Blinds and roller blinds for business centers

Blinds are a popular type of light-protective window products in Russia. 4/5 of all consumers use blinds when decorating offices and other premises.

Now demand exceeds supply, even despite the large number of companies producing this product. The production of blinds is promising for investment. In this article we will talk about the relevance of the matter and provide a brief project with calculations of key performance indicators.

Brief market analysis

The commercial market for blinds in Russia appeared after the collapse of the USSR in 1992-1993. Then the first assembly companies arose. Nowadays competition in the field is high - there are many large, medium and small manufacturing companies on the market.

According to estimates for 2020, the following types of blinds are most popular among Russians:

• vertical – 25%;
• roll - 22%;
• horizontal – 19%;
• photoblinds – 12%.

The remaining share is occupied by pleated curtains, Roman blinds, and wave decor.

Among the large manufacturers with large market shares, 3 companies that have proven themselves in Russia and the CIS countries stand out. These are Proma, a leading supplier of equipment and components for the production of blinds, Katris and Roltech, a company offering a full range of services.

What will be required for implementation?

To implement this type of activity quickly and in a short time, it is necessary to prepare the premises, equip it, buy equipment and materials. The premises will require furniture, office supplies and household appliances. For production, you need to purchase a machine for gluing tape, a table for cutting lamellas, and a mechanism for processing the edges of the fabric.

To create a wide range of products you will need various kinds of fabric, tape and components (bottom beam plug, fastenings to the ceiling surface, self-locking mechanism, plastic chain, aluminum shafts, connecting, bottom beams). It is better to purchase all this from one manufacturer.

What types of blinds are there?

Light-protective products are classified according to the following criteria:

Table 1. Classification of blinds.

Components and accessories

Each type and model of blinds has a specific set of components, as well as additional spare parts or accessories. The standard equipment for both vertical and horizontal blinds consists of slats - these are identical strips of fabric, plastic, metal or other materials that were chosen by the buyer. An exception is roller blinds; they consist of a single piece of material that is wound on a shaft.

The complete set of vertical “curtains” contains a main curtain rod, weights for weighting, a slider, fastening strips of material, a chain or rope for controlling the blinds.

• The cornice is the body part of the structure to which all components of the blinds are directly attached. As a rule, it is made of metal (aluminium), but there are also plastic ones (many buyers do not recommend plastic, as it is very fragile, quickly deforms and fades in the sun).
• Weights or weights are necessary to stabilize light slats so that they do not flutter in the wind, but sway calmly and evenly.
• The runners are attached simultaneously to both the cornice and the strips of component material. They create the mechanism for moving the slats on the blinds.
• As for the connecting chains, they fasten the weights together at the bottom at the same distance so that the strips of fabric do not fly apart in different directions when the wind blows.
• cord is needed to open and close the blinds when needed.
• Horizontal blinds have a similar configuration, with the exception of weights and a chain fastening the slats at the ends.
• If you don’t want to make holes for screws in a wall or window opening to hang a blind structure, you can use special fasteners: magnets for blinds or brackets. They will help you install curtains without additional holes in the wall or window frame.

Additional accessories include a lock for blinds, an automatic switch with remote control, and care products, namely, specialized brushes for blinds. All this can be purchased at the same store where the blinds were purchased.

Blinds production technologies

Making the product is a simple process. For example, you can make vertical and horizontal blinds without any special equipment at all. They are assembled from components that are purchased from manufacturers (large companies create them independently).

How to make blinds, watch the video:

However, during production you need to take into account some nuances - the process itself may differ.

At the stage of business development, it is better to create blinds of the most common and popular varieties. With a strengthened position in the market, you can expand the range, purchase new machines, increase the scale and volume of sales.

Manufacturing processes for horizontal blinds

There are 2 main processes for the production of horizontal blinds - the creation of lamellas (cornices) and the assembly of a solid structure.

1. Lamels are called plates that perform a light-protective function. They are created from textiles, plastic, wood, metal.
2. All the necessary holes are punched in the cornice for installing fittings, a latch, and a rotating mechanism.
3. Assembling the cornice. The system necessary for the proper operation of the blinds is installed in it.
4. Then the lamellas are inserted into the cornice. Perform product performance checks and quality control.

Products can be produced using both manual and semi-automatic equipment. High-performance automatic machines are also sold.

