It’s wonderful when a person not only does what he loves, but also manages to make money from it. The production of bags could be such a promising business for you.
This accessory is loved not only by women: men also appreciate good-quality briefcases or laptop bags. And kids love bright, original backpacks. So, with proper promotion, you are guaranteed clients.
Deciding on the audience and assortment
Modern industry produces bags for women, men, children and teenagers. Products are also distinguished according to their intended purpose: for daily use, carrying equipment, sports, travel, for evening wear, for wearing on a belt, household, traveling on wheels and many others.
Even if you have an impressive start-up capital, it is recommended to start production with several positions, and then gradually expand the range of production. Popular areas among bag manufacturers include sports equipment, shopping bags, suitcases and travel backpacks. And the largest share of production falls on women's bags of various models. Among the types of bags that must be present in the nomenclature of a factory aimed at satisfying the needs of the fair sex are the following:
- traditional clutch ( Wristlet
) - a compact handbag that can have a variety of shapes; - women's backpack ( Backpack
) - differs from a tourist backpack in its elegance and smaller size; - dome bag ( Home
) – shaped like a loaf with a rounded top and a rigid frame; - envelope ( Envelope
) - essentially, this is a clutch, but larger in size and in the form of a postal envelope; - sling ( Sling
) – differs from a classic backpack by the presence of one wide strap; - minaudiere ( Minaudiere
) - another variation of the clutch, but in a hard case, decorated with rhinestones, sequins, embroidery, etc.; - waist bag ( Fanny pack
) – as the name implies, it is worn at the waist, a special fastener is used as a clasp; - messenger bag ( Messenger
) - resembles an elongated box with a fairly rigid base; - round bag ( Circle
) – looks like a hat box; - travel suitcase ( Train case
) – most often made in the form of a “chest” and used to store cosmetics; - shopper ( Shopper
) – distinguished by spaciousness and convenience; - folding clutch ( Foldover clutch
) - in shape it resembles a book, in purpose it resembles a wallet; - bag with a drawstring ( Drawstring
) – made of cotton, polyester or leather, used for carrying sportswear and other things; - business bag ( Structured
) - a product of strict design with a rigid body and a triangular side profile; - handbag on a chain ( Chain strap
) – the role of straps in the product is performed by a chain made of metal or other material; - baguette ( Baguette
) – a handbag, elongated in length; - tablet ( Medicine
) – has a very small size, allowing you to carry small objects (money, keys) around your neck; - crescent ( Crescent
) - an ordinary bag with a shape corresponding to the name; - hobo ( Hobo
) is a baggy, shapeless bag of a fairly large size, very popular among fans of street fashion.
This is only a part of the types of women's bags that exist today. The manufacturer should closely monitor the emergence of new trends in the market and, if necessary, introduce new models into the range.
Two options for soft shaped bag patterns
To prevent your experience of sewing a bag from becoming negative, always choose soft-shaped bag models. Moreover, such bags are always in fashion, as they are practical and versatile. This diagram shows two types of soft bag patterns. For more details, see How to sew a bag with your own hands.
It is not necessary to create a pattern for a bag from paper, but it won’t hurt to make a pattern of the main parts. The fact is that it is almost impossible to determine the size and shape of a bag using a paper pattern. In the sewn state, the bag acquires volume and, therefore, changes its calculated dimensions and shape. Therefore, make paper patterns of the main parts of the bag, pin or glue them and make sure that the shape and size of the bag suits you. If not, feel free to adjust the pattern and try it on again.
Materials used for sewing
Today, a variety of materials are used to make bags. Among the most popular:
- Cotton fabrics . Products made from them are durable, hold their shape well, and do not break. As a rule, these are summer, beach bags, backpacks and similar models.
- Denim fabrics . Such bags go well with casual, sports and ethnic clothing and retain their original appearance for a long time. They can be either discreet in design or decorated with embroidery, beads and other decor.
- Natural linen . It has a lot of advantages, the main one of which is its natural origin. At the same time, the material wrinkles and shrinks if the washing regime is not followed.
- Wool fabrics . More often used to make bags from autumn-winter collections.
- Raincoat . This fabric is widely used in the production of bags for sports and tourism.
- Lining materials . The consumer's perception of the product also depends on the quality of the lining. If you are focused on a quality product, you should not choose fabrics that wrinkle and “creep” within a few months after purchase.
- Genuine Leather . Used for the production of high-price segment products. Bags last a long time, look expensive, showing the status of the owner, and therefore are in demand.
