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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.