How To Start Cricket Bat Making Manufacturing Business
Do you want to start a cricket bat making business? Find here a detailed guide about how to start a small-scale cricket bat manufacturing business of your own.
Cricket is one of the most popular sports in the world. Basically, it is the 3rd most popular sport globally after football and basketball. Mainly it is popular in the commonwealth countries like England, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean, and South Africa.
Cricket owes its popularity to the Indian Sub-continent, Australia, and England. Originating in England, the game quickly became popular in all the swaths of lands that were once colonized by Great Britain. And it becomes the third most-watched competition worldwide.
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Cricket Bat Market Potential
All these statistics prove the immense popularity of cricket. Additionally, it proves the growing demand for things related to cricket. And definitely, the cricket bat is one of the most important things in this game.
The ever-increasing interest in playing cricket among the youth is the major reason for the increasing demand for cricket bats. Additionally, the overall promotions during the major tournaments are fuelling the desire of playing cricket among children.
You can find so many small and medium-sized cricket academies throughout our country. Furthermore, the business has great export potential too. Hence, this is the perfect time for starting a cricket bat manufacturing business for new entrepreneurs.
10 Useful Facts about Cricket Bats
- A cricket bat is a piece of equipment used by batsmen in the sport of cricket to hit the ball.
- The length of the bat may be no more than 38 inches (965 mm) and the width no more than 4.25 inches (108 mm). However, you can find different types of bats in the store. Basically, these are for adults, youths, and even children.
- There is no rule related to the standard weight of a cricket bat. The weight of a cricket bat usually is around 1.2 to 1.4 kilograms.
- The cricket bat was first used in 1624.
- Willow wood is considered the traditional material used to create the cricket bat. The linseed oil is used to treat the willow wood.
- The cricket bat was originally shaped like a hockey stick (1624) as the batsman had to hit the ball out of the bowler’s hands. Then as cricket laws (1770) changed, the bat became straight.
- In India, cricket bats were introduced in the 1920s. They were made from willow trees found in Kashmir.
- The wooden blade is fixed to a cylindrical handle that has a rubber grip. Near the handle, you will find the shoulders of the bat while the edge is referred to as the toe of the bat.
- Basically, the players choose the specific bats according to their personal needs. And most renowned cricketers use personalized bats according to their specific requirements.
- You can find the world’s oldest cricket bat in the Sandham Room at The Oval in London. This displayed bat was created in 1729.
Licensing & Permissions for Cricket Bat Making Business
Starting the cricket bats manufacturing business doesn’t attract huge licensing issues. However, it is important you start with a proper form of the registered organization. Also, you can start a small unit as a proprietorship company. Apart from the registration, you need to obtain the MSME Udyog Aadhaar Registration of your unit. Additionally, apply for a ‘No Objection Certificate’ from the local authority.
In this industry, brand name plays an important role. Hence, your company must have a brand name that you can secure with Trademark registration. Finally, talk to a local consultant about the upcoming tax and compliance liabilities of your business.
Cost of Starting a Cricket Bat Manufacturing Business
The cost and investment will depend on several factors like production output, factory location, machinery, and legal fees. On average you will need an investment of around Rs. 20 Lacs to launch a small-scale cricket bat manufacturing business.
Arrange Funds
If you are short in budget, there will be a requirement for additional funds. There are banks and other financial lenders who you can approach for term or working capital loans. Also, check out government subsidy schemes. In addition, do not forget to apply for a credit card to meet day-to-day small business expenses.
Cricket Bat Making Plant Setup & Machinery
For setting up a unit, you must have space. Generally, a 500 Sq Ft space is sufficient for a small-scale operation. However, you must have a damp-proof floor there. Also, check the availability of the electricity and water supply for general uses.
The manufacturing operation doesn’t demand any involvement of heavy machinery. Some of the most important equipment and tools are Band Saw Machine, Bat processing machine power operated, Bat finishing machine power operated, Woodworking lathe with motor (power-operated), tools and
equipment.
In starting commercial production, you will need to have skilled and efficient manpower. In any startup company, it is important to have knowledgeable and experienced employees for smooth operation. Basically, you will need to hire employees for production, marketing, and accounting purpose. In addition to that, use the right ERP Software for the overall control of the business.
Cricket Bat Manufacturing Process
Basically, willow is the best wood for making quality bats. However, you can use other quality wood also.
First of all, shape the willow clefts in the desired shape and size. Then short out the willow clefts for
finishing in plain bats, which have no marks on the grain side.
After shaping the clefts by hand, fix the cane handle made of cane with the insertion of the rubber
sheet with synthetic glue. Finally, press the bats after finishing in the machine.
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Bleach the plain bats with hydrogen peroxide and liquid ammonia. Some plain unbleached bats are dipped in linseed oil for oiling to give strength to wood. Cover the defective ones with a poplin cloth and then apply the Duco paint on them.
Others are wrapped with twine and fixed with parchment and dried. Cover the cane handle with twine after finishing. Fix the rubber grip on the handle with cello tape. Finally, apply the stickers on both sides of the bats and then pack for despatch.
Initiating a cricket bat manufacturing business is comparatively easier than some other businesses. However, you must pay attention to brand development, distribution, and product launching.