| |
Design & Product Development Support
Participation in annual state level design and technology support workshops:
The Ode to Earth network will organize one state level design and technical support workshop for members to participate and benefit from. The workshops will review the product range of members and recommend modifications, provide some new product designs/category/range, new embellishments, introduce new techniques, guidelines on pricing, packaging etc. At the end of each workshop, each member will receive technical specifications for all new developments. This will also enable members to benefit from interaction with each other for product/process collaborations among themselves.
On-site design development:
Each member will receive an on-site 4-day design development package that includes the visit of a designer at the member’s location. The designer will assess the products, understand the production processes and production capacities, assess skills levels and based on these factors propose a set of new designs, orientation to existing designs, tips on quality material and finishing.
Marketing Support
Use of the umbrella Ode to Earth brand
Ode to Earth brand has been developed as an umbrella brand for artisan groups and NGOs. Members will have an option to sell their products under their own brand or under the Ode to Earth brand. Products are scrutinized based on defined quality standards and then selected to be marketed under the umbrella brand. These selected products will be specially catalogued and supported by the Ode to Earth network.
Ode to Earth Annual Market Event
Each year, ACCESS organizes the annual Ode to Earth market event in Delhi. The members of the Ode to Earth network will be given a 50% discount for their participation in the annual Ode to Earth market event and will be supported in merchandizing their products, setting up their stalls and engagement with buyers. This year, the Ode to Earth market Event will be organised at the Indian Islamic Cultural Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi from 19 to 22 November 2010. Click here (2) to download the registration form.
Representation in other events for qualified products
Ode to Earth will participate in two national and one international marketing events each year. Ode to Earth will select high quality and unique products of its members to be displayed in these events to increase their visibility and exposure to national and international customers.
Participation in Buyer Seller Meet
ACCESS will organize an annual Buyer-Seller meet to showcase and market those products that have received design inputs as part of the Ode to Earth programme initiative. Wholesale buyers/exporters will be invited to facilitate linkages.
Online Services: Ode to Earth Portal
The Ode to Earth portal, which besides providing several facilities for the members in terms of market linked information, also hosts an online catalogue for retailing and wholesaling member products. Through the online Ode to Earth marketplace, members are able to market their products and increase their visibility in India and abroad.
Support for packaging, labelling, branding
The Ode to Earth network will support its members with packaging, labelling, branding support through consultative workshops and counselling sessions specially organized in conjunction with designers and marketing experts to build an attractive and coherent brand identity.
Workshops on enterprise management & business processes
Along with facilitating market linkages, Ode to Earth also focuses on building the capacities of the producers in the field of marketing and business development. While providing contemporary designs in line with the customers’ tastes is crucial, members are also trained in marketing strategy that includes market networking, production and quality control, profitable business practices, ability to raise funds, etc.
ACCESS to buyers and members database
Ode to Earth will develop a listing of buyers/exporters/wholesalers of handicrafts products, and keep it updated according to the latest developments in the sector. The Ode to Earth members will be able to browse through the database to identify relevant partners and build relationships to develop their business.
Orientation to export procedures
Exporting a product requires various formalities to be carried out. The Ode to Earth team will guide and advise its members to help them understand the export procedures and comply with the customs and legal formalities.
Facilitation for access to financial services
Due to limitations in governance, management, production organization and systems, NGOs associated with handicrafts and producers may be challenged in accessing financial support required to upscale their activities. The Ode to Earth network will provide advisory services to facilitate procedures and leverage sources of financial capital.
Fee-based customized services
As each organisation has its own specificities and constraints, Ode to Earth proposes to provide a range of customized services tailored to every different requirement. The fields of intervention include:
- Facilitating the formation of producer companies
- Specific design support
- Sales support
- Marketing support
- Business Plan development
- Skills enhancement
- Organisational management
|
|
|
|
