[Exclusive Interview] This Leather Craft Startup Is Offering AR/VR Tools For Customers To Design Their Own Footwear

Recently, we interacted with Mr. Harshwardhan Patwardhan, Founder, Chappers – a leather craft startup that is empowering local artisans and craftsmen and enabling customers to use AR/VR for footwear design.. Here are the interview highlights:

1. Tell us about Chappers and why it was founded.

Chappers is an exclusive leather craft company founded to empower local artisans and rejuvenate the historic art of Indian footwear making. Chappers aims to provide comfortable, affordable, and stylish footwear for men that was lacking deeply in the Indian market. Chappers started with a simple yet ambitious mission to create a niche in men’s footwear that would cater to the diverse needs of Indian consumers. The founder, Harshwardhan, believes that men desperately sought to break the stereotype of wearing brown and black footwear prevailing in the market. Harshwardhan started with manufacturing and marketing the traditional Kolhapuri chappals and has now moved to offer loafers, mules, and more. 

2. What issue is Chappers aiming to solve in India’s men’s footwear sector?

There are hardly any players who offer bespoke choices to consumers in men’s footwear. Chappers provides a personalized shopping experience and a range of customization options; by doing this, they offer their customers complete control over what they buy and an experiential shopping experience. 

3. What is the unique selling point of Chappers’ customer offerings?

The unique selling point of Chappers’ offerings is the virtual customization software (AR & VR) that allows customers to design their footwear, choosing from various colors, materials, and styles. Chappers’ virtual customization software is a unique feature allowing customers to design their footwear according to their preferences. Customers can choose from various materials, colors, and styles to create customized shoes that meet their needs. This feature sets Chappers apart from other footwear brands in India and provides a unique selling point to attract customers. These options are available across all the Chappers outlets, and they plan to expand it nationally by setting up kiosks across malls in India. 

4. What do Chappers offer virtual customization software?

The virtual customization software offered by Chappers is an online tool that allows customers to design and personalize their footwear. This software also ensures that customers can see what their customized footwear will look like before placing an order, reducing the risk of disappointment.

5. What is the process for customers to design and order custom footwear from Chappers?

The process for customers to design and order custom footwear from Chappers is easy to follow. The process involves four simple steps: selecting a base design, choosing customization options, providing foot measurements, and placing the order. Customers can select a base design and customize it according to their preferences using the virtual customization software. Chappers also offers free shipping and returns, ensuring a hassle-free shopping experience for customers.

6. What is the operational feature of Chappers sets it apart from traditional footwear markets?

Chappers is the only footwear brand that offers customization with delivery of less than a week. Speed and customization are the operational models of Chappers. Once you shortlist the kind of footwear you prefer, handcrafting of the footwear begins. This is delivered to the consumer in 48 hours. The Karigars work meticulously to create a masterpiece that the consumers ask for. 

7. What is Chappers’ long-term vision for expansion, and how do they plan to achieve it?

Chappers’ long-term vision for expansion is to become a leading men’s footwear brand in India, focusing on innovation, customization, and sustainability. They plan to expand their product line, invest in marketing and advertising, and strengthen their online and offline presence to achieve this. Chappers intends to introduce new product lines and expand its offerings in men’s footwear.