The Not-So-Pretty Side of Running a Small Business - Clothing Brand

Running a clothing brand in 2025 looks glamorous from the outside — carefully curated Instagram feeds, stylish packaging, pretty Clothes and a community of supportive customers. But behind the reels and the #OOTDs lies a reality most small businesses hesitate to speak about: the everyday challenges that never make it to the grid. 

At House of Zavi, we’ve decided to say it out loud — not just for ourselves, but for every independent brand trying to grow authentically, honestly and sustainably. If you’ve ever shopped from a small label, this is what it really takes to bring your order to life. 

The Small Business Struggles No One Talks About 

While each brand is different, most small business owners — especially in fashion — face a similar set of challenges. And no, they aren’t just about how to grow or go viral. They're more fundamental and frankly, more frustrating. 

Let’s break down a few that are especially close to home: 

1. The Cost of COD Orders Gone Wrong 

Cash on Delivery is convenient — we get it. But for a small business, it's also a gamble. 

Here’s what happens more often than we’d like to admit: 

A customer places a COD order, we get the piece made (yes, we’re a made-to-order brand, we don’t keep excess stock), we ship it out and then... the parcel gets refused or no one receives it. 

What happens then? 

We not only lose the product and time, but also bear the entire return shipping cost, which can be ₹200–₹400 per parcel, depending on location. 

Imagine this happening multiple times a week. It adds up. And it hurts. 

2. The Repeat Offenders - Yes, They Order Again 

What stings more than a returned COD? 

When the same customer, who didn’t accept their previous parcel, places a new order with no context, no message, no apology. 

Should we cancel it? Should we give them another chance? It puts us in a tough spot between protecting our business and not coming across as rude or dismissive. 

We try to reach out, we ask for confirmation — but it’s still a delicate line to walk. And unfortunately, it’s a conversation most brands are forced to have more often than they should. 

3. The Sizing Struggle is Real 

We offer sizes from XS to XXXL — because we believe comfort shouldn’t come in limited sizes. But finding the right size online is still one of the biggest concerns our customers have. 

We have a detailed size chart. We explain how to measure. But sometimes, customers skip that step or assume all products fit the same. (They don’t. A kaftan will fit differently than a co-ord or a shirt.) 

When the size doesn’t work, we’re left handling return or exchange conversations — not just logistically, but emotionally. And it’s harder with COD orders, because we often don’t know if the intent is genuine. 

That’s why we constantly try to educate buyers through stories, guides and DMs  because one good fit leads to a relationship, not just a sale. 

4. The Price Comparison Battle 

Here’s something most small brands won’t say out loud: We know we can’t match the prices or discounts of fast fashion giants. 

We’re not Myntra. We don’t mass-produce. We use 100% natural fabrics, we don’t overstock, and we make each piece on order. Which means every stitch costs more — in effort, in ethics and in actual money. 

Sometimes, we get messages like: “Why is this kaftan ₹3,000 when I saw one for ₹1,200 on Myntra?” 

And honestly, we get it. But what you're paying for is not just fabric. You're paying for mindful sourcing, conscious sizing, sustainable systems and a small team that genuinely cares. 

5. Dealing with Difficult Customers (with Kindness + Boundaries) 

Not every customer is kind. Some have unrealistic expectations. Some demand refunds for worn pieces. Some ghosts us after we customise their size or design. Some try COD fraud  and yes, that’s a real thing. 

We try to respond with empathy, patience, and fairness. But we’re human too. And being a small team means we’re often stretched thin, handling logistics, social media, production, and customer support all at once. 

What helps? 

When customers communicate. When they read our policies. When they trust us the same way, we try to trust them. 

So, Why Are We Sharing All This? 

Because small businesses are built on trust and we believe trust grows with transparency. 

We don’t want to just show you our best angles. We want you to know what’s behind the beautiful packaging — real people, real effort, real challenges. 

We’re not asking for sympathy. We’re asking for understanding. And maybe, the next time you shop from a small brand — whether it’s House of Zavi or someone else — you’ll pause and think about the work behind that dress, that kaftan, that story. 

 To Our Loyal Customers - Thank You