Indian consumers look for jewellery with classy designs, but want it to be pocket as well as "picture-friendly", says an exhibitor from Thailand at the 35th edition of the India International Trade Fair, which commenced here on Saturday.
With over 7000 firms from India and overseas participating in the 14-day fair, the exhibitors of Thailand were among the first to unpack and sell their products.
"We have sold a lot of bracelets and pearl-inspired artificial earrings till now. They cost just Rs.150. They are quite affordable, so hope we don't get buyers who want to bargain," Hazel Seldow, partner, U-SA Flora Ltd, Thailand, told IANS.
But even on a business day, one could see men and women alike negotiating with the exhibitors.
"There are a few serious buyers, but most of them are casual walkers. And those who buy, look for classy designs, affordable price and something that is picture-friendly," Kamoalthip Wisuttikulpanich, manager, Alta Auro Asia Co.Ltd., told IANS.
"They want to wear them and see if the pieces look good in photographs. But we don't allow them to do so as there is a fear of plagiarism," he added.
He also believes that the Indian market is "price-conscious".
With gem stones sold on the basis of carats, he said that people like to own pieces that look "real", but within a certain amount.
"For instance, we have brought an aquamarine and ruby piece. There are times, when people like to purchase jewellery with a similar look, but within so and so price. In that case, instead of giving aquamarine we put blue topaz or a stone of lesser quality," said the exhibitor who has been participating in the fair for the past nine years.
So, instead of going for abstract-shaped earrings made of ruby or pendants with Lord Buddha designs or big emerald ear pieces, the masses are opting for artificial jewellery or those made with semi-precious stones.
"We have semi-precious jewellery with silver as base. The earrings, ranging from Rs.700 to Rs.2500, are selling like hot cakes. Even the artificial jewellery which costs only Rs.150," said Nenem, exhibitor, Anong Thaisilk Ltd.
She said that apart from jewellery, even their pure cotton tops in bright hues like orange and pink are also among sought-after products.
Day One has turned out to be good for her, but she says people often ask her to reduce the price.
For instance, a man, accompanied by his family, was heard asking if the price could be reduced if they purchased three earrings from their stall.
"They like our products, but negotiate with us as far as the price is concerned. I have been participating for the last 10 years and I have noticed that many people wait for the last day for discounts. But we don't give discounts as the quality is the same, " she said.
Apart from families and casual walkers who were interested more in taking selfies rather than splurging on varied products, there were quite a few college going girls who were spotted browsing through artificial jewellery and hairbands with Hello Kitty designs.
"We don't want something that will cost us a lot. We are students yet we want to look trendy. Besides, these are all international products so we have come to shop here," said a 19-year-old Delhi University student.
