Another aspect to keep in mind is that while manufacturing and designing furniture for children, ensure that it adheres to high standards of quality and safety. Use non- toxic paints and avoid the use of heavy metals. Instead, go for waterproof ply boards, pinewood, Sal wood, teak and fiberglass. Make sure that the tops, bottoms, sides and edges are smooth. Go for washable and natural fabrics, preferably 100% cotton for cushions and bed linen. If you are doing up the interiors for a child’s room, remember to use good quality lighting and design for plenty of sunlight to enter the room.
Issue of scaling up
This business depends extensively on the expertise and involvement of the entrepreneur with everything from conceptualizing designs, to manufacturing products and then finally positioning and coordinating it inside the child’s room. The entrepreneur has to be actively involved in every project. So, how do they manage this when they want to scale up and are thinking of opening stores in multiple locations? Well, you can always follow a franchise or partnership model.
However, Garima deals with this a little differently. While her business is scaling up, she still believes in looking into every aspect of the business and giving her personal touch to everything. “Most of my clients are from outside Chennai and I keep in touch with each of them through the phone or e-mail. I ask them every minute detail, from the sex and age group of the child to how much time and money they can put into maintaining the room,” says Garima. Sometimes, she even asks her clients to send her images of the room.
Vividha has tied up with designers and individual freelancers in all the cities they have a presence in. These designers visit the houses and take measurements and then send the details over to Veena, who then takes over product development and design. In the future they are also planning to tie-up with young designers to create designer kiosks around India. “So many designers across the country are talented and have great ideas with regards to this segment, but lack backend support. This will give them the platform to showcase their work,” says Veena. Under this alliance, the designer’s design will be exclusively retailed in the store, under the brand name of Vividha (for e.g. Vividha by Shilpi Kumar). “The designer will have to run the store, including the space costs and interiors, while we will take away the pleasure of production, advertising and running other backend operations,” says Veena.
 |
| Products and Services PRODUCTS • Basket tote • Bean Bags • Bed Linen • Blankets • Curtain holders • Curtains and blinds • Cushions and throws • Drapes • Easels • Gift items-towels, bathrobes, strollers, diaper bags • Knobs/handles • Mouse/desk pad • Play tents • Sheets and quilts • Sofas • Soft/whiteboards • Stools • Storage boxes • Wall hangings • Wallpapers SERVICES • Baby shower gift registry • Customized themes for baby showers and birthday parties • Interior consultancy and customization |
Since the business of children’s furniture and furnishing is still relatively new in India, it is extremely difficult to get funded. “When the concept has already been tried and tested, one only has to sell the uniqueness of their product, in comparison to their competitors. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case with this sector. Those getting into this business have to remember that at this stage they will not only have to sell their products, but also the concept of children’s décor,” says Veena.
Another major challenge is the mindset of parents. Even if parents can afford it, they shy away from spending too much on children’s rooms. We talked to a few parents to understand the reason behind this and found out that they do so because they know that it won’t last that long and will eventually have to be passed on to another kid. According to IBEF’s 2007 report on the furniture market and its opportunities, even the wealthy do not change furniture very frequently and the average life of a piece of furniture is about 20 years. Children’s décor, on the other hand, will only last a few years and sometimes only a few months, before the children outgrow it or think it is too childish. Therefore, it doesn’t make sense to spend many thousands on it.
To overcome this challenge, you can design in such a way that it is well-suited to all age groups. Butterflies, flowery designs, etc are liked by both small and teenage girls. Barbie dolls on the other hand are only preferred by small girls. Children’s age and personality can be well reflected on things such as bed linen, cushion covers, rugs and curtains, because they are affordable and more frequently bought by parents. With regards to expensive furniture like beds, table sets and dressing tables, etc, pay great attention to the size, colors and designs being used, so that it can be used for a longer period.
Subscribe to this comment's feed
written by Payal2, December 25, 2010
for furniture range visit www.kidskouch.com
written by Home renovation , November 25, 2010
written by Teak Patio Furniture, November 25, 2010
written by m v ramakrishnan, July 27, 2010
Apart from appointing the effective franchisees for you, our other services (listed below) can be utilised by you.:
a. strategic planning and marketing consultancy
b. man power assistance
c. training for dealers and sales personnel on soft skills
d. event management
e. creating sales materials incl. website and catalogues
f. identifying and appointing dealers and franchisees
g. back office for all your sales needs.
We have a team of professionals from various walks of life, who are ready to study your need and work out the strategies.
If you are interested, you may kindly contact us for personal discussion and when you do that, you will notice that it will help you in rediscovering the purpose of your business and taking stock of the situation.
Pl contact us if you are ready for the big take off.
Regds and best wishes,
M V RAMAKRISHNAN
Project Coordinator,
Right Brain Power,
16/1, First floor, Karthik Niwas,
West Avenue Road, Kodambakkam,
Chennai-600 024
phone : 044-45576641
mobile : 0-9025258755
e-mail : This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
written by ella, June 24, 2010
stated and shown above. if ever i wanted to purchase some of those, can we avail discounts? :)
written by surabhi, May 20, 2010
written by Gift Idea for Men, May 17, 2010
written by Garima Rohatgi, March 07, 2010
My name is Garima .I am a freelance textile designer as well as have my workshop by the name TATVAKALA Design Studio.I design homefurnishing items and specifically interested in designing kids range.At present I am retaling my item to most of the elite furnishing stores in delhi.I have great concepts .if interested do get in touch.
9818881002
written by nilesh rahate, February 06, 2010
I am Nilesh Rahate architect & product designer. Having three & half year experience in the field kids furniture ,Seating design ,Interior design, Consumer products, lighting products ,Appliances, with MNC's in Mumbai. Anybody wants any design support for their growing business.
Contact me on my cell no 9987074865
Nilesh Rahate(M.Arch)
Architect & Product Designer
+91-9987074865
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
written by Furniture, January 08, 2010
My site is about http://mydeco.com/c/furniture/258/
written by o6k, November 04, 2009
what d helll
written by rakesh gupra, September 10, 2009
written by Modern Furniture India. , September 10, 2009
written by p.v.v.rao, May 03, 2009
DEAR MADAM/SIR,
GOOD EVENING!WE ARE THE MANUFACTURERS AND EXPORTERS OF HAND MADE CROCHET ITEMS.IN BOTH THIN AND THICK YARN.SUCH AS HOME FURNISHINGS IN ALL TYPES.
AND WE HOPE THAT WE ARE WAITING FOR YOUR FAVOURABLE RESPONSE.
THX AND REGDS,
RAMU
SURYA LAKSHMI LACE INDUSTRIES
SEETHARAMAPURAM-534 280,
NARSAPURAM MANDAL,
WEST GODAVARI DISTRICT,
ANDHRA PRADESH.
INDIA.
CONTACT DETAILS:0091-8814-240763
0091-9866 326463
written by Hema, April 27, 2009
www.vanillachildrenplace.com
enjoy!
written by Indochine Decor LP, April 10, 2009
Our markets include the Asean, Hongkong, Australia, USA, Canada, Japan, UK and the EU. Get used to quality.
written by Used Baby Furniture, March 07, 2009
Thanks
Tanya
written by Rashmi, November 10, 2008
Rashmi
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
They do personalized kids furnishings and a lot more........