Awareness programme for Dehradun handicraft exporters on International standards & need for quality complaince

The workshop was for 2 days- 12 & 13 of December organized by Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (sponsored by Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India).
The resource person stressed that the supplier has to think about good quality, price and delivery date as an important factor in maintaining continuous relation with the buyer. The supplier has to think before the buyer and tell them about the products that is selling in the market. The participants were made aware that buyer does not mean the end consumer. Supplier has to make sure their products reach the market and the end consumer likes them.
The supplier has to also take note on the following:
- Communication: Regular interaction is very important in understanding the psychology of the buyer. Supplier has to reach a point where the buyer makes the call or reaches you. At times, communication need not be only about price or product. It is also important to know about your buyer's personal information.
- Transparent: Transparent in discussing risk and potential issues openly in order to have regular order. Price becomes a major issues and it is important to re-negotiate with the buyer on the market fluctuation.
- Be ethical: Supplier has to make sure that their business operation is according to the law and rules of the nation. They have not employed any child labor and also provide good working conditions to the employees.
- The suppliers has to have minimum 4-5 buyers. It is a must to seek feedback from the buyers on price and delivery date.
- The suppliers has to keep in touch with the buyers in between contracts.

Tsering Youdon
Fair Trade Coordinator
Report on workshop conducted on 12th December 2011