- Cordura® is a thick nylon designed to meet the needs of the US Army. Fabric with a water-repellent coating and polyurethane impregnation is ideal for making travel backpacks, suitcases and sports bags.
- Polyester . The material is unpretentious, affordable, does not wrinkle, and is easy to wash. This is the best option for sewing eco-bags that are gaining popularity today.
- Avizent is a thick, tightly woven nylon resembling a tarpaulin. Bags for equipment, travel equipment and heavy-duty models are made from it.
- Faux leather . Most women's models are made from synthetic materials. In this case, it is easy to get the optimal price-quality ratio, which will ensure the product’s attractiveness to a wide audience.
- Eco leather . It is also an artificial material based on polyvinyl chloride. The main difference between this modification of “synthetics” is the ability to self-heal in the presence of small cracks and scratches. This is especially true for light-colored bags.
- Plastic . Often used to create youth models. However, you need to remember that when installing fittings, the material may crack, so you should use it to a minimum.
In addition, modern bags are made from natural and artificial suede, fur, films, and coated materials. For decoration, a variety of cords, ribbons, beads, rhinestones, beads, and lace are used. Also, when organizing production, it is necessary to arrange the supply of accessories - fasteners, hooks, buttons, buttons, buckles, and so on.
Sale of leather bags
In most cases, entrepreneurs organize a line for sewing leather bags. Natural and artificial leather are most often used in the production of these accessories.
And consumers are more willing to buy products made from the mentioned materials.
To reduce the cost of goods, it is best to rent a room (you can even do it on the territory of a former garment factory), put several sewing machines, an ironing press, and equipment for installing accessories there.
The production of bags is divided into technological stages, each of which is carried out sequentially by employees. As a result, you receive a batch of new products that will be sold either in the company store or through other retail outlets.
Classic bag production technology
Regardless of the type, material, size and purpose of the bags, the manufacturing process for various products includes the same steps.
- Creating a sketch of the model . The cost of services of professional designers is very high, so most young companies at the first stages work with a small number of models, experimenting with materials, colors and fittings.
- Drawing up a production plan . You need to understand how many resources (material, labor) and time will be required to complete the batch.
- Making patterns . The main thing here is maximum accuracy. By neglecting this parameter, the entrepreneur risks receiving a whole batch of defective goods.
- Cutting out products . Here, the decisive role is given to the technologist, whose task is to distribute materials as economically as possible without compromising quality.
- Housing assembly . The technology here is selected depending on the type of bag.
- Sewing on the lining (if the model provides for its presence).
- Installation of fittings (buttons, fasteners, rivets) and accessories.
- Quality control of products in a batch, sampling of defects.
After this, the finished products are packaged and sent to the warehouse.
Technological processes
The technology for sewing bags is the same for both leather and textile models. As someone responsible for production, you need to understand what stages it consists of.
- The first stage is to develop a sketch of the future product.
- The second is the creation of patterns. The final result depends on how accurately each detail is calculated. Often, a trial version is made to test a new model. You will be able to clearly assess possible errors, correct them and rework the patterns, taking into account the identified miscalculations. It's better to spend a little time making adjustments than to ruin a whole batch.
- Then cutting is done according to the patterns. When working with genuine leather, you have to be extremely careful and resourceful. It is necessary to arrange the parts on the material as economically as possible, avoiding areas with defects.
- After this, the parts are sewn together.
- At the same time, the lining of the product is also assembled. Then the necessary fittings and decorative trim are installed.
At the exit, it would be nice to organize some kind of quality control. This will protect your reputation. You simply will not allow defective goods to be sold.
Necessary equipment for the production and sewing of bags
There is a lot of equipment on the market for the production of bags from domestic and foreign suppliers. European lines are the most expensive and cost at least 10 million rubles. Domestic and Asian machines can be purchased much cheaper. At the same time, you should not chase savings, since there is a risk of losing a considerable amount due to breakdowns and downtime of machines.
The minimum set of equipment for a medium-sized bag production enterprise will include:
- machines with a flat platform, special, bead stitching, core (based on production needs);
- apparatus for applying glue along the edges of parts;
- unit for milling and grinding edges;
- device for painting edges;
- glue spreading machine;
- linear apparatus for bending leather elements by thermal heating;
- device for rounding handles;
- an oven where glued parts are dried before assembly;
- edge removal unit;
- push-button installation device.
You will also need hand tools (needles, scissors, punches, etc.), and in some cases, devices for embossing, making branded packaging and other specific operations.