Production of vertical blinds

Making blinds of this type is simpler - it is less labor-intensive. First, the cornice is made - it is cut according to the selected size and equipped with a control system. Afterwards, slats are created in which holes for the cords are punched. At the final stage, all components are assembled into a single structure.

Most production operations can be carried out manually. In this case, fewer machines will be required - just a couple of presses and punches.

Vertical blinds are faster to make and their cost is lower, so it is recommended to immediately include them in your product range.

It is better to buy foreign (European) equipment. It is more expensive, but allows you to make a higher quality product.

Roller blinds

The price of machines for roller blinds is relatively low - and this is a significant plus.

Roller blinds are a roll of fabric equipped with a winding shaft and a control system with a spring/chain, or, less commonly, an electric mechanism.

1. The fabric is cut to the required dimensions and the edges are hemmed.
2. A cornice with an appropriate control system is created, and a shaft with fabric is inserted.
3. The finished product is completed with accessories.

Roller blinds (like Roman ones) are more often used in residential buildings. They look beautiful and fresh compared to conventional curtains. It is better to immediately include them in the assortment, especially since their cost is low.

Production of wooden blinds

They are made in much the same way as horizontal blinds, although the procedure still has some peculiarities.

The main feature is the creation of lamellas. After cutting the planks to the required sizes, their surface is laminated or coated with paint and varnish. This protects the paint from the sun.

Afterwards, the cornice is cut down and the filling, rotating rod and all control mechanisms are manually installed into it. Cords are passed through the slats and connected to the control mechanism. Finally, if necessary, the product is equipped with additional fittings.

Wooden blinds look beautiful, are reliable, and have a long service life.

Fabrics for roller blinds

Roller blinds are made from natural and synthetic fabrics with different levels of transparency and density.

It is possible to choose curtains that dim the street light.

Fabrics for the production of roller blinds are conventionally divided into three types:

• plain solid;
• multi-colored and variegated;
• jacquard fabrics with a clear weave of threads.

After treatment with special compounds, fabrics for roller blinds become resistant to moisture, dust, and fading. Some roller blind fabrics are capable of reflecting light. The material is often polyester or a mixture of 10% cotton and 90% polyester. Curtains are also made from pure cellulose, but its strength is insufficient.

Business plan for the production of blinds

To start a business, you don’t need a lot of initial capital. Our project takes into account manual equipment for blinds - an option with the lowest investment.

Table 2. Initial costs for a blinds manufacturing business.

The calculations are relevant for a city with a population of up to 1 million people. Additional expenses include costs for utilities, advertising, and redecoration of the premises.

Business organization options

The business of sewing curtains has undoubted advantages, because it provides the opportunity to translate the most creative ideas into reality, and there are no limits to the flight of creative thought. The organization of such activities can have different scales.

Sewing curtains at home

Sewing curtains at home is the easiest business option . For many, it serves as a springboard to the subsequent development of their own business. All you need:

• Work area or room.
• Availability of a sewing machine.
• Fabrics.
• Accessories.
• Sewing skills.

Clients can be acquaintances or acquaintances of acquaintances - word of mouth always works well. You can establish contacts with large studios and take work from them.

This type of activity is good for women on maternity leave, when it is not possible to leave the child, but it is necessary to work. In essence, this option is a workplace for its creator, because as a rule, there are no employees.

Opening a curtain sewing studio

A higher level of business is sewing curtains to order in a studio. Often friends who know how to sew decide to take this step. What is needed for this? Rent a room in a walk-through location in a residential area, on a busy street in the city center or in a shopping center. The room should not be too large; 30-40 square meters is enough to accommodate sewing machines, tables and other equipment. The staff may consist of 4-5 people. One works with clients, three sew, one goes to the client’s home to take measurements.

Salon or store for sewing curtains

Opening a salon or curtain store is a big approach to business. This can be done by a person with great potential. Here you will need a large room, preferably in a prestigious location - in the city center or an elite area. It needs to house a hall with finished products as samples and a sewing workshop. The staff will also increase: seamstresses, designer, administrator. It is necessary to establish relationships with suppliers of fabrics and accessories, and much more. The costs are, of course, high, but the income will also increase if you approach the issues of advertising and organizing the production process correctly.

