Understanding Carpet Pricing in India: Why
Prices Vary So Much between Showrooms

One question I have often encountered, mostly from foreigners and overseas tourists during my years in the carpet business is: “Why is a similar-looking carpet available at such different prices in different showrooms?”

It is a perfectly reasonable question and one that deserves an honest answer.

A handmade carpet can look remarkably similar to another and yet differ considerably in price. The difference may lie in the quality and type of wool or silk, knot density, craftsmanship, dyeing, finishing, age, origin, construction and even the amount of handwork involved. These are details that are not always obvious simply by looking at the front of a carpet.

Explore our collection of traditional Persian and Indo-Persian carpets to discover timeless designs inspired by centuries of carpet-making heritage.

This is particularly confusing for customers who are unfamiliar with handmade carpets, including many overseas visitors to India.

Over the years, the carpet trade has unfortunately had instances where customers have been misled about quality, origin or value. This has, in my opinion, done a disservice not only to the customer but to the carpet retail industry itself.

I realised this quite early in my journey at Carpet Kingdom. We consciously decided that we would not try to compete by creating artificial discounts, inflating prices only to offer dramatic reductions, or using terminology that could confuse the buyer.

Instead, our approach has been simple: offer a good product, explain what the customer is buying, be transparent about its quality and price, and let the customer make an informed decision. For buyers looking to explore authentic craftsmanship and understand the quality behind handmade carpets, you can explore our collection of Indian handmade rugs, crafted with attention to materials, construction and traditional techniques.

So, how does a buyer know whether they are paying the right price?

My advice is: do not compare carpets only by appearance. Compare their specifications, construction, materials, workmanship and origin. Ask questions, understand the differences and then compare like with like, and most importantly ensure that you are buying it from a reputed showroom.

There is no single “right price” for a handmade carpet. There is, however, a right price for the particular carpet you are buying.

In the long run, I believe transparency pays. Many of our customers return to us years later and just as importantly, they refer their friends and families to us.

For me, that is the real measure of value.