The listed equipment will be required for full cycle production. In some cases, it makes sense to order belts, buckles and other accessories, as well as packaging materials from specialized suppliers.
New trend – eco-bags
If you can’t yet afford to launch a large-scale enterprise for the production of bags, then try your hand at the currently fashionable environmental trend. We are talking about textile “string bags”. Polyethylene bags greatly pollute the planet. They can lie in the ground without decomposing for centuries.
Therefore, in Europe, America, and here in Russia, it has become popular to carry canvas bags with you. They fold easily and do not take up much space. They won't tear. And they are comfortable to carry on the shoulder, thanks to the long handles.
Fabric for sewing bags is purchased in bulk. Usually it is polyester, thick cotton, denim, corduroy. That is, the material must be durable and yet easy to wash.
The production technology for such products is simple; the only fittings on them are a button. Therefore, it is quite possible to use the labor of home-based seamstresses. Your responsibilities include cutting and distributing blanks among the craftswomen. Then you need to go pick up the finished string bags and sell them.
By the way, many large retail chains have begun to offer their customers not disposable plastic bags, but fabric bags. Therefore, it is quite possible for you to get a regular customer who will purchase wholesale quantities from you regularly.
Business Features + Video
Why does it make sense for an entrepreneur to consider the production of bags as a promising line of business? This product is in demand by men, women and children, has a wide geographical demand, and does not require expensive high-tech equipment or the need to focus on seasonality. In addition, bags:
- can be stored in a warehouse for a long time, maintaining all the original characteristics;
- made from a variety of materials: from polymers to the skin of rare animals;
- make it possible to translate any concept into design and even create your own trend.
At the same time, you need to understand that the market is saturated with competitors, so new products must surpass existing offers in at least one of the parameters: design, quality, reliability, cost. Before setting up production, you need to clearly define what products you plan to offer to the audience, what your price segment and positioning will be.
Remember that you will have to compete with both domestic and foreign companies, the share of whose products prevail in almost every price category: from the most budget Chinese products to representatives of the elite segment from Italy.
At the same time, Russian bags often turn out to be much more affordable than their Western counterparts, not inferior either in quality or in appearance. True, at the moment this does not yet apply to luxury offers, where well-known brands retain global leadership. The largest domestic bag manufacturing enterprises have located their facilities in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Nizhny Novgorod, Belgorod and Tula.
When choosing a brand positioning, you can go in two ways: make the name as similar as possible to the name of one of the popular Western brands, or make it clear to the consumer that the goods are produced in the Russian Federation, as the oldest manufacturer of our bags did in their time. Both approaches are justified and have a right to exist.
Useful video:
Famous Russian brands
Let's go over the main “players” a little. Along with Chinese factories, Turkish and Italian brands, Russian manufacturers of women's bags are confidently conquering this market. Now many customers can proudly say that they wear products from the St. Petersburg Crocus factory or. The latter, by the way, produces a line of suitcases.
The bags from “Kama” are distinguished by their original design; men’s bags and briefcases are produced by the “Boyarynya” factory.
One of the largest producers of leather goods in Russia is Perm-based El Masta.
But perhaps the oldest manufacturer was and remains. Bags from her have been valued for more than one generation. A constantly updated assortment and quality that is not inferior to famous foreign brands have made Russian-made bags from the Moscow factory very popular. Moreover, their prices are quite competitive.
You also have a chance to find your niche by offering customers a unique product. It is known that with all the wealth of choice, it is very difficult to find exactly your bag.
So, we rent premises, draw up a business plan, purchase materials, install equipment and launch our own production.
Investment size and profitability
A medium-sized enterprise for the production of women's leather bags must produce at least 500 products monthly. To organize such a production, you will need about 5-8 million for the purchase of equipment and 1.5 million for the purchase of raw materials.
The cost per unit of goods will be on average 1,500 rubles, and the cost of purchasing materials can reach 2/3 of the specified amount.
The minimum retail cost of one bag is at least 2,500 rubles. Thus, the profitability of leather bag production is 10-15%.
Equipment
To start production from scratch, you need to purchase and install the required minimum equipment. This includes:
- sewing machine for bags;
- ironing press (or at least an iron and ironing board);
- cutting table;
- machine for punching buttons.
It is clear that craftswomen cannot do without scissors, needles, and hand punches.
If we are talking about the manufacture of leather products, then do not skimp on purchasing a glue-spreading machine, a device for cutting edges, and embossing devices. As your enterprise grows, you can expand the list of equipment and increase the degree of automation of processes. This will significantly reduce the cost of your products.
