CreativeName Report post Posted September 4 I did a few leatherworking projects when I was a kid, moccasin kits, wallet kits, etc. If you can really call sewing together pre cut parts leather crafting. Now I'm retired and looking to this as a side hustle. Here is a belt I made. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DieselTech Report post Posted September 4 Looks good. Nice work. Welcome to the group. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mulesaw Report post Posted September 5 Nice looking belt. Welcome to the forum :-) Brgds Jonas Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CreativeName Report post Posted September 5 I got tired of all the trash belts for sale, so I decided to make my own. I used 9-10 oz bullhide, a nice buckle and matching metal belt loop, and Chicago Screws. I've sold 2 for $50 and $60. I'm interested in opinions and advice on Etsy. I've seen a lot of cheap belts on there that look like someone bought one of those cheap pre-made belt blanks, added a buckle and put it up for sale. Is it possible to sell a well made item for a decent price? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mulesaw Report post Posted September 5 @CreativeName I have never bought or sold anything on Etsy, so I can't give you any advice there. But if you have some well made products, I would think that a craft market or something along those lines would be a good way to sell some. I have no idea id there are any in your area, or what your local regulations say. But if you are allowed to apply for a vendors license in the state or city, then you could try to set up a small booth at a place where a lot of people come by. If there is a local grocery store, ask if you can set up a booth in the parking lot or something along those lines. The good thing about belts is that: 1) they are not bulky to bring along 2) they are something that most people can /will use 3) they are not prohibitively expensive which means that people could decide to buy without having to give much extra thought to it (as opposed to a new saddle) I know that I am old fashioned, so I would prefer to buy something I have seen and touched with my own hands. And just maybe there are more people out there like me. Brgds Jonas Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
toxo Report post Posted September 5 Welcome @CreativeName From the UK. You'll find the selling part a bit of a learning curve because there are so many variables but, hopefully you'll enjoy the journey. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scoutmom103 Report post Posted September 5 Welcome @CreativeName I hope you have discovered Landwerlen Leather in Indy. Great place. eather Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gezzer Report post Posted September 5 6 hours ago, CreativeName said: Is it possible to sell a well made item for a decent price? Local cattle auction ( sale barn ) is a good bet for leather items provided the owners will allow you to set up in the parking area . Cowboys and cowgirls don't mind paying for quality !!!! and WELCOME Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cattleman Report post Posted September 6 18 hours ago, CreativeName said: I got tired of all the trash belts for sale, so I decided to make my own. I used 9-10 oz bullhide, a nice buckle and matching metal belt loop, and Chicago Screws. I've sold 2 for $50 and $60. I'm interested in opinions and advice on Etsy. I've seen a lot of cheap belts on there that look like someone bought one of those cheap pre-made belt blanks, added a buckle and put it up for sale. Is it possible to sell a well made item for a decent price? I sell my belts for $100 (slickout) to $300+ (full floral carved and tooled)... So yeah its possible to sell for a decent price, but I wouldnt go near etsy. Anyone who is looking for a belt on there isnt going to pay what I need out of them... And they aren't going to get a good quality belt either for those prices. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CreativeName Report post Posted September 8 (edited) I'm afraid that craft fairs and whatnot are beyond my current means. When I say that I'm working on a shoestring budget, I mean this...not this... I'm on a strictly "make-to-order" basis. If I have a firm order, I can justify ordering materials (Thank you Amazon free 2 day delivery) on the budget. So far I've obtained 2 paying orders, but all the profit has gone to tools to make better belts. Edited September 8 by CreativeName Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mulesaw Report post Posted September 8 Two paying orders are still a good starting point. As long as you make sure that your products are top notch and the customers are happy, they'll most likely tell friends/families etc about it and you could get a bit of business that way. It doesn't feel like it is fast compared to advertising on the Internet, but word of mouth in my opinion is still the absolutely best form of advertising you can get. If you are mostly into making strap products, dog leashes and collars are also good products. Brgds Jonas Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cattleman Report post Posted September 9 Something I have done, and still do on occasion, is when a customer wants to order I will ask them if they are willing to place an order for some materials in lue of payment... And have them ship it directly to me. I always give them specific links to products and quantities that will ensure I have materials left over to build another. This often times gives the customer a bit of a discount, but I can make another for sale at full price. Most of my clients really like this form of payment. It's quick and easy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
