We all have received gifts that were opened once, admired for a few hours, and then kept in the cupboard, unused and forgotten. The real problem is that the gifting has become predictable. In an era of mass production, most gifts lack meaning and emotional connection. However, Indian handmade products are changing the dynamic. Every handcrafted item represents a tradition made by artisans whoâve inherited their craft from their ancestors.
But, there is always a but. Finding these authentic gems, especially in bulk and without falling into the rabbit hole of middlemen, is challenging. The only viable solution is B2B suppliers. This article will explain the steps to source authentic Indian handmade gifts from a B2B company.
1. Understand What Makes a Product âAuthenticâ
Authenticity in a handmade object means the presence of the makerâs identity, tradition, and skills. A truly authentic Indian handmade product reflects the flow of the hands that shaped it and the region where it was created. It may have natural variations like the polished surface of ceramics from Khurja or the natural grain of wooden animal figurines from Jodhpur. These arenât flaws; theyâre proof of the human hand at work.
Factory-made goods are too perfect and detached. They skip the storytelling part. You won’t find Amritsar’s carved chess’s raw feel or handmade leather journals’ quality in a machine-made gift. So, when you source, ask the wholesaler if this item speaks of a place, a person, or a story. If yes, youâre onto the genuine product.
2. Shortlist the Right B2B Suppliers
Start by browsing online B2B platforms like ArtistryBazaar. These platforms will have the profiles of all the legitimate exporters and brands founded by artisans. The second way to find them is at the trade fairs, including the IHGF Delhi Fair, Surajkund Mela, or Dastkar exhibitions. Also, check out export promotion councils like EPCH (Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts) for lists of registered and ethical suppliers.
When you have shortlisted a few suppliers, consider key aspects. How many years have they been in business? What craft do they sell? Plus, transparency is everything. A good B2B company should explicitly reveal its production process, even if the product is a wooden chess game set, artisan involvement, and ethical practicesâno hidden costs, no vague answers.
3. Verify Craftsmanship and Quality Standards
Before placing a bulk order, always ask for product samples. Itâs the simplest way to give yourself assurance. By doing this, you get the chance to see, feel, and test the product. Next, look for quality certifications. In India, the Handloom Mark, GI Tag (Geographical Indication), and Craftmark are some reliable signs that prove a product is 100% handmade.
In addition, inspect the raw materials used. Premium-quality wood, fabrics, natural dyes, terracotta clay, and so on add real value to handmade items. At last, if youâre an expert in the craft, then itâs okay, but if not, hire an expert to evaluate the finished product detailsâedges, finishing, color consistency, and patterns. Handmade doesnât mean messy. It means unique with character. A decent handmade item like a home decor sculpture will have slight natural variations, but it should still look and have a high standard.
4. Review the Supplier in Customizing and Packaging Options
When we talk about handmade gifting items, presentation is of utmost importance. Customization also matters. It doesnât matter who your target market is; a personalized touch leaves a lasting impression. There are many B2B companies in India that provide a broad range of customization options. Some even add your logo and message tags on packaging in particular colors and patterns. Nowadays, customers appreciate eco-friendly and creative packaging, so find a company that uses recyclable paper, cloth pouches, bamboo boxes, or plantable tags for packaging.
Suppose you are looking for kitchen home decor. You can request your chosen B2B supplier to share samples of customized packaging. Pay attention to the finishing, durability, and design before finalizing. In short, great packaging is an experience. So, partner with B2B companies that treat packaging as part of the gift, not just a wrapper.