Documentation

A businessman has a choice - to conduct business as an individual entrepreneur or in the form of an LLC. If you plan small volumes and sales in one region, you can become an individual entrepreneur. Conversely, working as a legal entity is suitable for large volumes of production and sales.

When registering, please indicate OKVED code 25.23 “Production of blinds and roller shutters.”

It is advisable to obtain a quality certificate for your product. There are no mandatory certification requirements, but the presence of a voluntary certificate will have a positive impact on sales. Buyers, both wholesale and private, are more willing to buy light-protective devices, the quality of which has been tested by a certification center.

Documentation

Manufacturing roller blinds as a business does not require a license. At the start, you can register as an individual entrepreneur. If you plan to attract investor funds or a large-scale project, it is better to choose LLC as the legal form. When choosing a business producing OKVED blinds, you need to select number 25.23 according to the new classifier.

When opening a workshop, you must obtain permission from the Fire Inspectorate and the SES authorities. To work with large dealer companies or other partners, it is better to issue a Certificate of Conformity, according to which the client will be convinced of the high quality of the product.

Room

It is necessary to equip a production workshop and open a company office.

There are no great requirements for industrial premises. The creation process is not accompanied by much noise or harmful fumes. Thanks to their modest dimensions, the machines can be placed in a small workshop (no more than 50 sq. m). You can even create blinds in the garage.

However, you will need a large warehouse where the finished goods will wait for sale. Racks and shelves must be installed in the warehouse.

It is most effective to rent an office in a place with high traffic. In a room measuring about 20 square meters. m organize a workplace for receiving and serving customers, place product samples, hang thematic images, POS materials (brochures, leaflets).

Financial calculations

Start-up capital

Organizing a business to produce roller blinds from scratch requires a lot of expense.

• 15,000 rubles – rent of premises;
• 300,000 – equipment and consumables;
• 150,000 – creation and registration of a product brand, advertising;
• 75,000 – salary for 3 employees;
• 3,000 – payment of utilities;
• 10,000 – unforeseen expenses;
• 4,000 – registration of individual entrepreneurs (to open an LLC you will need an amount of 20,000 rubles).

As a result, starting a business will require approximately 550–600 thousand rubles. It all depends on what scale you plan to fit into.

Monthly expenses

To promote your project you will have to spend monthly:

• 15,000 rubles – rent of premises;
• 5,000 – advertising;
• 75,000 – salary for 3 employees;
• 3,000 – payment of utilities;
• 30,000 – taxes;
• 10,000 – unforeseen expenses.

As a result, monthly costs will be approximately 120-130 thousand rubles.

How much can you earn?

Large manufacturers of blinds have a monthly profit of 4-5 million rubles. Mid-level companies achieve profits of 1.5-2 million monthly. In the first months after opening, a small workshop makes a profit of 100 thousand rubles. This condition is achieved with a 100% markup on the cost of consumables and other monthly costs.

Payback period

It must be taken into account that there will be no profit in the first months. First you need to work on your name, promote your brand. Provided an income of 100-120 thousand, you can recoup all investments and work on net profit within 4-5 months after opening the enterprise.

Equipment for the production of blinds

There are manual, semi-automatic and automatic machines for making blinds on sale. The main equipment for production will be a manual Magnum M600 machine for horizontal blinds worth 1.2 million rubles.

It is designed for punching holes, profiling, cutting lamellas. The basic width of the plates is 25 mm, but other dies can be installed for lamellas with widths of 16, 35, 50 mm.

Dimensions of the machine (in meters) - 3.9x0.5x0.73, weight - 140 kg, Poland. The technology is simple and reliable. Does not require electricity, although at any time you can change the supply of material from manual to electric. This will increase production volumes.

You will also need:

• a press stamp that cuts the cornice, making a hole for the lace;
• press clamp of the first strip, which will pierce the lamella;
• scissors, screwdrivers, sewing machine.

Choosing the right material

To create roller blinds, a special fabric impregnated with antibacterial and antistatic compounds .
It can have a wide variety of colors, and its degree of transparency can be any. Most often, polyester processed in a special way is used for the production of roller blinds. Impregnation with an antistatic substance prevents dust from settling on the material and allows the product to remain perfectly clean for a long time. Modern colorants make it possible to create a wide range of interesting texture effects - from metallic to pearlescent.

