How are fabric prices quoted in Surat? What units and terms should buyers know?

Surat fabric market uses specific pricing conventions that first-time buyers need to understand:

Quantity units:

• Per meter: Standard unit for most fabric — price is per running meter of fabric at the width it comes
• Per piece: For ready-made garments — price is per finished garment
• Per thaan (थान): A thaan is a full roll/bolt of fabric — typically 40–120 meters depending on fabric type. Buying per thaan is cheaper than per meter.
• Per suit: For dress material — a "suit" means the fabric for one complete salwar-kameez set (typically 3–4 meters unstitched)

Price terms:

• Ex-shop / Ex-Surat: Price at the shop — buyer arranges freight
• With freight: Price inclusive of shipping to buyer's location
• Per piece / catalog: Ready-made garment price — usually refers to one catalog set (6, 8, or 12 pieces)