eCommerce has given a new direction to Indian Handicraft Industry

India's rich cultural heritage and centuries of evolutionary tradition is manifested by the huge variety of handicrafts made all over the country. Handicrafts are a mirror of the cultural identity of the ethnic people who make it. Through the ages, handicrafts made in India like the Kashmiri woolen carpets, Zari embroidered fabrics, terracotta and ceramic products, silk fabrics etc. have maintained their exclusiveness. Different places in India are famous for different handicrafts like Saharanpur for its wooden articles, the North Western state of Rajasthan for Jaipuri quilts, Gujarat for embroidered stuff, Narsapur for lace and lace material, Punjab for Phulkari, Jodhpur for wrought iron product etc. Handicraft industry is one of the biggest employers in rural India.

Indian handicrafts could be broadly divided into three categories: folk crafts, religious crafts and commercial crafts. Popular folk crafts that are modified according to the demands of the market become commercial crafts. Myriads of handicrafts are made for the diverse rites and rituals associated with the religious faiths of the varied ethnic groups of India. Some of the handicrafts basically meant for the religious purposes are also liked by the people for their aesthetic value.

Near about 13 million artisans mostly women and people from weaker sections of the society get job in this industry. Many artisans work on full time and many on part time basis to produce these goods with hands.

Handicraft market in India is growing at a very steady pace. It is almost doubling in every five years. In the handmade products India enjoys 2% of share at global level.

Industry experts believe that global trade now depends upon more on eCommerce along with traditional medium for trading.Though there is no standard definition of e-commerce but the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) defines e-commerce transactions – “the sale or purchase of goods or services, whether between businesses, households, individuals, governments, and other public or private organisations, conducted over computer-mediated networks. The goods and services are ordered over those networks, but the payment and the ultimate delivery of the good or service may be conducted on or off-line.”

India is one of the largest users of Internet across the world and expected to cross US in the coming years. Hence e-commerce has huge hidden and untapped opportunities for the businesses as well as local artisans. It has changed the way business is done and transacted by providing a global marketplace.

Rising demand of Indian handicrafts in US, Britain, Canada, Germany, Italy etc provide great opportunity. Each industry need handicraft such as fashion industry, real estate, home decor etc.

For Internet tech savvy buyers online is the easiest way to find and shop for various handicrafts. Also eCommerce is one of the most promising channels in today’s marketing scenario for selling handicrafts. It makes sure easy availability of goods at global level. Not only you can order easily but also you have different payment options, return policy etc.

eCommerce has now become a very important part of our shopping. No more going to shops or search for a market where you can get handmade products at whole sale rates, you have your mobiles and laptops handy with you and so is your market.