How Do I Market This?

[theoregoner]

I'm considering starting a line of kangaroo leather wallets. However, I'm concerned that American's have an aversion to buying kangaroo leather. Does anyone who sells goods made of kangaroo leather have any insight into this? Is it a problem?

I can imagine that the people who make a stink over kangaroo leather, may not be the people who are even in the market to buy a wallet made of any leather. However, I'm still curious if a people generally prefer something like a cow leather over kangaroo for ethical reasons -- perceived or otherwise. There seems to be a lot of bad press out there about the ethics of kangaroo harvesting. Does anyone have information about common culling practices? or know of an Australian tannery that takes special steps to ensure that its kangaroos are killed humanely?

I think kangaroo leather will be perfect for my next project, but I'd like to learn more about the possible downside of trying to market it.

Thanks!

[chriscraft]

I've never used it but kangaroo leather is really popular when used as lacing.

[DoubleC]

I use Kangaroo lace and when I market a product with it, I say quite honestly, it's the best lace you can get and use it as a selling point, not a negative. I have it in several of my projects at the Farmers Mkt and use those as another example of just buying the best there is for my things. My niece did ask me about it once. I just told her they are consider vermin in countries they are from, much like we consider gophers. I know if I made her something out of the lace she'd wear it and brag on it. Now me, I won't use elephant or horse. I guess everyone has their own quirks. I would focus on the quality and toughness of Kangaroo, and not worry about the perception. You're right, people who say something aren't looking to buy any leather probably. Cheryl

[electrathon]

Make two lines. The economy version with cow leather. Then a premium version, made from kangaroo. Charge more for the kangaroo.

[cgleathercraft]

Buy it, make it, market it. If they don't like it they probably won't buy leather in the first place.

Only ever had one person say anything negative about kangaroo leather - but it was because they love kangaroos. Soo much so that she had her computer hacked due to her outbidding someone on nearly everything kangaroo related on ebay several years ago. Surprisingly the hacker did nothing major, just locked her computer up for the night with a blank screen stating "No Roos Tonight". We laugh about it now but it was freaky when it happened.

I've never used it but would love to someday. Same thing goes with horse, just can't tell my wife or she'll throw it out (she said she would).

[NVLeatherWorx]

electrathon is right; make two versions (price points) and use the Roo as the upscale version. Make sure you properly price both levels to ensure that you make what you should on them.

cgleathercraft has said it straight as well; anyone who makes a stink over any of your products, regardless of the animal source, is not one who would be buying leather in the first place; and they darn sure ain't into anything that is made with fine quality leathers.

[Big Sioux Saddlery]

I agree with most of what was said above. If a person likes leather, they're going to realize and animal has to die in order for them to get it. If they're going to raise a fit, they probably wouldn't buy leather anyway. I get so sick and tired of the "save the horses from slaughter" BS on the FB groups. Good god, they're no different than any other animal if they're raised for meat purposes, AND sorry for the rant, but I think it's perfectly fine if someone wants to raise them for meat. That just means more horsehide for us leather people:-) You can make a pet out of a pig if you want to.

[theoregoner]

Thank you for the replies.

I'm only just starting, and I don't have the resources to invest in making my wallet with two different types of leather -- nor do I think it will work as well with cow leather of the same thickness. Based on what I need out of the leather to make my wallet work, I think kangaroo leather will be the best material to use (because it can be thin yet still firm). So, assuming I go into production with kangaroo leather, are there any resources, appeals, or advertising strategies that I could use to make people comfortable buying kangaroo leather?

Assuming some people want leather wallets but are a little iffy on buying kangaroo leather, what's the best way to make them comfortable with the idea?

[Dureka]

I think its safe to use it and that there's a market for it as long as you're open about the fact that it's roo. I've never made anything from it - but I buy a lot of horse tack, and for some pieces I shop specifically for roo hide. It's top quality and there's no getting around that.

[camano ridge]

The first thing you need to do is start work on your project make one get it critiqued here make it better get ready to sell it, then sell it. Don't waste your time on trying to make people comfortable with it. If they on comfortable buying Roo you are not going to change them. Just advertise the product as made from Kangaroo and extol the virtues of Kangaroo and leave it at that.

[impulse]

As an Aussie, I can testify that kangaroo leather would be superb for wallets. It is also used in top-of-the-line handbags as it holds shape well. I often give my dogs (Hungarian Vizslas) scrap ends of straps to play tug-of-war with. Cow hide lasts maybe 2 mins, while very thin kangaroo is virtually indestructible! Best place to buy is on Australian eBay (ebay.com.au). Kangaroo hides of a variety of colors often come up for sale at half price that you would pay from a tannery.

Best way to promote your sales is to emphasise the quality of the leather. Good luck to you.

Lois

[BondoBobCustomSaddles]

I have used Roo on lots of products, and can say without reservation, it is top drawer. I made some chaps out of it, many years ago for a guy that is an avid cutter. That was 20 years ago, to this day he raves about them and has sent me many, many , customers. They make really nice light weight durable products. Just market it as Roo, and get on with it. You will find the market for Roo is strong.

Bob