Today, a delightful variety of leather accessories reigns on the shelves, but despite this, when it becomes necessary to find a truly exclusive thing, it turns out that most merchants offer a typical product.
Therefore, in order to find a stylish trouser belt, you need to make some effort. As a result, the production of leather belts is becoming an interesting and profitable business. Let's understand the intricacies of this business.
Enterprise Features
Many craftsmen began their business with single orders carried out at home. But if you decide to go to production facilities, then you will need to find a room for a full-fledged workshop. In it you will install the necessary equipment for the process. Here you will put a convenient table for cutting, place racks for blanks and material, accessories.
At first, a separate room in the apartment, a converted garage will do. You can rent a small room, then you will have where to place a corner for receiving customers and discussing orders with them.
In addition, you will have to solve the issue with the sale of your products. Of course, you can continue to work on individual orders, but it is much more efficient to simultaneously start selling products either through your own outlets or through intermediaries. Small boutiques and shops are happy to take quality accessories for sale. By the way, visitors to these same points in the future can become your loyal fans who want to get a model made according to an exclusive sketch.
We open the production of leather belts
Before opening your own workshop, register as an individual entrepreneur. At the same time, select the appropriate tax system and register with the tax office. Thus, you will avoid possible claims from the inspection authorities.
We are looking for suppliers
Making skin on your own is not an option. Also, do not purchase materials on the principle of "where and how you have to." So that your belt production does not stand idle, get regular suppliers. Make it easy. When choosing, pay attention to the company's reputation, the quality of its raw materials, and how clearly it complies with the delivery time. It is better to immediately discuss cooperation with companies engaged in the supply of leather, accessories, blanks.
At the same time, keep in mind that leather is not sold by suppliers in sheets, but in skins. And how much a decimeter of skin costs depends largely on its type. Pork, goat, veal go for 10 or 50 rubles per decimeter. But more exotic species are much more expensive, where prices start from a hundred rubles.
Quality material
Much depends on the feedstock, its characteristics, appearance. Even if the belt externally looks perfect, cheap material will have a negative effect on the wear of the product.
The most inexpensive models are made of pigskin. It gives a good result in terms of design, but the durability of such raw materials is lame. Therefore, craftsmen most often use pig skin for making the wrong side of a belt.
The most popular material is calfskin. It is very soft, looks amazing in the product, and serves for a long time. Sheepskin is valued slightly higher.
But goat leather is used to make designer expensive belts. Soft and surprisingly plastic, it has an expressive color. However, it is necessary to treat products from it carefully.
No less chic belts come out of the skin of ostriches. That's just the price of such exotic will also be impressive. An iguana, a ramp, a shark, a python will cost the master a pretty penny, therefore it is better not to purchase them in batches, but to order them to carry out a specific model.
When purchasing materials for production, do not forget about high-quality fittings. Not only can a cheap plastic or metal buckle nullify the designer’s efforts to create an exclusive belt, but on top of that, such a decor tends to oxidize and shed. As a result, an expensive accessory will be damaged, and your reputation will suffer along with it.
Semi-finished products
In order to save money, you can discuss with the supplier the option of purchasing already processed and cut semi-finished products. Such blanks for belts are strips of leather of a certain width and length. They can immediately be put into action.
Belt manufacturing technology
And now a little about process technology. The finished product consists of three layers. The upper and the wrong side are made of leather, and in the middle is the lining material. Sometimes masters exclude the lining. This is not considered a violation. But if you intend to conquer customers with truly status expensive products, then all three layers are made of genuine leather. So the accessory will serve the owner much longer.
All layers are stitched or glued together. In the combined version, they are glued and additionally stitched. The latest technology provides products with high strength. Then the accessories are artistically decorated. Along with the decor, various embossing is very often used.
The most expensive products (on order) from beginning to end are executed manually. In other cases, it is necessary to mechanize the processes to the maximum. Otherwise, the cost of the belts will be too expensive, and production will quickly become unprofitable.
Install equipment
You can’t do with primitive improvised tools. You will have to automate the production of leather belts so that you can reach the required volumes of output for sale. The equipment allows you to perform technological processes more efficiently, without raid handicraft.
So you need to purchase:
- automatic or manual press;
- machine for installing rhinestones, jewelry;
- a machine for uniform and smooth rounding;
- cutting machine.
In addition, you will need a gluing machine, which allows you to evenly apply the adhesive to the workpiece. In addition, purchase a device for embossing, cutting leather. Need a sewing machine. It is better to take specialized models.
Of course, for equipment it will be necessary to lay out an amount of about 150 thousand or more. But such equipment significantly saves time on the manufacture of the product and, therefore, quickly pays for itself.
Do not forget about the tools. Different types of knives, scissors, punches, a vice, a ruler and squares - without this, the production of leather belts simply cannot exist.
When choosing tools and assemblies, give preference to those that have established themselves as reliable assistants. Do not be overly cramped in this matter.
The same knives with interchangeable blades will last you much longer. Professional equipment at a price significantly exceeds household samples, but it is more durable, as it is specially designed for production loads.
Manufacturers of such devices usually seek to provide their customers with after-sales service. Therefore, in the event of a failure of a particular machine, you do not have to call specialists who can fix the malfunction.Yes, and spare parts or replacement parts also do not make sense to buy on the side, it is better to take branded ones.
We select staff
Undoubtedly, the number of personnel will depend on the planned production volumes. Leather belts will need to be made in an amount that can cover the cost of buying materials, accessories and equipment. Plus, the costs of paying bills for electricity and rent (if you intend to rent a room) will fall on you. One person can hardly cope with this task.
Better get an assistant. Of course, the second master must also have the necessary skills. Well, if you have the makings of a designer. Otherwise, you will have to involve an experienced artist in collaboration to create sketches.
If you decide to sell your products yourself through a point of sale, you will have to additionally hire a sales assistant. Your profit will depend on his efforts. The more charming the seller, the more customers he will be able to interest in your product, the faster you will pay back the money invested in the business and begin to make a profit.
Certification Issues
Nobody obliges you to carry out the certification procedure. A leather belt is a product that does not require a license to manufacture it.
But you yourself understand that buyers will want to see a document confirming the high quality and safety of the product. This will significantly increase the trust of potential customers in you.
Certification is easy. This service is provided by specialized centers located in almost all major cities. The center will need to deliver a sample of your products and a package of documentation. After the examination, the certificate is in your hands.
As in any business, at first you will have to invest more than earn income. But with the growing number of customers who like your accessories, things will gradually begin to gain momentum. Today, an increasing number of people are inclined to buy piece handmade goods. Therefore, it is in your power to satisfy the demand for exclusive, unique products that emphasize the status of the owner.
