Granite is one of the most sturdy building materials, and there is no other material that can match marble’s beauty and long-lasting properties. Granite and marble are popular because of their aesthetics and long-lasting properties on indoor surfaces like countertops.
If you're a skilled stoneworker or an entrepreneur that knows where to source this kind of talent, you can start a business that sells, instals and cleans these premium countertops.
For commercial and residential construction, granite and marble are among the most commonly used stone used in construction. This business will provide you with steady and long-lasting revenue.
Now, let's learn how to start a successful marble business in India.
Did you know?
The largest deposits of Jet Black granite in India are present in the Kollegal region in Karnataka, and it measures 1.10 million tonnes. This region includes parts of three districts - Mandya, Chamarajanagar and Mysore. Karnataka accounted for around 50% of India's total granite export worth, and before 1992, it was the largest concerning the same.
How to Begin a Marble and Granite Business?
Investment
You can arrange to finance if you have enough money to launch the marble and granite company. In the beginning, you purchase inventory and run the business for a couple of months before approaching local banks for loans.
Before you decide, review the background of your company's plan for the business, expectations regarding the amount it will take to start the business, when your business begins to earn a profit, and other specifics. Many other private financial institutions offer loans for beginning businesses, not just the banks.
Also Read: How to Begin a Business in Crockery?
Enhance Value by Providing Secondary Services
Don't miss opportunities to increase value and generate revenue through other activities like sealing, cleansing and restoring old stone surfaces. It's not just a way to pay the costs between installations.
It's also a great way to develop long-lasting relationships with clients who have already shown love towards marble. If you're planning to run the business for a long time, performing several projects for your existing customers and regular cleaning could be possible.
It is also possible to add value with complementary products like marble-topped end tables that can be used to match a vanity or accents of stone tiles on cabinets or backsplash doors.
These speciality products can be an opportunity to use the cut-off pieces or miscut from your main job and yield double-digit profits.
A Place to Locate Your Marble Business
After you have decided on the company and the investment, it's time to restate the details from paper to reality. Choose the best location for your office space and warehouse.
- If your business plan is focused on installation and sales, locate a place with sufficient parking for installation vehicles. Also, it should have a modest amount of storage space for your tools.
- If you offer complete fabrication services, this will require more space to store equipment, space for an exhibit area and ample working space.
The location for this business requires more capital, so you must borrow money from your savings and private investors or other sources. To run a business, you will require space, vehicles and equipment to rent to help preserve the capital needed to start your business.
Permits and Registration for Marble Business
- You'll have to register your company for various sections you plan to operate. After selecting an appropriate business name, incorporate your enterprise as an LLC.
- Get a factory and trade license. You will need Tax Identification Numbers and BIS certification.
- As an entrepreneur, you must trademark your product to ensure the brand's recognition. There are only a few environmental protection laws that govern the company.
- This marble tile-based business must register VAT if the annual turnover is more than ₹5 lakhs. VAT tax has to be paid by the customers when the turnover is higher than ₹5 lakhs.
- Get other certificates you'll need to obtain in your area.
Machinery and Equipment in Marble Business
Wholesalers require a huge warehouse, delivery trucks and forklifts for their business. Manufacturers also require an array of tools. The equipment required by marble manufacturers includes hydraulic filter press line conveyors, bucket elevators, ball mill and pot mill. Other equipment includes an agitator, shuttle kiln and glaze vat.
Raw Materials: A crucial step is asking your fellow entrepreneurs where they've always procured their raw materials. When you've compiled the list of suppliers, make sure the prices are comparable to follow an affordable method. It is also possible to start sourcing raw materials by doing some study.
However, if you have less capital to invest in the machinery, don’t compromise, or your business will take time to grow. Instead, look through the government loan schemes and choose an ideal loan solution for your business.
Make Connections With Industry
Before opening the doors, make connections in the granite and marble industry and the overall construction industry. Connections form when prospective customers and suppliers know your business's name and services. So ensure that you announce your new business and get your business cards in other people's hands.
Marble and granite distribution fabrication, installation and distribution are tasks that typically require travelling to the customer. Deliver a tangible product in person and network with local customers and vendors. Some places where you can make connections are:
- Real estate networking events
- Real estate investor events
- Social media networks focus on your region.
- Local entrepreneurship organisations like BNI
- Trade shows for construction
The most appropriate vendors and potential clients to connect with will depend on the services/products your company offers.
Manufacturing Process of Marble Tiles
Fabrication Process: Once you have decided on the slab or marble slabs you would like, natural stone installers take measurements of the space in the home, extract standards and begin making. Once the fabrication is complete, marble slabs are carefully installed.
Designing: Here, customers can look at the slabs and pick the one that best suits their colours and veining preferences. It is highly recommendable since each marble slab will have its distinctive features.
Polishing and Shining: When marble slabs, strips, or pieces are prepared to be polished, a large conveyor system moves them along a polishing process. The process usually begins with extremely coarse diamond abrasives, and they then move gradually towards the finer and less abrasive processes.
Also Read: How to Begin a Tiles Business?
The Marketing Side
It's equally crucial to establish relations with other businesses in your industry, such as plumbing wholesalers' fixtures. Granite and marble generally are used for countertops and vanities that require plumbing. Homebuilders, renovation firms, cabinetmakers, tradespeople, regional interior design firms, etc., all need marble.
Make sure to spend a portion of your startup capital on at the very least a small yet attractive website so that prospective clients and designers can find your business.
Establish a company Facebook or Instagram page that allows you to showcase high-quality images of your work in progress. Also, share testimonials from satisfied customers. Word of mouth is the perfect form of marketing, and social media amplifies it.
Conclusion
We hope you now have an idea of how to begin an enterprise in marble and granite in India. Apart from selling these two materials, don't forget to cherish the ways of generating revenue by engaging in other activities, such as sealing, cleaning and restoring stone surfaces.
It is not only a way to earn in between installations, but it's also an excellent way to develop long-term relationships with customers who've already expressed a desire for marble.
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