Stationary products are in high demand and attract good
prices. An investor could start a manufacturing business or focus on the
wholesale or retail end of the business.
Common stationery found in book shops is exercise books,
note books, writing pads, jotters and log books. Other types of stationery are paper, writing
implements, office supplies and envelops.
Stationary manufacturers use different methods of
production such as offset printing, engraving and embossing other methods are ruling, cord-press, computer printout and letterpress.
Top consumers of stationery products are students of primary,
secondary and higher institutions. Before the commencement of any academic
session the demand for stationery products are high.
Marketing
the Stationery
The stationery market is flexible and attracts new
investors. Major outlets for your products are bookstores, bookshops,
libraries, schools and offices.
Manufacturers need to network with big wholesalers and
retailers in your area. Use targeted marketing and hire commission based sales
representatives to find new outlets.
You don’t need a big marketing budget because stationary
products are basically the same. Attend stationary trade shows, seminars and
study marketing trends.
Manufacturing
the Books
To manufacture books you need rims of bond paper. The bond
paper are ruled, cut and stapled to cover.
The cover paper is usually cardboard, vanguard paper or
cover paper. The cover is printed separately according to size specifications.
The final product is then trimmed to size and package.
The entire process from plating to printing and ruling could be done in any
printing press.
Machines used in the production process are ruling
machine, cord or 201 machine and cutting machine. The book is bound using
stapling machine or hand staplers. The books are packaged in transparent nylon
for delivery or shipment.
A
list of Equipment
Here are lists of equipment you need to start
manufacturing stationery.
Perforating machine
Stitching machine
Paper cutting machine
Disk ruling machine
Cord machine or 201 machines
Hand staplers
Funding
the Enterprise
You need fixed and working capital to start a stationery
manufacturing business. The funds are used to purchase printing equipment, rent
a shop, staff wages and procurement of raw material.
Other important factors are utilities such as
electricity, furniture and miscellaneous expenses. The equipments require
skilled machine operators to function optimally.
Printing machines are expensive so you need adequate
funding. Apply for loans for commercial banks in your area. You could seek a
core investor or sell startup equity in your business.
Hire
Staff
To run an average
printing press you need a manager and accountant. Other staff includes skilled
machine operators, casual workers and a driver.
Raw Materials
The raw materials
needed to produce exercise books or text book include the following. Purchase
lots of white bond paper, grey board sheet and cover paper. Purchase gum,
binding cloth, stitching ware, printing ink and consumables.
Utilities
The main utility required is abundant electricity. The
location should have a good road network for easy accessibility.
Working
Capital and Expenses
The total working capital involves monthly rent, purchase
of raw materials and utility bills. Others include expenses, salaries,
marketing and transportation cost.
Register
the Business
Register your business name and incorporate the company. Get
a manufacturing license and trade license. You need a personal identification
number for tax purposes.
Build
a Website
Create a website and list your products and services.
Include images of your stationery with full description and prices.
If you produce celebratory cards find outlets for your
products. Common celebratory cards are wedding invitations, anniversaries,
birthdays and party invitations.
To increase traffic to your website use online classified
advertisement, yellow pages, directories and social media channels.
0 comments:
Post a Comment