How to Start a Slipper Manufacturing Business

Any individual can initiate a slipper manufacturing business on a small-scale basis. Slippers are considered a household consumer durable item and are used by men, women, and kids. Slippers are lightweight footwear made up of rubber. The slipper-making process is very simple.

From a small-scale unit, you can produce slippers. Additionally, you can start manufacturing with some simple machinery and rubber sheet as the main raw material.

Is Slipper Manufacturing Business Profitable?

Both the urban and rural populations use slippers in India. The product has an export potential also. India is the largest global producer of footwear after China, accounting for approx 13% of world footwear production, which is close to 16 billion pairs. The major importing countries are the USA, Germany, France, and the UK.

Slippers (Hawai Chappals) are close to 10000 crores with per capita consumption estimated to be 1 pair. Nowadays besides being a necessity, it has become an important fashion accessory available in different designs.

Here are the 7 Steps to Start Slipper Manufacturing Business

Here are the steps to manufacture slippers for beginners:

1. Registration & License For Slipper Manufacturing

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 the local Municipal Authority and SSI Unit registration from DIC. This type of manufacturing unit does require pollution permission.

At present, GST Registration is a must to launch a slipper manufacturing unit in India.

2. Arrange Funds

Generally, two types of financial requirements are involved with the slipper-making projects. One is fixed capital and another one is working capital. In any small business initiation, angel investment is the best way of funding.

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.

Related: Best Small Business Loans In India 

3. Slipper Manufacturing Unit Setup

First of all, you must prepare a customized project report 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 resources. Slipper making unit initiative involves the following formalities:

• Registration and Other formalities
• Land identification and acquisition
• Construction Work
• Machinery Purchasing and its Installation
• Trail Production

4. Buy Slipper-Making Machines

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.

• Flat Bed Sewing Machine with Motor, Stand & Table Clutch Type
• Drilling machine
• Combined Finishing Machine
• Stapling Machine
• Plastic Last
• Cutting dies of different sizes and shapes
• Hand-operated tools & equipment

5. Raw Materials For Slipper Making

The major raw materials are rubber sheets and straps. You will also need to procure the packaging consumables. Additionally, you can procure these raw materials from the local wholesale market or from the manufacturer directly.

6. Slipper Manufacturing Process

First of all, obtain the microcellular sheet from other units. Then, give them the desired shape with the help of a cutting machine/mold.

Also, you can obtain straps from other units. Thereafter, fix these straps to the chappals with the help of a foot-operated machine.

To give finishing touches to it, put the straps in the finishing machine. After the quality check of these chappals, pack them in a polythene bag. Finally, despatch them for the markets.

Rubber Sheet → Sole Cutting → Drilling → Strap Fittings → Finishing → Final Inspection → Packing

7. Slipper Making Quality Control

At present no quality specifications for slippers are available. But for export orders, specifications are provided by the buyers only. For export, you must procure good quality raw materials in slipper making.