Recess - Marketplace
Recess - Marketplace
Recess - Marketplace
Revolutionizing Handloom Procurement: Empowering Resellers in Rural India
In the heart of India’s handloom industry, particularly in Tier-2, Tier-3, and rural towns like Odisha, resellers are vital in bridging the gap between traditional weavers and the market. Despite their essential role, they face significant hurdles. Recess was created to transform handloom procurement by addressing these challenges directly, offering a streamlined solution that supports resellers and revitalizes the handloom sector.
Problem
The handloom industry, a cornerstone of Indian heritage, faces systemic inefficiencies that hinder its growth and sustainability:
Lack of Discoverability: According to study, 90% of weavers in rural India lack the resources for effective marketing. This visibility gap means many high-quality products remain unseen by potential buyers.
Poor Logistics: Inefficient logistics plague the industry, with delivery delays averaging 7 days. This lag not only affects reseller satisfaction but also impacts customer experience and sales.
Access to Credit: A staggering 81% of weavers report difficulties in accessing formal credit. This financial constraint stifles their ability to invest in raw materials, expand operations, or scale their businesses.
In-Transit Damages: Mishandling during transit leads to approximately 16% of products being damaged. This issue adds to costs and diminishes product quality, further straining the supply chain.
In the intricate world of handloom textiles, particularly in rural India, the sector faces numerous challenges. To address these, we adopted a structured and multifaceted approach, combining cutting-edge research methods (Netnography and Ethnomethodological Studies) with community engagement. Here’s an inside look at how we tackled the issues and developed our solution. Here’s a breakdown of our research process:
Social Media Conversations
Weavers: We learned about their struggles with visibility and marketing.
Resellers: Insights into their challenges with product sourcing and logistics emerged.
Buyers: Their feedback highlighted preferences and issues with current market offerings.
To grasp the perspectives of all stakeholders involved—weavers, resellers, and buyers—we meticulously analyzed Facebook comments and discussions related to handloom products. This analysis provided valuable insights into the pain points, expectations, and experiences of each group.
Joined WhatsApp Groups
Selling and Buying Processes: Understanding how transactions were conducted, including the common hurdles faced by sellers and buyers.
Community Dynamics: Gaining insights into the informal networks that drive sales and distribution in these groups.
Recognizing the importance of direct engagement, we joined several WhatsApp groups where unorganized sellers were actively marketing their products.
Conversations with Resellers
Daily Challenges: We learned about the logistical and financial struggles they face.
Camaraderie: Sharing moments of light-hearted discussion about local life, and even debates on Virat vs. Sachin, helped build rapport and trust.
Engaging in one-on-one discussions with resellers allowed us to explore their daily challenges in depth.
Embracing the Weavers' Lives
Infrastructure Challenges: The lack of consistent electricity was a significant hurdle, underscoring the difficulties faced by artisans in maintaining a consistent production process.
Cultural Insights: Immersing in village life provided a deeper appreciation of the cultural and economic contexts within which these weavers operate.
To truly understand the realities of the weavers, I spent a week living with a weaver’s family in the remote village of Barapali, Western Odisha.
Extensive interviews with a range of stakeholders
Weavers and Weaver Societies: Understanding their needs and constraints.
Resellers: Gaining insights into their operational challenges and market expectations.
Consumers and Shopkeepers: Collecting feedback on product preferences and market dynamics.
Solution: From WhatsApp Group to Market Disruptor
The WhatsApp group facilitated seamless engagement among resellers, allowing them to share product photos, discuss deals, and support each other in generating income.
With our research insights in hand, we developed a solution that initially started as a simple WhatsApp group.
WhatsApp Community Group [Link Here]
Market Disruption: Despite being a small player compared to giants like Meesho (backed by Sequoia Capital, SoftBank, Meta, and Y Combinator), GlowRoad.com (affiliated with Amazon), and Shopsy (from Flipkart), our approach managed to capture market attention and influence buying behavior in several towns.
