Executive Summary
We propose a B2B export platform to connect Indian local artisans
handicraft textile with global buyers, addressing the rising demand for
artisanal, authentic, sustainable products. Through a dual-channel model a
B2B export portal for wholesale buyers such as international designers and
retailers, and a direct-to-consumer e-commerce platform for premium
global audiences by collaborating with NGOs and artisan clusters across
regions like Gujarat, Bengal, and Kashmir. The platform will use digital tools
like VR sampling and NFC tracking to ensure traceability and premium
positioning.
What gap are we addressing?
Indian handcrafted textiles like double-ikat silks and natural-dye print have limited access to premium global markets. Though India ranks among the top textile exporters, handicraft exports remain modest (USD4.28 billion in FY2023–24). Artisan clusters lack digital tools, export infrastructure, and unified platforms to reach high-end fashion and décor buyers. The supply chain is fragmented, with no consistent quality or certification systems.
Why is it important?
These challenges result in lost income opportunities for skilled artisans, underutilization of India’s rich textile heritage, and the dominance of mass-produced, inauthentic products in the global market. Without structured access, artisans face marginalization, and valuable cultural knowledge risks being lost.
Market demand
Global appetite for sustainable, artisanal luxury textiles is rising fast sustainable fashion alone is projected to hit USD 53.4 billion by 2032. Yet buyers struggle to find authentic, traceable Indian textiles due to inconsistent quality, scattered suppliers, and limited access. Current market offerings fail to meet this niche, high-margin demand.
Proposed Solution
Curated RDM product portfolio
The platform offers a selection of pre-made luxury fabrics e.g. double-ikat Patola silks, Zardozi brocades, handwoven Chanderi and Khadi cottons, natural-dye prints (Ajrakh, Bandhani, etc.), and mirror-work embroideries all ready for immediate incorporation into couture or premium décor lines.
Supply Chain
Fabrics are sourced directly from NGOs, Handicraft clusters, weavers across India (Gujarat, Bengal, Kashmir, etc.) under fairwage agreements. Products undergo ISO9001 QMS, quality testing (JIS, AATCC, ASTM), and third-party audits. Post-curation, fabrics are cataloged online with digital traceability and shipped via global logistics partners (DHL/UPS) from Indian hubs
Technology and service features
The startup will develop a web-based B2B
portal with advanced features including
VR-based virtual sampling of fabric designs
to help remote buyers visualize and
customize products. Integrated logistics
hubs (Mumbai/Chennai) and partnerships
with DHL/UPS ensure efficient DDP/CIF
delivery.
OUR SERVICES
- Curated RDM fabric portfolio: Patola, Chanderi, Khadi, Ajrakh, Bandhani, Zardozi, mirror-work, etc.
- Custom design services in the B2B model fabric colors, motifs, embellishments as per buyer needs
- NFC/QR-coded digital product passports with artisan origin, lifecycle metrics, and certifications
- VR-based remote fabric sampling and visualization tools
- In the D2C model: direct buyer-artisan interaction and digital storefronts for artisans, clusters, and NGOs
- Eco-certified products: OEKO-TEX® 100, GOTS, Fairtrade, GI tags, Handloom Mark and ISO9001 QMS and AATCC/JIS/ASTM quality checks with third-party audit
Pricing Strategy
B2B Pricing (Wholesale Export Model)
Cost-plus pricing model, ensuring 30–40% profit margins after covering artisan payments, certifications, quality checks, logistics, and platform fees.
• MOQ Flexibility: Starting at 20–100m per design to attract boutique and mid-sized buyers.
• Tiered Discounts: Volume-based price breaks to encourage larger orders.
• Private Label Pricing: Custom pricing for co-branded or exclusive collections, with design and sampling fees built in.
• Service Add-ons: Optional pricing for VR previews, NFC traceability, faster delivery, or custom packaging.
B2C Pricing (E-commerce / D2C Model)
• A premium retail markup of 2.5x to 3x will be applied over production cost, reflecting the uniqueness, craftsmanship, and sustainable value
• .Artisan-First Pricing: Fixed fair wages + bonus per sale to artisans.
• Psychological Pricing: ₹2,990 / $149 range to communicate exclusivity without alienating midpremium buyers.
• Limited Editions: Higher pricing on drops/collabs due to scarcity and customization options.
• Shipping Strategy: Free shipping above a threshold; international shipping priced at cost or slightly subsidized.
Value-Added Services (Cross-Both Models)
• Customizations (B2B & B2C): Extra charge based on design complexity, quantity, or embellishment.
• Workshops/Webinars: Paid sessions for craft education or brand storytelling for global audiences.
• White Label Licensing: Annual fees + per-unit royalty where brands want to use your GIbacked or certified textiles under their own label.