When discussing Kanpur, the local leather market is often a topic of conversation. Many videos claim that very cheap leather goods can be found there, and that products from expensive brands are also manufactured. Some people state that an item made for only 200 rupees can be sold at a market price of up to 3000 rupees. However, the team from The Lallantop visited a local leather factory to verify these claims and find out how affordable the goods on the leather market truly are.
Manufacturers and employees explained that active work with leather takes place in Kanpur, where various items, including belts, bags, and shoes, are produced. They explained that the process begins with the arrival of raw materials, which then go through multiple stages, including dyeing. The leather is then repeatedly pressed to make it soft.
Both buffalo and cattle hide are used to create the products. After this, separate categories are created for each type of leather. Finished products undergo quality control, and any defective items are discarded. Notably, these defective goods are sold at a significantly reduced price, receiving only about 10 percent of the cost, meaning they are sold at a 90 percent discount. For example, a belt with a small stain can be purchased in the defective goods category for a lower price.
A manufacturer reported that a belt with a manufacturing cost of 300–400 rupees can cost between 2000 and 3000 rupees after reaching the Indian market. He also noted that products from expensive brands are made here, and there is little difference between these items and other products; the high price is solely due to the brand value and its label.