How to Find Reliable Indian Suppliers and Manufacturers

TL;DR

• U.S. e-commerce sellers are increasingly turning to India for unique, affordable, and eco-friendly products.

• Finding reliable suppliers requires researching the right sourcing hubs and using trusted platforms like IndiaMART and GlobalSources.

• Checking supplier certifications, requesting samples, and reviewing past work are key steps to ensure quality and reliability.

• Strong communication and, when possible, factory visits or third-party audits help reduce risks and build long-term partnerships.

• Avoid common mistakes like skipping small trial orders or ignoring written contracts to protect your Amazon business.

For many U.S. e-commerce sellers, the biggest pain point in sourcing from India isn’t the cost or the product — it’s finding reliable suppliers they can trust.

You’ve probably heard the success stories: brands scaling fast by adding Indian-made textiles, eco-friendly goods, or handmade products to their Amazon or Shopify stores. But behind every success is a smart sourcing strategy because the truth is, that not all suppliers are created equal.

Sellers risk delays, inconsistent quality, and even wasted money without proper vetting. For busy businesses already juggling inventory, listings, and marketing, figuring out how to get started with Indian suppliers can feel overwhelming.

The good news?  You don’t need to guess your way through it.

This guide gives you a clear, step-by-step process to help you confidently find trustworthy Indian suppliers and manufacturers. This roadmap will help you avoid common pitfalls, make smarter decisions, and build e-commerce partnerships that truly support your business growth.

Step-by-step guide to finding reliable Indian suppliers and manufacturers

Step 1: Identify the right sourcing hubs

The first step to finding reliable Indian suppliers is knowing where to look. India is a huge country with many specialized regions, and each region is known for certain products.  For example, Tirupur is famous for textiles and garments, Moradabad for metal crafts, Jaipur for jewelry and handicrafts, and Ludhiana for woolen goods.

Why does this matter? 

Because going straight to the right sourcing hub gives you access to the most experienced suppliers, better prices, and higher-quality products. With rising trade tensions between the U.S. and China, many Amazon sellers are urgently looking for alternative sourcing options. 

India offers a promising solution but success depends on picking reliable Indian suppliers who truly understand their craft and have experience working with global clients.

Instead of randomly searching online, U.S. sellers should first research which Indian hubs specialize in their target product category. This narrows down the search and increases the chances of finding manufacturers who meet international standards.

By focusing on the right hubs, sellers can save time, reduce risks, and build a solid foundation for growing their Amazon business with unique, high-quality products from India.

Step 2: Use trusted sourcing platforms and networks

Once you know what products you want, the next key step is using trusted sourcing platforms and networks to find reliable Indian suppliers and manufacturers.

For U.S. e-commerce sellers, especially those looking to grow on Amazon, working with random or unknown suppliers can be risky. You need partners who understand international standards, can meet your product needs, and will deliver on time.

Start by using these trusted platforms:

#1 IndiaMART

IndiaMART is one of India’s largest B2B marketplaces, connecting global buyers with Indian manufacturers and exporters. You can search by product type, check supplier ratings, read reviews, and contact sellers directly. You can find suppliers in India having small-batch or customizable products, which is great for Amazon sellers seeking unique offerings.

 #2 TradeIndia

TradeIndia offers a broad directory of verified Indian suppliers across industries like textiles, electronics, home goods, and more. It provides detailed supplier profiles, certifications, and trade history, making it easier for U.S. sellers to assess reliability. The platform also offers chat and inquiry tools to speed up communication and negotiations.

#3 GlobalSources

GlobalSources connects international buyers with quality Indian (and Asian) manufacturers. It focuses on export-ready suppliers familiar with global standards and Amazon requirements. With its product showcases, trade show connections, and supplier verification services, U.S. e-commerce sellers can confidently shortlist trusted suppliers ready for global-scale partnerships.

You should also explore global trade networks or the U.S.-India business groups, where you can get recommendations for suppliers that have experience working with U.S. sellers. Attending virtual or in-person trade shows, like the India International Trade Fair or Sourcing at MAGIC, can help you meet suppliers directly and build relationships.

Most importantly, look for suppliers who have worked with export clients before, preferably those familiar with Amazon’s packaging, compliance, and labeling rules. Finding reliable suppliers through trusted networks isn’t just about convenience — it’s about protecting your business and setting yourself up for smooth, scalable growth on Amazon.

Step 3: Check supplier certifications and track record

For U.S. e-commerce sellers, partnering with a reliable supplier is essential to building a successful Amazon business. That’s why checking certifications and the supplier’s track record is a step you cannot skip.

Start by asking for proof of certifications.  For example, if you’re sourcing textiles or organic products, look for certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or ISO (International Organization for Standardization). These certifications show that the supplier follows recognized international standards for quality, safety, or sustainability.