Our journey from research to solution highlights the power of community-driven approaches and deep, immersive research. By understanding the nuanced challenges faced by the handloom sector and engaging directly with stakeholders, we developed a solution that not only addressed key pain points but also set a new standard for innovation in the space.
A special thanks to Antler for the invaluable Antler Academy Masterclass, which provided the guidance needed to refine our approach and make a tangible impact in the handloom industry.
Product - Recess
Our solution is designed to tackle these pain points head-on with the following features:
Authentic Handloom Products: Resellers can browse and procure a diverse range of genuine handloom sarees at competitive prices through our marketplace. This ensures product authenticity and helps preserve the cultural heritage of handloom textiles.
Access to Credit: We offer integrated credit facilities for both weavers and resellers, alleviating financial pressures and enabling better management of their operations.
Smart Returns and Superior Packaging: Our platform incorporates a streamlined returns process and enhanced packaging solutions, reducing the likelihood of product damage during transit.
Hassle-Free Returns: We provide an easy-to-navigate portal for requesting refunds and returns, ensuring a smooth and customer-friendly experience for resellers.
Benefits
Enhanced Market Reach: By improving product discoverability and streamlining procurement, resellers can expand their market reach and tap into new customer segments.
Operational Efficiency: Better logistics and packaging reduce delays and damages, leading to a more reliable supply chain and improved reseller satisfaction.
Financial Empowerment: Access to credit facilities allows resellers and weavers to manage their finances more effectively, fostering business growth and stability.
Recess Marketplace [Link Here]
Revolutionizing Handloom Procurement: Empowering Resellers in Rural India
In the heart of India’s handloom industry, particularly in Tier-2, Tier-3, and rural towns like Odisha, resellers are vital in bridging the gap between traditional weavers and the market. Despite their essential role, they face significant hurdles. Recess was created to transform handloom procurement by addressing these challenges directly, offering a streamlined solution that supports resellers and revitalizes the handloom sector.
Problem
The handloom industry, a cornerstone of Indian heritage, faces systemic inefficiencies that hinder its growth and sustainability:
Lack of Discoverability: According to study, 90% of weavers in rural India lack the resources for effective marketing. This visibility gap means many high-quality products remain unseen by potential buyers.
Poor Logistics: Inefficient logistics plague the industry, with delivery delays averaging 7 days. This lag not only affects reseller satisfaction but also impacts customer experience and sales.
Access to Credit: A staggering 81% of weavers report difficulties in accessing formal credit. This financial constraint stifles their ability to invest in raw materials, expand operations, or scale their businesses.
In-Transit Damages: Mishandling during transit leads to approximately 16% of products being damaged. This issue adds to costs and diminishes product quality, further straining the supply chain.
In the intricate world of handloom textiles, particularly in rural India, the sector faces numerous challenges. To address these, we adopted a structured and multifaceted approach, combining cutting-edge research methods (Netnography and Ethnomethodological Studies) with community engagement. Here’s an inside look at how we tackled the issues and developed our solution. Here’s a breakdown of our research process:
Social Media Conversations
Weavers: We learned about their struggles with visibility and marketing.
Resellers: Insights into their challenges with product sourcing and logistics emerged.
Buyers: Their feedback highlighted preferences and issues with current market offerings.
To grasp the perspectives of all stakeholders involved—weavers, resellers, and buyers—we meticulously analyzed Facebook comments and discussions related to handloom products. This analysis provided valuable insights into the pain points, expectations, and experiences of each group.
Joined WhatsApp Groups
Selling and Buying Processes: Understanding how transactions were conducted, including the common hurdles faced by sellers and buyers.
Community Dynamics: Gaining insights into the informal networks that drive sales and distribution in these groups.
Recognizing the importance of direct engagement, we joined several WhatsApp groups where unorganized sellers were actively marketing their products.
Conversations with Resellers
Daily Challenges: We learned about the logistical and financial struggles they face.
Camaraderie: Sharing moments of light-hearted discussion about local life, and even debates on Virat vs. Sachin, helped build rapport and trust.
Engaging in one-on-one discussions with resellers allowed us to explore their daily challenges in depth.
