How to Start a Skateboard Manufacturing Company In India?
Skateboarding has been in India for several years but was always a low-key sport. Since 2006, when Nick Smith set up the first skateboard park, this sport has grown in popularity.
Skateboarding is not native to India, so though it did exist in a small way for many years, it only became prominent when Nick Smith built India’s first skatepark, called Sk8 Bowl, in Goa. Today, skateboard manufacturers have grown in number, with India having 17 skateparks in 11 cities all over the country. You can find a skateboard in each of these cities: Mumbai, Delhi, Kovalam, Hampi, and Vishakhapatnam. Bengaluru has three skateboard parks, Ranchi two, and Goa four. From this, you can get an idea of how much kids are taking to this sport.
How to Start a Skateboarding Manufacturing Company in India?
As in all businesses, anyone wanting to manufacture skateboards in India must do extensive research. Find out about the target audience, their buying habits, success rate in India, wholesale, and retail prices, etc. Once you’re done with your research, you will also have to create a vibrant advertising campaign that will attract your target audience. The market for this product is highly competitive, but ultimately, it’s well worth the effort.
Steps to Set Up Your Skateboarding Company
#1. Be Passionate About Skateboarding
You need to have a passion for this sport, or you will not be able to sell your products. A genuine love for it will work wonders in your favor as you can interact much better with your potential customers.
#2. Do Your Research
Though the skateboarding industry does very well in different parts of the world, other countries don’t fare as well. Hence, the need for proper research so that you build and set up a successful skateboard manufacturing company in India. For your research, you can read journals, and books, scour the Net, and speak to industry experts.
#3. Create Your Business Plan
Without a business plan, your business is bound to fail. So, create a business plan at the outset and let it guide you towards success. Your company vision and mission statements, company goals, and target audience should be detailed in this document.
Apart from these, ensure that your marketing strategies, total principal, number of employees, and salaries are highlighted here. If this job is too overwhelming for you, you can always outsource this job to a business planner.
#4. Select a Skateboard Type to Produce
There are five types of skateboards from which you can choose your product to manufacture. These are:
- Longboard Skateboards
- Cruiser Skateboards
- Roller Skateboards
- Carver Skateboards
- Double Kick Skateboards
For example, you might like to make kids’ skateboards since your target audience ranges from 8 years to 18 years. So, you would consider the categories of skateboards: longboard, mini-board, cruiser board, and double kick skateboards.
These could be for a variety of reasons:
- They are lightweight
- Provides great control
- Safe and durable
- Comfortable and has anti-shock PVC wheels
On the other hand, you might want to get into the adults' segment. Though this alternative sport appeals more to pre-teens and teenagers, there’s nothing to stop adults from enjoying skateboarding.
Here’s a tip for adults wanting to try skateboarding: Choose a skateboard for adults that offers you both a smooth ride and stability. Once you have your essential equipment with you, you’re good to go.
#5. Anticipate Challenges and Learn to Deal with Them
If you’re on the brink of starting your skateboarding manufacturing company in India, be prepared for all the big and small challenges it can throw up. For one, you’ll have to compete against all the big boys of the industry, which could be extremely daunting. This means you will have to find your markets and develop your network there. It may take some time for you to make inroads into new markets but be patient. Time and persistence are two great factors in this area.
The other problem relates to procuring raw materials whenever you need them and at the right price. You will have to source alternative markets which will give you as much raw material as you want.
#6. Choose an Attractive Name for Your Business
The name you choose for your business should be attractive and relate to your business. And remember, you will be associated with it for a long time, so choose a good one.
#7. Raise the Required Capital
If you have the money to raise for your business, that could take a load off your head. However, if you don’t, you will need to place collateral with a bank or a private lender. Now is when you need to have your seed capital ready, so go ahead and complete this task.
#8. Choose an Appropriate Location for your Business
Choose your business located in an industrial zone suited to this trade. Set yourself up there with all permits and payments done, and get ready for work.
#9. Register Your Business
Register your company before you get into production. Complete all statutory documentation and requirements before you begin or you might have to shut down.
#10. Invest in Tools, Equipment, and Software
Buy all the tools and factory equipment you need to launch your production. Take the advice of an expert to guide you on what you need right away.
#11. Promote Your Business
Now that you have made your foray into the market with your skateboards, it’s time to promote your products. Go ahead and use all advertising avenues according to your ad budget and make your products visible to the most significant number.
Read More: E Scooter Manufacturing in India
Business Opportunities in the Skateboarding Industry
The skateboarding industry throws up all kinds of jobs that you might find interesting. Read on to find out what these career options are.
i. Photography
If you’re a camera buff, start taking all kinds of beautiful photos of skateboarders. If there’s an event for skateboarders, attend it and click as many photos as you can. Upload them on popular image sites and get paid for them.
ii. Distribution
You would be the middleman between the manufacturer and the skate shop as a distributor. Primarily, you will bring skateboard products to stock in shops for a small margin. If you have a good distribution network, you could be a great asset. Attend trade shows and speak to people there; you’re sure to land a good opportunity.
iii. Skateshop
You can be a manufacturer and sell your skateboards from a small shop. Probably, it is one of the most fun businesses in skating. Ensure that your shop is well-located as the bulk of your sales will come from skaters. Direct selling works here as people will closely examine the skateboards before buying them.
iv. Sales Representative
A sales rep is part of a skate company. He gets skateboard brands into several shops. He ensures that the shops he supplies with skateboards are always stocked with the brands he represents.
Conclusion
Outdoor activities like hiking, trekking, camping, and kayaking are already prevalent in most parts of India. So, it’s not surprising that skateboarding is also creating ripples. For this industry to grow exponentially, skateboard manufacturers should hold the price line while increasing the quality of their products.
FAQs: Skateboard
Q. Is skateboarding big in India?
Ans. Though skateboarding has been in India for several years, it got a fillip in 2006 when the first skate park was built in Goa, called Sk8 Bowl. That increased the popularity of this sport and led to the formation of 12 skate parks in different parts of India.
Q. What material are skateboards made from?
Ans. Plywood is most used to make skateboards. Once you are proficient at the sport, you can move on to better materials such as fiberglass, aluminum, etc.
Q. How long does it take to manufacture a skateboard?
Ans. The entire process from cutting wood in a forest to manufacturing a skateboard takes three to six months.
Q. How do you know if your skateboard is of good quality?
Ans. The best quality skateboard will be lightweight while also being durable. It will also give that “pop” or a great combination of rigidity and flexibility, allowing the skateboard to respond to different tricks.
Q. How do I choose a skateboard?
Ans. The top three features you should check out when buying a skateboard are:
- Size: Ideally, the width of a skateboard deck should match your shoe size.
- Pre-Built Completes: A pre-built complete is an excellent skateboard to start with.
- Custom Completes: You can upgrade your skateboard and customize it for your skating style by building your skateboard.
Q. What is the target market for skateboards?
Ans. The ideal target market for skateboards in India is boys and girls under 18.
Q. How expensive is a skateboard in India?
Ans. Skateboard price starts at Rs. 599 and extends till Rs. 3000. Much depends on the brand name and the product quality too. You can buy them online at various portals.
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