Karthik Mohanarangam

Use this as a simple scorecard when you are evaluating factories. Each criterion includes why it matters and an example of what can go wrong if it’s weak. 1) Quality Consistency Why it matters: Leather and footwear customers notice small differences. Brands win when every unit looks and performs the same. Example: Your sample set looks perfect, but bulk production arrives with uneven stitching, edge paint cracking, or mismatched hardware finishes. You face returns, chargebacks, and brand...

If you’re relying on India’s FTAs to grow your factory, you’re already late. An FTA doesn’t win EU orders. EU brands don’t buy because: You’re cheaper or you’re “sustainable” on paper or duties are lower. They buy because you can prove: 1. Systems and documentation that survive audits 2. Consistency from sample to bulk 3. Financial stability for long-term programs Low cost and sustainability are table stakes. Operational maturity is the differentiator. FTAs reduce friction. They don’t replace...