Wholesale Enthusiastic Ideas - Ancient Wisdom - Giftware and Aromatherapy Supplier

Greetings from India

Last week I was telling you about the Denmark Pub, an unlikely heritage hotel on the banks of the Ganges. We was in Serampur and the home town of our India agent; Mr Chatterjee. You can read about it here.

Since then we took a flight to Delhi, noticeably more people wearing face masks, both on the flight and in the streets of Delhi. It's all anyone talks about.

Anyone with a dry cough is avoided, people are noticeably scared.. our supplies casually ask where we came from.. when I tell them not China, I came from Europe - but not Italy they relax. These are scary times, apart from the virus it's affecting lots of businesses and people. I had planned to go to China after India, but that option seems to be off the table.. A few people asked for an update.. details below.

One morning before starting work in Serampore Mr Chatterjee suggested we take the local ferry across the Ganges and back just for the experience. Return ticket on a rickety ancient boat about 9p so it seemed like good value.
They actually do have health and safety in India and we were issued big yellow life jackets and crammed on board the ferry with lots of locals heading to school or work on the other-side. There is definitely something mystical and magical.. even majestic about the mother river. From a small boat early in the morning, it was serene, powerful and strangely spiritually moving experience.. plus we made lots of friends.

Working hard with Mr Chatterjee and his team, creating a new range of wheatbag designs, eye pillows and some new bags. It's cool having all the materials on hand and skilled machine guys who quickly make up your ideas, and patiently adjust them. It's the best way to make things happen, my ideas, Tomas creativity and Mr Chatterjee and his team making it come together.

On Saturday we took a break and went to the Children's home. These days Mr Kundo and his wife look happy and relaxed, all the Children love them and it's like they have a great big family. Supporting the home and bringing it up to a reasonable standard has been one of the most rewarding things ever. The Children have learned some songs in English, one guy could sing a traditional Hindu song like an angel, and the funky art teacher we employed has found some real talent.. Tomas had an idea that we might produce a small range of tote canvas bags with some designs from the children's actual art.. The profits from the sales we would put back into the Freedom fund, that we maintain to support the home. If you have any ideas do let me know..

High-fives are a highlight of the visit, although I'm not sure the teachers approve.. behind you can see some of the artwork.

Corona Virus / stock update..

You have probably noticed that we are fast running out of stock of quite a few things.. Normally by this time after Chinese New Year we would have received two or three container loads. Unfortunately, Coco (our Agent in China) was in total lock-down in her home town from late January until just a few days ago. Finally allowed to travel, she drove back to Yiwu where we have warehouse and offices. We'd been placing orders even before CNY, so we are first in-line for the stock, but most suppliers are telling us they still don't have enough workers so the earliest deliveries to our warehouse are predicted for the end of march.. so nothing in Europe until early April.. we are going to have serious shortages.

The good news is that Coco and all her family are fully healthy, no problems at all. Grand-children have school lessons from home over the computer, no-one goes out without a mask. In Yiwu (the government reports) only 17 cases of which 16 have totally recovered. If it's true.. then it sounds promising.

Here in India; the government have stopped all China imports, which seems a bit extreme.. can the virus travel on objects and survive long periods? If they do the same in EU/UK that will be a problem.

I'm speaking to Coco (she is also my wife) all the time.. I was supposed to go to China next, but now who knows.. "When will I see you again?" she asked me.. and I don't know :(

But we do have plenty of stock from Indonesia on the way, a big shipment is leaving Nepal and always lots on the way from India. So don't worry we do have other stock than just Chinese.

Drop-shipping

Thank you to everybody who has made feedback and suggestions.. It's wonderful to get such enthusiastic ideas.

If you didn't register yet you can do it here: AW-Dropship.com

Next week - I have no idea where I will be!

Anything could happen, take care and stay safe.

David