For manufacturers

How manufacturers can find international buyers

Great factories often struggle with sales, not production. This guide covers what buyers look for and the channels that bring real enquiries.

Get export-ready first

  • Registrations: IEC and GST in India, or the export rights and licences your country requires
  • A clear catalogue with photos, specifications, MOQs and lead times
  • Price lists in USD on standard Incoterms such as EXW and FOB
  • Certifications your target markets ask for
  • Someone who can reply quickly, in English, on email and WhatsApp

Where buyers come from

  • Trade fairs: sector shows such as the IHGF Delhi Fair for handicrafts, or the Canton Fair in China, still bring serious buyers.
  • Export promotion councils, which run buyer-seller meets and trade delegations.
  • B2B marketplaces: useful for reach, but competition on price is intense.
  • Social media and content: show your products, processes and factory regularly.
  • Sourcing and sales partners who already have buyers and handle the selling for you.

Turning enquiries into orders

  1. Reply the same day with a clear quotation.
  2. Offer paid samples quickly.
  3. Be honest about lead times and capacity.
  4. Accept third-party inspections. They build trust.
  5. Follow up after delivery to win repeat orders.

Working with a sales partner

Anthill Sourcing markets products for manufacturers in India and China, handles enquiries and negotiations, and closes orders with buyers in India, Nepal and other markets. See how the partnership works.

Frequently asked questions

How do small manufacturers start exporting?

Get the registrations you need, build a simple catalogue with export prices, then start with channels that bring ready buyers, such as trade fairs, councils and sourcing partners.

Should I quote EXW or FOB?

FOB is the most familiar term for international buyers of sea cargo, and FCA suits containers. EXW puts export clearance on the buyer, which many foreign buyers find difficult.

Rather have experts handle it?

Anthill Sourcing runs sourcing, inspection, documents and shipping for you.