Buying Guide for International Importers
Source Indian handicrafts with confidence — from first enquiry to export.
At Merkury Biz House, we make it easier for international buyers, wholesalers, retailers and brands to source authentic Indian handicrafts for their markets. We work with traditional artisans and artisan clusters across India to offer wholesale, private label and custom sourcing solutions. Whether you are placing your first order or looking for a long-term sourcing partner, our team will guide you through every stage — from product selection and sampling to production, packaging and export.
- 1
Enquiry
- 2
Catalogue & Quotation
- 3
Samples
- 4
Order Confirmation
- 5
Production & Export
01What You Can Enquire About
- Ceramic pottery
- Block print fabrics
- Indian handicrafts and home décor
- Custom-designed products
- Private-label collections
- Products based on your own specifications
Don't have a specific product in mind? Tell us your category, style, target market or price range, and our sourcing team can help you identify suitable products from our artisan network.
02Catalogues & Quotations
Once we understand your requirements, we share relevant product catalogues.
- Product photographs
- Product specifications
- Available materials
- Sizes and dimensions
- Indicative pricing
- Customization possibilities
03Samples
If you would like to evaluate a product before placing a bulk order, samples can be requested for eligible products.
Samples let you assess:
- Product quality
- Material and finish
- Colours
- Size and dimensions
- Craftsmanship
- Packaging requirements
Sample charges and shipping costs may apply depending on the product and order requirements.
04Customization & Private Label
We offer custom sourcing and private-label solutions for suitable products.
- Size and dimensions
- Colours
- Patterns or designs
- Materials
- Finishes
- Branding
- Labels
- Packaging
Share your reference images, drawings, specifications or brand requirements, and our team will assess feasibility with the relevant artisan or production partner.
05Minimum Order Quantity & Lead Times
| Order Type | Minimum Quantity | Lead Time |
|---|---|---|
| Samples | 10 pieces, mixed SKUs allowed | 15–20 days |
| Bulk orders | 100 pieces per SKU (or higher) | 45–60 days |
Lead times depend on design availability, quantity and customization, and are confirmed at the time of quotation.
06Order Confirmation
Once the product, specifications, quantity, price and commercial terms are agreed, we proceed with order confirmation.
- Product
- Quantity
- Specifications
- Packaging
- Price
- Payment Terms
- Delivery Terms
- Timeline
For customized orders, production begins only after the agreed specifications and approvals are confirmed.
07Payment Terms
- Advance payment: 50% of order value via Telegraphic Transfer (TT/SWIFT)
- Balance payment: before dispatch, after quality inspection and packing confirmation
- Letter of Credit (LC): accepted for high-volume orders, on agreement
08Quality & Handmade Variation
Handcrafted products naturally carry a human element. Slight variations in colour, texture, grain or finish may occur and are part of the character of handmade products.
At the same time, international B2B buyers require consistency. We coordinate with our artisan and production partners so that agreed specifications, quantities and quality requirements are followed before shipment. For suitable orders, buyers may also discuss inspection or quality-control requirements with us before dispatch.
09Packaging
Packaging matters when shipping handmade and fragile products internationally.
- Individual product packaging
- Protective inner packaging
- Export-grade outer packaging
- Branded packaging
- Private-label packaging
- Custom packaging requirements
Each piece is packed with eco-friendly bubble wrap and corrugated cartons. Cartons are palletised in line with ISPM-15 standards for international shipments. For fragile products such as ceramics, packaging is discussed specifically according to the product and destination.
10Shipping & Incoterms
Prices are quoted on an EXW or FOB basis. CIF and DDP can be arranged on request for select markets.
| Incoterm | What It Means |
|---|---|
| EXW | Buyer arranges pickup from our facility. |
| FOB (Mundra / Nhava Sheva) | We deliver to the port of export in India. |
| CIF | We arrange freight and insurance up to the buyer's port, on request. |
| DDP | Available for select markets (USA, EU, UAE) on request. |
Indicative shipping time is 4–6 weeks depending on destination, mode and order size. Sea and air freight can both be arranged. The selected Incoterm determines how costs and risks are divided between buyer and seller.
11Export Documentation
We coordinate the export documentation required from our side.
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Shipping Bill
- Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
- Certificate of Origin, where applicable
- Product-specific certificates, where applicable
Exact requirements vary by destination country, product category and import regulations. Buyers should confirm their own country's import requirements before placing an order.
12Returns & Claims
- Handmade variation policy: slight differences in colour, size and glaze are natural in handmade products and are not considered defects.
- Transit damage: claims can be settled via insurance where the buyer has opted for coverage.
- Exported orders are not eligible for return or refund.
13Why Source with MBH
Authentic Indian Craftsmanship
B2B Focus
Custom Sourcing
Private Label
One Sourcing Partner
From product discovery to export logistics
Sustainable & Artisan-Focused
GI-registered crafts — including Jaipur Blue Pottery (Reg. No. 52) — are identified as such on their individual product pages.
Ready to Source from India?
Tell us what you are looking for and our team will help you find the right products for your market.
Wholesale | Private Label | Custom Sourcing | Export Orders