Embracing the Weavers' Lives
Infrastructure Challenges: The lack of consistent electricity was a significant hurdle, underscoring the difficulties faced by artisans in maintaining a consistent production process.
Cultural Insights: Immersing in village life provided a deeper appreciation of the cultural and economic contexts within which these weavers operate.
To truly understand the realities of the weavers, I spent a week living with a weaver’s family in the remote village of Barapali, Western Odisha.
Extensive interviews with a range of stakeholders
Weavers and Weaver Societies: Understanding their needs and constraints.
Resellers: Gaining insights into their operational challenges and market expectations.
Consumers and Shopkeepers: Collecting feedback on product preferences and market dynamics.
Solution: From WhatsApp Group to Market Disruptor
The WhatsApp group facilitated seamless engagement among resellers, allowing them to share product photos, discuss deals, and support each other in generating income.
With our research insights in hand, we developed a solution that initially started as a simple WhatsApp group.
WhatsApp Community Group [Link Here]
Market Disruption: Despite being a small player compared to giants like Meesho (backed by Sequoia Capital, SoftBank, Meta, and Y Combinator), GlowRoad.com (affiliated with Amazon), and Shopsy (from Flipkart), our approach managed to capture market attention and influence buying behavior in several towns.
Our journey from research to solution highlights the power of community-driven approaches and deep, immersive research. By understanding the nuanced challenges faced by the handloom sector and engaging directly with stakeholders, we developed a solution that not only addressed key pain points but also set a new standard for innovation in the space.
A special thanks to Antler for the invaluable Antler Academy Masterclass, which provided the guidance needed to refine our approach and make a tangible impact in the handloom industry.
Product - Recess
Our solution is designed to tackle these pain points head-on with the following features:
Authentic Handloom Products: Resellers can browse and procure a diverse range of genuine handloom sarees at competitive prices through our marketplace. This ensures product authenticity and helps preserve the cultural heritage of handloom textiles.
Access to Credit: We offer integrated credit facilities for both weavers and resellers, alleviating financial pressures and enabling better management of their operations.
Smart Returns and Superior Packaging: Our platform incorporates a streamlined returns process and enhanced packaging solutions, reducing the likelihood of product damage during transit.
Hassle-Free Returns: We provide an easy-to-navigate portal for requesting refunds and returns, ensuring a smooth and customer-friendly experience for resellers.
Benefits
Enhanced Market Reach: By improving product discoverability and streamlining procurement, resellers can expand their market reach and tap into new customer segments.
Operational Efficiency: Better logistics and packaging reduce delays and damages, leading to a more reliable supply chain and improved reseller satisfaction.
Financial Empowerment: Access to credit facilities allows resellers and weavers to manage their finances more effectively, fostering business growth and stability.
Recess Marketplace [Link Here]
Revolutionizing Handloom Procurement: Empowering Resellers in Rural India
In the heart of India’s handloom industry, particularly in Tier-2, Tier-3, and rural towns like Odisha, resellers are vital in bridging the gap between traditional weavers and the market. Despite their essential role, they face significant hurdles. Recess was created to transform handloom procurement by addressing these challenges directly, offering a streamlined solution that supports resellers and revitalizes the handloom sector.
Problem
The handloom industry, a cornerstone of Indian heritage, faces systemic inefficiencies that hinder its growth and sustainability:
Lack of Discoverability: According to study, 90% of weavers in rural India lack the resources for effective marketing. This visibility gap means many high-quality products remain unseen by potential buyers.
Poor Logistics: Inefficient logistics plague the industry, with delivery delays averaging 7 days. This lag not only affects reseller satisfaction but also impacts customer experience and sales.
Access to Credit: A staggering 81% of weavers report difficulties in accessing formal credit. This financial constraint stifles their ability to invest in raw materials, expand operations, or scale their businesses.
In-Transit Damages: Mishandling during transit leads to approximately 16% of products being damaged. This issue adds to costs and diminishes product quality, further straining the supply chain.
