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How to Start a Marble and Granite Business in Nigeria
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 both residential and commercial construction, marble and
granite are two of the most widely used types of stone in the
construction industry. The ruggedness and natural beauty of
these types of stone add to the value and appeal of any room,
especially kitchens and bathrooms. However, the installation of
such stone requires the help of a skilled craftsman. If you
learn this trade and set up the right business relationships,
you may be able to earn a handsome living as an independent
marble and granite contractor.
Write an effective natural granite and marble business plan.
Familiarize yourself with granite and marble products that
customers frequently order. Understand that homemakers prefer
marble and granite for floorboards, kitchen countertops and
bathroom furnishings. Know the regular product classification
that granite and marble retailers require.
Develop an extensive and reliable source of premium stone
products. This is imperative during the first phase of business
operations. The granite and marble supplier must be able to
deliver first-class products to customers. Settle on the most
advantageous terms with your suppliers. In the same way, fulfill
your commitment to clients in terms of delivery schedules and
product superiority.
Seek helpful suggestions from experienced professionals who have
been in the granite and marble business for some time. These
experts may be able to teach you how to proceed with operations
from the first few years until the enterprise has achieved total
stability. They may teach you how to work quickly and
efficiently, which is important in this job because the
expensive nature of the material makes mistakes expensive as
well. Such professionals may even be willing to take you on as a
subcontractor, as some granite and marble jobs are too large or
have time frames too stringent for one person to finish.
Building Relationships with Suppliers
A successful marble and granite business requires you to have
strong relationships on both ends of the process: with the
suppliers who provide your stone and with other entrepreneurs
who can direct business your way. Marble and granite are
high-end materials and represent a substantial cost for
homeowners. They'll want plenty of options to suit their decor,
and that means you'll need to have access to stone in a range of
colors and patterns from multiple suppliers.
Spend time meeting as many suppliers as possible through trade
shows and industry functions or by visiting their quarries and
showrooms directly. Industry publications can help you assess
their relative strengths. You might even be able to form
strategic partnerships: If your main local competitor deals with
specific stone suppliers, their rivals might be willing to give
you favorable terms to crack a market where they've been shut
out.
The Marketing Side
It's equally important to form relationships with complementary
businesses in your market, from wholesalers of plumbing fixtures
– marble and granite usually go to countertops and vanities,
which require plumbing – to homebuilders, renovation companies,
cabinetmakers, other tradespeople and local interior designers.
Spend part of your start-up capital on at least a basic website
so designers and potential clients can find you. Set up a
company Facebook page or Instagram feed, where you can show off
high-quality photos of your latest work and post testimonials
from happy clients. Word of mouth is proverbially the best
advertising, and social media magnifies its effect.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Get our Practical Training Guide on Marble and Granite Production Business in Nigeria. In this Training guide you will get the top tips and strategies for successful Marble and Granite Production in Nigeria. This in-depth guide covers everything an entrepreneur needs to launch a highly profitable Marble and Granite enterprise .
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