Slipper making business can be initiated as small scale basis. Slippers are considered as a household consumer durable item and are used by men, women and kids. Slippers are lightweight footwear made up from rubber. Slipper making process is very simple. From a small scale unit, it can be manufactured by having some simple machinery and rubber sheet as main raw material.
SLIPPER MAKING MARKET OPPORTUNITY
Slippers are used in both urban and rural areas in India. The product has export potential also. India is the largest global producer of footwear after China, accounting to approx 13% of world footwear production, which is close to 16 billion pairs. The major importing countries are USA, Germany, France and UK.
Slippers (Hawai Chappals) is close to 10000 crores with per capita consumption are estimated to be 1 pair. Nowadays besides being a necessity, it has become an important fashion accessory available in different designs.
REGISTRATION & LICENSE FOR SLIPPER MAKING
In starting a slipper making project in India, you will need to register your firm first with ROC. For a small scale unit, it is advisable to register as an OPC or LLP format. Apply for Trade License from local Municipal Authority and SSI Unit registration from DIC. This type of manufacturing unit does require pollution permission.
FINANCE FOR SLIPPER MAKING BUSINESS
Generally, two types of the financial requirement are involved with slipper making project. One is fixed capital and another one is working capital. In any small business initiation, angel investment is the best way of funding if it can be arranged. For fixed capital, you will need to apply term loan and to satisfy the working capital requirement apply for a cash credit or overdraft facility.
SLIPPER MAKING UNIT SETUP
A customised project report should be prepared prior. You can identify how much capital you need, who are the machinery suppliers, what machines you need to install, from where you will source the raw material etc. Before installing the machinery layout plan is important. Arrange other utility items like electric supply and water resource. Slipper making unit initiative involves following formalities:
● Registration and Other formalities
● Land identification and acquisition
● Construction Work
● Machinery Purchasing and its Installation
● Trail Production
SLIPPER MAKING MACHINERY
According to the product specification and desired production output, you will need to select the right machinery carefully. Here we list some of the main machinery required for slipper manufacturing.
1. Flat Bed Sewing Machine with Motor, Stand & Table Clutch Type
2. Drilling machine
3. Combined Finishing Machine
4. Stapling Machine
5. Plastic Last
6. Cutting dies of different sizes and shapes
7. Hand operated tools & equipment
RAW MATERIAL FOR SLIPPER MAKING
The major raw materials are rubber sheet and strap. You will also need to procure the packaging consumables. These raw materials can be procured from the local wholesale market or from the manufacturer directly.
SLIPPER MAKING PROCESS
Micro cellular sheet obtained from other units are given the desired shape with the help of cutting machine/mould. Straps would also be obtained from other unites thereafter, these straps are fixed to the chappals with the help of foot operated machine. To give finishing touches to it, the straps are put in finishing machine. After the quality check of these chappals, they are packed in a polythene bag and then sold in markets.
Rubber Sheet → Sole Cutting → Drilling → Strap Fittings → Finishing → Final Inspection → Packing
SLIPPER MAKING QUALITY CONTROL
At present no quality specifications for slippers are available. But for export order, specifications are provided by the buyers only. For export good quality raw materials should be used in slipper making.