Next, look into their past work. Ask for client references or case studies  such as: 

• Have they worked with U.S. or European buyers before? 

• How did they handle quality control, deadlines, and packaging requirements?

You can also check their online reputation. Look for reviews or ratings on trusted sourcing platforms like IndiaMART, GlobalSources, or Alibaba.

For Amazon sellers, a reliable supplier means fewer returns, better reviews, and happy customers. Taking time to confirm a supplier’s certifications and experience helps you avoid costly mistakes and builds a solid foundation for scaling your product line confidently on Amazon. 

Step 4: Request detailed samples and previous work

Once you’ve found a few potential Indian suppliers, don’t rush into placing an order right away. For U.S. e-commerce sellers, especially those looking to grow on Amazon, requesting detailed product samples and reviewing previous work is a must.

Because samples show you the supplier’s true quality — not just the nice pictures they send or what’s written on their website. Ask the supplier to send you samples that match your product specifications, such as size, material, color, and packaging. 

This lets you check the product’s feel, look, durability, and craftsmanship before committing to a bigger order. Also, request photos or case studies of past projects or clients they’ve worked with, especially if they’ve supplied products for U.S. or international markets. This gives you insight into their experience and reliability.

If a supplier hesitates to provide samples or can’t show past work, it’s a red flag. Good suppliers will understand why you’re asking — after all, you need to protect your business. Taking this extra step helps you avoid costly mistakes, choose the right partner, and set your Amazon store up for long-term success.

Step 5: Evaluate communication and responsiveness

Good communication is one of the most important signs of a reliable Indian supplier or manufacturer. You may find a great product, but if the supplier is slow to respond, unclear in answers, or hard to reach, it can quickly lead to delays, confusion, and even lost sales on Amazon.

Start by paying attention to how quickly they reply to your emails or messages. 

• Do they answer within 24-48 hours? 

• Do they provide clear, detailed responses to your questions? 

• If they ignore important details or give vague replies, that’s a red flag.

Also, notice how well they understand your product requirements. A good supplier will ask follow-up questions, clarify specifications, and confirm details to avoid mistakes. They should also be open to video calls or direct conversations when needed — this shows they are serious about building a long-term business relationship.

To grow your Amazon business, you need suppliers who are not just skilled but also reliable partners. Evaluating communication early on saves time, reduces risks, and helps you find manufacturing partners who will support your growth, not hold it back.

Step 6: Visit factories or hire third-party auditors

For U.S. e-commerce sellers who want to grow their business on Amazon, it’s important to know that your suppliers and manufacturers are trustworthy and meet high standards. That’s why visiting the factory or hiring a third-party auditor is such a smart move.

If you can, visiting the factory in person gives you a clear picture of how things work. You can see the production process, check the materials they use, and talk directly with the team. This helps you understand if they can meet your product needs, handle big orders, and deliver consistent quality.

However, not every U.S. seller has the time or budget to travel. In that case, hiring a reliable third-party auditor or sourcing agent in India is a great alternative. These agents will visit the factory on your behalf, check production standards, review certifications, and report back on what they find.

By adding this extra step, you lower your risk of poor-quality products or delivery issues. It helps you choose the right supplier for your Amazon store and ensures you’re working with a partner who can truly support your business growth long-term.

So, as an Amazon seller, we truly believe that success comes not just from sourcing the right products but also from carefully optimizing your product listings for Amazon, ensuring strong branding, and delivering an exceptional customer experience to stand out in a competitive marketplace.

Common pitfalls to avoid

• Relying only on the cheapest price without checking quality.

• Skipping background checks on supplier experience.

• Ignoring certifications or compliance standards.

• Not requesting product samples before bulk orders.

• Poor communication or unclear agreements.

• Overlooking shipping timelines and logistics planning.

• Failing to use written contracts or clear terms.

• Skipping factory audits or third-party inspections.

• Not testing with small trial orders first.

• Ignoring cultural differences or time zone challenges.

Wrap up

Finding reliable Indian suppliers and manufacturers is one of the smartest moves U.S. e-commerce sellers can make to grow on Amazon but it takes careful research, planning, and execution. From identifying the right sourcing hubs to checking certifications, requesting samples, and using third-party audits, each step helps protect your business and build strong, long-term partnerships.

Avoiding common pitfalls like poor communication or skipping trial orders is just as important for smooth operations and lasting success. To make this process even easier, many sellers turn to expert Amazon e-commerce consulting services. 

These specialists provide hands-on support, guiding you through supplier selection, compliance, and strategy, so you can confidently scale your Amazon store and unlock the full potential of sourcing from India.