Selling requires a wholesale or retail outlet while
manufacturing requires a workshop or factory. To start a skateboard
manufacturing business you need startup capital, a business name and technical
knowledge.
Your company is going to face stiff competition with
other established brands. To leverage your business find a customer demography
with little access to branded boards.
Make sure the skateboards you produce are top notch, high
quality sports equipment.
Branding
the Product
You need to put pencil to paper to create a cool brand
identity. The identity of your product is essential to the success of the
enterprise.
Sports brands offer uniqueness, durability, affordability
and product recognition. Brand identity does not only entail clever marketing
but quality product, memorable name, cool graphics and logo.
Carry
out Extensive Research
To position your skateboards towards profitability you
need to carry out extensive research. The research should be based on board
design, shape, functionality and performance.
Major players in the industry have invested huge sums
developing their products. As a small scale enterprise you have limited funds
so get creative.
Get skateboard enthusiasts in your neighborhood to try
out the new boards. Use clever marketing to reach potential customers and
position the brand.
Use
Clever Marketing
There are many ways to sell a new product. You could
organize local events/contests that attract people to the product.
Another way is to offer customized logos on the boards or
fun graphics. Hire a videographer to create a cool video showcasing the boards.
Secure sponsorship from local financial institutions and
offer advertisement deals. Build a website and use social media networks to
create a buzz around the product.
Study
your Competition
Write a skateboard making business plan and carry out a
feasibility study. You need to develop a business structure and study your
competition.
What type of
boards is popular and how much do they cost? Calculate cost of raw materials,
labor, utility and transportation to arrive at a competitive price.
Licenses
If you come up with an original design you need to patent
the product. Make sure adequate information on design, shape and functionality
is available. The logo should be unique and original.
Other licenses that apply to your business include
incorporation, tax and insurance. Register the business as a limited liability
company and secure a trademark.
The boards may be subject o value added tax. Find out
terms of manufacture, materials usage, waste disposal provisions and zoning.
Approach the city hall or local authorities for guidance.
Factory
Location
Ideally you need a small space to start a skateboard
manufacturing business. Premium boards are crafted by hand using basic tools.
That does not mean you can’t leverage on automation or
semi-automated machinery. Make sure you purchase the basic equipment to carry
out the function.
You need lots of hand tools and power tools. The location
you choose should have utilities such as electricity and work-space.
You could introduce a storefront while the workshop is
behind. You could even work from a shed at home based on your business template
or level of funding.
Business
Ethics
Startup companies require serious dedication to succeed.
The sports industry is not an exception and even more challenging.
You need good work ethics, technical knowledge, branding,
marketing and design skills. Secure startup capital through sponsorship
arrangements, bank loans , partnership or a core investor.
Administration
Running a business requires tons of work. You need to
find distributors for you product, do taxes and carry out shipments. Work on
inventory, stocking, sales, invoicing and other administrative work.
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