The Teflon coating of the material protects it from absorbing excess moisture, and at the same time dirt. This option is perfect for balconies and loggias, as well as kitchens and other rooms with high levels of pollution. Teflon-coated fabrics have dirt- and water-repellent properties. They will be an excellent choice for the kitchen, loggia and veranda.

Recently, special fire-resistant materials have been used to make Roman blinds. With their help, you can significantly increase the level of safety in the room.

Raw materials

With high competition, only high quality products can win consumer sympathy. Therefore, purchase high-quality and wear-resistant components.

There are many intermediaries and material sellers on the market who sell raw materials for the production of blinds. When choosing a supplier, make sure that you are not overpaying - look at prices from other sellers. It is necessary to study delivery times, available quality certificates, and conditions for delivery costs.

Some companies provide advice on assembly technology and even train employees.

Guides: types, materials of manufacture

There are different components for roller blinds. However, guides are considered the most practical and necessary. They act as a reliable fixation of the canvas on the windows, providing maximum protection from sunlight.

Side guides provide complete protection from sunlight and eliminate sagging of the curtain fabric

The retainer also extends the life of the curtains, preventing them from sagging or deteriorating. The guides are attached in the direction of movement of the curtains directly to the window frame. They are lateral, U-shaped.

There are two types of guides for roller blinds

Guides are most often made from two materials:

1. Plastic.
2. Aluminum.

Plastic ones are usually included in the set of mini curtains. They are light and practical. However, if handled carelessly, they can quickly break. Plastic is cheaper than aluminum parts. Aluminum profiles are more durable and durable. They are used for wide canvases and can withstand heavy loads.

Marketing and sales

The majority of buyers are commercial organizations (80%). In everyday life, blinds are used less frequently (the share of orders from private clients is 20%).

Nowadays these light-protective devices are used everywhere. For example, in:

• company offices and retail establishments;
• government agencies;
• business centers;
• medical centers;
• hotels;
• hairdressing and beauty salons;
• administrative buildings.

You can sell goods through construction and furniture stores, or your own retail outlet. Cooperate with construction companies, enter into contracts for the supply of large quantities of blinds for new real estate.

Use print advertising, outdoor advertising, your own website and social media promotion. It is useful to organize the distribution of advertising leaflets to the addresses of developers.

Accessories, components

Depending on the cost of the set, type of system, manufacturer, curtains are equipped differently. Sometimes the kit does not contain any parts necessary for installation and operation of roller blinds. In this case, it is possible to purchase the missing fittings in construction and furniture hypermarkets, and online stores. When purchasing accessories, it is important not to save money. Poor-quality, fragile spare parts will again require replacement within a short period of time.

Mini roller blind assembly kit

Below is a list of the most popular accessories for roller blinds and the features of their use:

1. Adapters. They provide the opportunity to equip a conventional cassette system with U-shaped guides. The part moves the cassette forward to the required distance.
2. Inserts for shifting the shaft axis. If the roll of fabric exceeds two meters in length, then you need to purchase special inserts to ensure complete winding of the fabric.
3. Box Using step-by-step instructions, you can make roller blinds with your own hands. You won’t be able to make a protective box yourself. It's easier to purchase it separately. The box can be made of plastic or aluminum.
4. Brackets. Not all home owners are ready to sacrifice the integrity of the glass unit for the sake of fastening roller blinds. However, this does not mean a complete abandonment of roller curtains. Their installation is possible without drilling. Special brackets are sold for this.
5. Adhesive tapes for pipes (weighting material), guides. The tape is made on a polyurethane basis. It is able to withstand heavy loads. Over the years, new tape will be needed to partially repair the solar control system. The old feed needs to be updated from time to time. Then the system will stay securely on the window.
6. Fishing line. In some curtain models, instead of guides, ordinary fishing line is used, with a diameter of at least 0.8 mm. It is most often used when making curtains yourself.
7. Self-locking control mechanisms.
   Suitable for cassette models. Control mechanisms can be plastic, metal, or combined
8. Magnets.
   They are attached under the window bead using screws. Such a part may be required if there is a metal weighting agent in the sun protection system. A magnet is needed to hold the curtain in the closed position.
9. Chain stoppers. This is a special part, shaped like a tablet with a small cutout. It is put on the chain in a certain place. The stopper will prevent the curtain from falling below the required height.
10. Eyelet for fishing line. It is an integral part of the string mechanism for fixing the rolled web.

