At Panoramic Sourcing, discovering the most authentic, high-quality, and ethically made products is not just part of our job — it’s our passion. India, with its rich heritage of craftsmanship, vibrant local markets, and skilled artisans, continues to be a key sourcing destination for us.
Pre-Trip Preparation: Planning with Purpose
Every successful sourcing trip begins with a strong foundation. Before setting foot in India, we define our product objectives, sourcing goals, and supplier expectations.
Our team:
- Updates you about upcoming trade fairs and regional markets relevant to each category
- Shortlists potential suppliers using internal benchmarks and past performance
- Shares detailed product PPTs and design inspirations
- Schedules meetings and factory visits in advance
For this, you can Contact Us at info@panoramicsourcing.com
Key Locations to Visit – India’s Biggest Trade Fairs
India’s trade fairs offer a one-stop solution to discovering new vendors, product trends, and manufacturing techniques. Some key exhibitions we recommend:
- IHGF Delhi Fair (Greater Noida): An extensive sourcing ground for home décor, furniture, and handicrafts.
- India Leather & Accessories Fair (Kolkata/Chennai): Focused on leather bags, wallets, belts, and footwear.
- IFJAS Fair: Features seasonal décor, lifestyle accessories, and gifting innovations.
Each location is carefully selected based on client briefs and product category priorities.
Fair Visits: What We Look For
Walking the massive aisles of Indian trade fairs is both exciting and intense. But we know exactly what we’re hunting for:
- Originality and design innovation
- Sustainable materials and responsible mass production methods
- Export readiness — including compliance, packaging, and certifications
- Responsiveness and communication fluency of the supplier team
Meeting Suppliers: Asking the Right Questions
First impressions matter — but it’s the in-depth conversations that truly reveal a supplier’s capabilities. During our meetings, we focus on questions that help us evaluate both operational and ethical alignment. Some of our go-to questions include:
- What is your monthly production capacity?
- Can you handle exclusive or custom designs?
- Are you certified for international exports (e.g., SEDEX, ISO)?
- What’s your average lead time per product category?
- Do you provide quality control reports or support third-party inspections?
These discussions help us assess reliability, compliance, and long-term potential with each supplier we meet. They also allow us to identify opportunities to strategically source products most effectively.
Logistics and Shipping Discussions
Once the product side is aligned, we shift focus to the backend: logistics and shipping. This ensures a smooth supply chain from India to your doorstep. Key topics we cover include:
- Preferred shipping terms (FOB, CIF, DDP)
- Consolidation options for multi-category orders
- Timeframes for production and dispatch
- Use of third-party freight forwarders or local warehousing partners
These conversations are essential for timeline clarity, cost control, and streamlined global delivery. They also help clients understand the advantages of importing from India versus China for various product categories.
Post-Trip Actions: Turning Insights into Action
The sourcing trip doesn’t end at the airport. Once we return, our team dives into post-trip actions that convert fieldwork into real results. We:
- Review and document supplier evaluations
- Analyze product samples and quotations
- Shortlist vendors based on product quality, communication, and ethics
- Share findings and samples with our clients for feedback
- Negotiate and place trial or pilot orders
This final phase is crucial for quality assurance, supplier onboarding, and building long-term sourcing partnerships. It also ensures that clients can leverage India-UK FTA global sourcing opportunities where applicable.
Challenges Faced – And How We Overcame Them
Sourcing in India, though rich with opportunity, comes with its fair share of challenges. Here’s how we navigate them:
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| Language barriers with artisans | Use of bilingual sourcing specialists like Panoramic Sourcing and visual documentation |
| Last-minute changes in fair schedules | Buffer days built into itinerary and flexible travel arrangements |
| Inconsistent sample quality | On-site inspections and requesting reworks before leaving |
| Logistics delays due to holidays or strikes | Partnering with experienced freight agents and planning ahead |
| Overbooked supplier meetings | Advance appointment confirmations and early fair arrivals |
Adaptability and local know-how are our strongest assets.
Final Thoughts
At Panoramic Sourcing, we treat every trip as a bridge between our clients’ vision and India’s creative potential.
If you’re a brand, designer, or buyer looking to work with India’s finest artisans and suppliers — we’d love to help you make that connection.
Let us be your eyes, ears, and expert hands on the ground.
Written by Rajat Gupta
Panoramic Sourcing
Rajat Gupta is the co-founder of Panoramic Sourcing and heads the Marketing Department. With 25+ years of experience, he helps international buyers, especially from the U.S., find reliable manufacturers in India. His focus is on building strong supplier relationships and making sourcing smooth and transparent.