Most online sellers in Bangladesh source products from Dhaka's wholesale markets: Islampur for fabrics and three-piece, Chawkbazar for cosmetics, toys and general goods, Bangabazar and Gulistan for ready-made clothing, Nawabpur for electrical items, and Elephant Road for shoes. Others import from China through Alibaba or 1688 with a shipping agent. This guide explains each option, how to buy safely, and how to work out your real cost.
Written by the Sellsull team, October 2026. Markets, prices and import rules change, so treat this as a starting point and confirm with suppliers and agents.
Local wholesale markets in Dhaka
| Market | Area | Best known for |
|---|---|---|
| Islampur | Old Dhaka | Fabrics, three-piece, saree, lehenga, unstitched dress material |
| Chawkbazar | Old Dhaka | Cosmetics, toys, plastic goods, packaging, stationery, general wholesale |
| Bangabazar and Gulistan | Central Dhaka | Ready-made clothing, kids' wear, men's wear |
| Nawabpur | Old Dhaka | Electrical goods, tools, hardware |
| Elephant Road and Bata Signal | Central Dhaka | Shoes and bags |
| Mirpur (Benarasi Palli) | Mirpur | Katan and Benarasi sarees |
| Kawran Bazar | Central Dhaka | Fresh food, spices and groceries in bulk |
Outside Dhaka, Narayanganj and Gazipur have many garment factories and stock lots, and districts are known for local products such as Rajshahi silk, Tangail sarees and Sundarbans honey. Buying directly from producers often gives better quality and a story you can use in your marketing.
How to buy in a wholesale market
- Visit on a weekday morning. Shops are less busy, and sellers have time to talk.
- Ask for the wholesale price and minimum quantity. Many shops sell by the dozen or by the piece above a minimum.
- Compare at least three shops before buying.
- Check every piece for colour, stitching and size before paying.
- Get a phone number and a bKash number. Once you trust a supplier, you can reorder by phone and receive stock by courier or transport.
- Ask about returns or exchanges for defective pieces before you pay.
Buying from factories and producers
For clothing, factory stock lots and export surplus can be very cheap, but sizes and colours are mixed. For your own brand, small factories in Narayanganj, Keraniganj and Gazipur can make your design with a minimum order. Start with a sample, then a small order.
For food, buy from producers you can visit: a honey farm, a ghee maker, a spice mill. Ask for lab tests if you will claim "pure" or "organic".
Importing from China
Many gadget, accessory, cosmetics-tool and home-goods sellers import from China.
Where to find suppliers
- Alibaba: English-language, suited to larger orders and custom products.
- 1688: China's domestic wholesale site, often cheaper, in Chinese; most Bangladeshi sellers use an agent to buy here.
- Trade fairs and visits such as the Canton Fair in Guangzhou, for larger sellers.
How small sellers import
The most common route for small sellers is a China-to-Bangladesh shipping agent who buys from the supplier for you (or receives your purchase), ships it, handles customs and delivers to your address. Agents usually charge per kilogram, with different rates for air and sea and for product types. Larger importers open an LC through a bank and clear customs themselves.
Before your first import
- Order a sample first.
- Ask the agent for the all-in cost per kg for your product type, and whether it includes customs.
- Check restricted items. Some products, such as certain electronics, batteries, food and cosmetics, have extra rules.
- Plan for time: air shipments take weeks, sea shipments longer.
- Use agents with a track record and reviews from other sellers. Avoid paying the full amount to a new contact upfront.
Work out your landed cost
Your real product cost is not the price you paid the supplier. Add everything up to the moment the product is on your shelf:
| Cost item | Example per piece |
|---|---|
| Purchase price | ৳350 |
| Transport or shipping to you | ৳30 |
| Packaging | ৳15 |
| Defects and unsold pieces (about 5%) | ৳20 |
| Landed cost | ৳415 |
Then add your expected ad cost per order, delivery subsidy and returns before you set a selling price. If the margin is under about 40% after product cost, it is hard to pay for ads. Track purchases and stock in your store: stock and inventory guide.
Dropshipping and pre-orders
If you do not want to hold stock, some local suppliers will ship directly to your customer or hold stock for you. You can also take pre-orders with an advance payment and buy after orders come in. Both reduce risk but need clear delivery times.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the biggest wholesale market in Dhaka?
Old Dhaka has the largest cluster: Islampur for fabrics and clothing material, Chawkbazar for cosmetics and general goods, and Nawabpur for electrical items.
How do I import products from China to Bangladesh as a small seller?
Most use a China-to-Bangladesh shipping agent who buys or receives goods, ships them and clears customs for a per-kilogram charge. Order a sample first.
Which is cheaper, local wholesale or China import?
For gadgets, accessories and many home goods, China is often cheaper per piece but slower and riskier. For clothing and food, local sources are usually better and faster.