Note! The list contains only the most popular, frequently used names. Accessories are offered in a wide range.

Risks and disadvantages of business

It is necessary to take into account the difficulties that will have to be encountered during the conduct of production business. Roller blinds are a seasonal product that is in great demand in the spring and summer, when it’s time for renovation work. The presence of competitors in the form of underground workshops will significantly complicate the work. They do not pay rent or taxes, as a result of which they lower prices for goods.

Sources

• https://www.equipnet.ru/org-biz/proizvodstvennyiy-biznes/proizvodstvennyiy-biznes_413.html
• https://to-biz.ru/proizvodstvo-zhalyuzi-i-rulonnyx-shtor/
• https://tkaner.com/shtory/zhalyuzi/
• https://dekoriko.ru/zhalyuzi/vidy/
• https://encyclopedia-zhalyuzi.ru/
• https://remstroiblog.ru/natalia/2017/05/04/10-sovetov-kak-vyibrat-zhalyuzi-na-okna-tsvet-material-vid/
• https://stroy-podskazka.ru/zhalyuzi/na-okna-kakie-luchshe-vybrat/
• https://berkem.ru/shtory/vidy-komplektuyushhix-dlya-rulonnyx-shtor-na-plastikovye-okna/
• https://zen.yandex.ru/media/id/5b0300e7c71a92a492548173/5b6f19261a054400a795f6fe
• https://Zapusti.biz/biznes-idei/proizvodstvo-rulonnyh-shtor

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Control mechanisms: types, characteristics, advantages

Roller blinds use special mechanisms to lift fabric. There are three types of lifting mechanisms:

• chain;
• spring;
• electric.

Important! The control mechanism is the most vulnerable part of roll-up sun protection systems. It can often fail due to physical wear, low-quality components, or improper handling.

Chain

The simplest option. The control principle is based on the use of a simple metal chain. It is attached to the toothed edge of the shaft. The chain pulls on the teeth, rotating the shaft. Most often used in open models.

Chain control mechanisms are matched to specific tubular roller blind shafts

The chain mechanism has a number of advantages:

• Possibility of self-repair. If the chain breaks, it can be easily replaced with a new one. It is inexpensive and is sold in almost every specialty store.
• Simplicity. Control is carried out with one hand. Simple things last much longer.
• Possibility of installation from any side. This greatly simplifies the process of using the product for left-handed people.

Important! It is better to choose chains from metal. Plastic products often break due to the high fragility of the material.

Spring mechanism

The spring control method requires special attention. Springs allow you to set the position of the fabric automatically. There is a special regulator knob at the bottom of the weighting device. This is all that is needed to lower/raise the curtain to a certain height. Models with a similar block have a width of up to 1.5 meters.

There is an opinion that such curtains can move arbitrarily. However, it is not. They are not subject to arbitrary opening or closing. The design has a special locking device that prevents such phenomena.

Note! During operation, the spring system should not be subjected to sudden loads or movements. This can quickly cause it to fail.

The disadvantage of springs is their rapid physical wear. If the window is opened/closed frequently, the springs will weaken. Over time, the mechanism will require replacement.

Electric control: pros and cons

Installing an electric drive is the best way to achieve maximum comfort when controlling roller blinds at home. The position of the fabric will be adjusted using a drive.

The advantages of the electric control method are obvious:

1. Possibility to lower/raise curtains using the remote control. This solution is relevant for “smart” homes.
2. Ease of use of large curtains.
3. Less fabric wear.
4. Possibility of setting a timer. In this case, the house will become light and dark depending on the time of day.

Such a control system has its drawbacks. The main one is the high price. The cost of electric models is 30-40 percent higher than standard ones. Other disadvantages include labor-intensive repairs and expensive components, in particular the engine.

Product certification

Blinds, as a product, are not included in the Unified List of Products Subject to Mandatory Certification. However, in order to increase competitiveness and gain customer trust, an entrepreneur can undergo the procedure of obtaining a GOST R certificate voluntarily. To do this, you need to contact the certification center and provide the package of documents specified by its employee.

If the company plans to export products, it will also need to obtain a certificate of origin. Additionally, you can submit documents for fire safety and ISO management certificates. This will be an additional advantage when working with government agencies.