The sewing machine for bags should be an industrial type. Household models will not withstand stress, and they do not cope well with leather or other dense materials. At the initial stage, you can select used production machines. They cost much less.
It is important to immediately agree with suppliers about the service. Then, in the event of a breakdown, you won’t have to look for spare parts suitable for your model, and you won’t need to invite outside experts.
Recruitment
To build an enterprise focused on producing the above volume of products, at least five seamstresses will be required with the expectation that they will produce at least five products each within 21 working days. The number of employees is directly related to the scale of production.
The work can be organized in a workshop (in this case, you will need to find an appropriate room and equip it in accordance with the requirements of the labor code, the standards of the SES and fire departments) or for a number of operations you can attract “home workers”. This entirely depends on the type of bags being produced. For example, products like eco-bags are easy to make at home, but the production of complex leather models requires special equipment.
It is important to think about who will develop the design of the bags. Ideally, this work should be entrusted to a full-time designer. If at this stage it is not possible to pay for the services of a highly qualified employee, you should contact a freelancer. It is recommended not only to carefully study the specialist’s portfolio, but also to personally communicate with his clients.
In addition, to ensure the operation of production, an equipment adjuster, an accountant, a security guard, and an advertising specialist will be required.
What will be required for implementation?
First of all, you need to find a good room where several workstations can be freely located. You will also need to purchase the necessary equipment, fabrics, fittings, select personnel, calculate approximate production volumes, costs of opening and running a business, and compare them with the expected amount of net profit.
Organization of product sales
One of the most important questions for the owner of a bag production business is who to supply the goods to? This aspect must be considered before starting any activities to organize your own company. Here you can choose one of two paths or implement them in combination.
- Open an online store and showroom (or several). An offline point can be located in a shopping center or rented a separate room. Thus, on the one hand, you will be able to present the product to a wide audience (Internet), and, on the other hand, remove the objections of distrustful customers regarding the performance of your bags (physical retail outlet). In this case, you will need to hire several more employees to service the site and sellers.
- Establish agreements with bag stores, boutiques, online stores and other third-party organizations that will take on the function of selling goods. In this case, one additional employee is enough - a sales manager. However, you need to be prepared for increased demand and increased production volumes.
Another way to win an additional audience is to expand the product range by manufacturing related products - belts, wallets, suitcases, cases for the main products. This does not require modernization of production - it is enough to develop new patterns.
We will need:
What is needed to make a bag
- material – cotton piece length 1 meter, width at least 60 cm
- tailor's scissors, stationery scissors, snippers
- pins, threads, needles, pincushion
- meter ruler, measuring ruler
- centimeter
- chalk or chalk pencil
- non-woven adhesive (one-sided) – width 58 cm, length 60 cm
What is needed to enter large wholesale
It is logical that every bag manufacturer strives to sell as much product as possible. It is quite difficult to do this on your own, especially when representing a newly formed company, so you will have to play by the rules of the market. Chains, boutiques, wholesale companies prefer to cooperate with enterprises whose activities have the following points in place:
- Availability of at least 20 popular items in the production range.
- LLC registration form, the enterprise must be a VAT payer.
- Availability of a certificate confirming the quality of bags and other products (the cost of registration is 10-20 thousand rubles).
- The presence of a large volume of products in stock or the ability to ensure the production of a certain quantity in the shortest possible time.
- Optimized production costs - many customers require a markup of 80-100%.
Thus, in order to open the production of bags, you need to immediately decide on the segment. You can start a small company producing eco-bags or household items at home, organize mass production of products in the mid-price category, or organize an atelier for sewing exclusive models to order. In each specific case, the costs of starting a business and the concept of work will differ. It remains to decide what is right for you.
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- #: Business for men
- Fashion
- Production
Registration
If you have decided what niche you will occupy in the production of a popular accessory, then begin the process of registering your business.
You can choose the status of an individual entrepreneur. Or start organizing a limited liability company. The latter is much more complicated and will require more time from you to complete the process.
In addition to choosing a business form, you need to decide on the taxation system. As a rule, this is a simplified system that does not require you to hire a whole staff of accountants.
If you intend to rent premises for the production of bags, you will need to obtain permission from the fire inspectorate and the SES.
If you wish, you can issue quality certificates for your products. This requirement is not mandatory, but it significantly increases your credibility in the eyes of potential buyers. To obtain a certificate, you must provide a sample of your product, technical documentation to a specialized center, go through the examination procedure and receive the long-awaited confirmation of quality.
