Many Amazon and ecommerce private label sellers are looking to India to source products in order to diversify their supply chains.
India is a growing powerhouse of manufacturing and exports, and supplies wholesale and private label products to importers around the world.
Here are several reasons why you should look no further than India
Small and midsize factories dominate
While China manufactures at scale, in India most factories are small and midsize. The government too favours SMEs and the country’s regulations are designed to protect them.
There are also tons of large enterprises, and these are mostly in industries such as apparel, textiles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, machinery, electronic components, auto & parts.
For most products relevant for private label sellers, the manufacturers would be smaller factories. Many factories are family-run businesses so don’t be surprised to see two generations attend a meeting with you if you visit their factory.
Small orders are accepted
Suppliers are usually willing to cater to small orders, sometimes as low as 20 pieces. They may charge a slightly higher price for smaller orders.
This is definitely a huge advantage for Amazon sellers, especially if you’re just starting out with a small budget or if you are an experienced seller and wants to test a new product line.
You’ll find unique products
There are specific product categories that are ideal to source from India.
India manufacturers put in significant effort into design development, and offer unique and innovative product designs. In addition, the country has a large variety of indigenous styles of handicrafts that cannot be found in other countries.
India is the preferred source for cotton textiles and cotton-based products such as apparel, fashion accessories and furnishings. The country is the world’s largest producer of cotton and accounts for 26 percent of global production.
Nothing is lost in translation
English is the second official language in India, and most people you will deal with at your supplier will speak English, some of course more fluent than others.
As there are 22 languages in India, each with its unique script, English is the language that unites the country! Generally, most Indians speak two languages – their own state’s language and English.
This is extremely advantageous when it comes to communicating with your supplier, especially when you are developing or modifying a product to private label.
Key product categories that you can source from India for your brand
Wooden home decor and gifts
There are about 15 varieties of wood available with Indian suppliers, however mango and acacia wood are the most commonly used for making a variety of products, such as home utility and decor items, furniture, kitchen & table products, utensils, and sensory and educational toys.
Metal home decor and gifts
Sellers can also source a variety of home products made from metal from copper, brass, bronze, aluminum, galvanized iron and wrought iron.
Products made of metal are home decor items, kitchenware such as platters, mugs, cutlery, and other gift items.
Apparel and textiles
Another major category of products being manufactured in India are apparel and textiles. The key materials are cotton and cotton blends, silks and wool textiles – both woven and knitted, handloom fabrics and recycled fabrics.
Ceramics
Ceramic products you can private label from India are kitchenware, dinnerware, mugs made from stoneware, terracotta, earthenware and porcelain.
India specializes in specialty and decorative ceramics as most products are hand-made and sculpted.
Leather products
The various kinds of leather available in India are buffalo, goat, sheep and cow. They are full grain and top grain, which is of the highest quality, and the lower quality is genuine leather and suede leather.
Home furnishings
Home furnishings from India are made of materials such as cotton, linen, silk, wool and rayon or a blend of two or three materials. Products available are bed sheets, pillow covers, cushion covers, bed covers, curtains, macramé and poufs.
Stationery
Stationery items from India are made not only from paper but also from recycled paper, woven grass and palm leaves. Items you can source are boxes and baskets are made from palm leaf or woven grass, which are eco-friendly materials, also journals, wrapping paper, paper for greeting cards, mill made paper and denim paper can be procured.
Eco-friendly products
India specializes in eco-friendly products and many manufacturers nowadays are focusing on such products.
Eco-friendly materials being used are jute, coir, PET, recycled leather, seeded paper, woven grass, palm leaf, among others.
Packaging
You can find a range of packaging options in India from paper, recycled paper, cotton fabric, jute fabric, cardboard, wood and MDF fiberboard, among others.
There is a focus on eco-friendly packaging with many suppliers trying to avoid the use of plastic packaging and polybags.
What’s your sourcing strategy?
Are you strategies as an ecommerce seller is to hop on the same old bandwagon of mass-produced goods? Or are you ready to ditch the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary?
We at India Sourcing Network urge our sellers to grow by building a brand around stunning, handcrafted Indian products made with care. With India as your supplier, you can create a brand that stands out for quality and individuality.
Global giants like IKEA and Armani have been sourcing from India for years. Now, it's your turn to discover the reason why big brands chose this country. Come with us on our India Sourcing Trip.
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