Doing Business in India For Dummies®

Sourcing from India

It’s hard for some to believe that sourcing from thousands of miles away on the other side of the globe can help increase profitability, but for a variety of reasons, that can be just the case. In this section, I explore the possibilities for sourcing in India and help you get started on the right track.

India can be an attractive option for sourcing because it offers a multitude of choices and value for your money. India’s varied raw materials and skilled and intelligent workforce are two of its most attractive features (and with the dismantling of many governmental controls and the presence of big-ticket multinationals, the volumes and variety have increased). Add to this India’s lowered costs—sourcing from India can improve your bottom line—and take advantage of India’s infrastructure in the form of ports and airports, and you won’t need to look any further.

Looking at India’s sources

India has a vast manufacturing base that churns out a variety of items from aircraft and chemicals to machinery and food products. The “hot list” of products that the West looks to India to provide is growing every day. India’s ever-growing resources include some of the following:

✓	Automobile ancillaries
✓	Electronic goods
✓	Readymade garments and textiles
✓	Software
✓	Specialty chemicals
✓	Tea

And if you’re interested in getting in on the other end of the transaction—manufacturing products in India—take a look at Chapter 12.

Finding the right supplier

Locating potential suppliers in ...