In a market congested with mass-produced items, artisan crafts are carving a special niche. There’s something addictive about handmade products, like their authenticity, appeal, and distinctive aesthetic, which make them favorites of every customer. Sourcing handicrafts in your product inventory conveys the story of culture, tradition, and sustainability. Whether you’re a startup or a renowned brand, embracing these crafts can set you apart in the atomistic market. In this article, we will discuss the practical tips for creating a product line of artisanal products.
What is Product Sourcing and its Types?
Product sourcing is the procedure by which a business procures stock to sell. To search viable inventory for your store, you can ask manufacturers, wholesalers, artisans, and other types of creators. The market for supply is vast and amazing. But it’s easy to get confused in this rabbit hole of R&D. To make it simple for you, here are 5 types of sourcing:
- DIY products or services
- Manufacturers or wholesalers
- Dropshipping
- Marketplaces
- Trade shows
It is pertinent to note that from the aforementioned types, no option is better than another; there are a number of factors to weigh in to decide which is best for you and your business.
Steps Involved in Sourcing Handmade Products
1. Select A Product
India is a hub of extensive handmade goods across various categories that fulfill every person’s tastes and needs. You need to be very explicit about your choice. Here are the primary categories of crafts:
- Home Décor (Living and Dining): Tableware, kitchenware, garden accessories, lighting and furniture.
- Home Furnishings and Made-ups: Carpets, rugs, throws, curtains, and placemats.
- Natural and Eco-friendly Products: Made of cane and bamboo, like bags, baskets, decorative items, and furniture.
- Accessories (Jute, Leather, Crochet): Jewelry & accessories, bags, and scarves.
- Gifts: Christmas and festive décor, candles, incense sticks, aromatics, and corporate gifts.
2. Find and Vet a Supplier
For all the first-timers, it can be challenging to find the right supplier due to the unorganized nature of the industry. Problems like long delivery times, reliance on manual labor, and packaging issues make it necessary to carefully vet suppliers. Here are a few ways to source products from India:
- B2B Websites: You can connect with suppliers through the export-focused best online selling platform for handmade items. It’s important to ensure that the product specifications are clearly communicated to you and provide a detailed quote including price, minimum order quantities (MOQ), and estimated lead times.
- Buying Agents: Buying agents are professionals or agencies with a list of vetted suppliers who can help find the right manufacturer for any product. They often work with larger companies and charge a commission for their services.
- Domestic and International Trade Shows: One of the biggest trade shows in India is the IHGF Delhi Fair, organized by EPCH. Held twice a year, this event is only for handmade goods and gifts. It’s an excellent opportunity to meet hundreds of manufacturers, browse thousands of products, and build trust with potential suppliers. The fair is also held virtually once a year.
- Exclusive Global B2B Marketplaces for Handmade Goods: Specialized B2B marketplaces are gaining popularity for sourcing handmade consumer goods. These platforms offer advanced technology and design tools to help small businesses select the right product and supplier. They invest in strengthening the supply chain by carefully selecting qualified suppliers through a thorough vendor selection process.
3. Understand Terms and Conditions, Place Order, & Pay an Advance
Suppose that you’re after handmade home decor items, and your product specifications are confirmed and the supplier is vetted. Your next step is to sign an agreement stating the terms and conditions. This document should clearly dictate all aspects of the process, including manufacturing steps, lead time, quality checks, packaging, and shipping to the desired location.
The buyer must read this agreement before placing an order. Afterward, an advance payment is required to begin production. Typically, the advance payment ranges from 30 to 50%, depending on the order size and the relationship with the supplier. For first-time orders, suppliers generally demand a 50% advance, but they may offer more flexible terms for future orders, especially if trust has been developed over time.
4. Quality Check Report Prior to Product Shipment
The steps involved in a quality check are:
- Quality Inspection: Many big brands and small businesses require a third-party quality inspection, often conducted by an audit inspector or by their own. The inspector follows a checklist based on past experiences to make sure the final handmade product matches the original specifications. However, we can also create our own checklist to ensure the supplier meets the required standards with proper documentation and record-keeping.
- Compliance Certification: For products like jewelry or furniture, compliance certification is mandatory, especially when these products come into contact with the human body. This certification is also crucial for items made from legal wood or animal parts, depending on local regulations in the country where the product is being imported.
- Robust Packaging: Packaging is another key part of the quality check. It must be thoroughly checked to ensure that the product stays safe during shipping. In fact, some customers prioritize environmentally friendly packaging. Custom packaging can also be specified during the product specification and supplier vetting stages.
5. Transportation and Delivery
At last, when your products are set for dispatch, you have to choose the mode of freight depending on the product weight and size and how shortly the product is required at your warehouse to fill your out-of-stock inventories. The three options of delivery are:
-
- Sea-Freight
- Air-Freight
- Land-Freight
Based on your demands, you can opt for the best option. If you are going with sea freight, one thing you can ask your supplier is to bring down the shipping cost.
Final Thoughts
Sourcing artisan crafts offers businesses the chance to be noticed with genuine, sustainable, and creative products. By supporting artisans, you will contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage and eco-friendly practices. It is advantageous for both consumers and brands. By using the above-mentioned steps, you can create a product line that is rare and eye-catching. If you are looking for a premium handmade craft website, ArtistryBazaar is a great resource for curated selections of artisanal products.
What are the 3 basic components of handicraft?
The three primary components of handicrafts are technique, material, and design. Design is the concept or configuration that goes into making an object. Material is what is utilized as input and then transformed. Technique is the process used to handle the material.
What is an artisan, and explain while giving an example?
An artisan is a trained crafter or artist. The term "artisan" in patent law refers to a person who possesses a skill in an art and is used to assess whether a patent application satisfies the enablement requirement. An example of an artisan is a skilled weaver.