regularly, ask for better rates, a mix of sizes that suits your buyers, or the option to exchange slow sizes. Paying on time builds a relationship that usually gets you more than hard bargaining.
Store bags stuffed with paper inside dust bags, and footwear in boxes, away from damp. Keep a stock list with design, colour, size, cost and date. When a size sells out, update your ShopShare listing quickly so buyers do not ask for something you do not have. Clear old season styles with combo offers before they look dated.