The whole world is making efforts to alleviate carbon emission, including the corporate organizations who are trying hard to reduce the carbon footprint. As per the statistics provided by the sourcing in Asia experts working on global warming, the transport supply chain organizations are responsible for contributing to ninety percent of the total carbon dioxide emitted in the environment. These reports have turned heads of the organizational owners and they are trying their best to reduce carbon emissions. They are looking forward to entail a healthy planet where consumption of products is complemented by an eco-friendly supply chain. And the best way to do this is sourcing handmade products from India. These eco-friendly and sustainable products run the entire gamut from giving spaces to dining and living space.
So, let’s look into the four main steps involved in sourcing handmade products from India that can promote a sustainable supply chain and contribute to lowered carbon footprint in comparison to the factory-made products. But before that, you will get a satisfying reason behind choosing India as the sourcing country of handmade products.
Why India?
India tops the list whenever it comes to availing of raw materials from the nature. The sourcing in Asia agents believe that this oldest civilization has long been a home to indigenous and exceptional handmade goods. The reason behind this is the availability of abundant natural raw materials that has been tied intricately with the evolution of crafts in the nation. A rich variety of an array of raw materials are available in this country, including fiber, bamboo, leather, cotton, clay, horn, jute, cane, etc. the diversified cultural taste of producing unique materials with a touch of diversified cultural taste has contributed in producing unique and exclusive range of handmade products.
The handmade industry of India is blessed with the trained and abundantly adroit artisans who take pride in manufacturing such incredible products. A total of seven million artisans, of which 53 percent is women, are engaged with this craft. The dedication and determination of the co-operative society is a proof that the Indian artisans aspires to cater to the International designs and changing tastes of the people across the globe. Also, these units produce goods using their indigenous skills and at low production cost.
Now, let’s look at the four main steps involved in sourcing the indigenously manufactured handmade products from India:
Select a Product
The first step involved in the sourcing process is selecting a product or products that you want to sell. You can choose from a variety of categories, including home décor, home furnishings, natural and eco-friendly products, fashion products, textiles and jewelries, and gifts and stationary products. Selecting a particular product from a range of several other products is still easier as each of them is produced at low costs, cater to the requirements of normal people worldwide, designed indigenously and following the international standards, and manufactured in an environment-friendly manner.
Finding and Vetting a Supplier
If you are buying products from India for the first time, finding a reliable supplier can be bit of a challenge. This is mainly because trading products from India happens in an unorganized way. The delivery times also involve an extended time period due to high reliance on manual labor. Also, there are packaging issues that makes it time taking to vet a supplier in India.
As a buyer, it is your responsibility to mention the product requirements properly to the sellers. You also need to check and re-check after the product is supplied and check if they have provided correct quotation, estimated lead times, and MOQ.
There are various options for vetting a supplier from India. These include:
- You can get in touch with suppliers through B2B websites, such as India Mart, Alibaba, etc. and ask for a product quote.
- You can hire a buying agent who will help you find manufactures irrespective of the product category from across the country. They have a list of vetted suppliers but necessarily deal with big box players who would love to serve them a commission for their task.
- You can also search for efficient product suppliers by attending the large trade shows that take place in Delhi and other big cities. These trade shows are held many times a year where exclusive handmade good and gift items are sold. A thousands of manufacturers and sellers attend these shows and you could readily meet one of them through formal introduction.
Define Conditions and Place Your Order
After you confirm on the specific product and find the reliable supplier, the next vitalIndia sourcingstep is to negotiate the terms and conditions with the vetted suppliers. Here you will get the opportunity to state your requirements meticulously, regarding the lead time, quality check, quality assurance, and many other things. You need to document your requirements and place it before the supplier. Once they confirm the order and agrees with the sum you are offering, they will sign it off. They may ask for an advance payment to which you need to nod a yes.
Transport and Delivery
Based on your requirement you can choose the mode of freight. After your product is ready to dispatch, take proper measurements such as the dimensions and weight of the products. Now decide on how urgently you will need them at your place. There are two options available- air freight and sea freight. Negotiate with your supplier as to which method will be easier and safer and then choose wisely.
Creating sustainable supply chains by sourcing handmade products have emerged as a trend to which a vast majority of organizations are sending positive responses. They are offering sustainable access to the services to their customers that both cater to their daily needs and are affordable. Several other organizations are also investing in reforestation and forest management projects. This clearly shows how organizations have grown their interest to support a future that entails a pollution free planet.
Follow these India sourcing tips. These are the four main steps involved in sourcing handmade products from India. This way you can contribute to a sustainable supply chain and also swear to maintain a pollution-free planet.