10 Steps to Source Products from India and Import into the US
Indian manufacturers offer a range of unique products that can be imported into the US to sell profitably online or in a retail stores. Suppliers can easily customize products based on your specifications.
This article outlines 10 important steps you need to take to source from India.
Step 1: Determine Cost-Effectiveness
The first step is to evaluate if India is the right sourcing destination for your product. India specialises in a variety of products such as those made from natural materials such as wood, metal, cotton and more.
Find out
- Is the product manufactured in India cost-effectively?
- Are there suppliers that already make and export the product?
- Are raw materials or components easily available?
- Where in India is the product manufactured?
Download our Made in India Products & Production Hubs guide to see which products can be sourced from India cost-effectively.
Step 2: Compile Product and Packaging Specifications
Create a comprehensive list of product and packaging specifications and decide on the quantity you’d like to source. This step forms the blueprint for suppliers in India for communication, providing clarity and avoiding ambiguities in the sourcing process.
In addition, find out if there are any safety standards or mandatory certifications that are needed to import the product into the US.
Most Indian suppliers are fluent in the English language so you will not face language barriers
Step 3: Identify Specialized Suppliers
To identify suppliers in India that specialize in your specific product category you can speak to a few suppliers making your product and zero down on one. The emphasis is on aligning your needs with the supplier’s expertise to streamline the sourcing process.
Scrutinize factors such as manufacturing capabilities, production capacity, export experience, certifications etc to curate a list of potential manufacturers.
India Sourcing Network can help find you the best manufacturers in India. All you need to do is send us your product requirements, and we take care of the rest.
Step 4: Requesting Quotes from Suppliers:
Initiate communication with identified manufacturers in India by forwarding your product specifications and requesting detailed quotes. This step is pivotal in obtaining transparent pricing information, laying the foundation for subsequent negotiations
If you want to outsource your entire sourcing process of importing from India to save time and money, we are here to help
Step 5: Get Samples
Upon receipt of quotes, evaluate potential suppliers based on their viability. If a supplier meets your expectations, proceed to request samples. If the pricing is not in alignment with expectations, you can negotiate to establish terms that mutually benefit both parties.
Step 6: Place an Order with a Purchase Order
Once you’re satisfied with the samples and price, initiate the ordering process by sending a Purchase Order to the selected supplier.
In the Purchase Order, make sure you give detailed product & packaging specifications, quality criteria, payment terms, delivery schedule, and other important details.
Also mention penalties in case there are delays or quality issues.
Step 7: Make Payment
Mitigate risks by tying payment to quality. Make a deposit of 30-50% when placing an order. Pay the balance the products pass pre-shipment inspection.
One of the best ways of paying suppliers in India is using Airwallex. This is a virtual bank account that allows you to make international transfers at competitive exchange rates and with minimal transaction fees. Sign up for a free Airwallex account.
Step 8: Conduct Quality Control
Prioritize product quality by conducting a pre-shipment inspection when 80-90% of the products are packed.
For orders exceeding $10,000 in value, also conduct a midline inspection to ensure consistent quality standards throughout the manufacturing process.
India Sourcing Network conducts affordable quality inspections in India. Email us at info@indiasourcing.net for more information.
Step 9: Coordinate with Freight Forwarder
Coordinate with a reliable freight forwarder to oversee logistics, whether by sea or air, based on your timeline and budget.
The final leg involves directing the shipment to its destination—be it your warehouse, Amazon’s facility, or a third-party logistics provider.
Email us at info@indiasourcing.net to get introductions to our recommended freight forwarder and 3PL warehouse in the US.
Step 10: Reorder
Once your product starts selling well, plan to place a repeat order. Make sure you plan the reorder in advance keeping in mind production lead times.
Continuously improve your products and packaging based on customer feedback.
Summary:
These are the basic 10 steps you need to take in order to import from India to the US or other countries. Made in India products can be sold online in your Amazon ecommerce store, and you can also sell them in your physical retail store.
If you want to outsource your entire sourcing process of importing from India to save time and money, we are here to help. We can find the best manufacturers for your product and manage the entire sourcing process so you can concentrate on building your business.
Click here to submit your sourcing request or email us at info@indiasourcing.net if you have any questions.
Next steps to source products from India
India Sourcing Network can manage the entire sourcing process for you in India. With our Done For You Sourcing services, you get quality products at competitive prices and on-time deliveries. Submit your sourcing request.