u/Sandy_0217

Hi everyone,

I started a small designer shirt boutique in Chennai in 2024 — fully handmade, custom pieces like Aari work and embroidery shirts made to each customer's requirements. I had to close it in 2025 for personal reasons, and now I'm looking to relaunch, this time as an online (e-commerce) business.

A few things I'm trying to figure out before I jump in:

1. Is this actually viable in e-commerce?

Handmade, made-to-order shirts (Aari/embroidery work) take real design and stitching time — this isn't a stock-and-ship product. Has anyone here run a made-to-order clothing brand online? Does the customization model work, or does it struggle against fast, ready-made competitors?

2. Realistic delivery timelines

In my physical shop, I used to confirm an order and deliver in 5–7 days, since that covered the design + Aari/embroidery + stitching time. If I move online, with shipping added, I'm expecting more like 10 days end-to-end for a custom piece. Is that too long for online customers' expectations? How do other made-to-order/custom apparel sellers handle this — do you show it upfront, or lose customers over it?

3. GST and registration

I don't currently have a GST registration for the business. What's actually required to sell customized apparel online in India — is GST mandatory from day one, or only after a turnover threshold? Any other registrations I should be aware of before listing products?

4. Finding the right niche

Since this is a comeback into e-commerce, I want to position it well from the start rather than guess. For custom/handmade embroidery shirts, how would you go about identifying a niche audience — is it more wedding/festive wear, everyday premium wear, gifting, or something else? Would love to hear how others narrowed down their niche.

Any advice, personal experience, or even hard truths are welcome. Trying to do this right the second time around

Hi everyone,

I started a small designer shirt boutique in Chennai in 2024 — fully handmade, custom pieces like Aari work and embroidery shirts made to each customer's requirements. I had to close it in 2025 for personal reasons, and now I'm looking to relaunch, this time as an online (e-commerce) business.

A few things I'm trying to figure out before I jump in:

1. Is this actually viable in e-commerce?

Handmade, made-to-order shirts (Aari/embroidery work) take real design and stitching time — this isn't a stock-and-ship product. Has anyone here run a made-to-order clothing brand online? Does the customization model work, or does it struggle against fast, ready-made competitors?

2. Realistic delivery timelines

In my physical shop, I used to confirm an order and deliver in 5–7 days, since that covered the design + Aari/embroidery + stitching time. If I move online, with shipping added, I'm expecting more like 10 days end-to-end for a custom piece. Is that too long for online customers' expectations? How do other made-to-order/custom apparel sellers handle this — do you show it upfront, or lose customers over it?

3. GST and registration

I don't currently have a GST registration for the business. What's actually required to sell customized apparel online in India — is GST mandatory from day one, or only after a turnover threshold? Any other registrations I should be aware of before listing products?

4. Finding the right niche

Since this is a comeback into e-commerce, I want to position it well from the start rather than guess. For custom/handmade embroidery shirts, how would you go about identifying a niche audience — is it more wedding/festive wear, everyday premium wear, gifting, or something else? Would love to hear how others narrowed down their niche.

Any advice, personal experience, or even hard truths are welcome. Trying to do this right the second time around

What I am looking for:

​Enthusiasm over experience:

You do not need an extensive portfolio or years of modeling experience.

If you are comfortable in front of the camera, take direction well, and have a genuine interest in modeling, I want to hear from you.

​Vibe: Natural, confident, and expressive for lifestyle settings.

​Location: Chennai-based (or willing to travel to shoot locations within the city).

What I am looking for:

​Enthusiasm over experience:

You do not need an extensive portfolio or years of modeling experience. If you are comfortable in front of the camera, take direction well, and have a genuine interest in modeling, I want to hear from you.

​Vibe:

Natural, confident, and expressive for lifestyle settings.

​Location: Chennai-based (or willing to travel to shoot locations within the city).

What I am looking for:

​Enthusiasm over experience: You do not need an extensive portfolio or years of modeling experience. If you are comfortable in front of the camera, take direction well, and have a genuine interest in modeling, I want to hear from you.

​Vibe: Natural, confident, and expressive for lifestyle settings.

​Location: Chennai-based (or willing to travel to shoot locations within the city).

•Candidate: Male, Female and Kids