In the intricate world of handloom textiles, particularly in rural India, the sector faces numerous challenges. To address these, we adopted a structured and multifaceted approach, combining cutting-edge research methods (Netnography and Ethnomethodological Studies) with community engagement. Here’s an inside look at how we tackled the issues and developed our solution. Here’s a breakdown of our research process:
Social Media Conversations
Weavers: We learned about their struggles with visibility and marketing.
Resellers: Insights into their challenges with product sourcing and logistics emerged.
Buyers: Their feedback highlighted preferences and issues with current market offerings.
To grasp the perspectives of all stakeholders involved—weavers, resellers, and buyers—we meticulously analyzed Facebook comments and discussions related to handloom products. This analysis provided valuable insights into the pain points, expectations, and experiences of each group.
Joined WhatsApp Groups
Selling and Buying Processes: Understanding how transactions were conducted, including the common hurdles faced by sellers and buyers.
Community Dynamics: Gaining insights into the informal networks that drive sales and distribution in these groups.
Recognizing the importance of direct engagement, we joined several WhatsApp groups where unorganized sellers were actively marketing their products.
Conversations with Resellers
Daily Challenges: We learned about the logistical and financial struggles they face.
Camaraderie: Sharing moments of light-hearted discussion about local life, and even debates on Virat vs. Sachin, helped build rapport and trust.
Engaging in one-on-one discussions with resellers allowed us to explore their daily challenges in depth.
Embracing the Weavers' Lives
Infrastructure Challenges: The lack of consistent electricity was a significant hurdle, underscoring the difficulties faced by artisans in maintaining a consistent production process.
Cultural Insights: Immersing in village life provided a deeper appreciation of the cultural and economic contexts within which these weavers operate.
To truly understand the realities of the weavers, I spent a week living with a weaver’s family in the remote village of Barapali, Western Odisha.
Extensive interviews with a range of stakeholders
Weavers and Weaver Societies: Understanding their needs and constraints.
Resellers: Gaining insights into their operational challenges and market expectations.
Consumers and Shopkeepers: Collecting feedback on product preferences and market dynamics.
Solution: From WhatsApp Group to Market Disruptor
The WhatsApp group facilitated seamless engagement among resellers, allowing them to share product photos, discuss deals, and support each other in generating income.
With our research insights in hand, we developed a solution that initially started as a simple WhatsApp group.
WhatsApp Community Group [Link Here]
Market Disruption: Despite being a small player compared to giants like Meesho (backed by Sequoia Capital, SoftBank, Meta, and Y Combinator), GlowRoad.com (affiliated with Amazon), and Shopsy (from Flipkart), our approach managed to capture market attention and influence buying behavior in several towns.
Our journey from research to solution highlights the power of community-driven approaches and deep, immersive research. By understanding the nuanced challenges faced by the handloom sector and engaging directly with stakeholders, we developed a solution that not only addressed key pain points but also set a new standard for innovation in the space.
A special thanks to Antler for the invaluable Antler Academy Masterclass, which provided the guidance needed to refine our approach and make a tangible impact in the handloom industry.
Product - Recess
Our solution is designed to tackle these pain points head-on with the following features:
Authentic Handloom Products: Resellers can browse and procure a diverse range of genuine handloom sarees at competitive prices through our marketplace. This ensures product authenticity and helps preserve the cultural heritage of handloom textiles.
Access to Credit: We offer integrated credit facilities for both weavers and resellers, alleviating financial pressures and enabling better management of their operations.
Smart Returns and Superior Packaging: Our platform incorporates a streamlined returns process and enhanced packaging solutions, reducing the likelihood of product damage during transit.
Hassle-Free Returns: We provide an easy-to-navigate portal for requesting refunds and returns, ensuring a smooth and customer-friendly experience for resellers.
Benefits
Enhanced Market Reach: By improving product discoverability and streamlining procurement, resellers can expand their market reach and tap into new customer segments.
Operational Efficiency: Better logistics and packaging reduce delays and damages, leading to a more reliable supply chain and improved reseller satisfaction.
Financial Empowerment: Access to credit facilities allows resellers and weavers to manage their finances more effectively, fostering business growth and stability.
Recess Marketplace [Link Here]
