Our commitment is that we are not here just to point out mistakes , but it also includes being in touch with our suppliers constantly and providing solutions when a problem crops up . |
also be a person who is giving a lot of product development . He is involved and should know the product , and also have the will to do it . Most of the customer ’ s enquiries that we get are specifically targeted as they know what they are looking for because their inspiration is global , which we at Colveta try to match the inspiration with price-competitive Indian value additions . For this we need partners , who understand the nuances of product development and who are also globally aware of trends . So , we prefer to align with suppliers that give product development ideas , make prints and investment in their R & D .
Even as many exporters are opting out of the industry , as they are unwilling to adapt to changing scenarios , we work with suppliers who work differently and are open to look at solutions to any challenges . It is a team work ; rather than saying that the market is slow so I cannot work , he is trying to work around it . It is important to pick up and take the initiative . Those who are ready to get into this kind of partnership will continue to do business while others will drop out or move into other areas . The industry is also undergoing changes with the latest movement of factories being shifted to smaller areas where there is cheap labour .
Ultimately the cities where the existing factories have already been overcrowded , the production of these units needs to go out and settle elsewhere . But the moot question is whether these new areas are going to be well connected and well equipped for the workers and management to go there and settle …, this only time will tell . But eventually it has to happen !
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When I joined the business 25 years ago , we were only looking for suppliers . But today things are changing , and we are in search of a partner as relationship really counts . When you are in association with your partners , your price , commitment , quality , etc . all come with the relationship and this is what we have maintained in the industry . We don ’ t believe in ‘ uprooting ’ partners , but rather working along with them in every step or the way , so that both of us can meet each other ’ s needs . There are certain values and commitments that each one brings to the table . Also , since we are a ‘ bridge ’ between the customer and the manufacturer , we have to take into consideration the interest of both ; so it works in a chain .
Our commitment is that we are not here just to point out mistakes , but it also includes being in touch with our suppliers constantly and providing solutions when a problem crops up ; together we work out
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how we can go about tackling challenges … But we want our suppliers to be honest and provide us a true picture , so that we are able to guide them well in time . I prefer a partner , with whom I can just pick up the phone and immediately talk and who is aware about what ’ s happening to my product . We don ’ t work with very big suppliers but mid-level ones where we can develop a relationship because we are important to them .
Gone are the days when buyers were considered to be more important ; now it ’ s all about partnership . A relationship is not only about price ; my partners have given a downcharge when the currency has fluctuated . When it jumped , even after the confirmed price , I committed to giving benefit of appreciating currency even when the PO was raised . That ’ s what I call a partnership !
Working for European Brands like DIDI , Etam , PROMISS , Steps . Fred & Ginger , Ginger
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and CKS , we look for companies that have knowledge of product development or have invested in R & D or are eager to learn . There have been times when we have supported companies that were willing to try something new based solely on our trust in them to stand by their commitment . In one case , we knew that we were taking a risk to give a woven value-added product to a jersey factory who were keen to do woven styles , but it was fun to do it when the other person put his heart in it . He is now doing a lot of woven products with value additions that he was not doing earlier . It is all about having faith and trusting one another .
A ‘ preferred supplier ’ is a person who fits into what a buyer wants . There are suppliers , who quote price just like a production unit , and then we utilize the suppliers like that … There is no real definition of a preferred supplier ; he / she is the one who has a very good production unit , giving quantities and a certain price point , but he may
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